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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.

Annual Coat Drive Begins at World’s Window

Coat and sweater drive

It’s time for the annual Coat and Sweater Drive at World’s Window in Brookside!   If you have gently used coats and sweaters for women and children, please drop them off at Worlds Window 332. W 63rd St. 

This drive is a benefit for the Rose Brooks Center, a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence.  Your donations are accepted through November 7–and in return, you will receive a 20% discount to use in store on November 8 from 5-8pm.

It just takes a few minutes to dig around your closets for warm clothes that others need so much!   Please help out Rose Brooks Center and drop off your items at World’s Window over the next few weeks–332 W. 63rd St.  It’s helpful if you bring coats on hangers!

Another New Small Business Opens in Brookside East

Specialty small businesses make Brookside and Waldo thrive as a unique residential and shopping district.  Today’s blog post welcomes a newcomer located in the growing Brookside East area:  Chanee Vijay Textiles Studio and Showroom moved into the former Golden and Pine space at 633 E 63rd St, suite 100 last month.

chanee

Chanee Vijay

Owner Chanee Vijay, a Kansas native, started her career in corporate marketing.  She always had a creative side that needed an outlet…so she started creating beautiful patterns on organically grown fabric with screen and block printing.  She sold the hand printed textiles through her Etsy shop, and as the business grew, through her own website.  When Better Homes and Gardens magazine featured her work and home in Charlotte, NC, the business really took off.

She moved back to KC from California, where her studio was in the garage.  Chanee was thrilled to secure a larger studio space with a retail showroom here in Brookside.  She explained:  “Over the past ten years, my husband and I have moved five times, and I’ve never had enough space to display my designs.  I love the creative energy and entrepreneurial culture I’ve found in Brookside East.  Now I have the space to welcome clients and increase production for new wholesale clients”.

chanee colorsThe organic hemp and linen fabrics are imported from Europe; then Chanee hand paints her designs in micro batches using water-based, solvent-free inks.  Her mom, Phyllis, sews the pillows, throws, tote bags, pouches, aprons, napkins and tablecloths displayed in the store.  The hand-mixed colors are muted earth tones with all designs uniquely hers.  Every piece is designed for longevity and is machine washable!  Chanee can  customize the pillow designs by color, size and ground cloth type.  Prices range from $40-$175, with designer trade discounts available. 

Because all of the products are created in this working studio, the showroom is only open to the public on Thursdays from 10-5 and by appointment (via the website,).  Hopefully the showroom hours will expand next year.  chanee windows

Unique accessories can ‘make’ the room decor–if you are looking for some fresh textiles to warm up your space (or need a handmade, one of a kind gift!)  stop in and see what’s on display at Chaney’s shop.  You can also see her work  via her instagram account @chaneevijay.

Meyer Fest This Saturday in Brookside

meyerfest

St Peter’s Church is hosting Meyer Fest again this Saturday, Oct 6, 2018–open to everyone!

The day begins with a family friendly carnival from 9am-2:30pm.  Lots of games, entertainment, food trucks and inflatables available for the little ones to enjoy while the older folks socialize.  And in the evening…

Come back for the Adult Block Party from 6-11:30pm.  Live music provided by The Zeros and Boogie Wonderland–plus more food and beer available!

Note that Meyer Fest takes place in the street–on Meyer Blvd between Holmes and Rockhill.  Walk or bike over..if you must drive, parking available on the east side of Rockhill.  Details at www.meyerfestkc.com.

 

 

Waldo Home Sales Report-Aug 2018

Waldo home values up again..I think I’ve been reporting that every month this year I share the stats!  August was no exception. Here is the single family Waldo home sales report for August 2018, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:

August 2018                                                              August 2017

Median list price:    $198,000                                Median list price:    $176,000

Median sales price:   $192,000                              Median sales price:  $179,000

No. of homes sold:      37                                        No. of homes sold:   34

Days on market:         28                                         Days on market:    9

The lowest sales price last month was $108,500 and the highest was $355,000.

Here are year-to-date stats:

Jan-Aug 2018                                                      Jan-Aug 2017

Median list price:    $199,975                          Median list price:    $175,000

Median sales price:   $202,750                        Median sales price:   $177,500

No. of homes sold:    266                                 No. of homes sold:     272

Days on market:        16                                    Days on market:     14

Prices are up 14% over last year, and many buyers continue to pay over list price.  Houses continue to go under contract within about two weeks of hitting the market. Waldo is a hot neighborhood!

Currently there are 30 active single family listings, with a median list price of $217,000 and 33 days on market.

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

 

 

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats-Aug 2018

Quite a few homes closed in Armour Hills last month–our subdivision continues to be one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Brookside!  Below are the stats and year-to-date comparisons:

August 2018                                                              August 2017

Median list price:     $327,450                          Median list price:    $285,000

Median sales price:    $322,500                       Median sales price:   $285,000

No. of homes sold:       10                                 No. of homes sold:    11

Days on market:          22                                  Days on market:        19

It’s unusual for there to be such a large difference in the YTD sales price–over $37,500–however last August, more of the lower priced AH homes closed.  The lowest price last month was $217,500 and the highest was $370,000.

Now for year-to-date numbers:

Jan-Aug 2018                                                    Jan-Aug 2017

Median list price:     $315,000                       Median list price:     $315,000

Median sales price:  $320,000                       Median sales price:    $312,500

No. of homes sold:      55                               No. of homes sold:     71

Days on market:         10                                 Days on market:        7

Home values are up 1.5% over last year at this time and fewer homes have sold–the days on market are about the same.  Note actual sales prices are over list price for the year–indicating strong buyer interest and multiple offer situations.

