Golden and Pine Grand Opening Saturday in Brookside East

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Let’s welcome a new business to the growing Brookside East neighborhood…Golden and Pine. This is a handmade home and garden goods store, having it’s Grand Opening Saturday March 19, 2016 from 1-5pm at 633 E 63rd St (south side of E 63rd, across from the new apartment construction).

Stephanie Agne, Owner Golden and Pine

Owner Stephanie Agne was a dietician for several years yet home decor was her passion. She worked for a while at a home store boutique in Maine, and when she and her husband moved back to hometown Kansas City, it was time to open her own place. After looking at various KC locations, she decided on Brookside East. She wanted a place with ‘good light’ and was excited about what was happening in the area. She found Butch Rigby’s vision ‘inspiring’ and signed a lease in one of his recently purchased buildings.

Golden and Pine has a warm and modern feel, with products made of natural materials like wood, cork and cotton. Stephanie knows the origin of each product she sells; most are unique to her shop and almost all are hand made. (You’ll find a story card beside each product.) Items for sale include some furniture, pillows, candles, soap, lotions, garden items, napkins, books–the perfect place to browse and find something to freshen up your home!

If you can’t stop by the Grand Opening on Saturday–come by during her regular business hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-6pm. I’m excited about yet another unique, locally owned business opening in Brookside!

Brookside Home Sales Report – Feb 2016

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

What a beautiful day as I write this blog! The trees are flowering all over Brookside–hope we don’t get a cold snap…we are now accustomed used to 60 and 70 degree days!

Checking Brookside home sales for February 2016, I am going to write up the stats in a different format this time–thought it would be easier to read. Take a look:

February 2016

Median list price: $409,000

Median sales price: $399,000

Average days on market: 89

Number of homes sold: 15

(lowest sales price was $213,000; highest sales price was $822,000)

February 2015:

Median list price: $422,000

Median sales price: $397,500

Average days on market: 88

Number of homes sold: 13

(Note the number of homes sold and median sales price are very similar to 2015.)

Now let’s check year to date figures:

2016: 2015:

Median list price: $389,950 Median list price: $374,975

Median sales price: $382,000 Median sales price: $367,500

Average days on market: 57 Average days on market: 84

Number of homes sold: 23 Number of homes sold: 22

The big difference in the YTD figures is the median sales price jumped up–yet virtually the same number of homes sold. Also, homes went under contract faster. There is not much inventory this year in the critical $200-$400K price range and so, prices are up.

Currently, there are 46 active listings in the Brookside zip code of 64113. The median list price is $537,000. That figure is high because 1) the lower priced listed homes sell very fast and 2) 25 of the 46 homes are priced over $500K; 10 of those are over $1,000,000.

It’s going to be a strong season for home buying in Brookside this Spring!

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

Two Big Events in Brookside This Week

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Two big events happening this week in Brookside…

First, Reading Reptile is closing it’s doors. This unique, treasured children’s bookstore has been a landmark shop on 63rd St for years. Even if you didn’t have kids…you just have to walk in that colorful, art filled store after the welcoming storefront window display caught your eye. Owners Pete Cowdin and Deb Pettid are focusing their time and talents on their newest project, The Rabbit Hole (hard to describe this venture–just click on the link!). All books in the store are now half off, and they are taking bids on fixtures, furniture, art and everything else until 5pm on Friday March 11, 2016. You are welcome to come by Saturday March 12 for the closing party from 10am-3pm. We will all miss Reading Reptile–it was truly a one of a kind, charming and inviting Brookside shop.

Also Saturday–the 36th Annual Brookside St Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade! Street traffic will be rerouted from the parade route most of the afternoon: Wornall from 65th to 63rd; Meyer and 63rd from Wornall to Main; and Brookside Road from Gregory to Meyer. The parade begins at 2pm and runs for approximately 90 minutes. I’ll be there…walking with my fellow real estate agents with the Better Homes and Gardens float! Please be extra cautious driving around Brookside Saturday afternoon–watch for kids, bikes, foot traffic and avoid the parade area.

A Conversation with Sean Ackerson, Southtown Council’s New Exec Director

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Marti Lee

After 29 years leading the Southtown Council organization, Marti Lee retired last year. This is my favorite picture of her–one I took while we were helping with traffic control at the Brookside Halloween Trick or Treat in 2013.

