Since the 1930’s, Hollywood has had a strong connection with Kansas City. When the movie industry needed more centralized distribution points to ship their features nationwide, Hollywood chose Kansas City as one of its largest and ‘Film Row’ was born. The industrial enclave occupied nearly twenty buildings in a four-square block area of the Crossroads District, near downtown. Film Row included major studio tenants such as MGM, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and United Artists. It also housed peripheral suppliers to the industry, notably the Manley Popcorn Company. Kansas City to this day hosts the history of a once thriving Hollywood fairytale and the deep imprints of the big screen and its actors. Today, Kansas City has one of the most intact Film Row districts in the nation. Until now, it has stood more hidden and unrecognized.
Located in the center of the local map among Film Row, in what Kansas City now calls the Crossroads district, is a thriving salon called Silver Screen Salon. Located in the former home of 20th Century Fox, Silver Screen seemed to the be the most fitting name for the local hairstylist’s hit masterpiece.
Travis Crall and his wife, owners of Silver Screen, met back in 2003 while they were attending Cosmetology school and decided they wanted to open a salon together. Travis, who is not afraid to venture out, projected that the Crossroads District would continue to grow in a good direction. He stated that, “it was just the perfect location for our Hollywood style salon.” This resulted in the couple stepping out to set up their shop within the historical district. They never looked back or had any regrets about their choice. What was once a handful of artist studios and galleries has now blossomed into a cultural mecca for creative arts, tech innovation and destination dining.
Five years later, Silver Screen Salon is a thriving business which is forever coming up with new innovative ways to expand and get involved in their local community and in the various art district events. Travis loves being creative and usually is very involved with local artist helping them by hanging their artwork on the walls of his salon. He keeps the backdrop white just to showcase their work. He encourages growth and is a part of the monthly art walk. Next time you take the walk, check out his space. He usually has his chairs outside cutting hair on the streets or hosting a small concert on the street corner presented by an up-and-coming local musician. You can also step inside and find beer in the shop’s sinks. Grab one, sit down, and chat with the locals, the Cralls, or just take in the scenery.
Silver Screen Salon will always make you the star and leave you feeling like one too!