2018 Brookside Art Fair This Weekend-May 4-6!

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

I always felt like the Brookside Art Annual really starts off the summer season of festive outdoor events, even though technically it’s still Spring! This is the 33rd year for the art fair. Here are the details:

Hours are Fri 5-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 11am-5pm. Free activities for kids on Saturday and Sunday; music in the evening, and local Brookside businesses (Carmen’s Cafe, Charlie Hooper’s, Avenue Bistro, Sweet and Simple) will have food booths for noshing and drink. Please do not bring pets!

The Art Annual is set up between 63rd St and Meyer Blvd, just east of the tennis courts. Watch for extra pedestrians, strollers and children in the area this weekend. It is easiest to park a few blocks away and walk to the tents. Be sure to stop in one of Brookside’s many shops/restaurants/services while you are in the neighborhood! We appreciate our local business owners and the Brookside Business Assn that coordinates this popular event every year.

New Community Space Opens in Brookside

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

If your Brookside/Waldo home has a front porch—you know how relaxing and welcoming the space can be. For those of us without that amenity, please enjoy the new front porch at HJ’s Youth and Community Center, 6425 Wornall. The sleek new building joins the campus of St Andrew’s Episcopal Church at Meyer and Wornall. HJ’s gathering place is open to all area residents, not just members of the church.

Father John Spicer, Rector, at St Andrew’s, has been watching the construction go on the past several months. He’s so excited about the new space, and eager to show it off to the Brookside/Waldo residents. As he explained to me, “We want this building to be a place of intersection between the church and the community.” St Andrew’s Youth Ministry will meet here, along with Boy Scout Troup 16 (here for more than 90 years!). Other groups are welcome: community meetings, business associations, classes for couples and parenting, financial seminars. Special events like wedding receptions, anniversary and birthday parties can be hosted in the space; there is a catering prep space/kitchen (alcohol permitted) and there will be a staffed coffee/snack bar with a special Roasterie Blend coffee named for the church. So if you are weary of working from home, or need a break while walking the trail, stop in the lobby of HJ’s, grab a beverage and relax on the patio!

front

A lot of dedicated, design conscious thought went into the appearance and amenities of the outside of the building so as to engage the neighborhood residents and passers-by. On the east side, there is a fire pit on a patio (pictured at left) and a water station. A bike repair area will soon be installed for those who use the Trolley Track Trail. Father John hopes to host summer movie nights on the building’s east wall. The front porch will have Adirondack chairs and a bike rack. And notice the large steel WELCOME sign on the west and south side of the building!

HJ’s Youth and Community Center will host an Open House for the neighborhood this Saturday, April 28 from 1-3pm. Please stop by and see this beautiful space that everyone is welcome to use and enjoy. Oh—and if you are wondering about the pumpkin and Christmas tree sales, they will still take place here! For more information, call the church at 816 523 1602. Online space reservations will soon be available at www.hjsbrookside.org

welcome

World’s Window Hosting Annual Clothing Drive

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

worlds window Our locally owned Brookside/Waldo shops are so generous in giving back to our community. They donate gift cards to school fundraisers, host fundraising events for local organizations and really go beyond the usual grind of being an independent shop to actively helping others who need it.

World’s Window in Brookside is hosting it’s annual “Flipping Favorites” clothing drive for Rose Brooks Center, now through early May. Rose Brooks Center is an emergency shelter for women and children escaping violence and abuse. World’s Window hosts this event twice a year.

Here’s how it works: bring in new or gently used women’s clothing, clean and on hangars to the shop at 332 W 63rd St. (L and XL sizes are in great demand). In return for your contribution, you will receive a gift certificate to use at the “Flipping Favorites Sock Hop Party” on May 10, where you can shop the donated clothes. Whatever doesn’t sell is donated to Rose Brooks Center.

So clean out your closet and get those gently worn or new clothes to World’s Window in the next two weeks! Hours at the shop are Mon-Sat 10-6, Thursdays till 7, and Sunday 12-5pm.

