Shoppers can’t get enough of Brookside! You may know about the fall Brookside Sip & Shop; due to it’s success, the Brookside Business Association added another event for Spring!And it looks like the weather will be pleasant for a leisurely stroll along 63rd St.
It’s happening tonight, March 30 from 5-7pm. Ditch the car and walk along 63rd St later today, stopping in the shops, taking advantage of special giveaways, deals and free drink samples! Make an evening of it and dine in one of the many restaurants in the area.Be sure to ask about any Sip & Shop specials!All are welcome.
Thank you for supporting our local Brookside merchants!
It’s one of Brookside’s most popular community events…the annual St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade, happening tomorrow, Saturday March 14, 2023!
This family friendly event starts at 2pm; note neighboring streets will be blocked off early afternoon. One of the reasons I like this parade so much is that spectators can get very close to the route and see all the fabulous floats, dancers, bands, classic cars and decorations up close. And the parade itself is pretty long–sometime going more than an hour! This year’s theme is Chasing Rainbows.
If you plan on going to the parade, please be aware that many streets around the route will be clogged with cars and pedestrians–if you must drive, park several blocks away and walk to your viewing spot. Be extra careful driving and enjoy the day…the parade route is posted below. (There is a possibility the parade could be delayed by a week due to weather.) See you there!
How many businesses do you think have a Waldo address? Chelsea Kapka, Executive Director of the Waldo Area Business Association, has heard over 600 businesses call Waldo home…and about 350 of them belong to WABA. Since joining WABA last month, she’s hoping to increase membership along with some other goals for the strong, thriving neighborhood.
I stopped in WABA at 7222 Wornall recently to have a chat with Chelsea. Originally from southwest Missouri, she went to MIZZOU for her undergrad degree and completed a masters at MO State. She’s spent the last several years in nursing home administration, most recently in Olathe. Although Chelsea enjoyed working with seniors, she decided she wanted a change in her career, and applied for the WABA job. She’s lived in Waldo for the past several years, with a sister and brother also living nearby.
Chelsea talked about other goals she has for WABA: she’s planning a bingo game on Wednesdays at Waldo Pizza that should start soon, and wants to increase community events. Besides the popular Waldo Fall Festival, she is promoting the second annual Spring Fling happening May 6, at Gregory and Wornall. She hopes to get more businesses to participate, including more local makers. The monthly Waldo business luncheons are open to anyone; details on dates are on the WABA website. The next luncheon is Wednesday March 1 at HJ’s Community Center, featuring sixth district candidates up for election. “I really like the WABA Mission Statement—it’s important for me to maintain Waldo as a vibrant and inclusive area. Waldo feels like its own city within Kansas City—so unique and eclectic”.
Chelsea and I talked briefly about the houseless issue in Waldo and how it can be addressed. She recently met with Josh Henges, the “homeless prevention coordinator” for Kansas City MO, who has a lot of ground to cover. The Waldo CID (Community Improvement District) handles security, graffiti and trash removal, marketing, plus landscape maintenance for the neighborhood. CID Community Awareness Officers are a daily presence that will report to police any necessary information regarding the houseless population but do not get directly involved.
In her free time, Chelsea spends time with her scientist husband and their three dogs; she enjoys reading and going to live music shows, especially at the Madrid Theater. You are welcome to stop by and introduce yourself to Chelsea, especially if you have a business in Waldo. The WABA is located at 7222 Wornall. And feel free to come to one of the monthly luncheons to keep in touch with what’s happening in Waldo!
So the hype of the Chiefs winning the Superbowl is winding down, Valentine’s Day is over and ….this can be a bland time of year. Here’s a diversion for you: plan to participate in the 8th annual Waldo Week!
Waldo Week was created to spotlight locally owned Waldo businesses by offering special discounts and deals for several days during the slower winter months….while also supporting a local non-profit organization. This year, the votes came in for Lucky 13 pet rescue as the supported charity. The Waldo Area Business Association hopes to raise $1500 for Lucky 13 through a special virtual auction and donations.
Several local businesses have special offers for the next several days, including Betty Rae’s, Eclectics, Crow’s Coffee, Summit Grill and Breathe. Mention Waldo Week when you stop by to find out details. A complete list of participants is listed on the WABA website.
