New Brookside Senior Housing – Already Sold Out!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside Senior Residence apartment kitchen

I visited the Brookside Senior Residences at Rockhill Greens recently–what a nice place for seniors to live! I was excited when I read about this project several years ago, as there is a huge demand for moderately priced senior housing in our neighborhood. Located at 6700 Troost, this building offers 37 one bedroom ($485/month) and 9 two bedroom ($575/month) apartments with complete kitchens, including the appliances. Residents must be 55 years of age or older, and meet income restrictions (one person, $29,081; two persons $35,520). The apartments are wheelchair accessible. Each floor offers laundry facilities, and residents can enjoy the outdoor patio, multi-purpose room, media room and exercise room. This is a non smoking building, no pets and the 46 parking spaces are not assigned.

Ella McDaniel, Property Manager at Brookside Senior Residences

Ella McDaniel used to be with the KCMO Housing Authority, and is now the on site Property Manager at Brookside Senior Residences. “I love it here!” she says, “I love my residents and I’ve always enjoyed working with older adults. The average age here is 70, and most everyone is very active.” Ella explained that all of the residents moved here from homes in the immediate area–they didn’t want the maintenance of a home any longer. They are forming new friendships, check in on each other and enjoy their new surroundings. Ella is working on establishing partnerships with the nearby YMCA, Share a Fare and other services for her tenants.

Multi-purpose room–not yet decorated!

Brookside Senior Residences opened in mid December and currently has no vacancies–they do have a waiting list of 57 people! The owners are planning a phase two nearby. I don’t know of any other age-restricted apartment buildings specificially for seniors in the Brookside/Waldo area. There are several independent living facilities, like Armour Oaks or Kingswood, but those places have higher monthly fees, extensive meal service and more amenities. For those with a more limited monthly income–apartments like Brookside Senior Residences will always be in demand as the population ages. For more information, contact Ella McDaniel at 816 361 0313. (They do not have a website at this time).

ReStart Inc Sponsoring New Apartments in Waldo

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

ReStart Inc, is an organization dedicated to helping homeless men, women and families in need, helping them transition to an independent lifestyle. Using funds supplied by HUD and others, they are building a small apartment complex in Waldo at 76th and Washington.

Fourteen one bedroom apartments will be available to young adults, aged 18-24, who have aged out of the foster care system. There will be a live in, on site resident manager. ReStart wanted a central location for this project, the first of it’s kind in Kansas City, so the tenants would be close to businesses for services and job opportunities, plus easy access to bus service. Some Waldo homeowners are concerned about the effect this building may have on their property values.

A meeting to discuss the project is scheduled for March 14 at 10am at the Waldo public library.

Who Built That House at 63rd and Oak?

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Last week I stopped by the house that was recently built at 63rd and Oak, across from the 7-11. Many area residents have watched this corner over the past several months, wondering what the house would look like when finished. Fortunately the owners, Stephanie and Bill Kalaherka, designed the outside features to blend in as much as possible with the neighborhood. The family moved in last fall, about four months later than planned (as is typical for a new build job, rarely are they finished on time).

Stephanie and Bill chose to buy this lot to build their ‘forever’ home. They have family in the area and love Brookside. Although they looked at a few resale homes, ultimately they decided they could get exactly what they wanted by starting from scratch. Plus, Bill knew he could install energy-saving features in the new home. Taking advantage of federal and local tax credits, this home has solar panels on the south facing roof, a geo-thermal heating system and thick insulation on the exterior walls in the basement. Although they haven’t lived in the house an entire year to examine the overall cost-effectiveness, Stephanie says it cost about as much to heat this house (3700 SF) during the coldest weeks of winter as it did to heat their old rental home that was much smaller. Inside, the two story house features four bedrooms and three full baths (one bedroom and full bath on the first floor for guests), an office, finished basement with storage area and the popular open floor plan on the first floor. Each of the children’s rooms has a loft above the bedroom and yes, there is a two story stainless steel play slide. There isn’t much of a backyard area, but the owners plan to install a small patio behind the garage. Stephanie is looking forward to spending time on the front porch when the warm weather arrives.

Many shopkeepers from across the street have stopped by to welcome the family to the area. They want to meet as many local residents as they can…so stop by and say hello! The Kalaherkas are settling in and look forward raising their kids…and growing old…inside their brand new Brookside house!

Armour Hills Home Prices Drop in 2014

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Overall, Brookside home values were up for the year 2014. However, in Armour Hills, we experienced a drop in home prices. This is unusual, as we finished 2013 up about 15% from 2012. Let’s take a look at the numbers, starting with December:

In December 2014, 9 homes sold. The median list price was $239,900 and the median sales price was $236,000. Average days on market: 55.