Thank you for supporting this very important non profit organization…and our locally owned World’s Window!

Bella Napoli Changes It’s Coffee Bar

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

You may have heard Bella Napoli is ‘closing’ it’s coffee bar. Not true! It’s the concept and hours that are changing!

Starting today, Monday April 16, the coffee bar will open at 10am, along with the deli and market. You can get coffee (or expresso, latte, etc) but no pastries or drinks with syrup. Owner Jake Imperiale says he’s changing the concept to “do it the Italian way” –meaning no coffee ‘to go’. Come in, order your beverage; it will be served on china and then you can sit down at a table and take the time to really enjoy your beverage. (And if you’ve ever been to Italy, you know that is the true Italian way to have a coffee. Linger and appreciate your drink, take the time to chat with your companion or sit and contemplate the day.)

Bella Napoli has been a Brookside fixture since April 2001. It’s here you will find fresh Italian deli meats, cheeses and sandwiches, along with imported wines, olive oil, vinegar, pastas, olives and other treats. Lunch and dinner are also offered, in a cozy, comfortable, space. There are plenty of places to get a ‘grab and go’ coffee in Brookside–now when you want to relax and savor the real Italian experience, come to Bella Napoli. New hours are 10am-9pm Monday though Thursday; Friday and Saturday 10am-10pm; closed on Sunday.

Thank you for supporting locally owned Brookside/Waldo businesses!

Brookside Farmers’ Market Opens Saturday

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

farmer Another sign of Spring! The Brookside Farmers’ Market opens this weekend, Saturday April 14, 2018 for the season. Location is the same: southeast corner of 63rd and Wornall, at Border Star elementary school.

There are many farmers’ markets in the metro area; what makes this one a bit different is that all vendors live within 100 miles of the market and the goods they sell are “organic and sustainable”. Besides fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers, there are various meats for sale, baked goods, snacks, and some vegan/gluten free items. The market accepts KS Vision and MO SNAP forms of payment. It’s helpful if you bring your own bag to the market!

With the crazy weather we’ve had, there may not be an abundance of fresh produce on opening day. However, there is always something tasty to purchase!

Thank you for supporting our local Brookside Farmers’ Market. Hours are 8am-1pm every Saturday through October.

Major Construction Work Planned for 75th and Wornall Area

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Wonderful Waldo!

Wornall Road in the heart of Waldo seems to be a never ending construction site, and will continue that way for the next few years. Here’s a summary of what’s going on:

*This week, contractors will start drilling around 75th and Wornall. The work is related to the bigger (and much needed) 75th/Wornall improvement project. There will be lane closures on both sides of Wornall from approximately 74th to 79th St area for several days.

*The 75th/Wornall improvement project involves a redesign of the parking lot in front of Waldo Pizza; creating a new Trolley Track extension (dedicated path) outside that lot; updated sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting; plus installation of islands to slow down traffic at that congested intersection. Major work on this project is slated to start early next year and finish in late 2020.

*The “sewer separation project” is underway along W 77th and W 85th, Grand and Summit Streets, bringing new storm and sanitary lines underground and some sewer line rehab. This project is ongoing through 2019.

*The “Smart Sewer Project” involves water main line replacement along 75th St from Holmes to State Line, beginning in mid 2019 through 2020.

Our tax dollars at work! Yes, it is challenging to drive, bike or walk around road closures in these areas however, all of this work is so necessary. I’m especially excited about the 75th/Wornall improvements as that is such a congested intersection. It is the ‘front door’ of Waldo! After the project is completed, the area will look much more inviting to pedestrians and help traffic flow better.

Please be courteous and aware of construction workers in the area as they work to make our neighborhood better for all! Have a positive attitude, focusing on the outcome rather than the temporary inconvenience.

To keep up on details of these projects, check this webpage for updates: www.kcmo.gov/publicworks/wornall.

