Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Waffler Food Truck Parks In Brookside/Waldo This Weekend

Posted on by
Reply

Have you noticed a food truck hanging around Brookside/Waldo lately?  I’m talking about The Waffler’s truck, serving Liege style waffles at the northeast corner of Gregory and Wornall in the parking lot.  I haven’t tried one yet….but I recently spoke with the owner Russell Viers and I’m making my first trip tomorrow morning!

Russell Viers, The Waffler

Russell Viers, The Waffler

If you love waffles like I do, the first thing to note is these are not your typical breakfast waffles. This delicacy is a Liege waffle, which Russell recreated after trying them in a Belgium train station. Developing his own recipe, he makes all the dough from scratch. He starts with a rich brioche bread dough, and adds large chunks of Belgium pearl sugar (this is a beet sugar, not cane) and his own special flavorings. Whereas the typical breakfast waffle relies on toppings to give them flavor, the Liege waffle has flavors baked in. The ‘classic’ flavor Russell serves is vanilla, along with a second choice–for example, maple bacon or fall spice. (He is currently developing a special limonchello waffle for a special event at Jasper’s).  The waffle is crispy on the outside, with specks of caramelized sugar; inside is a tender bread texture with bursts of the pearl sugar. No utensils needed…your waffle is service in a handheld pouch for easy eatin’!  

Russell’s ‘real’ job is a public speaker/consultant. His kids  talked him into starting the food truck after he created the special ‘meggos’ (that’s the brand name for the product) for his daughter’s wedding earlier this year. He has parked the truck at First Fridays and the City Market, but gets the best response here in the Brookside/Waldo area and would like to make the Gregory and Wornall location permanent. Each waffle costs $5; however if you say the special phrase that changes daily, you’ll get $1 off.   These phrases are usually quotes from old movies or TV shows (hint: Sunday’s quote relates to the Royals!). Russell is a friendly, outgoing guy who says he’s ‘never worked so hard’ getting this food truck going and although it’s not a regular source of income for him, he loves every minute he spends making the dough and chatting with customers. He especially likes to watch the reaction of someone who has taken that first bite–the taste and texture is such an unexpected delight!

Mmm...The Waffler's Liege waffles!

Mmm…The Waffler’s Liege waffles!

Along with the waffles, Russell offers soft drinks, water and…free coffee! All ‘tips’ left are donated to a local charity which changes every month. He focuses on organizations that have low administrative costs. This month’s charity is the Kansas City Rescue Mission. He was inspired to donate after learning that 14 men staying at the shelter started running and participated in the Kansas City Marathon. He’s been amazed at how generous customers are after learning the tips go to charity.

So are you hungry for waffles now?? Stop by and see The Waffler on Halloween morning (8am-2pm) or November 1 (8am-1pm) at the Wornall and Gregory location. For that special discount phrase and to learn more about The Waffler, visit his Facebook page or website. Better stop by soon–Russell has plans to take off for Europe shortly on business. Oh…and The Waffler caters too!

Armour Hills Home Sales Report – September 2015

Posted on by
Reply

PrintHello neighbors…time to report on September 2015 home sales in our Armour Hills subdivision in Brookside.  Sales are slowing down as we move to the holiday season…and hopefully a WORLD SERIES WIN!!  Here are details for  single family home sales In Armour Hills as of last month:

In September  2015, three  homes sold with a median list price of $269,500 and a sales price of $265,000 with 88 days on market.    

In September 2014, six  homes sold with a median list price of $275,000 and a  median sales price of $272,700 and eleven days on the market.  

The 88 days on market is much longer than we’ve been trending this year.  That’s because the three houses that sold last month had all been on the market for almost ninety days  before going under contract–the sales prices were also dropped from initial list price to market value.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through September 2015, 63 homes have sold with a median list price of $269,000 and a median sales price of $265,000 with 32 days on market.  

From January through September 2014, 48 homes sold with a median list price of $249,500 and sales price of $246,000 with 29 days on market.    

As you can see, we are still way ahead as far as number of homes sold and median sales price compared to 2014.  Currently there are 14 homes for sale, with a median list price of $284,450 and 41 days on market.  The lowest price home is $199,500 and the highest list price is $525,000.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report – September 2015

Posted on by
Reply

royalRoyals mania continues in our metropolis — must see TV has cut into my work and blogging time!  It’s all worth it though to again experience the excitement of the playoffs.  Have you noticed–so many more homes in the area displaying Royals support paraphernalia!  Okay, down to business….here are the single family home sales for last month in the Brookside zip code of 64113:

In September 2015, 22 homes sold.  The median list price was $375,000 and the median sales price was $362,500.  Average days on market: 34. Two homes sold over the $500K mark.  The lowest sales price was $224,500 and the highest was $650K.

