Author Archives: Mary Hutchison

Unknown's avatar

About Mary Hutchison

Every day I'm driving around my cherished neighborhood of Brookside (and Waldo)...observing what's going on, watching new businesses move in and out, and touring homes (I'm a Realtor with Weichert Realtors). Starting this blog about Brookside/Waldo is a way I thought I could promote the area and spark some discussion about what's happening here...and what's going to happen. Your comments are welcome.

It’s Ice Cream Season–Stop by Brookside’s Newest Treat Shop!

Posted on by
Reply

Did you make a career change due to the COVID 19 pandemic? Jessica and Alex Wood did—and Brookside is better off for it! Their new ice cream shop is called French Custard.

Alex and Jessica Wood, owners of French Custard

Pre pandemic, the Woods were living in Manhattan NYC; the couple had their own e- commerce clothing line, Discourse NYC.  Jessica says they always like to “make our own stuff: we bake our own bread, make our own pizza, we ferment stuff” so when COVID hit and they reassessed priorities, the pair moved to Kansas City (where they are both from) and decided to make their own ice cream. “It was a COVID project” Jessica explains, “we love French custard ice cream, which is very popular in New York. There are so many artisan ice cream shops there and we missed being able to walk to our favorite spot for a  treat”.  Alex’s grandmother found an old 1980s ice cream maker in her basement (complete with instructions on a video cassette!!) and they started experimenting.  They gave samples to friends, hosted several pop ups and based on the enthusiastic response, decided to open a storefront. 

There are two different styles of ice cream, Jessica explains.  The “Philadelphia style” is  most common in the US—this style does not use eggs and does use a lot of stabilizers for consistency.  Jessica and Alex prefer the French custard style, which uses only eggs, milk, cream, and sugar— no other additives.  You can really tell the difference too: French Custard tastes very natural, fresh, and clean—rich and smooth with that special homemade burst of flavor.  All of their ice cream is made in the back of the store and the flavors change often.  Right now their best selling scoop is Salted Caramel Pretzel; other flavors include  Brookside Butter Pecan, Fruity Pebbles, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Churro, Cookies and Cream and French Vanilla.  Alex and Jessica also have quite a few collaborations going on with other local businesses; Heirloom Bakery sells their ice cream during their Wednesday Summer happy hour and Bacaro Primo (Italian restaurant in the Crestwood Shops) features French Custard ice cream on their menu.

Alex and Jessica live in Brookside, within walking distance of the store.  “We are so excited to be open in Brookside; this is where we wanted to be.  We feel we have something very special to add to the flavor of Brookside” says Jessica.  “Everyone here is so very nice and helpful; French custard ice cream shops in NYC are very, very competitive.  Here, it’s a very friendly atmosphere”.

French Custard is currently open Tuesday/Wed/Thursday  from 2pm-9pm; Fridays from 2-10pm; Saturday noon-10pm and Sunday noon-9pm.  French Custard is located at 5905 Main St, along the Trolley Track Trail in the Morningside Shops.  Treat yourself soon!

Waldo Home Sales Report-April 2023

Posted on by
Reply

Waldo homes are continuing to sell quickly however prices have calmed down somewhat–and fewer homes are selling, no doubt due to a continued lack of inventory and much higher interest rates than April 2022. Let’s take a look at the numbers; I’m using the boundaries of State Line-Holmes and Gregory to 85th for this report:

april 2023april 2022
Median list price:$260,000$250,000
Median sales price:$275,500$275,000
No. of homes sold: 21 27
Days on market: 3 3

The interesting fact about the sold price for last month was 1) it was above asking price, so buyers still paying more than list price and 2) the sold price was virtually unchanged from a year ago. With most homes selling within a few days of hitting the market, buyers have to be quick to see the new houses quickly. The lowest closed price last month was $175K and the highest was $470K. Below are the year-to-date numbers:

January-april 2023january-april 2022
Median list price: $275,000 $244,500
Median sales price: $275,000 $261,500
No. of homes sold: 71 94
Days on market: 8 3

