About 11:45 p.m., on July 10, 1903, the Missouri Pacific passenger and freight depot with three box cars partly loaded were totally destroyed by fire. It is believed that the fire was started from a lamp explosion in the freight depot. Superintendent Gould recommended in the year 1905, a  fire-proof brick and concrete railway building for Lee's Summit at a cost of $8,000. On December 11, 1905, Lee's Summit citizens turned out and publicly dedicated the new depot.

The 1905 Historic Depot was recently renovated to depict the era of original construction with vintage lighting, oak furnishings and unique photographs of the Lee's Summit railroad. A celebration was held in 2005 to honor its 100th birthday.  It currently houses the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council and the Lee’s Summit Historical Museum.