Waldo Home Sales Report-Feb 2018

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Waldo is again in high demand for home buyers–final sales prices are (at times) thousands of dollars over the list price. Here are the Feb 2018 single family home sales stats for Waldo, using the area of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:

February 2018 February 2017

Median list price: $149,950 Median list price: $192,950

Median sales price: $160,000 Median sales price: $180,000

No. of homes sold: 27 No. of homes sold: 26

Days on market: 24 Days on market: 31

Look at that median sales price, $11K over list price! Last month there was a one bedroom, one bath home listed at $90K and sold for $110K–$20,000 over asking price for a one bedroom home! I really feel for the buyers, who get so discouraged losing out in bidding wars. More inventory will open up over the next three months.

Here are year-to-date stats:

Jan-Feb 2018 Jan-Feb 2017

Median list price: $161,250 Median list price: $171,350

Median sales price: $161,500 Median sales price: $168,375

No. of homes sold: 46 No. of homes sold: 52

Days on market: 23 Days on market: 31

So far this year sellers are getting at least asking price; many times more than that. I think many of these lower price range buyers realize–rents are going way up, why pay someone else’s mortgage when you can buy and have a house payment similar to rent? The challenge is finding a well maintained, updated home with a lower budget. It will be another strong year for Waldo home sales!

Currently there are 16 active listings, with a median price of $218,500 and 6 days on market.

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

Street Work Along Wornall–Never Ending!

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Last November I wrote a blog post about lane closures along Wornall, south of 75th St, due to gas lines being replaced.

Surprise! Still happening this year!

I spoke with Mario Vasquez from the KCMO Public Works department recently–he explained that Spire Energy is still working on installing a new gas main line along Wornall. The work will continue for the next few weeks as the company is also doing the roadway patching after the new line is in place.

In addition to this work, there was a water main break recently at 7814 Wornall so the water department had to repair the leak and patch up the holes. That break added to the street closures.

There is so much going on along the stretch of Wornall from 75th to 85th Streets that KCMO has created a new page on their website to keep the public updated:

www.kcmo.gov/wornall

Expect lane closures for the next several weeks and…just plan on taking an alternate route if possible to save yourself some traffic hassles!

Wornall and 85th Shopping Area Slated for Renovation

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Today’s blog will tell you about the planned renovation changes for the northwest corner of 85^th and Wornall in Waldo—where the Price Chopper is located. This shopping area (“Wornall Village Shopping Center”) has been looking a bit shabby and run down over the years, and I’m excited share the news about the renovation!

price chapper

The Tutera Group, along with Nolte and Associates are planning to refresh this strip mall and hope to make it more pedestrian friendly. The biggest change sounds like it will be the remodeled Price Chopper store—a total inside renovation, plus moving the truck delivery area to the northwest corner of the building. The entire front of the building will have new lettering, colors, masonry and framing. New sidewalks will be installed along Wornall and W 84^th St. The Tutera Group wants to attract more retail businesses and ‘a better tenant mix’ for this area…hopefully some locally owned shops and restaurants.

strip mall

Now that the plans are drawn up, the next step is working with KCMO on the permit process and other details; if all runs according to plan, work will start in the fall of this year and be completed in Spring 2019. According to the developers, this project is a ten million dollar investment for Waldo—and will definitely make this corner more attractive to residents and shoppers. Price Chopper plans to remain open during the renovation.

Brookside St Pat’s Parade on Saturday

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

This Saturday, March 10, 2018 is the 38th Annual Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade! Even if you are not Irish, join your neighbors and friends for this family friendly event, starting at 2pm.

The parade route is:

Starting from 65th St and Wornall Rd, north on Wornall to 63rd St; east on 63rd St to Main; south on Main St to Meyer; west on Meyer ending at Brookside Plaza.

Please arrive early! If you are driving, park several blocks from the route and note that residential streets will be very congested. Street closures will begin early afternoon. Watch for pedestrians, strollers, lots of kids running around and huge, colorful floats! Expect traffic delays and street closures in this area through late afternoon.

Be sure to stop in for lunch or refreshments at the nearby Brookside businesses–and check out some of the new shops in the area: Skin, Lady Bye and Design in the City.

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Category Archives: Waldo Community News