Prominent family's Briarcliff mansion destroyed in fire

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -

A prominent family's palatial home with panoramic views of downtown Kansas City was destroyed in a fire.

The loss is estimated at $5-8 million.

Charles and Patty Garney built the Briarcliff development on bluffs just north of the Missouri River and their nearly 15,000-square foot home was a focal point. Motorists could see the home as they drove north on Highway 169. The home had verandas offering sweeping views, and the Garneys often hosted fundraisers and other events for prominent politicians at the home.

Charles Garney is a businessman. He and his wife are prominent civic leaders in Kansas City, and are well-regarded for their gracious hospitality and support of charitable organizations. Patty Garney became emotional when surveying the damage during daylight hours Friday morning.

The couple had been at the Big 12 tournament at the Sprint Center, but were home when the flames erupted just before 11.

Patty Garney told firefighters she saw a glow from a skylight, and realized it was fire. She quickly woke up her husband. They along with their dog and a house guest escaped.

Patty Garney said she wants a thorough investigation.

The exact cause is under investigation, but the three-alarm fire is believed to have started in an attic area. Almost the entire slate roof is gone.

"I saw where it started and I don't know exactly what started it," Charles Garney said. "My guess is electrical wiring that caught some combustible material that caught that stuff on fire."

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Prominent family's Briarcliff mansion destroyed in fire