Waldo Week runs from Thursday Feb 16 through Friday Feb 24. Thank you for supporting our locally owned Waldo businesses!
The Waldo branch of the Kansas City Public Library system, at 201 E 75th St, would like more space to serve local residents. It’s currently the second busiest location; the Plaza branch has the top spot. Preliminary talks are underway between the library and the Kansas City Public School district about a move to the old Bingham school site, at 7618 Wyandotte (77th and Wornall, behind the Firestone Tire building).
I recently spoke with Eric Gunderson, President of the Waldo Tower Neighborhood Association to find out more. Last November, he hosted a public meeting at the library to start a dialogue with neighbors about possible plans. Shannon Jaxx from KCPS and library consultants were present. The site of the former school is 7.5 acres, and a new library building would use up just part of the empty lot. The current building on 75th St has 14,000 SF; a new building would ideally be between 22-25,000 SF and include useable outdoor space for patrons. Inside, there would be a larger, dedicated children’s area; a computer lab, an array of different sized meeting rooms and more storage space. The library and consultants feel that with the current building maintenance issues (leaky roof, space constrictions, etc), it would be less expensive to build a brand new building. Currently the library is funded by a portion of KCMO resident property taxes; it was stated in the meeting that no new taxes would be needed to fund a new structure. No building plans have been drawn up; at this stage, it’s all talk and figuring out various options. Eric says if the relocation does happen, it would be at least five years, probably more, before the new library opened. He reports that there wasn’t any opposition to a new building; the challenge would be some increased traffic in the residential area, as the entrance to the site is off Wyandotte and not Wornall.
I also asked Eric about other significant happenings in Waldo; we talked about all the new locally owned businesses that chose Waldo as their home—so many in just the past couple of years, despite the pandemic. The biggest changes are happening in the streetscapes: along Gregory from Wornall to Oak, you’ve seen the construction workers and detours as KCMO installed “traffic calming” elements like curb extensions and a dedicated bike lane, .all of these improvements will make this area more pedestrian/bike friendly. In the near future, major changes are coming along Wornall from 74th-79th St, especially in the busy area in front of Waldo Pizza. Plans include new streetlights, water main replacement, a new roadway, parking lot improvements, and more. You can read more details about these plans at the Waldo neighborhood website under Resources.And you can keep up with other Waldo news/meetings at the site as well.
I’ve got an answer for that annoying daily question…”what’s for dinner?”. Make plans now to participate in Kansas City’s annual Restaurant Week, January 13-22.
Restaurant Week began as a way to get more business into restaurants during a traditionally slow dining out period, but it also benefits local non profit organizations. This year, part of the proceeds from each meal will go to Cornerstones of Care, along with other organizations.
Here’s how it works: restaurants across the city offer special pre fix menu options for lunch ($20) and dinner ($40). You’ll find all kinds of cuisine choices, from casual to pricy; and you can order carry out, delivery or dine in. Web searches are easy–by cuisine, part of town, or special diet. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for the most popular spots on the weekends. Download the app–it’s very easy to use; you’ll see menus and can check table availability. This is the perfect opportunity to try a new, locally owned place with friends or grab a quick lunch with co-workers. Many Brookside and Waldo restaurants are participating; here is a partial list, including Aixois, The Well, Boru, Charlie Hooper’s, Plate, Red Door Grill, South of Summit and Summit Grill.
Everyone likes to try a new restaurant…especially if it’s a small, locally owned place. And, most everyone likes Italian food! So, bring your hungry belly to Waldo’s newest Italian restaurant, Big Belly’s at 8940 Wornall!
Owner Josh Drake has teamed up with chef Ken Viereck and Jessica Gattenby to create a friendly, casual, family oriented place, focusing on scratch cooking and a variety of meal options. Josh and Ken have a food service background: Ken learned cooking from his parents and over the years, tweaked the recipes. Josh has a catering company that’s nominated for Caterer of the Year from WedKC. Josh looked at several locations for the restaurant, and settled on this spot after a friend who owns Social in Waldo recommended it. There was already a kitchen in the back, and plenty of space for tables, a bar and parking. “I know Waldo is a community of many types of people: families, blue collar workers, young professionals, older folks—and that’s the type of community I wanted to be in” Josh says. “When I picture myself in 20 years, I think of LC’s Barbeque. I went there once a week, and the owner was always at a table, doing paperwork, chatting with the regulars, greeting people as they walk in. That’s what I want this place to be. I want this place to be affordable for families and also a nice spot for date night”.
