Awesome Blossoms

HISTORY

These neighboring storefronts have stood side by side for over a century, each with its own unique role in the life of downtown Warrensburg. 210 N. Holden St. began as a bustling harness shop in 1895, serving the needs of a horse-and-buggy town. By 1913, it had transformed into a fashionable hat shop, followed by the popular Russell Bros. Clothing Co. from 1915 to 1927. In the 1930s, it became Hout Gift Shop, offering treasures and trinkets to local shoppers. From 1958 to 1972, DeBacker and Son Flower Shop filled the space with blooms, marking the first time flowers became part of the building’s story. Next door, 212 N. Holden St. has roots as deep as the late 1800s, when it operated as a grocery store in 1888, later cycling through various general stores that served the daily needs of the Warrensburg community. In 2014, Awesome Blossoms opened its doors at 212 N. Holden, bringing fresh life — and fresh flowers — back to the street. Just four years later, in 2018, the owners expanded into the neighboring 210 storefront, reconnecting these two historic spaces under one business.

FUN FACTS

In 1898, this storefront was a clothing store that also bought grocery stock like poultry, butter, and eggs. Their newspaper ad read, “If you want to save money, trade with us.”

When Awesome Blossoms expanded into 210 N. Holden in 2018, it brought flowers back to the space for the first time since DeBacker and Son Flower Shop closed in 1972 — bringing the DeBacker name back into the building after 46 years.

Awesome Blossoms is the only floral shop in Warrensburg aside from Hy-Vee’s floral section.

ARCHITECTURE

This two-story storefront features a striking stone-clad façade, a signature of late 19th-century commercial architecture in Warrensburg. The flat roofline is capped with a subtle cornice that provides a clean, classic profile along North Holden Street. One of the building’s most eye-catching details is the purple stained glass set into the upper transom windows — a rare surviving feature that adds both color and historic character to the streetscape. Step inside, and you’ll find original pressed tin ceilings overhead, showcasing intricate patterns that reflect the craftsmanship and decorative tastes of the 1890s. While the ground level has long served as home to local businesses, the second story on both sides has traditionally offered residential apartments — a classic example of mixed-use Main Street design that keeps downtown lively both day and night