In September 2014, 32 homes sold.  The median list price was $302,000 and the median sales price was $289,975.  Average days on  market: 45. The lowest sales price was $164,950 and the highest was $2.727 million.

Fewer homes sold this September than last, however days on  market are fewer and median sales price is up–a consistent trend this year.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through September 2015, 268 homes sold with a median list price of $326,777 and a median sales price of $325,000 with 38 days on market.   

From January through September 2014, 219 homes sold. The median list price was $320,000 and median sales price was $306,000 and 37 days on market.

More homes are selling in Brookside this year, and sellers are getting very close to list price.  The last three months of the year are usually slower for home sales…we’ll see how much of a drop off we experience or if closed sales will outpace last year.

Currently there are 58 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113, with a median list price of $539,950 and 68 days on market.  Fourteen homes are priced over $1million–so if that is  your price range, there is a lot to chose from!

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

How to Manuever Around the KC Marathon on Saturday 10/17/15

Posted on by
Reply

How will Brookside/Waldo residents maneuver around marathon race runners on Saturday Oct 17? It will be very difficult. The race begins downtown, and traffic will be pretty much stopped from 47th St on the Plaza through 75th Street from 8am through 2pm.  Here is some information you should know to plan ahead:

*Police will slowly open up the streets to traffic once the last runners pass through a particular area. For example, as runners leave the downtown/midtown area heading towards Plaza/Brookside/Waldo, those streets will open to traffic. Most of our area will close off at 8am and not open up until after 1pm.

*If you live east of Brookside Boulevard, get to Oak or Troost to travel south. (If you go north, you won’t make it past UMKC until after 1:30 or 2pm).  DO NOT try to drive west, you will not be able to cross Brookside Blvd or Wornall or Ward Parkway. You CAN use 71 highway to go north.

*If you want to get to Kansas, take Main St south of 61st St (or Oak /Troost)  all the way to 79th or 85th and then go west.  Expect heavier traffic on these east/west routes, and along State Line Road.

*Residents who live between Ward Parkway and Brookside Blvd/Wornall Road will find it very difficult to maneuver outside of these street boundaries between 8am-1:00pm.  Within this loop, police will be at the larger intersections directing traffic.

*Race organizers have done a great job of notifying businesses and residents in the affected areas of the route through a direct mail postcard—hopefully you saved it for reference! Detailed information on road closures is indicated on the card.

Race organizers tell me the police will let traffic cross the course IF there is a safe distance between runners. Over 10,000 participants total are expected. For the full marathon that runs through Brookside/Waldo, there are 1500 runners. There will be some breaks for backed up traffic to drive through—police will make the call.  You can find a detailed map of the route at www.sportkc.org/marathon/race-information.

Your best bet is to sleep in, have breakfast at home, and leave the car in the drive until after 2pm. Of course you can also bike or walk to shops and services, or come out to cheer on the runners!

Posted on by
Reply

The home buying season is winding down now as we head into the cooler weather. However, Waldo homes have continued to sell well, and quickly, through the month of August.  Here are the single family home sales stats for Waldo, using the boundaries of  State Line to Holmes, and Gregory to 85th:

In August  2015, 23 homes sold with a median list price of $124,950 and a median sales price of $125,000 and 29 days on market.  The lowest closed sales price was $45,000 and the highest was $255,000.

In  August  2014, 21 homes sold with a median list price of $175,000 and a median sales price of $169,900 with 42 days on  market.  

As you can see, the sales price was a smidge higher than the list price–that could mean a few homes sold for over asking price, or closing costs were added to the list price.  The reason the median price this year was so much lower than last year was in August 2014: there were three sales in this geographic area over $200K, including one at $310K.  Most Waldo homes sell for under $200K, although the highest sale so far this year was $255,000.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through August 2015, 239 homes have sold with a median sales price of $154,500 and 34 days on market.

From January through August 2014, 204 homes had sold with a median sales price of $141,800 and 48 days on market.

Waldo home prices are up overall since last year, and on the market for fewer days.  Demand for updated, well priced homes in Waldo is strong! Currently there are 29 homes for sale, with a median list price of $127,500 and 72 days on market.

