Annual Coat Drive Begins at World’s Window

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

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 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 colors The 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

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

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.

Sip and Shop in Brookside Thurs 9/20/18

Posted on September 20, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

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!

Waldo Fall Festival Happening Sat 9/15/18

Posted on September 13, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

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.

Now 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

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

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!

Here’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).

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’s Euston Hardware is Remodeling

Posted on August 7, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

A longtime Kansas City local business, Euston Hardware store has been around since 1999. With four locations, including Prairie Village, Smithville, Red Bridge, and Waldo, owner Kevin Euston (son of founder Ken) has been providing the Kansas City area with hardware supplies for almost 20 years. The Waldo store, at 126 W 75th St is currently undergoing a remodel…and still open for business while they are working on it.

Euston says it’s important to “freshen up the inventory” after a while, as hardware changes and newer offerings become available. The store recently updated the exterior, and it has a stylish retro vibe now, thanks to the art deco style building that used to be an A&P market. Inside, the store will feature taller and longer shelves, new lighting, and over 5000 new items including more tools, a bigger fastener department, lawn items and cleaning supplies. The check out area has moved as well, to the east side of the shop.

I stop in the Waldo Euston store often–to get keys made or pick up my favorite hardwood floor cleaner and stain remover. The staff is always friendly and asks “Can I help you find something?” when I walk in–very important as I certainly don’t know the location of over 5000 items! Watch for a grand ‘reopening’ within the next few weeks after the project is complete.

Thank you for supporting locally owned Brookside/Waldo businesses!

Brookside Market Days Begin Saturday

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

For the second year in a row, the Brookside Business Association is sponsoring Brookside Market Days, every Saturday in August…kicking off this Saturday Aug 4, 2018.

Start your day at the Brookside Farmers Market, then visit various shops for special events. For example, the New Dime Store is featuring pop up shops, beginning with Betsy Roo handmade greeting cards and prints this Saturday, followed by Willett Studios (handmade earrings) and Gypsee KC (woodburning art) on successive weekends. COCO also has pop up events; Worlds Window is featuring Shibori dyeing, Charlie Hoopers will offer $1.50 hot dogs!

In addition, buy a $10 Brookside Market Days reusable totebag (available at the market and New Dime Store) for extra discounts at places like Roasterie, Fiddly Fig, 5B & Co Candlemakers, Design in the City, Brookside Barkery and Worlds Window.

Live local! Support Brookside businesses and participate in Brookside Market Days–every Saturday in August. More details at www.brooksidekc.org.

Brookside East Welcomes New Businesses

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

The Brookside East area continues to grow, with more businesses on the way! Developer Butch Rigby recently finished adding a second story on to 633 E 63^rd St and has several new tenants lined up for the building:

New Strong and Counseling Services LLC – counseling

Wize Webz – advertising/web marketing office

Architexture Salon – hair salon

Vijay Home – home furnishings shop/design studio/showroom (Sept opening)

This building is already home to several thriving businesses, including BKS Artisan Ales, Can I Have A Bite?, and Farm Dog Studios.

Rigby is also renovating additional buildings along E 63^rd St, and is now working on 701 and 751 E 63^rd St. The updates will feature a mid-century modern theme, with green and brown tones and rustic wood; new glass exterior and new plumbing and HVAC. He’s hoping for more retail and restaurant space here along with office tenants, with a focus on locally owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

If you haven’t been on 63rd St east of Oak lately–take a trip! Thanks to Butch Rigby, many new businesses and eateries to explore!

Brookside Home Sales Stats-June 2018

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

We are halfway through the year and Brookside home sales continue to be very strong, especially in the under $500K price range. Inventory is generally lower than last year. Here is the single family home sales report for last month, and a YTD comparison for the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

June 2018 June 2017

Median list price: $410,000 Median list price: $372,000

Median sales price: $395,000 Median sales price: $367,500

No. of homes sold: 39 No. of homes sold: 40

Days on market: 19 Days on market: 20

The lowest closed sales price last month was $165,375 and the highest was $1.2 million.

Below is year-to-date comparisons:

Jan-June 2018 Jan-June 2017

Median list price: $399,900 Median list price: $375,000

Median sales price: $390,000 Median sales price: $360,000

No. of homes sold: 141 No. of homes sold: 157

Days on market: 14 Days on market: 20

The lowest sales price so far in 2018 was $168,500 and the highest was $1.6 million. Median home prices are up 8% compared to last year! Will prices drop the second half of the year, when sales traditionally slow down? Watch this space for the monthly numbers!

Currently there are 61 active single family home listings in Brookside, with half of those priced over $500K; nine listings over $1million. Median price is $565,000 and 39 days on market.

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

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