Currently there are 6 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with a median list price of $394,950 and 53 days on market.

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

 

Sip and Shop in Brookside Thurs 9/20/18

brookside sip and shop

Enjoy strolling along 63rd St  Brookside tonight during the Sip and Shop!  Various merchants will have wine samples and restaurant specials from 5-7pm on Thursday, Sept 20, 2018, focusing on 63rd St between Wornall and Main and along Brookside Plaza.

Participating shops include Stuff, Lady Bye, Fiddly Fig, New Dime Store, Brookside Barkery, Party Warehouse and COCO.  There are some excellent restaurant deals too–at  Red Door Grill, Michael Forbes, Charlie Hoopers and several more.  You can see the complete list at www.brooksidekc.org.  

Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses in Brookside!

 

Brookside Home Sales Stats – Aug 2018

Brookside home sales are slowing down, as they typically do in the second half of the year.  Homes are sitting on the market longer, however prices are still strong, outpacing last year.  Below are the stats, using the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

August 2018                                                                      August 2017

Median list price:      $350,000                                    Median list price:   $376,000

Median sales price:   $337,500                                    Median sales price:  $358,750

No. of homes sold:       27                                             No. of homes sold:  24

Days on market:           23                                             Days on market:     37

The highest closed sales price last month was $780,000 and the lowest was $217,500. Prices dropped almost 6% comparing the two months.

Here are year-to-date numbers:

Jan-Aug 2018                                                                      Jan-Aug 2017

Median list price:      $399,950                                     Median list price:    $382,447 

Median sales price:   $394,000                                    Median sales price:  $370,000

No. of homes sold:      195                                            No. of homes sold:    208

Days on market:         19                                               Days on market:       19

Overall, home values are up 9.8% ytd over last year!   

Currently there are 57 active single family home listings in Brookside, with a median price of $429,000 and 66 days on market. Interesting that 24 of those homes are priced under $400K–usually those sell quickly. The lowest list price is $229,900 and the highest is $4.5 million.

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

 

Waldo Fall Festival Happening Sat 9/15/18

September is full of outdoor festivals in the KC area, and one of the most family friendly is the Waldo Fall Festival, happening this Saturday, Sept 15, 2018 at the southeast corner of 75th and Wornall in the parking lot, from 10am-5pm.

waldo fall festivalNow in it’s 26th year, the Waldo Fall Festival is a celebration of the wonderful, eclectic Waldo neighborhood:  lots of local music playing throughout the day, local vendor booths, food trucks, rides and games for the kids and …no admission charge!  It’s a fun time for all ages.

Because the intersection of 75th and Wornall is usually heavily congested with cars during a normal day…on Sept 15 it will be even more challenging to work around. Bike or walk to the festivities (take the Trolley Track Trail!) — or if you drive, park a few blocks away.  Be extra aware of more foot traffic around the stoplights here and watch for little kids, bikes, scooters, etc.  

Celebrate cooler weather, visit with neighbors and friends at the Waldo Fall Festival this Saturday!

 

 

Flying Horse Taproom-Now Open in Brookside East

Another locally owned and operated business recently opened in Brookside East–Flying Horse Taproom at 600 E 63rd St.  I stopped by recently and talked with General Manager Philip Nixon.  The food looked so good I came back for dinner later that evening!

taproomHere’s the scoop on the bar and what’s on tap:  twenty-one craft beers, seven wines (that will rotate), Second Best Coffee Cold Brew and Lucky Elixir Kombucha.  Coming soon:  unique “oak barrel conditioned” cocktails.  I tried two drinks:  the Cucumber Ginger Lemonade and Strawberry Basil Gin. Delicious and refreshing!  Nixon emphasized they support locally based purveyors, including Restless Spirits Distilling Co, Tom’s Town, Second Best Coffee and Glace Ice Cream (Nixon is working with Brewery Emperial and Glace for a special beer inspired flavor).  

phil

Philip Nixon, General Manager

As for the food…there are a couple of unique options on the appetizer menu, including the popular Beer Mug Pretzel from Pretzel Boys, ‘Nduja Dip (prosciutto, spices, peppers mixed with goat and cream cheeses) and Cheese Curds.  There are several salad options featuring homemade dressings.  And the flatbreads…with fresh ingredients and house made red sauce. We tried the Four Cheese Sausage Kale and The Classic; other options include Brookside Brie, the Cubano and a Thai Chicken Basil.  For lighter appetites–it’s easy to fill up sharing a salad and flatbread.

Longtime Brooksiders may remember this spot at a Mobil gas station; current owner Trey Sabates (who owns Brookside Wine and Spirits next door), had the old tanks removed, teamed up with some friends and turned the station into the restaurant with a cozy patio in front.  Inside, there is a full bar, several tables and artwork from Sabates private collection on the walls.  Nixon has an extensive background in food service and trains the staff well–our waiter was sincere, friendly and attentive.  

The Flying Horse Taproom is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-11pm and Sunday from 11am-9pm.  Happy hour features $1 off all menu items and food is available to go.  Stop by and welcome Philip and the staff to the neighborhood!

 

Waldo Serve Day -Sat Sept 8

Have some spare time and want to give back to your community?  Waldo Serve Day is this Saturday, Sept 8, 2018.  There will be several places where you can volunteer for a few hours to help improve our local area.

Meet at HJ’s Youth and Community Center, 6425 Wornall,  at 8am for breakfast; there you will be assigned a project location…  possibly be Hale Cook Elementary, Cleaver YMCA, graffiti clean up, etc. Work till 11:30am, then back to HJ’s  for lunch if you like.  

There are a few more details on the  HJ’s event calendar. This event is hosted by Restore Community Church in Waldo.