What is “Uniting At Southwest”?

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

You’ve probably seen these yard signs popping up about Uniting at Southwest. What’s the story? A parent-led proposal is underway to reopen the unused Southwest High School as a project-based, public high school with a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program by 2019.

At one time, Southwest was one of the most well regarded and respected high schools in the Kansas City public school system. The school closed in 2016, and KCPS has no plans to sell or lease it. Uniting at Southwest has the support of hundreds of local residents, former students and prospective SW school families who want to see the school reopened with this highly desirable type of curriculum. Parents have signed up over 1000 potential students via the Support Survey at the website.

The organizers behind Uniting at Southwest have funding behind them as well: several of Kansas City’s largest foundations, including Bloch and Stowers, have pledged support for the planning and renovations needed to reopen. They envision a neighborhood high school that would offer another school choice to nearby Brookside and Waldo residents, and be open to students living within the KCPS footprint. Other schools with the STEAM program have been very successful, and organizers cite High Tech High in San Diego and P-Tech in Brooklyn as models.

Local parent and enthusiastic supporter John Couture, owner of the Bier Station, says: “We have an opportunity to all come together–charter, parochial and district folks, to create something truly spectacular for our kids. It would be KC’s first project based high school. In addition to a rigorous education, these programs provide students with the skills they’ll need to thrive in the modern economy–things like innovation, collaboration and grit”.

The next steps for Uniting at Southwest include building even more city-wide community support, and then (hopefully) working with KC Public Schools to make the vision a reality. For more information on Uniting at Southwest, please visit their website. There is also a quick survey on the site that you can complete—they welcome your support and input whether you have children or not. You are also welcome to stop by Bier Station tomorrow night (4/19/2017) between 5-9pm, 120 E Gregory, to meet local supporters and learn more details.

As a local real estate agent and Brookside resident, I could write another blog entirely devoted to the importance of local schools on home values and for relocating families. Providing nearby, neighborhood K-12 public schools that are diverse and high quality will be a huge benefit for our area. Reopening Southwest as a STEAM school, operated as an autonomous program under the KCPS umbrella, would be extremely beneficial for Brookside and Waldo and Kansas City in general. Please visit the Uniting at Southwest website and share your comments!

Coco – A New Shop Now Open in Brookside

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

We have another unique, new shop in Brookside to check out! It’s called Coco, a women’s clothing store located at 6209 Oak. Coco is next to Itsy Bitsy Bums, and owned by the same person, Abby Flores. The grand opening was April 1.

Like so many locally owned Brookside businesses, Coco makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. Abi Wagner, Manager, Enabler and Empowerment Queen (yes that is her official title!) –greets you with a big smile, ready to help you navigate around all the pretty and practical goodies on display. Abi is on the left in the photo, and Abby Flores is on the right.

Abi explained the store’s concept to me: “It’s minimalist but not basic. We have brands that fit all body types—from small to 3XL. And our prices are very reasonable. Most items fall in the $30-$50 price range”. Browsing the racks you’ll find tops, pants (including ‘magic denim’ Judy Blue jeans for $39), dresses, bralets, jewelry, purses and some gift items. The tag line for the store is “style, community and empowerment” and the clothes are selected so that the wearer will feel “amazing in your own skin, no matter what your body type” per Abby. To fulfill their commitment to the community, Abby and Abi host classes for women with options that include calligraphy, weaving, making your own bath bombs, and plans are in the works for a book club.

Owner Abby Flores has a masters in art history and worked in merchandising for the Target corporation. She has a keen visual eye as her shop is serene, color coordinated, comfortable and attractive. Although she opened Itsy Bitsy Buns in 2010, it was always her goal to have a women’s clothing store as well. And like the shop next door, this one is very customer focused and on trend with what buyers are looking for now.

Coco is open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Saturdays from 11am – 7pm, just north on Oak at 63rd St. Stop in and browse sometime–you’ll probably find something you like!

Waldo Home Sales Stats – Feb 2017

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Waldo continues to be one of the hottest neighborhoods for home sales! Every month I check the stats and prices keep rising…more units are selling. This is going to be a very strong spring/summer for home sellers in this area: Gregory to 85th; State Line to Gregory. As usual, buyers want to purchase updated, well maintained homes–those sell very fast, often for over asking price. Let’s look at activity for last month and year-to-date numbers as well.

February 2017

Median list price: $184,700

Median sale price: $180,000

Number of homes sold: 27

Days on market: 30

February 2016

Median list price: $171,450

Median sales price: $165,750

Number of homes sold: 16

Days on market: 34

Checking year-to-date comparison:

Jan-Feb 2017

Median list price: $169,800

Median sales price: $165,000

Number of homes sold: 53

Days on market: 33

Jan-Feb 2016

Median list price: $163,950

Median sales price: $163,950

Number of homes sold: 37

Days on market: 59

Prices are up almost 1% over last year; more homes are selling and sellers are getting very close to list price–not much bargaining room for buyers. Currently there are just 12 homes for sale in Waldo, with a median price of $138,700 and 69 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-Feb 2017

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Home sales typically start off slow every year..there isn’t much inventory, winter weather keeps people inside and motivated sellers are getting their houses primped and ready to list in the warmer months. Still, prices are up for those homes that are selling. Here is the February 2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:

February 2017

Median list price: $421,250

Median sales price: $402,000

Number of homes sold: 14

Days on market: 43

The lowest closed price was $205,000 and the highest was $1.225 million. Most of the homes sold were over $400K.