A new executive director, Sean Ackerson, joined Southtown Council earlier this year. He has an extensive planning and economic development background, most recently working for the City of Parkville. A graduate of Oklahoma State University,

Sean Ackerson, Executive Director of Southtown Council

Sean and his family live in Rockhill Gardens. I stopped by his office recently and we chatted about what the Southtown Council is working on.

Do you have any goals you want to accomplish this year?

The Southtown Council overseas seven organizations: the Southtown Council, the Southtown Council Foundation, the Brookside Business Assn and it’s CID; the Waldo Business Assn and it’s CID and the Troost Ave CID. My goals are to continue doing what we do well and evaluate what we can do better. What should we be doing that we aren’t doing? This is a strategic planning year. We want to end the year with a series of priorities for these seven organizations by looking at where we are and where we need to be.

Are there any current specific priorities?

We are working on more parking for Brookside; improving the entryway to Waldo, and improving the image of Troost Ave. We are also working on an art installation for the intersection of 85th and Wornall, the 75th and Wornall fountain improvements, and promoting the districts through public infrastructure improvements, not just through special events.

We are actively now working on the marketing aspect of the Troost Avenue district: most properties along 63rd St from Rockhill Road to Pener Plaza, and on Troost south from Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. We are trying to overcome the negative perception of the area you see on news reports. There are more businesses moving in and the areas along 63rd and Troost provide comparable opportunities to Westport and the Crossroads, but are currently more affordable. There are some really great storefronts and buildings with great bones, all within walking distance of housing, two universities and on a major transportation corridor.

Can you address the situation with the panhandlers at 85th and Wornall?

Each CID has private security that patrol the areas–they make in store visits, walk along the sidewalks and watch the intersections. They look for maintenance issues, places that are being made into shelters and they reach out to panhandlers asking them to move along. Panhandling is a concern for personal safety, and at 85th and Wornall, because of the stoplights and islands, it’s easy to get close to the vehicles. We work through our private security and the police department to minimize panhandling.

Do you feel KCMO City Hall supports the efforts of Southtown Council?

It’s my understanding City Hall has been a good partner. We have always actively engaged with City Hall regarding infrastructure improvements, like the new stoplights at Wornall and 63rd/Meyer. Another example is Waldo partnered with the City on a study of the 75th and Wornall intersection. There are a number of issues in that area: the offset intersection, conflicts between pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and the gap in the Trolley Trail. A three day workshop held in 2015 considered alternatives for improvements, and a plan was selected for putting 75th St on a ‘road diet’ . This plan would reconfigure the parking between 74th and 75th streets and connect the Trolley Trail along the east side of Wornall while reducing the number of lanes on 75th St from 4 to 3. Right now we are finalizing engineering plans and pursuing financing and grants. If all goes as planned, the project could begin in 2017.

I’m very grateful to Sean for taking the time to talk to me for this blog! Southtown Council is a great organization for our area–if you want to know more about how they work, attend one of their monthly lunches, become a member, or just stop by their office at 6814 Troost. For a very small office (Sean and three staff people) — they accomplish a lot for Brookside/Waldo/Troost businesses.

Armour Hills Jan 2016 Home Sales Report

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Hello Armour Hills neighbors…not much to report regarding January 2016 home sales in our subdivision, so this blog will be short! Here are last month’s home sales for Armour Hills in Brookside:

In January 2016, two homes sold in Armour Hills. The median list price was $264,475 and the median sales price was $269,155. Average days on market: 39.

You’ll notice the median sales price was higher than the list price. This is because one of the two homes sold for $12,550 over the list price. There could have been a bidding war for the property.

In January 2015, four homes sold. The median list price was $232,277 and the median sales price was $232,000. Average days on market: 24.

(as a side note, the $400K house listed on W 70th Terr this month was under contract in less than 48 hours)

Currently there are 4 active listings in Armour Hills, with a median price of $237,475 and 89 days on market.

If you are thinking of selling…or buying a home in Armour Hills, contact me for more detailed information on neighborhood sales!

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

New Juicery Opens in Brookside East

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Yes, it’s another blog about a new business in the thriving Brookside East area! Unbakery and Juicery opened the last week of January at 634 E 63rd St. Not even one month old and the owner is talking of expansion!

