Category Archives: Waldo Community News

Fun for Everyone–Create Something at Waldo’s Create Space KC!

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Today I’m writing to tell you about a new business in Waldo that appeals to people of all ages; it’s a place everyone can enjoy and feel welcome; it’s a spot where you can spend the afternoon just having fun with an art project or learning a new skill…it is Create Space KC at 209 E Gregory, just a few steps east of McLain’s Bakery.

Create Space KC is the invention of Meghan Throckmorton, an art teacher at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.  Meghan says she “daydreamed about something like this for a long time.  I wanted a place the community could use; where people could come together and interact in person, putting away the screens for a while.  I also talked to many neighbors about they wanted to see in a place like this.”

So what exactly is Create Space KC? It’s a versatile, open space of 1500 sf, where Meghan and other local teachers host workshops in art, dance, yoga, gift-making and music.  Meghan stresses it’s not school, it’s recreation:  parents and kids can take a painting class together or drop in an ‘open studio’ to create their own projects.  There’s yoga for all ages (even “goodnight yoga”), plus ballroom dancing, juggling and ukulele classes. Meghan wants to add even more options. One of the unique things about Create Space KC  is that outside clubs can rent the space for get togethers and to teach classes; for example, there’s a photography club that gathers at the space and offers a class; same with ballroom dancing. Prices are very reasonable; averaging around $15 per session. Meghan encourages teachers and club leaders to contact her to discuss details of what they can offer for the monthly calendar of events. She’s actively looking for people who would like to come in and teach other special skills. 

Create Space KC also has winter break and snow day camps for area kids; parents can register for a morning or afternoon session or several sessions in the same week. Meghan also rents the space for private parties, holding up to 30 people or so.

Check out the Create Space KC website for more details or just drop in sometime as you are walking by! This is a very creative and useful addition to our neighborhood, especially during the colder winter months when you are longing to get out and do something different with the family. Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses!

World’s Window–A Unique Brookside Shop Still Going Strong!

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This is the time of year when many people focus on gift giving…and often think “where can I buy something that’s a little out of the ordinary?”.  For many shoppers, the answer could be World’s Window in Brookside.

I wanted to write a blog about Worlds Window because this is one of the oldest, locally owned stores in the Brookside shops, serving our neighborhood for the past 23 years! Stopping by the shop recently, I chatted with owner Jan Buerge.  She explained how World’s Window came to be.

 Before Brookside, World’s Window was located in Westport—the shop started off in a small stall off Pennsylvania.   When Westport started focusing on bars and eateries, Jan and her husband decided to move the store to Brookside—close to their home.  They focus on “folk art and fine design”, says Jan.  “We like to sell interesting, well made things, from companies that commit to Fair Trade principles.”.  Jan  values talking directly to many of her suppliers and artisans based around the world.   

Of course like so many other retailers, World’s Window has been affected by the COVID pandemic.  The shop was closed for several weeks, and Jan quickly pivoted to online sales.  One unique way she kept sales going via the web was by publishing a newsletter every day, with the theme  Around the World in 80 Days.  Jan wrote about individual vendors  and told their very personal stories.    “The resilience and creativity of the human spirit is amazing” she explained, regarding how her contacts throughout the world were dealing with the pandemic and yet kept going. You can read the 80 days of stories at the World’s Window website.

Jan hopes to resurrect her annual Rose Brooks “Flipping Favorites”  fundraiser next year, where shop patrons bring in gently used clothing to donate to Rose Brooks, in exchange for a discount coupon for the store.  Throughout the holidays, you  can still donate to Rose Brooks (a domestic violence emergency shelter) when shopping in the store by donating $5 through a “dip jar” as your purchases are festively wrapped for the season.  “Of course you can dip your credit card in the jar as many times as you would like”, says Jan.  “What a great way to share in celebrating this Season of Joy”.

There are just so many fun things to explore in this store: you’ll find comfortable and festive clothing,  colorful scarves, stocking stuffers, candles, jewelry and even jeans!  There’s all kinds of folk art, candles, ZUM products, socks and gloves, tree ornaments and a large section of children’s items in the back of the store. 

World’s Window is sure to have something unique and special for that hard to buy for person—and for yourself!  Stop in the shop at 332 W 63rd St; hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday.

Waldo Welcomes Waldo Flats!