February 2016

Median list price: $409,000

Median sales price: $399,000

Number of homes sold: 15

Days on market: 89

Checking year-to-date figures:

Jan-Feb 2017

Median list price: $399,000

Median sales price: $393,461

Number of homes sold: 27

Days on market: 43

Jan-Feb 2016

Median list price: $389,950

Median sales price: $382,000

Number of homes sold: 23

Days on market: 57

So far, median prices are up 3% over last year and homes are selling faster. There is still very strong demand for Brookside homes, especially those priced between $250-$400K. Currently there are 28 single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $797,500 and 60 days on market. Twenty one of these homes are priced over $500K; eight of those are over $1million. These stats show the demand is for homes priced under $500K–more expensive homes sit on the market longer.

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

New Ramen Bar Now Open in Waldo

Posted on March 22, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

boru

The much anticipated ramen bar, Boru, is now open in Waldo at 500 W75th St. I haven’t eaten there yet–but everyone I know wants to try it! I hear it’s very busy during typical lunch and dinner hours. Another hot spot for Brookside/Waldo diners!

A little background: Owners Andy Lock and Domhall Molloy also own the successful Summit Grill, just west of Boru. The culinary director, Po Wang, is a native of Taiwan.

Boru’s website offers menu details and a very helpful glossary for those folks not familiar with this type of cuisine. Featured options include steamed baos (buns stuffed with goodies); several salads (including cold noodle and crispy Brussel sprout ), ramen bowls with ‘add on’ options (egg, pork belly, tofu), plus a kids’ menu, full bar (with sake of course!) and happy hour specials. It all sounds delicious and so different from the usual Waldo bar food and restaurant spots.

Boru (it means bowl in Japanese) is open seven days a week at the corner of 75th and Washington– and accepts reservations through Open Table. Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses!

Brookside St Pat’s Parade Sat March 18, 2017

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

st pats Tomorrow is the day for the 37th Annual Brookside St Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade! Rescheduled from last week (due to weather), the forecast for tomorrow is for a high around 60 degrees–much better!

The parade begins at 2pm at 65th St and Wornall Road, and continues along Meyer, Main and Brookside Road. It should end around 4pm. The complete route is at www.brooksidekc.org. Expect street closures to start in early afternoon.

Please be extra aware of pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, and heavy auto parking on the residential streets around the parade route. Enjoy this family friendly event and thank you for supporting our locally owned Brookside businesses and services!

Centered Spirit-Now Open in Waldo

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

With all the current chatter about health insurance, premiums, who’s covered, rising costs–it can be just another source of stress to our already fast paced lives. If you want to investigate a different style of taking care of your mind and physical body, consider a visit to Centered Spirit, a new Cultural and Holistic Center in Waldo.

Centered Spirit believes in “the body’s innate wisdom and natural ability to find health and achieve balance”. Alex Jackson has been practicing traditional Mayan medicine for fourteen years, first in a Brookside office location. He and his wife Emilie opened Centered Spirit in January 2017. Alex works with patients regarding digestive disorders, muscle pains, anxiety, female health issues, depleted energy and offers several types of traditional therapies, such as Maya Abdominal Massage, cupping, holistic counseling, acupuncture and herbal remedies. Alex explains that “different life events can trigger physical changes in your body as well as emotional stress.” He takes the time to “assess, connect and heal” with the goal of solutions that will work for each unique person for the long term.

teas

Their expanded facility at 8131 Wornall has four treatment rooms plus an infrared sauna as well as a larger community area for classes and teaching. To celebrate Emilie’s native country of France, they have opened a French tea room in the building which Emilie operates, featuring several imported teas from France (also sold by the ounce). Emilie recently wrote about the health benefits of tea for Evolving in Kansas City. Both Alex and Emilie love promoting different cultures — they have travelled extensively to places like Belize, Mexico and Guatemala. Artwork they have purchased while roaming the Earth hangs throughout the building, and the couple loves sharing their passion for other cultures through food, art and healing traditions. Centered Spirit also offers workshops for the public; the next one is April 1-2, 2017 titled “Life On Purpose”.

Centered Spirit is located at 8131 Wornall–that is the southeast corner of 81st Terrace and Wornall. If you would like to find out more about their services–stop by for a cup of tea! Or contact Alex Jackson at 816 225 9393. The Centered Spirit blog, with their event listings, is posted at www.centeredspiritblog.wordpress.com.