Unbakery and Juicery owner Robin Krause

Nestled between the Brookside Gardens event space and the new apartment complex (63 Brookside) under construction, Unbakery and Juicery is owned and operated by Robin Krause, who spent twelve years as owner of The Filling Station. Walk into this place and you just feel healthier: everything is made on site, and all of her juices and tonics have medicinal properties, incorporating natural ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe, ginger, active charcoal and chlorella. To avoid waste, Robin takes the pulp from the fruit and veggies to make raw desserts, such as apple tarts and carrot cake. Food selections include gluten frees scones and cookies, coconut yogurt parfait and granola bars, plus a few raw lunch options (falafel wrap, kale caesar salad, pad thai); protein balls and crackers. She even makes her own almond milk!

When I visited Robin she was juicing away…she obviously loves her work yet you can see how very labor intensive this process is. It truly benefits the customer, as everything she serves is fresh and preservative-free. I asked Robin about her unconventional logo, and she explained it stands for ‘un’ — as in unprocessed, un- dairy, and unlock the nutrients of natural, raw foods.

For caffeine lovers, she serves coffee drinks featuring locally produced Messenger Coffee and…there is a drive thru window!!! (enter the drive just west of the building, north side of 63rd St). You can also purchase bone broth from Uncommon Stock. And Robin is so committed to her business and healthy eating that she will be offering detox workshops and nutritional classes. The expansion Robin mentioned is focusing on an off site location for more juice/food prep and cooler space.

Unbakery and Juicery is open Monday through Saturday from 7am-5pm, a website is in progress; there is a Facebook page. Another locally owned business for Kansas City folks to support…welcome to Brookside Unbakery and Juicery!

unbakery juices

New Townhomes & Apartments Planned for Brookside

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

New, updated housing in older, walkable neighborhoods…there is such a high demand for it. That’s why you see old houses torn down in Leawood and Prairie Village, replaced by multi-million dollar McMansions. Real estate…it’s all about location! But what if you don’t have a McMansion budget? Two new developments in Brookside East may be a good option for renters and homebuyers in our neighborhood.

John Hoffman, left and Lance Carlton of UCB Properties

John Hoffman and his son Lance Carlton own UCB Properties. You may have seen some of their hew housing along the 2700 block of Charlotte, or the townhomes going up at 27th and Campbell. They also built apartments at 2901 and 3630 Gillham. John and Lance have two projects in the works for Brookside East that should both be ready for occupancy later this year.

63 Brookside apartments planned for 63rd and Holmes

John says 63 Brookside is the first apartment complex built in Brookside in forty years. Located at 63rd and Holmes, it will be a three story building with 23 one and two bedroom units; rents ranging from $900-$1500. Each unit will have a balcony; pets are OK and tenants will have secured surface parking in the back. The exterior of the contemporary building will be made of brick and metal; interiors feature all electric appliances, quartz countertops and tiled baths, plus John is working with the KC Art Institute for some unique artwork in the common area and hallways. Pre-leasing should begin in March.

New Townhomes Planned for Brookside on 63rd East of Holmes

As of now, there is no official name for the townhomes project; perhaps 63 Oak Townhomes as these units are located directly east of Heirloom Bakery at 63rd and Oak. Each townhome will be three levels, with two bedrooms, three full baths, a ‘flex’ space on the lower level (that could be a third bedroom), a two car garage, and three private outdoor spaces (front patio, front deck off living room and back deck off the kitchen). The units will range from 1800-2000 SF and be priced in the low $400K price range with a to-be-determined monthly HOA fee. The exterior will feature a ‘modern, contemporary design’ according to John. They plan to break ground this spring and sell in the fall.

Newer home built on the 2700 block of Charlotte

John and Lance, both from the Brookside area, emphasize they don’t build ‘cookie cutter’ homes. They think hard about “the long term effect of what we do”. They use high quality construction materials and nicer interior finishes with high ceilings; the garages are not prominent and there are no front gutters. They want their buildings to blend in with the surrounding neighborhood and emphasize walkability for the residents…encouraging homeowners to get out and walk or bike to enjoy the unique shops and amenities found in Brookside.

Both of these developments are coming at the right time for the developing Brookside East area. Expect to see a lot of activity regarding new retail and services, plus the housing construction–happening along 63rd St east of Oak the next several months.

