New, updated housing in older, walkable neighborhoods…there is such a high demand for it. That’s why you see old houses torn down in Leawood and Prairie Village, replaced by multi-million dollar McMansions. Real estate…it’s all about location!  But what if you don’t have a McMansion budget?  Two new developments in Brookside East may be a good option for renters and homebuyers in our neighborhood.

John Hoffman, left and Lance Carlton of UCB Properties

John Hoffman and his son Lance Carlton own UCB Properties.  You may have seen some of their hew housing along the 2700 block of Charlotte, or the townhomes going up at 27th and Campbell. They also  built apartments at 2901 and 3630 Gillham.  John and Lance have two projects in the works for Brookside East that should both be ready for occupancy later this year.

63 Brookside apartments planned for 63rd and Holmes

John says 63 Brookside is the first apartment complex built in Brookside in forty years. Located at 63rd and Holmes, it will be a three story building with 23 one and two bedroom units; rents ranging from $900-$1500. Each unit will have a balcony; pets are OK and tenants will have secured surface parking in the back. The exterior of the contemporary building will be made of brick and metal; interiors feature all electric appliances, quartz countertops and tiled baths, plus John is working with the KC Art Institute for some unique artwork in the common area and hallways. Pre-leasing should begin in March.

New Townhomes Planned for Brookside on 63rd East of Holmes

As of now, there is no official name for the townhomes project; perhaps 63 Oak Townhomes as these units are located directly east of Heirloom Bakery at 63rd and Oak.  Each townhome will be three levels, with two bedrooms, three full baths, a ‘flex’ space on the lower level (that could be a third bedroom), a two car garage, and three private outdoor spaces (front patio, front deck off living room and back deck off the kitchen). The units will range from 1800-2000 SF and be priced in the low $400K price range with a to-be-determined monthly HOA fee. The exterior will feature a ‘modern, contemporary design’ according to John. They plan to break ground this spring and sell in the fall.

Newer home built on the 2700 block of Charlotte

John and Lance, both from the Brookside area, emphasize they don’t build ‘cookie cutter’ homes. They think hard about “the long term effect of what we do”.  They use high quality construction materials and nicer interior finishes with high ceilings; the garages are not prominent and there are no front gutters. They want their buildings to blend in with the surrounding neighborhood and emphasize walkability for the residents…encouraging homeowners  to get out and walk or bike to enjoy the unique shops and amenities found in Brookside.

Both of these developments are coming at the right time for the developing Brookside East area. Expect to see a lot of activity regarding new retail and services, plus the  housing construction–happening along 63rd St east of Oak the next several months.