Author Archives: Mary Hutchison

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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.

The Picnic Project at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

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OK, this isn’t a blog about Brookside…but about an event I know many Brooksiders will attend!

It’s “The Picnic Project” this Sunday, July 15 2012 on the lawn at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.  Everyone loves the   front lawn of the Nelson…it’s magnificent, I never tire of looking at it. On Sunday the lawn will be transformed into a huge picnic area, open to the public.

For the past several weeks, there have been several fabric painting workshops around the city.  Anyone could paint a 5ftx5ft red or white canvas ‘blanket’.  These individual  blankets will be assembled into one huge  10,000 sf picnic blanket on the lawn Sunday from noon-2pm, and the picnic is 2-4.

Picnic Project blanket squares

Kansas City based artist Alison Heryer is the creator of this public art piece.  She teaches fiber art at the Kansas City Art Institute.  What a fascinating sight this will be for everyone to enjoy!

If you decide to make a day of it at the Nelson, remember their featured exhibition this summer is Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs 1851-1939.

Summer 2012 Exhibit Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

Looking for Bargains? Come to Brookside this Weekend!

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The annual Brookside Shops Sidewalk Sale is happening this weekend!  Today through Sunday…walk on over to 63rd and Wornall, head east and browse the bargains!  Make a day of it and stop for lunch along the way!  Remember the Saturday morning farmers’ market is full of fresh fruit, vegetables and homemade goodies this time of year.  Bring a bag and stock up!

Visiting KC for the All Star Game? Come to Brookside-A Neighborhood of Locally Owned Shops & Restaurants!

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Are you in Kansas City for the All Star Game? Looking for someplace a bit different to visit–for shopping or dining? Then come to Brookside!

Sure, you can go to the Country Club Plaza…and the Power and Light District…you will see the usual national chain stores and restaurants. But if you want to discover some friendly, locally owned business, come to Brookside. Just drive about two miles south of the Plaza at 63rd St and Brookside Blvd (or take the MAX bus). Park the car along any residential street…and join the neighbors walking to various businesses and services. Yes it’s hot..but we have lots of shade in Brookside due to our tall, leafy trees!  Our merchants association website link is here.

Artwork in Brookside; shops in background

Dining options:

Julian –  Top Chef contestant and James Beard award winner Celina Tio’s casual neighborhood restaurant with excellent food and service. Call for reservations.

Carmen’s Café – Casual southern Italian food and tapas, full bar. Good for take-out, too.

Blue Grotto – Wood fired pizzas and tapas, full bar.

Charlie Hoopers –  Beloved neighborhood bar and grill with lots of TVs, games and bar food.

Michael Forbes Grill –  Casual American food, try the pot roast soup, catfish and fresh cut fries.

Bella Napoli – Italian grocer and small restaurant/pizzeria.

The Roasterie Café – Best latte in town, free wi-fi.

Shopping:

Stuff – An art fair in a store.  Hand made jewelry, décor, art.

5B&Co Candlemakers –  Candles and gifts, the usual, and some unusual, fragrances. Get  the “Brookside Bungalow” candle for a special gift.

Reading Reptile – A children’s bookstore, worth a visit just to see the décor.

Brookside Art Fair banner, 2011

Shopgirls – Always changing, eclectic clothes and jewelry you won’t find in a mall.

World’s Window – Décor, clothes, scarves, jewelry from around the world.

The New Dime Store –  Forget something? The Dime Store probably has it. A true five and dime, like in the old days.

This list represents just a few of the more popular places Brookside has to offer.  There’s much  more to discover as you  walk along 63rdStreet and the nearby side streets.  We’re glad you are here…come join us in Brookside for a unique, local experience during your stay!

Armour Hills Freedom Parade 2012

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Boy it was hot yesterday  morning for the annual Armour Hills Freedom Parade…but we had a great turn out anyway!  Some excellent costumes and decorated bikes and wagons this year!  Below are a few pictures I took during the festivities.  Special thanks to Cosintino’s Market for donating cookes to our event. ..and thanks to all of our residents who participated!

                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                             

Very soon I will be taking lessons on how to post pictures on this blog that are attractively arranged for your viewing pleasure!!

 

Armour Hills Homes Assn Board Meeting June 2012

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Hi neighbors!

Here’s a brief recap from the Armour Hills homes association board meeting on June 19, 2012:

*Mark your calendar for July 18, we are hosting a special security meeting for residents at the Country Club Congregational Church at 6pm.

*We will also host the annual Armour Hills Freedom Parade on the Trolley Track Trail July 4.  Gather at the south end of the trail near Gregory at 9:30, parade begins at 10am.  Prizes and refreshments included!

*Troy Schulte, Kansas City MO City Manager, will be our featured speaker at the Annual Meeting in November.

*Our tree planting project will begin in the Fall.

*We are applying for new PIAC funds to make improvements in Arbor Villa park.

*Melissa Saubers is working on improved communication via social media for our residents.  She is working on a Facebook page, the Clarion and our website.

*Remember the annual Ice Cream Social is September 7.

Our next meeting is July 17, 7pm, at the Church.  All residents welcome!

Why I Love Eclectics In Waldo

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–I love shopping at art fairs…you always find the most unique items, especially hand made jewerly.  Usually whenever I’m wearing something I purchased at an art fair, someone remarks on it in a complimentary way.

Eclectics 7015 Oak in Waldo

Eclectics is like an art fair..that’s always here!  This artists cooperative is celebrating it’s 21st year in Waldo at 7015 Oak.  The shop features all local artists, everything made by hand, and the selection is constantly changing.  While browsing in the shop recently, they were featuring wearable wooden ties for Father’s Day!