Ken Viereck, Jessica Gattenby and Josh Drake
Big Belly’s has a large menu—you’ll find several types of pasta, salads, and entrees that include two sides with garlic bread! The most popular items so far are the chicken piccata, chicken parmesan and rattlesnake pasta. There’s also a wide selection of appetizers, mac n’ cheese, and sliders, available in 2 and 3 item portions with sides included. If you are craving pizza, Big Belly’s has you covered with their flatbread pizzas. Jessica makes all the desserts fresh every day; after two days they are marked down to 99 cents. Daily specials include the popular lasagna (only available on Thursdays); kids eat free on Tuesday and a pasta discount on Wednesdays. And if you are feeding a crowd—check out their family meals and catering menu for Chiefs games, birthday parties and other celebrations.
Hours for Big Belly’s are Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-9pm and Sundays from 11am-8pm. Stop in and fill up!
There are some iconic landmarks in Brookside and Waldo…places like Waldo Pizza, Roasterie Coffee, the Piano Room, McLain’s Bakery, Charlie Hoopers…and many more. It’s what makes our neighborhood unique; these are not cookie cutter chains. They are the kind of locally owned spots that you always enjoy going to; a place where you bring visitors and meet friends; often a place where the staff is consistent or you bump into someone you know. One of our landmarks is changing hands next year: Bier Station.
I first wrote about Bier Station ten years ago, shortly before it opened. Owner John Couture was at the very beginning of the craft beer explosion: he offered 21 taps of fresh, rotating beers and hundreds of bottled options for customers to create their own personalized six packs. He and his family lived close by, and welcomed kids who stopped in with their parents, offering games and puzzles. Eventually John added more food selections and an outdoor patio. The neighborhood embraced and supported Bier Station; it was becoming a landmark.
Naty Cardenas, left, and Bier Station owner John Couture
John did more than just sell beer; he started hosting events that supported local candidates and non-profit causes he believed in. Bier Station initiated Q&A sessions with our local city council reps, fundraisers for Animal Rescue Alliance, Moms Demand Action, homeless teen parents and various candidates for office; there were comedy nights, silent auctions and the infamous Josh Hawley Fun Run – the money raised from that event went to causes that the conservative Missouri senator is against. John has always been an activist at heart, and he invited the community to participate and make a difference, as they enjoyed a beverage and conversation.
When I visited with John last week, he emphasized how much he’s enjoyed having Bier Station but it was time to move on. “During the past decade, people’s drinking habits have changed. There were just a couple of craft beer places in KC when I opened; now there are at least 30 or 40 options. I’m proud to have opened the first craft beer/ tasting bar /bottle shop in the Midwest. The bar has won many national awards and we’ve raised over $300,000 for non profit causes and civic campaigns”. One of the events he’s most proud of: working with the dean of Pharmacy at KU to host a COVID 19 vaccine clinic last year, vaccinating over 1000 people. And in December 2020 when vandals smashed the front door of the building, locals came by with envelopes of money to help pay for the repair: McLain’s brought over goodies for the staff and business surged in support. “Our customers really are the best! They are very friendly, very generous with tips and they get to know our staff. Several close friendships between staff and patrons have developed over the years.”
City Barrel Brewery and Kitchen has purchased Bier Station and has a few changes planned: they will serve New York style pizza and redo the patio out front, adding a roof. There will still sell beer to go and have several local brews on tap. As for John, he is taking some time off- his family is “very excited” to see more of him as he figures out next steps that will include some sort of political activism. In the meantime, John invites you to stop in and enjoy a brew and say goodbye before Bier Station changes hands. There is a big staff reunion on Monday Dec 19 and a final celebration on New Year’s Eve—the last night of Bier Station. Mark your calendar! Bier Station is located at 120 E. Gregory. Thank you John, and Bier Station, for all you have done for our neighborhood and community!
DIY..do it yourself!! That’s the mantra of new Waldo business Goofball SK8boards, LLC at 300 W. 80th 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 80th St. More info available through their Instagram account or website. Welcome another small, locally owned business to Waldo!
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.
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 