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

Meyer Fest This Weekend in Brookside – Oct 9-10, 2015

Posted on by
2

Meyer festThe most beautiful season in Kansas City? Many people would say Autumn because of the warm days, cool nights and brilliant fall colors on the trees. And one of the most welcoming, friendly communities in Brookside is St Peter’s Parish. Fall and festivals go together, so this weekend you are invited to the St. Peter’s Meyer Fest, now in it’s second year. In the past, the church held a parish “fiesta” on the school grounds geared towards parishioners and school families. Meyer Fest is an expanded street party and carnival , welcome to anyone in the area who wants to join in the fun!

Here’s a brief schedule of events:

Friday October 9, 2015

6pm-10pm– Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off at KC Bier Co, 310 W. 79th St in Waldo

Saturday October 10, 2015

9am-3pm — Carnival at St Peter’s, 815 E Meyer, with games, crafts and activities for kids.

10:30am and noon —  Performances from the Starlight Theater STARS of Tomorrow.

1:00pm  — Battle of the Bands!

6pm-10:30pm  —  Live music from The Bryan Hicks Quartet, The Rainmakers and Boogie Wonderland, plus dancing and food trucks.

Ticket prices range from $5-$20, depending on activity and can be purchased online with NO additional fees! Proceeds from Meyer Fest benefit the St Peter’s Food Pantry and their sister parish in El Salvador.

Volunteers are needed, so if you want to get involved, visit the website for details. Thanks, St. Peter’s, for hosting another community event for Brookside/Waldo neighbors!

It’s A Sellers’ Market for Armour Hills Homes in Brookside

Posted on by
Reply

PrintNo bargaining regarding home prices last month in Armour Hills…the four properties that sold were at or over list price!  It’s a sellers’ market in my neighborhood–the well-priced, move in ready homes can have multiple offers or sell at asking price.  Here are the  the details for single family home sales In Armour Hills (Brookside) for August 2015:

In August 2015,four homes sold with a median list price $277,500 and a sales price of $280,000 with 11 days on market.   Two homes were sold over the list price, two homes sold at asking price.

In August 2014, two homes sold with a median list price of $244,925; a median sales price of $243,475 and four days on the market.  

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through August 2015, 61 homes have sold with a median list and sales price of $265,000 and 29 days on market.

From January through August 2014, 43 homes sold with a median list and  sales price of $239,950 and 31 days on market.   

We’ve had fifteen homes sell in Armour Hills at or over $300K; last year at this time, ten had sold at or over $300K.  The lowest sales price this year was $142,500 and the highest is $461,000K.

Currently there are 12 homes for sales in Armour Hills; the median list price is $239,475 and 38 days on market.

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

New Spice Shop in Brookside – Perfect for Browsing and Buying

Posted on by
Reply
Savory Spice in Brookside

Savory Spice in Brookside

Need inspiration for dinner ideas? Looking for a unique yet practical gift for a friend? Ready to start holiday shopping early?? Stop by the new Savory Spice store at 6245 Brookside Blvd and spend some time browsing …you will be inspired!

This shop overflows with all kinds of spices, rubs, specialty salts and peppers plus pre-packaged blends for dips and specialty baking ingredients. The products are ground and milled in Colorado, then sent in bulk to the Kansas City store where they are bottled and labeled. I especially like the recipe cards that are available in each area of the store to inspire you as you browse; more recipes and detailed descriptions of the blends and spices are on the website. If you love popcorn–there are several blends to spice up your next bowl! Many of the blends can be used in different ways: for example, as a dip or  salad dressing just by adding a few other ingredients.

Unique to this store are the ‘recipes to go’ displayed at a table by the front window (near the samples!!). These bags have pre-measured spices and directions so you can easily whip up some pickled carrots or red onion marmalade. Also, you can buy as little as one or two ounces of the blends and spices to try several different flavors and see which ones you like best. As for gift ideas, customers can put together personailzed gift boxes with help from the staff or purchase a pre-made box from the display.

Amber Helm and Chris Curtis

Amber Helm and Chris Curtis

You may have seen Savory Spice stores in other cities; this particular location is ‘company owned’ by the Colorado couple who started the chain. The store manager is Chris Curtis, who worked at Jacobson’s; the assistant manager is Amber Helm who came from Pinstripes. In talking with Chris and Amber, it’s obvious they know the product they are selling and have a strong emphasis on customer service. Although the store has been open less than a month, so far the most popular spice blend is Pike’s Peak Butcher’s Rub (for meat), plus the different varieties of vanilla flavors for baking.  All products are MSG free, and it’s recommended you use the ground spices and blends within 6-9 months for peak flavors.

