Waldo Welcomes Indoor Skateboard Shop and Park

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

DIY..do it yourself!! That’s the mantra of new Waldo business Goofball SK8boards, LLC at 300 W. 80^th St. Welcome to the neighborhood!!

Joan and Harper Rose

Married couple Joan and Harper Rose love to skateboard. Harper started the sport first, and Joan picked it up during the early days of the COVID pandemic. They even started a zine about it, and tried skating at local outdoor parks. But they increasingly felt unwelcome, like they were “taking up too much space” as skate culture has traditionally been focused on straight white guys. Determined not to give up or be intimidated, Joan and Harper decided make some changes themselves.

Initially they planned to open a skateboard company to sell boards and supplies, but a friend operating a store advised against it due to too many ongoing supply issues. However, their friend said opening a skate park was a great idea—that was a real need. Joan and Harper switched gears and started looking for space for an indoor park, with the goal of “providing this community with a friendly and affirming place” for all ages. Harper says “Although there is a wave of inclusivity moving across the culture, everyone interested deserves a welcoming, friendly place” for the hobby. Both live in Waldo and found this nearby building, which was formerly used by Neal Harris, the HVAC contractors. The slick concrete floors are perfect for skating; they’ve installed ramps and steps and are patiently waiting for city approval from KCMO to officially open the skate area. Boards, tee shirts, and supplies are available for purchase as well, and Harper will help with skateboard repair. Additional plans include skate lessons for kids and adults, and a zine library. “We want to cut out the intimidation factor for beginners” says Harper. They believe this could be the first female and queer owned skate shop in Missouri! A film crew from Columbia MO recently stopped by to include Goofball SK8boards in a documentary about female skaters in the state.

Goofball SK8boards is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am-6pm. There’s plenty of parking on the east side of the building at 300 W 80^th St. More info available through their Instagram account or website. Welcome another small, locally owned business to Waldo!

Brookside Commons Offers New Luxury Apartments For Rent

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

We have lots of houses in the Brookside/Waldo area but not a lot of newer apartments for rent. That changed over the summer with the opening of Brookside Commons, an upscale apartment project now open at 6551 Rockhill Road.

As a Realtor, I see so many homes with some beautiful, unique decorating styles and furnishings…however the public spaces in Brookside Commons are most impressive for a new build. The style here is not cookie cutter, like so many apartment complexes are. I recently walked through the space with assistant manager Chloe Newell. It was impressive!

“Luxury living is here; there is really nothing else like this in Brookside” Chloe says. Each apartment comes with access to so many amenities: a resort-style outdoor pool, four BBQ grills, resident lounge with fireplace, a gym/yoga studio, game room, electric car charging stations and a dog park. Brookside Commons also has an amazing co-working lounge and conference room, designed specifically with the WFH resident in mind. All of these spaces are comfortable, attractive and welcoming. The Lowery Design Group, based in Prairie Village, provided the décor.

There are three buildings that make up Brookside Commons; two of the buildings are open for occupancy and the third will be finished early next year. Kansas City- based companies Sunflower Development Group and Platform Ventures are developing the project; the space was formerly a surface parking lot for Research Medical Center, part of the Baptist Medical Center campus. Once completed, the project will have 210 units, consisting of studio, one- and two- bedroom units; prices range from $1095 to $2295 per month. Lease options are available from 3 months to 15 months with one month free special on a 13 month lease. Surface parking is available on the property and a gated, covered parking garage is under construction. Each unit has a full appliance package including a washer/dryer; most have a balcony. Parking and internet are available for extra fees and two pets are allowed per unit.

Brookside Commons offers a convenient location; easy access to the Plaza, Westport and downtown; Brookside and Waldo shops and restaurants are within a mile. Chloe is right; there isn’t really anyplace like this in the area for rent. These new apartments are beautiful and the amenties are first class. You can stop by for a tour yourself; contact Brookside Commons via their website.

Brookside Trick or Treat Street Tonight!

Posted on October 31, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

It’s time for the annual Brookside Trick or Treat Street, happening tonight from 4-6pm!

Even if you don’t have children who want to participate, this is a fun Fall neighborhood activity for all ages: just to watch the parade of kids and often their parents, in costume, going from shop to shop collecting goodies from our local merchants.

Please be aware, 63rd St at Brookside Blvd , Wornall to Main will be full of extra pedestrians and little ones during the late afternoon today. Please drive carefully or avoid these streets altogether for a couple of hours.

Thanks to the Brookside Business Association and all of our local merchants who keep this event going every year!

RACE CLOSES KC STREETS SAT OCT 15!!! BE AWARE!!

Posted on October 14, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon happens tomorrow and that means….major traffic disruptions from 7am through 2pm!

Attempt to drive at your own risk during this race..major, major delays!!!

Starting downtown and going through midtown, Westport, the Plaza and Brookside/Waldo to 75th St. It will be very, very difficult to drive in these areas during the race.

Please be aware and change your schedule accordingly!