In December 2013, 7 homes sold. The median list price was $229,000 and the median sales price was $224,900. Average days on market: 20.

Here are the Armour Hills home sales stats, comparing 2013 to 2014:

In 2013, 82 homes sold with a median sales price of $249,000 and 20 days on market.

In 2014, 70 homes sold with a median sales price of $236,000 and 31 days on market.

Those figures represent a drop of just over 5% in sales price. Why? In 2013, 22 homes sold at a price of $300K or higher, and 12 sold under $200K. In 2014, we had just 15 homes sell over that $300K figure and 17 sell at $200K or less. Overall, for sale homes were priced less and sold for less than the previous year. I’m not concerned about the difference–Armour Hills is still a desirable area for homeowners and when homes are well maintained and updated, buyers will pay more. For our zip code of 64113, there was an increase in prices of 3.72% from 2013 to 2014.

Currently there are 11 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with a median price of $269,900 and 85 days on market. Hopefully we will experience a rise in 2015 in Armour Hills home values.

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

It’s Here–KC Restaurant Week Jan 16-25 2015

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

January…the most boring month of the year! The weather is cold, trees are barren and everything outside looks gray and dingy..except for the bright, soft focus sunsets! Hard to muster up the energy to go out after you are settled in at home….

That’s why January is the perfect time for Kansas City Restaurant Week! From Jan 16-25, we have ten days of bargain priced meals at many of KC’s finest restaurants. This is the time to try the pricier spot you may have heard about for the low price of $33 for a three course dinner ($15 for a two course lunch). Many of the eateries are locally owned and and operated; and there are all kinds of cuisine offered–from pizza to boar meat!

All of the participating restaurants donate a portion of their profits to these three organizations: Boys Grow, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Cultivate KC.

Below is a list of the Brookside/Waldo spots offering special menus during the week. You can go to www.kcrestaurantweek.com to see individual restaurant menus, make reservations and see a complete list of all the places throughout the metro area offering the prix fix deals.

75th St Brewery Louie’s Wine Dive

District Pour House and Kitchen Michael Forbes Bar and Grill

Julian Waldo Pizza

Lew’s Grill and Bar The Well

Thank you for supporting KC Restaurant Week! Reservations fill up fast so make yours today!

Heirloom Bakery Plans March 2015 Opening

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Happy 2015! I took a vacation from blogging over the past few weeks…just relaxed and enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. Saw some movies, baked a lot, indulged in those special treats you feast on once a year, and indulged in a few post Christmas sales. I hope your holidays were a special time as well. Speaking of baking….

Heirloom Hearth and Bakery, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

The topic for my first blog of 2015 was going to be an interview with the owners of Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, at the corner of Oak and 63rd St (401 E 63rd). For a while there was a sign on the corner, announcing a Fall 2014 opening…but you know how these things can get delayed! I contacted owners Kate and Scott inviting them for a chat, and they suggested I get back in touch in several weeks–they now hope to open in March. Brookside neighbors are really looking forward to this place–and I’m also excited this corner is turning into an attractive retail shop after years of being an eyesore!

In the meantime, you can buy their delicious homemade breads and sweets nearby at Season and Square, 6205 Oak, or Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters, 419 E 18th St. Contact Kate and Scott Meinke at the website.

Blogs coming up within the next two weeks include a recap of Brookside/Waldo housing stats for 2014 and information on KC’s Restaurant Week!

Armour Hills (Brookside) November 2014 Home Sales Stats

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

We are just about at the end of the year and I am very curious about how our Armour Hills home sales will finish out compared to 2013. As for the November 2014 stats, there is a drop in median sales price compared to a year ago. However–that’s the housing market: some months strong, other months are slow. No need to worry–overall, our neighborhood is thriving. So let’s look at the Armour Hills home sales (in Brookside, Kansas City MO) for November 2014, with comparisons to one year ago:

In November 2014, six homes sold with a median sales price of $235,000 and 40 days on market. The median list price was $239,900. The lowest sale was $190,000 and the highest was $370,000.

In November 2013, four homes sold with a median sales price of $253,950 and 27 days on market. The median list price was $258,000.

The November drop in median sales price is a repeat of October 2014 stats as well. Although more homes closed this year compared to 2013, there was a $398,000 home sale last year that brings the median price up significantly. Overall, the $235K price is more typical for Armour Hills.

Now let’s compare year-to-date figures:

For the first eleven months of 2014, 61 homes sold with a median price of $239,950 and 31 days on market.

For the first eleven months of 2013, 75 homes sold with a median price of $255,000 and 20 days on the market.

