Ritual of Pause

December 12, 2025

An unexpected oasis of calm emerges in Kansas City’s West Bottoms, transforming a district once defined by industry into a sanctuary of serenity.

Interview with Matthew Matsch & Kathryn McCormick of Klā Sanctuary

Photos
Michael Robinson
@mrobinsonphoto

Architect
DRAW Architecture +
Urban Design
@drawarchitecture

Contractor
Cardinal Crest
@cardinalcrestkc

lowing down is a rarity in our society since an intentional pause feels counterintuitive. Yet, the Greeks and Romans first introduced the idea of taking time for spiritual renewal through public bathing millennia ago. The Ottomans expanded this concept by building hammams, which served as ceremonial bathing and social meeting places. These bathhouses still exist across the Middle East.

Today, what Westerners refer to as the Turkish bath continues to evolve. From the 27,000 hot springs that define Japan’s onsen, to Finland’s saunas and plunges, cultures around the globe embrace the healing power of water and heat.

Slipping into Stillness

Kansas City now joins this global tradition with the opening of Klā Sanctuary (pronounced “Clay”)—a wellness destination for those seeking sensory indulgence and an intentional dive into self-care.

Founded by co-owners Matthew Matsch and Kathryn McCormick, the project’s vision propelled it as a collaboration for mindful indulgence.

“Both of us are entrepreneurs and wanted to invest in a project that supported a healthy lifestyle with rituals of intention. We dreamed of a place, in this case, a bathhouse that would allow people to honor their own space—communally or alone,” McCormick says. Matsch adds, “Our vision was a cultural sanctuary welcoming the community.”

The spa’s architects and owners embraced the idea of ‘flow’ utilizing softer transitions from one space to the next. One of many areas embracing this element features an architectural semi-wall echoing the design element of the treatment pool it surrounds.

This historic building had innate features that the partners wanted to respect and re-purpose. “Why cover vintage wood and brick elements inherent in this 4,000-square-foot space when we could use these to advantage in the overall design?” McCormick asks.

Klā Sanctuary is the embodiment of a soothing retreat. There’s good reason: Architecturally, the presence of rounded portals mimics the body’s affinity towards psychological calm. DRAW Architecture + Urban Design was able to craft the interiors of Klā minimizing sharp edges while keeping the integrity of the building’s historic, classical design. Utilizing the natural appeal of arches is a connection to antiquity meant to slow and soften the way.

Original brick walls were painted a neutral hue to blend seamlessly into the master design. Complementing all, quiet shades of watery blue glass tile that flank a quiet niche. This area promotes rest before moving along to the next treatment option.

Nothing within Klā disturbs the zen. Even in the powder room, simple furnishings welcome the opportunity to freshen up. Once again, the use of wood flooring complements—instead of intrudes—on the modern design.

The essence of calm merges with few barriers—smooth, natural surfaces in a neutral palette provide continuity with uncluttered sightlines. Even though the spa is unisex, a sense of privacy is maintained throughout. The spa features a private changing area and lockers. Bathing suits are required.

Refreshments in the Selah lounge come in the form of camaraderie and small bites. Selah, a Hebrew word for sacred pause, offers a moment to spend when gathering before or after the spa. “It’s a place to connect with others or just reflect and recharge. We purposely encourage the public to experience Selah with no rush,” Matsch says.

Breathe In

Initially, the couple scouted locations in Weston but ultimately chose a more urban location when their architect, Dominique Davison, invited them to consider the building she was buying and developing with husband Robert Riccardi in the West Bottoms.

McCormick recalls: “The first floor was beautiful, revealing exposed wooden columns. We realized we wanted to keep the integrity of the building right from the start. It was filled with vintage charm—exposed beams, original windows, and weathered brick. This was the perfect place to house our project.”

Matsch and McCormick collaborated with Greg Goss, principal with DRAW Architects + Urban Design, as the designer for the venture.

“Together, we sought to preserve the building’s architectural soul,” Goss explains. “By carefully incorporating these original elements that define the space, authenticity was preserved.”

After a year of construction, Klā opened its doors last July.

Walkthrough of Klā Sanctuary

Engaging the Senses

Inside, guests are invited to immerse themselves in an experience designed to awaken the right brain.

Abbigale Porter, Klā’s spa director, describes the offerings as a sensory indulgence. “We don’t realize how important it is to utilize our senses, particularly touch,” she says.

Four different pools, including thermal and warm soaking baths, mineral and cold baths, all feature salt water immersion.

Guests can choose from various treatments, including a hot stone massage, therapeutic steam room, salt exfoliation, and infrared sauna. The spa menu features 60-150 minute treatments starting at $105.

Porter is following the lead of Matsch and McCormick, who have unabashedly fallen in love with the ritual of pause.

“We’re in the business of bringing a menu of self-care to the local community while making the experience affordable and indulgent,” Matsch says.

McCormick continues, “We want a healthy, open interaction between guests and our team. The happier our team, who, by the way, we pay a thriving wage among other perks, the more it transfers to our overall practices.”

Beyond the spa, everyone, including the public, is invited to unwind at Selah, a lounge for replenishment, conversation, and reflection. Anyone who dips a toe into this aromatic atmosphere will discover that Klā is more than a spa, it’s a welcome pause of quiet care—all good for the soul.

Klā Sanctuary
1400 W. 13th St.
Kansas City, MO
klasanctuary.com
@klasanctuary