Waldo home values have risen 5% YTD compared to 2022. Note that 32% fewer homes have closed, and some homes are sitting on the market just a little longer. Currently there are just three single family homes for sale in Waldo, with a median price of $359,000 and 12 days on market.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Brookside Home Sales Report – April 2023

Posted on by
Reply

Home prices aren’t rising as drastically as they were; however the number of units sold is way down. Why? Here’s one reason: homeowners do not want to give up locked in low interest rates for a more expensive home with much higher interest rates. That means less inventory for buyers. Let’s take a look at the numbers; I’m using the primary zip code of 64113 for this report:

April 2023april 2022
Median list price:$519,000$479,950
Median sales price:$516,000$500,000
No. of homes sold: 17 35
Days on market: 3 2

Prices are up just over 3% compared to one year ago, and most buyers are paying slightly under list price. Notice the number of units sold–50% fewer than April 2022. Lack of inventory and higher interest rates contribute to fewer homes selling. Now let’s look at year-to-date figures:

January-april 2023january-april 2022
Median list price:$550,000$499,000
Median sales price:$537,250$529,250
No. of homes sold: 62 84
Days on market: 7 3

So far home values are up 1.5% compared to 2022. Most homes are still going under contract quickly and yes, there are still some bidding wars. Currently there are 12 single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $789,450 and 31 days on the market. Most of the houses are priced well over $500K, including 4 over $1,000,000.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Brookside Art Annual and Waldo Spring Fling Happen This Weekend

Posted on by
Reply

The weather forecast looks good for this weekend–fortunately for two outdoor events you can check out! The biggie is the 37th Brookside Art Annual, at 63rd St and Brookside Plaza.

Booths open tomorrow, Friday May 5, at 5pm. Enjoy browsing through all sorts of local and regional art: painting, sculpture, clothing, jewelry, photography and a few pieces that will certainly make you ponder…what is it exactly?? In addition there are things for the kids to do: arts and crafts and face painting plus several food and snack options. The Art Annual continues on Saturday from 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

Also happening on Saturday is the 2nd Annual Waldo Spring Fling, at the NE corner of Gregory and Wornall. This is a smaller, growing event and family friendly; several local Waldo businesses will have booths set up plus food trucks for noshing.

You can easily enjoy one or both outdoor events this weekend; remember to drive slowly near these two areas and watch for extra pedestrians and tight parking on side streets. Thank you for supporting our local Brookside and Waldo businesses and events!

Need Some Pampering? Schedule a Service at Roots and Branches Salon

Posted on by
Reply

Everyone needs some special indulgent treatment every so often, and one of the places you can do that is Roots and Branches Salon in Waldo. Formerly Hagoya Yoga and Massage, new owner Holly McPheter took over the space last fall and expanded the services offered.

There is a comfortable, nature vibe here, with the hair salon up front and center. Their stylists offer a full range of services for men and women, including cut, color, styling, waxing and extensions and a line of R+CO and Kevin Murphy products for purchase. In the back of the shop, enjoy a relaxing massage (choose from deep tissue, Hawaiian style, cupping and hard to find pre natal massage.) They are also the first studio with a certified teacher for Inferno Pilates. Holly is particularly proud of their yoga services: their “hot yoga” sessions are 105 degrees! If you are thinking about starting a yoga program, ask about their Friday happy hour “drop in “sessions” for $15. As you can see, their yoga studio is quite large!

You may know about the original Roots and Branches location in the River Market area. Holly opened that location nine years ago and wanted to expand south. She searched for another location for two years before finding this spot, knowing it was “meant to be. The brand was already established with yoga and we wanted to continue that. We love the close neighborhood atmosphere here and most of our customers are within a five mile radius”.

Beth Swarthout, Salon Coordinator and Holly McPheter, Owner

And for those of you looking for a special unique gift, besides the special hair products Roots and Branches has a wall of boutique items for sale, including local artwork, blankets, baby items and Nomatix yoga towels.

Roots and Branches is hosting an open house on Saturday April 22 from 3-6pm if you would like to come by and check out the space. Various vendors and local artists are participating; the staff is looking forward to meeting more folks that live in the nieghborhood! Roots and Branches is located at 515 W 75th St. You can also book appointments online.