The numbers are lower from a year ago but when I post 2014 stats next month, I will compare final numbers and the last few years as well to see the trend. There may be a drop in overall median price from 2013 to 2014. We have 11 active listings in Armour Hills right now, with a median price of $269,900 and 66 days on market. The longer days on market, compared to the average, tells us these homes may be overpriced, or in need of some updating–that’s why they are still for sale. Buyers are out there, and they want to live in Brookside–most of them want move-in ready, updated homes.

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

Brookside Home Sales – November 2014

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

For the November Brookside homes sales report…fewer than half the number of homes sold last month as compared to October 2013. However, not an unusual stat for this time of year! Let’s examine Brookside single family home sales for the month of November 2014 with a comparison to last year, as well as year-to-date figures. I am using sales from the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In November 2014, 9 homes sold (compared to 25 in October). Median list price was $299,950, and median sales price was $287,000 with an average of 34 days on market. The lowest priced home sold was $117,000 and the highest was $635,000.

In November 2013, 14 homes sold. The median list price was $235,000 and the median sales price was $228,000 with 35 days on market.

Fewer homes sold, but median price was way up. This tells us more expensive homes closed–which coincides with the lack of inventory for the buyers in the $200-$250 price range.

Looking at year to date figures:

From Jan – November 2014, 263 homes have sold at a median sales price of $306,000 and 39 days on market.

From Jan – November 2013, 270 homes sold at a median sales price of $300,000 and 42 days on market.

This year is trending to be similar to 2013 home sales, with about the same number of homes sold but a higher sales price. Good news for homeowners–and, yes, buyers as well. They know they are investing in a neighborhood that has an upward trend of home equity growth!

Currently there are 68 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list price of $379,950 and 105 days on market. The lowest priced home is at $170,000 and the highest price is the house at 5650 Ward Parkway, built for Tom Pendergast, at $4.45 million. (All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

New Waldo Restaurant Serves Breakfast Too!

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

The title of this new Waldo restaurant says it all up front: Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish. Located at 8950 Wornall Road, this spot used to be The Cook Shack. Kelvin Powell and his wife Rischa Rayon opened the place in September 2014 and serve tasty home-style cookin’ all day long…so let’s find out more about this local Waldo business!

Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish in Waldo

I stopped by earlier this week and visited with Rischa about what’s on the menu. She emphasized that fresh, not frozen, meat and fish are served: handmade burger patties, fresh chicken wings fried in their own special batter, and real fresh potatoes are used for the hash browns and country potatoes. Fish selections include catfish, basa and tilapia. The Game Day menu also offers several food combos so you can choose what suits you: for example, wings and your choice of sides (mac & cheese, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes and fries/tots/onion rings).

One aspect of Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish that sets it apart is the breakfast menu. I was trying to think of another Brookside/Waldo area restaurant that serves a full breakfast –and only came up with The Classic Cup. At Game Day, breakfast is a busy time and they serve it all: freshly made biscuits, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal, eggs, grits, gravy, pancakes, waffles and side meats. The prices are reasonable and the portions are large–one cinnamon roll can feed at least two persons!

Rischa Rayon

Rischa explained this restaurant is a family affair–for now, employees are relatives as they get the business established. They appreciate all of their customers, and set prices so area residents can afford to stop in often. It’s a place that has that special small neighborhood feel, where the staff will take the time to get to know you after a couple of visits. Enjoy this comfort food as you chat with Rischa at the counter, keep an eye on the TV or people watch out the large windows. In the spring, they plan to get a liquor license and have a small patio for outdoor dining during warmer weather.

During December and the cold winter months, the hours can vary a bit. In general, the restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday 8am-7pm, Friday/Saturday 8am-9pm and Sundays 8am-4pm. Visit their Facebook page or website for more information…also, the Game Day staff will cater and reserve the restaurant for private events. Stop by and try this new Waldo dining spot!

Waldo Home Sales – October 2014

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

It’s time again to report October 2014 home sales stats for Waldo. People often ask me what the boundaries of Waldo are, and I don’t have a firm answer for them! For purposes of this market update, the area I focus on is single family home sales between State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.

In October 2014, 42 homes sold with a median sales price of $140,000 and 49 days on market. The lowest home sale price was $37,500 and the highest was $247,500.

In October 2013, 19 homes sold with a median sales price of $133,500 and 55 days on market. The lowest home sale was $42,000 and the highest was $243,000.

You can see a big difference in the number of homes sold–twice as many this year compared to last. The average sales price was higher as well, and a few less days on market. Here are the year-to-date figures:

From January – October 2014, 288 homes have sold with a median price of $145,500 and 46 days on market.

From January – October 2013, 290 homes sold with a median price of $142,000 and 49 days on market.

Overall, Waldo is on pace with last year’s sales figures, with an increase in the average price. Good news for the neighborhood!

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

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

Category Archives: Brookside Community News