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Being a homeowner isn’t for everyone…many people prefer the “lock and go” convenience of an apartment or condo. However, there are very few apartment/condo complexes in Waldo. That recently changed as Waldo now offers a brand new apartment building, located in the heart of our neighborhood.  222 Waldo Flats recently opened at 222 W 75th St, just steps away from the lively 75th and Wornall intersection, and I stopped by recently to take a look.

Andrew Ganahl and Diane Botwin

Upon entering the spacious lobby, featuring a colorful, commissioned textile art piece,  I was greeted by co- owners Diane Botwin and Andrew Ganahl.  You may have heard of Diane—she owns several commercial properties in Waldo; Andrew is originally from California, now lives in Kansas City and has developed two apartment projects in the Crossroads.  Partnering with Slaggie Architects, they have created   sleek, modern, yet very comfortable flats.   Studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units are available.  Each comes with all the necessary appliances, including washer/dryer, and most have balconies.  There is a secured package room and bike room; parking is available for an extra fee; pets are OK and the building is wired for Google Fiber.  Littlefield Eye Associates has commercial space on the first floor, and there is another smaller spot available for retail or service business.

What impressed me about these apartments are the extra details:  not all are exactly alike. Some have darker cabinets; some have traditional white. There are high end finishes, including tiled showers, quartz counters and large windows (that open!) to bring in plenty of natural light and fresh air.  Even the smaller studio apartments “live”  like a one bedroom unit. Monthly rent starts at $1025. 

Of course, one of the best features of this building is the location.  As Diane said, “Our amenity is Waldo.  Waldo has its own personality and our building fits in.  We have a great group of multigenerational tenants; it’s very inviting to young and old.” Andrew continued:  “We wanted to be in an area where people could walk to everything”.  Within a few steps of the front door: pharmacy, grocery,  library, several restaurants, coffee shop, bike shop,  hardware store, bars and convenient bus stop. Everything Waldo is right here!

If you are interested in touring Waldo Flats, you can request an appointment or find more information on their website. 

Wine Tasting Room Opens in Waldo

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Waldo is known for it’s small specialty shops, restaurants and services.  Now thee is anotherunique new place just opened you should know about…Marco Polo Selections.  It’s a wine tasting room and event space at 336 W 75th St, a few steps away from the new West Waldo 222 Flats. 

I stopped in recently and spoke with co owners Emily Maher and Nate Riley, who have been friends since high school.  Emily has been raising a family and ran a personal organizing business; Nate has extensive experience working with restaurant suppliers and wine distributors.  One day Nate called Emily saying “I have an idea…..” and Marco Polo Selections was born.

Their tagline is “rare times, rare wines”—and that phrase works on so many levels!  The pandemic has reworked the way we think, play and travel—every moment of a “normal” life is a gift so don’t waste it!  Explore new places, new foods, new wines..and this is a shop where you can get wines you can’t get anywhere else in the city.  Started as an online liquor store, Marco Polo Selections features all “old world wines”,  as Nate explained, from small family run vineyards in  Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Argentina.  Wine flights of four varieties are $25, and most bottles range in price from $13-$25.  The space is small, intimate yet casual and very friendly.  “There’s no pretense or intimidation here” said Nathan.  “It’s a big old world out there and we want to help people enjoy it”.

One of the unique features of Marco Polo Selections is you are welcome to bring in your own food:  grab some take out from nearby Jovito’s or Waldo Pizza; or have Uber Eats bring you a meal.  You can take your time tasting various wines while enjoying dinner!  There’s really no other place like this in Kansas City.  You can also  book Marco Polo Selections for a private event, and they have access to the shaded outdoor courtyard in the back for extra space.  Currently the hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm-8pm.  Nate explained they were very busy several weeks ago when the mask mandate was dropped and we all thought most of the population would be vaccinated by summer’s end.  Now that the mask mandate is back in place, traffic has dropped off some.  Still, this is a new, locally owned business and the buzz is spreading.  It has a totally different vibe from your usual Waldo bar—a place where you can taste and learn about different wines, have a conversation without shouting and enjoy yourself chatting with friends.

Next time you are looking for something a little different to do–make a visit to Marco Polo Selections at 336 W 75th St. Catch them on Instagram at marcopoloselections.

Taco Cacao Now in Waldo

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Just about every week I find myself craving Mexican food…especially in the warmer summer months. Do you feel the same? We have several local options in the Brookside/Waldo area, so why drive into a generic chain for the taco fix? Support Local!