Brookside Home Sales Report-March 2023

Posted on by
Reply

I have some interesting stats to report regarding Brookside single family home sales this month, as you will see in the charts below. The median sales price is up compared to last year; however it’s not higher than the median list price. Let’s take a look–I’m using the main Brookside zip code of 64113 for these numbers:

march 2023march 2022
Median list price:$657,000$481,000
Median sales price:$650,000$512,500
Days on market: 12 2
No. of homes sold: 16 20

Home values rose 26.8% compared to March 2022; note that buyers generally paid within 1% of the list price and many homes sat on the market a little longer (12 days compared to 2 days a year ago). Ten of the 16 homes that closed were priced over $500K; there were 4 million dollar plus sales. The highest was $1.45 million for the very contemporary house at 65th and State Line. Let’s take a look at year-to-date numbers:

jan-march 2023jan-march 2022
Median list price: $550,000 $500,000
Median sales price: $542,500 $535,000
Days on market: 19 4
No. of homes sold: 45 49

The numbers of homes sold is about the same; the bidding wars aren’t quite as strong this year as you can see with the median sales price being lower than the median list price. And some homes are sitting on the market longer. Currently there are 18 single family homes listed in Brookside, with a median sales price of $704,500 and 7 days on market. The median price is high because 1) six million dollar + homes are for sale and 2) only 5 of the 18 listings are priced under $500K.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

A Chat with Sean Ackerson of the Brookside Business Association

Posted on by
Reply

A few weeks ago I posted a blog after meeting up with the new Waldo Business Association Executive Director, Chelsea Kapka.  I thought it would be a good idea to also chat with the Director of the Brookside Business Association Sean Ackerson, for an update on what’s going on in Brookside as well!

Sean reports that Brookside remains a healthy, desirable location for businesses  (certainly home sales remain strong in the area!).  Although World’s Window has closed, LADYCO recently moved into a larger location, and CYCLEBAR is now open.   A new bank is going into the former Bank of America location,  a few steps west of  Mike’s Liquors, and Meddy’s, a Wichita chain of Mediterranean restaurants, is taking over the former Panera location.  Nothing is happening that Sean is aware  of in the former Fiddly Fig location;  a member of Block Real Estate Services purchased the building and for some reason, staged a fire truck out in front.  That was a surprise to Sean; he says many people walking the area end up using it as a photo op!

Sean Ackerson

Another unexpected development was the “Brookside Local” shop at the new KCI. Described as “a thoughtful array of travel essentials, indulgences, and last minute giftable treats, presented in a space that pays homage to the vibrant neighborhood of Brookside”, Sean first learned about the space when merchants started calling, asking why they didn’t get a chance to display their local goods for sale in the space.  Apparently the Las Vegas based company who coordinated the retail areas didn’t contact the Brookside  association when planning:   reps approached a couple of stores directly (SKIN and Topsy’s) to provide items in the shop, and they used the iconic Brookside awning colors and  typeface  during the build out. Other Brookside merchants were confused regarding the lack of communication and opportunity; Sean didn’t know what happened and technically, this is a rip off of the Brookside image without permission.  Eventually the mystery was solved and Sean is in touch with KCI for better coordination.

One upcoming issue farther down the road: street improvements to Meyer Blvd and 63rd St.  Meyer is under the KC Parks and Recreation department; 63rd is not, so two different entities at City Hall need to coordinate and agree…of course, any suggested plans move ….very…..slowly…..The Association would like to see changes that reduce traffic speed, create dedicated turn lanes, and add a bike lane along one side of 63rd.

Overall, “many businesses are thriving like never before” says Sean and although it hurts to lose World’s Window, there are new businesses coming in and this “isn’t the first time Brookside has been through a transition. The new places that open help everyone.”

The neighborhood residents are very, very supportive of local businesses and the fact that we have such unique shops and restaurants here –that’s a big part of Brookside’s charm and what draws outsiders to the area. THANK YOU for being loyal to our area Brookside merchants!

