By JOYCE SMITH
The Kansas City Star

Westport patrons may be able to see the area in a whole new way next spring.

Kelly’s Westport Inn hopes to get final approval this week (it's done) from the city for its new rooftop deck at 500 Westport Road. Since announcing the project a few months ago, the owners now have more details.

The 1,125-square-foot deck would overlook Pennsylvania Avenue to the east and hold 110 customers, some in the open air, and some under weather-protected seating. It also would have multiple flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans and heaters, air-conditioned restrooms and a full-service bar. It is scheduled to open in March, in time for the Big 12 basketball tournament and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

While the two-story part of the building dates to about 1850, the deck would be on the one-story section that dates to 1890.

Kelly’s has been a saloon since Prohibition ended. Founder Randal Kelly became a bartender there in 1947 when it was just called Westport Inn, a partner soon after and later sole owner. It officially became Kelly’s Westport Inn in 1977, although customers had been calling it that for more than a decade.

Randal Kelly’s sons and the bar’s current co-owners, Pat and Kyle Kelly, have been involved in the business since about 1970. They plan to name the deck Randal’s Roost in honor of their father. The family has expanded the operation several times over the years, but part of the charm has been its old-time feel.

“We bought the building in 1995 after paying rent for 40 years — half a century,” said Kyle Kelly. His daughter, Colleen Kelly, is now the third-generation Kelly to be involved in the business.

Donors will be able to buy a step leading to the rooftop deck for $250. In return, they will have their name permanently in place and be able to attend a pre-grand opening party as a VIP.

Some memorabilia are coming down to make way for the deck — pictures, posters, signs — which will be sold at a “barage sale” after the deck opening.