I often by ‘welcome to your new home’ gifts for clients from Eclectics.  They have unique lamps, yard art, wall art and mirrors, glassware and textiles.  Plus, they gift wrap anything you buy in colorful tissue and ribbons.

Eclectics doesn’t have a regular website, but you can find out more about them at http://oureclecticlives.blogspot.com.  They offer various classes and have  regular artists shows throughout the year.  This year’s themes are:  glow, grow, bow, crow and show.

Summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-6pm.  Staffed by artists who sell at the shop, you’ll always find a friendly, helpful person at the desk to assist you.

So often we can be stuck on what to get that special person who would really appreciates a piece of handmade jewelry or unusual piece of decor..a stop by Eclectics is sure to inspire you.  And like me, you will probably buy a piece of jewerly for yourself while you are there!

The Bike Shop–A Midtown Treasure

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The  Bike Shop at 5100 Troost..this is an example of how someone can take their passion and turn it into a thriving community service!  You’ve probably noticed more and more bicyclists along the road during these warmer days, especially on Saturday mornings.  Thanks to Kansas City resident Elizabeth Bejan and her bike store, a good quality used bike is now available for anyone.

The Bike Shop, 5100 Troost

The Bike Shop is part of RevolveKC, a non-profit group Elizabeth started a few years ago.  Here, anyone can ‘earn a bike’ by taking a bike safety course and passing a simple skills test or by volunteering at the Bike Shop.  You can also get information on how to use your bike for commuting, donate old bicycles for refurbishing or buy a used bike.

One of the coolest aspects of the Bike Shop is its building at 5100 Troost.  Formerly a gas station, this all brick building is easily accessible by bike and has a comfortable retro vibe.  It sits next to the Green Impact Zone, a 150 block area patched with urban blight and decay.  Elizabeth offers a special deal on bikes to residents of this Zone.

Elizabeth Bejan

Interested in joining a weekly bike ride group?  The Bike Shop has that covered as well.  Elizabeth’s business partner, Theresa Van Ackeren, owns Family Bicycles in Waldo.  Every Monday night,  Theresa hosts a moderately paced  bike ride around Kansas City  The ride departs at 6:30pm from the Family Bicycles location at 7410 Wornall.

If you’ve been thinking of using your bike more often–or need a bike for yourself, a friend or a child–stop by The Bike Shop (or Family Bicycles).  You’ll find friendly information and advice, along with encouragement to get you started!  Both businesses have  Facebook page.

Armour Hills and Brookside Home Sales Statistics April 2012

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I have not been blogging for several weeks…too busy with work, two graduations, and a great family vacation to New York City!  Back in the saddle today, and want to post home sales stats for April for the Brookside area…there is good news!!

Armour Hills subdivision

In April 2012, six homes were sold.  The average list price was $231,125 and the average sales price was $227,275.  Average days on  market:  42.

In April 2011, three homes sold.  The average list price was $224,450 and the average sales price was $209,333.  Average days on  market:  84.

Currently there are 23 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average list price of $241,791.

Average sales prices are up, and days on market are down!  Now let’s look at the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

64113 Zip Code

In April 2012, fifteen homes sold.  The average list price was $302,167, and the average sales price was $295,377,  Average days on market:  53.

In April 2011, nineteen homes sold.  Average list price was $248,160 and average sales price was $239,931.  Average days on market:  98.

Again, average sales prices are up, days on market are down.  Less units sold, but the higher sales prices and lower days on market shows buyers are committing to purchases. 

Currently, there are 115 homes for sale in zip 64113 with an average list price of $566,033.  The upper end homes are not selling as quickly as those priced under $350K, thus the higher average list price.

Would you like information on home sales in your area?  Email me! 

(All information based on single family home sales.  Stats taken from Heartland MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Armour Hills Home Sales Statistics – March 2012

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It’s the end of April…just now have time to post home sales statistics for Armour Hills in Brookside, Kansas City MO!    Thanks for your patience, let’s get to the  numbers:

In the month of March 2012, 4 homes sold.   Average list price:  $185,950.  Average sales price: $181,325.  Average days on market:  213.

In the month of March 2011, 4 homes sold.  Average list price:  $203,000.  Average sales price:  $195,500.  Average days on market: 111.

Currently, there are 22 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average price of $243,961.

Although the average sales price is down, remember that there is a wide variety of home prices in Armour Hills.  When lower priced foreclosures sell, or smaller homes, that skews the average sales price down.  Also, it takes longer for these types of homes to sell, thus the longer days on market. Showings are way up compared to 2011, so I think this will be a strong sales season for Armour Hills!

If you would like more detailed information on what is selling in Armour Hills or other parts of Brookside, just email me.

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

New Listing in Waldo!

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Here’s a great new listing in Waldo!  Located in popular Indian Village, this remodeled home offers two bedrooms, one full bath, attached carport and a large deck in the fenced backyard.

17 W Pocahontas Lane

The hardwood floors have been refinished, NEW windows installed with 2” blinds, fresh interior paint in neutral colors.  Beautiful landscaping surrounds this home.  Low maintenance brick exterior, full basement, level lot.  Kitchen and bath are updated, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen with separate dining room.  Security system available.  Plus, a separately fenced herb garden just off the deck!

This home is  bargain priced at $105,000–it’s move in ready!  Close to bus line, shopping, grocery, restaurants, Trolley Track Trail and all the amenities of the Waldo/Brookside area. 17 W Pocahontas, Kansas City MO  64114.  Email me for a tour today!