Backsides

These typical 1930's (give or take a decade) buildings in or near downtown Kansas City were built with nice materials and detailing at the street facade for patrons and passers-by to enjoy, but were enclosed on the other sides with whatever low grade brick was cheap and available, usually with little attention to appearance.  Utility was the only ‘designer’.  Manifest economy.  We've invented uglier ways to finish ‘unseen’ buildings since, but brick was the choice in those days if you wanted more than just wood siding.