Entrepreneurial Spirit Breathes Life into Historic Pittsburg Landmark

By Don Lowe

211 N. Broadway Fast Facts

What: A historic row building transformed into a small business incubator in historic downtown Pittsburg, Kansas.  

Where: 211 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas  

Who: Josh and Shawnee Lorenz, owners of Lorenz Haus Development, LLC

Phone Number: 620.670.3675

Social Media: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575606391794#

Core Team: Josh and Shawnee Lorenz, owners; KP Salas, operations manager; Dale Clark; hospitality manager.

Subcontractor Support: Next Generation Construction; Sewers, Drains and More Plumbing; Home & Energy Services; Evans Painting; and Carpenters Jimmy Felker and Jarod Johnston

The entrepreneurial husband and wife team of Josh and Shawnee Lorenz, owners of Lorenz Haus Development, LLC, understand how important it is to preserve history.  

Over the last 4 years, the Lorenzes have completed three historic renovations in downtown Pittsburg, Kansas, with the most recent being the adaptable reuse of 211 N. Broadway, also known as the Historic Biles Brothers Building (as listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places).    

Shawnee says, “I’m a historic preservationist at heart, but preserving these landmarks is an expensive passion. To truly save these properties, they need to be more than just beautiful. They must be innovative and sustainable. Every inch of this property needed to generate revenue to save this structure, so we spent months sketching out all the possibilities.    

“Now reimagined as a multi-tenant hub for local entrepreneurs, you’ll find four unique businesses within this 125-year-old historic building and the adjoining lot, which sat vacant for more than 40 years.”

The Greenway, a family-friendly food truck court and beer garden is located outside. The Bearded Bully Barbershop, which offers a polished haircut and shave experience, and Biles Brothers Meeting House, a speakeasy with crafted cocktails in an intimate atmosphere, recently set up shop at this location.    

Additionally, Miners + Monroe, which is a local menswear and lifestyle goods shop that has been serving its customers since 2018 with quality products at accessible prices, relocated to the property this past April.  

“While each business stands nicely on its own, together, they form a curated experience when enjoyed together,” Shawnee says. “In one full afternoon, guests can browse thoughtfully selected merchandise, enjoy a refined cocktail, grab a fresh cut, and unwind outdoors with live music and a rotating lineup of local food trucks.

“We developed this property to serve as a unique ‘small business ecosystem’ that allows the community to gather, spend time with family and friends, and hopefully support multiple local businesses in the process at the same time.”  

The Lorenzes recognized that combining the best of the best inside and out would be a perfect match with all they envisioned, and Shawnee says, “The building’s (Biles Brothers) restored façade is beautiful but paired with the adjoining outdoor venue (The Greenway), well, we think it makes the reimagined space something pretty special.    

“We’d seen this model (outdoor area surrounded by a mix of small businesses) work when we were living in Denver, Colorado. We also observed it was conducive to families. And, as parents of three young children, that resonated with us. We wanted to create a space where people from all walks of life can relax, connect and enjoy themselves.

“About 5 years ago, we tossed around the idea of opening a food truck court. But it wasn’t until this property became available that everything clicked. So, after multiple layouts and a ton of numbers crunching, we decided to go for it.”    

The Lorenzes simply followed a blueprint for what people in this Southeast Kansas town wanted. Shawnee says, “A recent community survey showed that Pittsburg residents wanted more green areas and gathering spaces within the downtown corridor.    

“Today’s communities need more than static parks: They’re looking for dynamic, flexible environments where people can gather, connect and enjoy experiences that evolve within the community itself. That’s why we created this space, so people can connect, relax and engage in the arts and local retail scene in one place.  

“We’re incredibly grateful to see how warmly the community has embraced it. Whether you’re coming for dinner, a concert, cocktails or simply to sit under the lights with friends, there’s something for everyone, and everyone is welcome.”

There’s a lot more happening on a regular basis, and according to Shawnee, The Greenway also hosts community-centric programming like family movie nights, fitness classes, seasonal photoshoots and more, along with a weekly food truck and live music rotation.  

Shawnee offered greater insight on the Biles Brothers Meeting House, saying, “Tucked back by the alley, you’ll find a little hidden gem: A cozy speakeasy that’s really making waves. Designed to accommodate about 30 guests at a time, this antique-filled speakeasy is the perfect place for a lingering conversation or a quiet celebration and is a welcome escape from the ordinary.      

“You won’t find TVs, Jell-O shots or party crowds at Biles Brothers. Instead, you’ll find 150-year-old books, dim lighting and an extensive selection of craft cocktails you won’t find anywhere else. Small plates are also available, thanks to a collaboration with beloved local butchery, The Meat Shed.”    

Describing the Biles Brothers mood in more detail, KP Salas, operations manager and bartender extraordinaire, says, “Recently, a gentleman read quietly in an armchair with an Old Fashioned in hand for nearly two hours. Nearby, friends toasted a 40-year anniversary, while a group of young professionals mapped out a startup idea. All these experiences pair perfectly with focused attention – and an exceptional cocktail.”      

Overhead, on the second floor, there is an Airbnb available for both lodging and special event use.  

“Featuring a stylish, two-bedroom, two-bath unit with a generous entertaining area, this space is perfect for morning-of wedding preparations, family gatherings and cocktail parties, or just a fun weekend in Pittsburg,” Shawnee says.  

When designing the loft, Shawnee says her aim was simply to “create a metropolitan aesthetic that helps guests reimagine what small-town Kansas has to offer. That was my goal for the entire project.”  

Once everything at 211 N. Broadway is up and operational, Shawnee plans to shift her focus back to rural innovation and preservation work, her true passion.    

“All across Kansas, rural communities are quietly losing pieces of their architectural heritage,” she says. “So many of our hometowns’ historic cornerstones are falling to ruin, all too often because people can only imagine them being used as they always have been. We need to change that. Fast.      

“I’m looking forward to helping other communities and small businesses take on revitalization efforts like this. Together, we can breathe new life into Kansas’ historic buildings by preserving their character and reimagining their purpose at the same time. Together, we create vibrant, enduring spaces for generations to come, across the heartland.”      

The Lorenzes have reason to be proud of what they’ve accomplished, and Shawnee says, “One of the most poignant moments of this entire journey was pressing our children’s handprints, tiny fingers and all, including our six-week-old daughter, into the concrete at the entrance of the property.      

“This project brought countless challenges to our family—logistical, emotional and physical—all during a time of economic uncertainty. There were moments we seriously considered walking away. But, what’s most important to us, and we wanted to model that example for our children, is that even when times are tough, you stand firm in what you believe can and should be done.”    

This entire experience will be a teaching tool for the Lorenz kids, and Shawnee says, “My hope is that when our children are older and we share the story of what it took to bring this place to life, they’ll carry this lesson with them: If you have a dream, lean into it. The path won’t be easy, but the most meaningful things rarely are easy.”  

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