Taco Cacao opened several weeks ago at 7927 Wornall. This is a taco and burrito food truck. Readers, usually I contact the owner/manager to get some background information for the blog–but the contact I had for Taco Cacao did not return my call. So this blog is just the basics…

The food is hot and inexpensive. There are all kinds of taco and burrito combinations, vegetarian included, and all items are to go. Beverages include Coke, Sprite and Jarritto Mexican Soda. There is a picnic table next to the truck–however it’s pretty noisy with all the Wornall traffic whizzing by. I saw several customers eating in their parked cars! Other options include purchasing “family packs” and three salsas by the pound! When I stopped in, it was around 2:30 in the afternoon and for a snack, I ordered a black bean/rice taco topped with guacamole. By the time I got back to my office about ten minutes away–the food was still hot, wrapped tightly in foil inside the styrofoam box. Fresh guac!! The man I spoke with was friendly and service oriented. I’ll be making this a regular stop for a quick lunch or dinner!

This photo above is actually on the building just behind the truck. I was wondering if the food for the truck is cooked inside? But as I was not able to speak with a manager, it’s a mystery–along with why the logo is a pig in a taco??

TacoCacao is located at 7927 Wornall, that’s on east side of Wornall, on the corner next to 79th Terrace. It’s actually easier to park on 79th Terrace and walk up the street to order. The food truck is open Monday – Saturday 11-3 and 5-8; Sundays 11-3. You can order online as well. Thank you for supporting small business in Waldo!

Brookside Farmers Market -Opens Saturday!

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Grab your tote bag and get ready for the Brookside Farmers’ Market’s Opening Day on Saturday, April 10, 2021!

The market has been available the past few months on a smaller scale; Saturday marks the season’s opener, featuring more booths and goods ready for purchase. Vendors focus on local and sustainably grown produce, meats, home made baked goods and crafts. Same location: HJ’s Community Center at 6425 Wornall Rd from 8-1pm. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming–often you’ll hear some live music as you stroll among the booths.

Please remember to bring a bag to carry your goodies and a mask!

New Shop in Brookside-Locally Owned Brow Bar

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Ladies…have you been thinking of sprucing up your look for the warm months ahead…when, hopefully, masks won’t be as necessary and others can see your entire face?!?  And for the gents..do you have a special someone that could use some pampering?  Check out one of Brookside’s newest businesses, Brow Bar, offering “beauty treatments with a spa attitude”.

Brow Bar, 328 W 63rd St

I stopped by Brow Bar recently and talked with owner Tammy Sciara about this new shop that opened in December.  Brow Bar offers all kinds of skincare and beauty services, including cosmetic injectables, microblading, eyelash and brow enhancements, facials, waxing and make up consultations. The store has a welcoming, calm vibe with a very friendly staff that really cater to their clients.  Tammy says “I want my customers to feel fully transported when they come here; I want the shop to feel like a private retreat”.  She even created a special relaxing room in the middle of the space for just that purpose; customers can sit and relax before and after their appointments. 

Brow Bar’s Relaxing Area

In addition to the special beauty services, BrowBar offers several lines of unique, clean products for the face and body:  Leahlani, organic products from Maui; MerSea, a line of candles and diffusers based in Lenexa; Lover cosmetics (founder Ashley Rodden lives in KC and keeps regular hours at Brow Bar for make up consultations),  Soap Cherie,  botanica based body products,   and Savor/Beauty, a small batch, certified organic line of Korean beauty inspired products from New York..  Any woman would enjoy indulging in these clean, fresh make up and body products!

Tammy Sciara

How did BrowBar get started? Tammy explained that after having her second baby, she was busy “chasing around the little ones, more worried about if they ate their breakfast and brushed their teeth than if I looked in the mirror before leaving the house”.   As part of a post baby makeover, she had microblading done.  “The thought of never having to spend time coloring in my brows was heaven!” but the experience of having it done was not what she expected.  “It wasn’t relaxing or service oriented at all. It was actually a bit terrifying!  It got me thinking about all of the beauty services I had done through the years. I knew I could do it in a different way”.  After several months of research, Tammy and her good friend (and co-owner) Nicole Baldwin started Brow Bar.  (Nicole is a semi-permanent make up artist). “I wanted to open a studio that was upscale, modern, relaxing and private at the same time”.   Her first location was in a building on the Plaza and, being a long time Brookside resident herself, decided to switch locations to 63rd St when this spot opened up.  “We have so much more space, as well as the opportunity to sell our unique beauty and skincare products that Brookside needs!”