Bicycle Depot in Waldo–Ready for All Area Cyclists

Posted on October 11, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

So often in Brookside and Waldo, you’ll patronize a business that you can really feel the owner has a passion for: think of our local restaurants like Plate and Bella Napoli, or Brady and Fox; SKINKC, locally made chemical free products for your body; SOAP Refill Station creates ecofriendly cleaning products that uses recycled containers. Dave Reinert, owner of Bicycle Depot in Waldo, has that passion. His passionate hobby of repairing bikes turned into a full time business.

Dave spent many years as a schoolteacher in public and private schools; at the same time, he spent 20 years repairing bikes out of his basement based on word of mouth referrals. Business increased drastically during the pandemic, and with a “gentle push” from his family, he decided to open his own storefront. Dave had experience working with non profit bike organizations, and stopped driving a car years ago. His brother also owns a bike shop in Minneapolis. “I wanted to do something good for the environment. I have a real love for green transportation; it’s generally quiet and good for your health. I regularly buy everything I need here in Brookside/Waldo and wanted to open my shop in the area. I live just a few blocks away! “

Bicycle Depot focuses on bike service and repair (including electric bikes) and sells bikes from State Bicycle Company and Batch Bicycles. “The quality of these products is so much better than you will find at a big box store, and the riding experience will be much better” Dave says. He also stocks some supplies like helmets and gloves. He will take bike donations and sells used ones as well. Service and repair are his focus; you can walk in and get a free assessment of the problem, the cost to repair and the general turnaround is one or two days. Longtime cyclists in the area may recognize Bruce Homstad in the shop, who worked for Family Bicycles—he’s been a certified bike technician for 30 years so you know…these guys know what they are doing when it comes to keeping your bike tuned up and ready to ride!

Bicycle Depot opened in March at 220A W 75^th St; across the street from the Aldi parking lot and just east of the busy 75^th and Wornall intersection. Fall weather is a perfect time to ride, and there are so many trails in our area (Dave has a map!) so stop in and get to know Dave and Bruce for your bicycle needs. They will make sure your ride is the best it can be!

Waldo Fall Festival Coming Sat Sept 17!

Posted on September 8, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

Happy anniversary to the 30th Annual Waldo Fall Festival!!

It’ s happening this Saturday, September 17, starting at 10am and running until 8pm. There will be many vendor booths, a few food trucks, plenty of live music and activities for the kids. The weather forecast looks perfect!

The festival is located at Gregory and Wornall so be extra careful if you are driving in that area Saturday–watch for extra pedestrians and kids running around!

Thank you for supporting our local vendors and activities!

“Micro Event Space” Opens in East Brookside

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

Every so often, you may have a need for a smaller, special gathering—perhaps a retirement party, baby shower, going away get together, intimate wedding, family reunion; or perhaps a small meeting, business brainstorming retreat or indoor photo shoot. You don’t want the restrictions and pricing of a hotel meeting room or restaurant, yet no one’s personal home is quite right. Consider East Brookside’s newest business: Cocoa Spaces, a “micro event space” that could be just what you are looking for!

Owner Porshia Mitchell is an electrical engineer by trade, and she always loved being the planner for her friend’s gatherings. “I love the idea of bringing people together to celebrate”, she says, and had been pondering the idea of opening up such a space for a few years. When she turned 30, she was looking for a space to celebrate with her friends and had trouble finding such a spot. Her passion project turned into a reality when Cocoa Spaces opened at the end of July. Located at 912 E 63^rd St at Harrison, the event venue offers 1300 SF, equipped with a kitchenette, mobile bar, TV and sound system, tables, chairs, and a small lounge area; it is ADA accessible. Cocoa Spaces comfortably holds 50-60 people at tables or reception style. Porshia has a list of vendors you can work with for décor, music and accessories; regarding food and liquor, bring in your own or use a caterer. Parking is available in front, on the street and east of Rockhill Road. Rental prices vary depending on how long you want the space; there is a three hour minimum.

I asked Porshia how she came up with the name Cocoa Spaces. “As a black woman in the world, I’m here to take up space—I can do whatever I put my mind to!” Then she added, “And I love chocolate!” There is a real need for these “micro spaces” for various events involving friends, family or co-workers, especially with the holiday planning season coming up! Remember Cocoa Spaces the next time you are looking for a small, customizable space for a gathering. Porshia grew up nearby and wanted to be in this area—support local! Learn more about Cocoa Spaces on their website or follow them on Instagram @cocoaspaces.

Shellfish in Brookside? Have A Taste of the Ocean at Earl’s Premier

Posted on August 3, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

It’s soooooo hot……are you desperate for something new and refreshing to send a cool chill through your skin? I’ve got a suggestion: stop in Brookside’s newest restaurant, Earl’s Premier, and enjoy a tasty frozen gin and tonic at the bar. They sell a lot of them these days, over 1800 glasses just last month!