Brookside could become a mecca for home cooks and professional chefs now with two stores emphasizing spices and specialty ingredients–remember Season+Square at 6205 Oak. Savory Spice is open Monday through Friday 11am-7pm; Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday noon-5.

New Pre School Opens September 2015 in Brookside/Waldo Area

Posted on by
Reply

Brookside/Waldo families now have another preschool option: Rhyme&Reason Preschool of the Arts at 7100 Main St, inside the New Reform Temple, opens this month! (Note: the school is renting space, there is no religious affiliation).   This is a wonderful addition to our neighborhood, and the two sisters operating the school are so very excited to show off their new space to prospective children, their parents, and the community.

Rhyme&Reason has a unique focus as well–their mission is to ‘encourage, inspire and guide every child through a school based on community, experience and learning through the arts”. All types of art will be introduced to kids at the school, and incorporated into their everyday activities.

Ashley Held and Brittany Margolies

Ashley Held and Brittany Margolies

The twin sisters in charge, Ashley Held and Brittany Margolies, have worked in preschools for the past ten years. Both have a BFA in Visual Arts and Design from KU, and Brittany earned her master’s degree in education from UMKC. Ashley and Brittany believe they are offering a ‘fresh take on preschool’ , combining their passion for art, design and children. They were inspired by another pre-school focusing on the arts: Sweet Pea Cottage in Seattle.

Rhyme&Reason classroom

Rhyme&Reason classroom

When I met with Ashley and Brittany, they explained what makes the school different: the classrooms are mixed ages (from 2-5, no potty training required) and every week there is a different ‘theme’ to focus on . For example, one theme could be the human body. Teachers and students would discuss the body in circle time; a nurse would be brought in as a guest speaker; the kids would examine different medical equipment and how it’s used, etc. In addition, each month the school will feature a different artist and incorporate him or her in various activities. If Rauschenberg was the featured artist, various types of collage work would be incorporated into activities during the month.

rhyme classroom blueRhyme&Reason offers two light-filled classrooms featuring games, puzzles, a sensory table, pretend play area and various toys and books. There is a garden to explore just outside the front door. It is a nut-free campus and the school provides a daily snack; students bring a sack lunch. There is also video surveillance and secured entry to the building. The school year runs from September through May, and for this Fall, offers a morning session only from 8:30-12:30. They hope to add an afternoon session in February.   Rhyme&Reason is community focused: they will teach the kids about volunteering, and want to bring in community leaders like a local chef to help the young ones with cooking classes (there is a  full kitchen) or a high school teacher to help with science experiments. Volunteers are welcome here!

If you, or someone you know, is searching for a pre-school in the Brookside/Waldo area, check out Rhyme&Reason Preschool of the Arts. You can reach Ashley or Brittany at teacher@rhymeandreasonschool.com.

Rising Home Prices in Armour Hills (Brookside)-July 2015 Stats

Posted on by
Reply

PrintHomebuyers continue to see our Armour Hills subdivision as a desirable place to purchase a house.  Of course they do!  We have a lovely park in the middle of our neighborhood; residents can walk to Brookside/Waldo shops; public transportation is easily accessible and the Trolley Track Trail borders the west side of our area.  Here are the July 2015 home sales stats for Armour Hills in Brookside, Kansas City MO.  It’s all good news for buyers and sellers!

In July 2015, twelve homes sold with a median list price and sales price of $269,000 with 40 days on market.     

In July 2014, seven homes sold with a median list price of $269,250; a median sales price of $259,143 and 78 days on the market.  

Notice the median list price and sales price was the same for July 2015–that’s because we had seven homes–more than half–sell for list price or a little above list price! Buyers don’t have much negotiating power in their offers when inventory is so low and homes are updated and priced at market value.  The lowest sales price last month was $212,500 and the highest was $425,000..

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through July 2015, 57 homes have sold with a median list and sales price of $265,000 and 32 days on market.

From January through July 2014, 41 homes sold with a median list and  sales price of $239,950 and 33 days on market.   

Home values are up 10% year to date, and more properties are selling. Welcome new neighbors!

Currently there are 10 homes for sales in Armour Hills; the lowest list price is $208,900 and the highest is $400,000 with 15 days on market. Median list price is $249,000.

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