Brookside Home Sales Report – Jan 2017

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

It’s a new year for home sales and already–there is a lot of demand but not enough moderately priced inventory. This will be a short blog as there is no need to check year-to-date figures…since we just finished up January!

Here is the January 2017 single family home sales report for the Brookside zip code of 64113:

January 2017:

Number of homes sold: 13

Median list price: $395,000

Median sales price: $388,500

Average days on market: 36

January 2016:

Number of homes sold: 8

Median list price: $369,500

Median sales price: $367,500

Average days on market: 25

It looks like a significant jump in the median sales price compared to Jan 2016, however last year the highest sales were in the $440s; this year there was a $1.175 million sale plus two others in the $600s that skews the prices up for the month. The lowest closed sales price last month was $201,000. Note almost twice as many homes closed in January this year–high demand for our neighborhood!

Interesting to also note that 13 homes were listed in January; seven of them were priced at $400K or less and they all went under contract within a few days. The demand is very high for $200-$400K homes.

Currently there are 32 single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median price of $690,000 and 91 days on market. The lowest list price is $277,000 and the highest is $2.9 million. Twenty-five of the 32 are listed over $400K, and ten of those are over $1 million. So you can see why the median price is so high–the more expensive homes sit on the market longer.

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

Authentic French Bakery Opens in Waldo

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Attention all fans of authentic French breads and pastries….we now have a local resource for freshly baked croissants, baguettes, macaroons and puff pastry! Cecile Rocher recently opened Gabrianna, A French Bakery, based in her home in Rockhill Gardens. After reading this blog, you will be ready to call and make an order!

Some background on the baker: Cecile, from Brest, a town in Brittany in the NW part of France, was a teacher and had the itch to travel. Working through the French government, she got a teaching job in New Orleans. It was there she met her future husband, Thomas. Together they moved for jobs to Washington DC. After having twins, the family wanted to move back to Kansas City, her husband’s home town, to be close to relatives. Cecile has been baking since she was ten years old (she was in charge of dessert) and decided to open Gabrianna after purchasing their home in Brookside. As she explained to me: “In our family, we love food. We love it for the taste and conviviality. When I was young we would all eat together and talk about the day. My parents and sister –we still talk about food when we speak on the phone!”

Gabrianna opened in December and word is spreading fast about the delicious, truly home made treats Cecile bakes. In addition to croissants, macaroons, quiche and baguettes, Cecile makes sweet and savory puff pastry, cookies, tarts, brownies and sandwiches, plus there are some gluten free options. Prices are very reasonable; for example, a croissant is $2 and a baguette is $3. She will accept small orders for just a few items or cater a special luncheon or event…and she offers delivery to certain area locations. If you check her Facebook page regularly, often she will mention she has a few goodies left at the end of the day for sale..so you can swing by and pick up a couple of fresh croissants or a baguette to enjoy that same evening. If you do plan to make an order, Cecile requests at least a 24-48 hour notice.

Cecile absolutely loves her baking business, and her enthusiasm is infectious. As we were talking, she often mentioned her love of baking and sharing her love of food with new people. Try Gabrianna, A French Bakery soon and indulge in some delicious, authentic French pastries! You can reach Cecile through her Facebook page or at 504 638 4929. Thank you for supporting Brookside/Waldo locally owned businesses!

plate-two

Brookside’s Natural Juice Shop

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Simple Science Juices in Brookside

Simple Science Juices opened in Brookside last July…and I just discovered it a month or so ago! I think this spot hosted a custom tee shirt shop many months ago. Natural, organic juice shops are as hot as craft breweries in Kansas City—now our Brookside core shopping strip has one.

This is the third location for Simple Science Juices; the other two are in the Crossroads district and Overland Park. You may have seen their products sold at the Farmers Markets in Brookside and OP. These cold pressed juices (8 oz and 16 oz) are created at an Overland Park kitchen, made fresh each day. All are gluten, soy and dairy free. The stores also feature smoothies, cold coffee beverages, paleo bites, and some salads and entrees: pad thai, salmon and quinoa, roasted veggie salad (a best seller) plus bars and snacks. I tried the 8 oz ($5) Fiber dragon fruit smoothie, and it was delicious. Complete descriptions of all items are found on the website.

Simple Science Juices was founded by Steve Spangler, who had a soccer career with Sporting Kansas City. He was fighting several ailments through traditional medications that were only treating symptoms, not the cause of his problems. A change in lifestyle that included drinking cold pressed juices, enabled him to eliminate meds and become much healthier, as he focused on natural foods and vitamins for his body. One phrase printed on their marketing materials emphasizes this change: “Let food be thy medicine, let medicine by thy food”.

Simple Science Juices is open at 112 W 63^rd St Monday through Saturday from 7am-7pm and Sunday from 10am-6pm. There is seating in the shop and parking in back and on the street. Simple Science Juices also offers home delivery of their products through a subscription service.

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