Stop in Brow Bar the next time you are strolling along 63rd St for a look! A gift certificate to Brow Bar would be a welcome Mother’s Day gift. The address is 328 W. 63rd St, just west of Stuff. 

Celebrate Waldo Week Feb 19-25, 2021

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It’s time for the annual Waldo Week celebration, now in it’s sixth year! Starting tomorrow, Feb. 19 and running through Thurs Feb 25, there are all sorts of special deals and discounts to take advantage of in Waldo. This is a perfect time to support your usual favorite shops and restaurants, and an even better time to check out some places you may not have visited before!

Here’s a partial list of participating businesses:

Centered Spirit, Hawthorne and Ivy, Moonshot Hair, Hiles Two, Boru, Jovito’s, Pedego Electric Bikes; Summit Grill/South of Summit, Governor Stumpy’s, SOAP Refill Station, The Well, Waldo Pizza, Teamwork Sports KC, Eclectics.

Check www.waldokc.org for the complete list. There will also be an online auction this year to benefit Cornerstones of Care. Remember, you must mention Waldo Week to get the discount or special deal.

Thank you for supporting our locally owned Waldo businesses!

KC Restaurant Week 2021 Happening Now

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I’m happy to report that Kansas City Restaurant Week is still happening this year, and it starts today! You have ten days to sample new places, visit old favorites and support many locally owned eateries that have been struggling during the pandemic. The official dates are Jan 8-17, 2021 and over 100 restaurants are participating this year.

You can dine in, or order take out or have your meal delivered. So easy! Prices are $15 for lunch and $35/$45 for dinner. Make your reservations early for dine in and if you order carry out or delivery, please be patient–these eateries should be very busy this week! Remember, part of the proceeds from each sale benefit the Don Bosco Centers.

Below is a list of the Brookside and Waldo eateries that are participating in KC Restaurant Week. Check this website for specific meal specials, not the individual restaurant website.

Aixois 251 E 55th St

Boru Asian Eatery 500 W 75th St

Charlie Hooper’s 12 W 63rd St

Lew’s Grill and Bar 7539 Wornall

Michael Forbes 128 W 63rd St

Plate Restaurant 701 E 63rd St

South of Summit Taqueria 516 W 75th St

Summit Grill 520 W 75th St

Urban Cafe 5500 Troost

Waldo PIzza 7433 Broadway

The Well 7421 Broadway

Thank you for supporting locally owned Brookside/Waldo restaurants!

The Never-Ending Street Construction in Brookside/Waldo

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Hello and Happy 2021!! Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday break. Now we are in, to me, the most boring time of year. But, we have the Chiefs to cheer on in the playoffs!!!!

OK, down to business. I’m sure you’ve noticed all the construction along several streets in Kansas City:  63rd, Wornall, 75th and Gregory.  I travel these streets every day and have been dodging cones, workers, steel plates and weaving along trying to stay in one skinny lane with oncoming traffic!   What is happening??

How many cones are you dodging each time you drive through our neighborhood?

I called Sean Ackerson, Executive Director of the Southtown Council for more information.  He explained that Spire Gas and their subcontractors are doing utility work along these streets, replacing the 100 year old cast iron main gas lines.  This new high pressure system they are installing creates a more efficient distribution system.

The construction work is taking longer than usual because, well, these projects usually do!  There was a lot of exploratory work in the beginning to find and mark the water and sewer lines so they could map out the new gas pipes. This project started over two years ago—and there’s still several months to go before it’s finished.  And when the winter weather hits, everything stops as the crews can’t work in rain, snow and ice.  I asked Sean if there was a possible end date in sight, and he replied:  “We have the schedule they gave us, but it’s not reliable due to the unpredictability of weather and other scheduled breaks for holidays.”  After the gas lines are set, then the work moves to adjoin the adjacent business and residential properties along these streets to the new main lines.  This can involve moving gas meters outside of the properties as well.

Staging area for supplies along Brookside Road

Another big project planned for Brookside – which has the potential to be even more disruptive—is separating the storm and sanitary sewer lines underground.  This project was mandated by the EPA several years ago—and it’s one reason your water bills go higher and higher.  This will involve ripping up the streets once again.

It’s unfortunate that these major projects can’t be coordinated, so there isn’t so much disruption.  Just be careful and patient when travelling along these streets in Brookside, watching for the workers, cones and detours.  And make an extra effort to support those local businesses who’s storefronts are affected!  Whenever it’s all finished—one year, five years, it’s all needed infrastructure improvement for our neighborhood.