Expanded Women’s Clothing Shop LADYCO Opens on 63rd St.

Posted on by
Reply

Shopping for clothes has changed so much since COVID 19 hit three years ago..and yes, things are mostly back to normal.  Many more people shop online for everything; and I will admit, I prefer not to clothes shop online.  I can never be sure of the fit, the color, the fabric quality…and it’s a hassle to make returns!

Brookside is so fortunate to have an expanded woman’s clothing store, LADYCO, which opened recently in part of the former New Dime Store space at 314 W 63rd St.  LADYCO offers you the experience of what shopping used to be like: leisurely browsing through different clothes and styles with a friendly, helpful staff that is very customer focused.  At LADYCO, you will find a wide selection of pants, tops, dresses, jeans and accessories you won’t find in any national chain retail store. 

CEO Abby Flores opened her first retail shops in Brookside in 2017—you may remember Itsy Bitsy Bums and COCO on Oak St just north of 63rd.  When a fire destroyed much of the building in 2017, COCO moved to Waldo temporarily before coming back to Brookside on 63rd St, just west of Main St. Lady Bye then opened on Brookside Plaza next to Skin.  When COVID hit and foot traffic stopped, the shops had to close  and after reopening, Abby decided she wanted a larger space on 63rd St  to combine Lady Bye and COCO.  LADYCO is now in part of the former New Dime Store location—totally remodeled but with the original worn hardwood floors in tact!

Describing the type of styles you’ll find in LADYCO, Abby says they are “Modern classics.  We have some very trendy pieces as well as staple items.  We are known for our wide selection of denim jeans, all priced under $100.”  Abby is particularly proud of the range of sizes she carries:  a mix of extra small through 3X, with the larger sizes featured in front of the store.  LADYCO also hosts private shopping events, if you are looking for something a little different to celebrate a ladies night out, birthday or other special occasion.

Business has been great at the new location, and Abby is very proud of her staff, saying “Everything we do is about serving our amazing customer base.  Our staff loves to make people feel beautiful.  They can help you put together a capsule wardrobe or suggest pieces for a specific event.  We get new merchandise in every week.”

Stop by and see the newly expanded LADYCO this spring; check out the new styles and let the staff pamper you with service!  LADYCO is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm.  There is also a sister store, KATE, in the River Market area at 412 Delaware.

Brookside Sip & Shop Today!

Posted on by
Reply

Shoppers can’t get enough of Brookside! You may know about the fall Brookside Sip & Shop; due to it’s success, the Brookside Business Association added another event for Spring! And it looks like the weather will be pleasant for a leisurely stroll along 63rd St.

It’s happening tonight, March 30 from 5-7pm. Ditch the car and walk along 63rd St later today, stopping in the shops, taking advantage of special giveaways, deals and free drink samples! Make an evening of it and dine in one of the many restaurants in the area. Be sure to ask about any Sip & Shop specials! All are welcome.

Thank you for supporting our local Brookside merchants!

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-February 2023

Posted on by
Reply

You may have heard national news reports saying “home prices are falling”…just remember, all real estate is local and while that may be true in some areas, KC resale home prices are still pretty stable. You’ll see from the report below that Armour Hills properties have slipped compared to last year, but the priced right houses are still selling quickly.

february 2023february 2022
Median list price:$385,000$407,500
Median sales price:$400,000$395,000
No. of homes sold: 3 4
Days on market: 2 86

The median sales price was just a bit higher than February 2022, and the Feb 2023 sold price was over the median list price. The highest sale last month was $680,000 for an expanded, flipped home that was priced at $695K. Let’s look at the year-to-date numbers:

Jan-Feb 2023Jan-Feb 2022
Median list price: $367,450$415,000
Median sales price: $375,700$420,000
No. of homes sold: 6 7
Days on market: 4 17

You can see from this chart that buyers are usually paying list price or above; although prices are down about 10% over last year. So you can argue that “prices are falling” yet there is still a lot of demand because homes are selling fast and usually for over the asking price. It’s always changing!!! Currently there is one home for sale in Armour Hills, priced at $599,950 and 18 days on market.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)