Valentine in Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Historic Flaven/Browne Building Complex

Photographed by Michael W. Kruse, July 26, 2015

1. Historic Flaven/Browne Building Complex Marker

Inscription. Built in 1901 by Irish immigrants, Edward and Mary Flavin to continue their established Flavin Grocery. The upper loft was their residence. In 1917, the grocery passed to their daughter and son-in-law Margaret & James M. (Jim) Browne, Sr. The name was changed to J. R. Browne Grocery. In 1957, the grocery passed to grandson, James R. (Bob) Browne, Jr., and his wife Marjorie. In 1981, the store began operation as Browne's Market by great-granddaughter, Kerry Browne and partner, John McClain. The three building complex, owned by grandson, Edward J. Browne and Mrs. James R. (Bob) Browne, Jr., was designated as and historic landmark in 1983. The Flavin/Browne tradition continues to flourish.

Erected 1983 by Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Kansas City - Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 39° 4.053′ N, 94° 35.557′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County. It is in Valentine. It is at the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and 33rd Steet, on the left when traveling west on Pennsylvania Ave.. On the wall of the building

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to the right of the front door on 33rd St. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3300 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City MO 64111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: National Headquarters Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); VFW Centennial Plaza (about 600 feet away); Citizen - Soldier (about 700 feet away); Queen Anne Row Houses (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hostess Brands (approx. half a mile away); Southland Hotel (approx. half a mile away); Charles Carroll Spalding (approx. 0.6 miles away); Spanish-American War / Philippine Insurrection / China Relief Expedition Monument (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.

Historic Flaven/Browne Building Complex and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 12, 2025

2. Historic Flaven/Browne Building Complex and Marker

Historic Flaven/Browne Building Complex image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 12, 2025

3. Historic Flaven/Browne Building Complex

Photographed by Michael W. Kruse, July 26, 2015

4. Historic Flaven/Browne Building Complex Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2015, by Michael W. Kruse of Kansas City, Missouri. This page has been viewed 631 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2015, by Michael W. Kruse of Kansas City, Missouri. 2, 3. submitted on October 13, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 26, 2015, by Michael W. Kruse of Kansas City, Missouri. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.