Welcome Flatiron Blow Dry Bar to Waldo

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, 7108 Wornall in Waldo

Finally, Waldo and Brookside has its own blow dry bar! The Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar opened in a few months ago at 7108 Wornall. I recently stopped by to check out the shop and talk with the owner Jayme Brassell.

Blow dry bars are very popular on the east and west coasts. They are a throwback to the traditional ‘beauty shop’ in the 1950s and 60s. Women would come in once a week, get their hair ‘done’ for the week, chat with friends and neighbors and pamper themselves a bit! The Flatiron Blow Dry Bar has the same goal, but with an updated, more urban vibe. Here you can get a wash, blow dry and style that will last several days says Jayme. No more washing and styling every single day! The stylists use all organic shampoo and conditioner, and special styling techniques to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh for several days. The process takes about 45 minutes, and includes a glass of champagne or mimosa (this is a ‘bar’ after all!) and a mini massage. Waxing and make up services are also available. Prices vary depending on the hair style and special packages/memberships are available.

Stylist Karlye Buff, left and shop owner Jayme Brassell, right

Jayme moved to KC in an unusual way…she and her husband were living in New York City and she was pregnant with baby #3. They decided to get out of New York and googled ‘best places to raise a family’. Kansas City came out on top of that list–so they picked up and moved here, purchasing a home in old Leawood. That was five years ago. Jayme’s shop was initially in Overland Park, but the atmosphere wasn’t quite right. Waldo fits the neighborhood feel and urban vibe she wanted. The local neighbors are very supportive, business is good and she loves meeting all the eclectic people who wander in.

The decor in the shop reflects Jayme’s love of NYC–you’ll see a subway map, Playbill covers, and New York magazines among the shabby chic furnishings. She also offers a few items from Fishs Eddy (her favorite NYC shop) for purchase, and has handmade jewelry and some RenWalla accessories on consignment. . It’s a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere–you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in!

For an appointment at Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, you can call or text 913 972 1400 or book directly at facebook.com/flatironinwaldo. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm, #flatironinwaldo on Instagram.

Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Waldo and Brookside!

New Businesses Coming to Brookside/Waldo

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

A brief blog today with information on two new businesses coming to Brookside and Waldo….

Future Site of BKS Nails

The former James Hallmark shop at 6245 Brookside Blvd, vacant for over two years now, will soon house BKS Nails, a salon offering manicures, pedicures and waxing services. Owners of this shop also own and operate Plaza Nails (on the Country Club Plaza) and Oak Nails (across from the UMKC admin building). Look for this shop to open next month.

Do you remember PIzza Manifesto? That short-lived pizza joint opened last year next to the Chipotle at 75th and Washington, just west of Wornall. It was recently announced that Pizzeria Locale will be going into that space at 505 W 75th St. This ‘fast casual’ restaurant will offer built your own 11” Neapolitan-style pizzas, along with a few salads and sides options. Pizzeria Locale started in with locations in Denver and Boulder, then formed a partnership with Chipotle. The KC location will be the first outside of Colorado.

No word yet on an official opening date for the eagerly awaited Heirloom Bakery and Hearth at the corner of 63rd St and Oak…

Brookside Home Sales Stats – Jan 2015

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

It’s a brand new year for home sales in Brookside! In 2014, 291 single family homes sold in our Brookside zip code of 64113. That’s about 24 per month. We are getting off to a slower start in 2015–that’s because there is a lack of desirable inventory in the $200-$350K price range. Let’s look at the numbers:

In January 2015, eight homes sold in the Brookside area. The median list price was $279,500 and the median sales price was $275,000. Average days on market: 23.

In January 2014, thirteen homes sold. The median list price was $299,950 and the median sales price was $295,000. Average days on market: 38.

Bonus numbers! Note the wide range of prices in our zip code:

Highest closed sales price in 2014 was $1.445 million; lowest was $160,100.

Highest closed sales price in January 2015 was $930,000 and lowest was $170,000.

Although we are behind compared to one year ago, I’m not concerned. January is typically a slow month for home sales, and inventory is still low. The busy spring buying season is just around the corner so these numbers will go up as we head into warmer weather.

Currently there are 60 single family homes for sale in Brookside (zip 64113) with a median price of $409,000 and 123 days on market. That higher median sales price reflects the lack of lower priced inventory–those homes get snapped up quickly and the higher priced homes sit on the market longer. The lowest price listed home is $$210K; the highest is $4.450 million.

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

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