Come for the G&T, stay for the food! Earl’s emphasis is on very fresh seafood: start with the oyster bar, stocked by a company that represents 30 small independent oyster farms. “We are very lucky to have this connection”, explained co-owners Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl. “They don’t supply to big chain restaurants. Our oysters are delivered three times a week, usually within 36 hours of being pulled out of the ocean”. Other popular menu items include a New Orleans-style Po’ Boy sandwich, mussels, shrimp cocktail, clam chowder, a blue crab guacamole, the Piri Piri spiced chicken plus nightly specials.

You probably heard Todd’s name associated with various restaurants in the KC area: Joe D’s Wine Bar in Brookside, the Happy Soup Eater and Happy Gillis Café in Columbus Park. Most recently he worked with Christopher Elbow. Cory supplied beer to Todd’s work spots via Central States Beverage and the two became friends. They both traveled to coastal areas and “liked that lifestyle. We wanted to bring a small, independent seafood place to Kansas City. And we wanted it to be a neighborhood place, where people can stop in, hang out, have some good seafood.” Both live in Brookside and were familiar with the former Chai Shai space, knowing it would be just right for the type of place they wanted to open.

Let’s get back to the frozen G&T and what inspired that drink: Cory and Todd were visiting Austin, and found a bar that was serving a frozen gin and tonic. Somehow they procured the recipe and purchased the machines to make the drink for Earl’s. It’s a very precise recipe and has to be mixed and chilled just right to keep the consistency of the drink. Of course they use local J Rieger and Co gin! Earl’s also has a few other signature cocktails and a large selection of beer, wine and hard liquors.

Earl’s Premier takes reservations and because it’s a small restaurant, tables fill up quickly. You can eat at the bar or on the patio if there is space—there are plans to install a roof and enclose the outdoor space next month for more seating. Stop in and check out Earl’s Premier—located at 651 E 59^th St. They are open Tuesday through Saturday, and plan to start Sunday brunch sometime this month. The staff is friendly and welcoming—you’ll love the small neighborhood vibe of the place as well as the food!

New Feature at Leopold Gallery-Open to All!

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

How many times have you walked past Leopold Gallery…but didn’t stop in? Perhaps you thought “well I can’t afford anything here” or “I don’t know anything about art”. That’s what stopped me from browsing the gallery…until Paul Dorrell, President, invited me for a visit. “I’ve got a new feature to show you—come on by!”. And I did, thinking…this is a gallery, I’m not obligated to make a purchase…and I love browsing through art museums…I should have checked this place out years ago!

Paul grew up in Leawood and studied art history at KU. After a season on a fishing boat in Alaska, he worked as Assistant Director at the Hill-Stead Museum of French Impressionism in Connecticut, where he learned volumes about the art world. He moved back to Kansas City in the late 80s, met his wife Annie, and opened his gallery to primarily represent Missouri and Kansas artists. His first space was at the old Hotel Savoy, followed by a place in the Crestwood Shops. After outgrowing that space, he moved to this location on 63^rd St in 2007. Leopold Gallery has over 8000 clients, and the majority of his sales are over the phone or online. You’ve probably seen works from the artists he reps at the University of Kansas Health System, Arrowhead and Kaufmann stadiums, the Prairie Village Shops, Kansas State University, Disneyworld and even in some Marvel movies! He’s also working on providing art for the new Ben Stiller comedy High Desert, coming this fall to Apple TV.

Inside Leopold Gallery, you’ll see a broad range of works, including abstract, landscape and conceptual art. Chances are there is something you will enjoy looking at or thinking about. Paul gives back to our community as well. He established the Leopold Gallery Educational Foundation and actively works with Sumner and Paseo Academy art programs.

So what is the new feature in the gallery?? It’s a two story slide! He wanted to install a slide a year ago, inspired by his visit to the eclectic Meow Wolf space in Santa Fe. “I want to make adults feel like kids again, and remove the intimidation that people can feel in a gallery” says Paul. He welcomes all ages to take the plunge from the first floor to the lower level. The ride is pretty slick and fast, surrounded by flashing lights all the way down… it’s fun and different and just a very welcoming feature of this space. Plus, there is no charge to enjoy the ride!

Stop in and say Hi to Paul, take a slide ride and enjoy the art the next time you are strolling by Leopold Gallery, 324 W 63^rd St. Hours are 10am-6pm Monday through Friday, and 10-5 on Saturday.

Time for the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale!

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Mary Hutchison

Come out to support your local merchants this weekend…and pick up some hot summer deals! The Brookside Sidewalk Sale is happening Thurs/Fri/and Sat, July 7-9, 2022.

Browse the shops along 63rd St and find a little something for yourself or a special friend. You’ll find discounts and sales a plenty! And remember to take a break by grabbing a beverage or meal at one of Brookside’s fine restaurants and eateries.

The Shred Event is also happening on Saturday July 10, starting at 8am in the parking lot behind Jalapeno’s. More info here!.

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

What's Happening In Brookside and Waldo (Kansas City, Missouri)

Category Archives: Brookside Community News