New Juicery Opens in Brookside East

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Yes, it’s another blog about a new business in the thriving Brookside East area! Unbakery and Juicery opened the last week of January at 634 E 63rd St. Not even one month old and the owner is talking of expansion!

Unbakery and Juicery owner Robin Krause

Nestled between the Brookside Gardens event space and the new apartment complex (63 Brookside) under construction, Unbakery and Juicery is owned and operated by Robin Krause, who spent twelve years as owner of The Filling Station. Walk into this place and you just feel healthier: everything is made on site, and all of her juices and tonics have medicinal properties, incorporating natural ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe, ginger, active charcoal and chlorella. To avoid waste, Robin takes the pulp from the fruit and veggies to make raw desserts, such as apple tarts and carrot cake. Food selections include gluten frees scones and cookies, coconut yogurt parfait and granola bars, plus a few raw lunch options (falafel wrap, kale caesar salad, pad thai); protein balls and crackers. She even makes her own almond milk!

When I visited Robin she was juicing away…she obviously loves her work yet you can see how very labor intensive this process is. It truly benefits the customer, as everything she serves is fresh and preservative-free. I asked Robin about her unconventional logo, and she explained it stands for ‘un’ — as in unprocessed, un- dairy, and unlock the nutrients of natural, raw foods.

For caffeine lovers, she serves coffee drinks featuring locally produced Messenger Coffee and…there is a drive thru window!!! (enter the drive just west of the building, north side of 63rd St). You can also purchase bone broth from Uncommon Stock. And Robin is so committed to her business and healthy eating that she will be offering detox workshops and nutritional classes. The expansion Robin mentioned is focusing on an off site location for more juice/food prep and cooler space.

Unbakery and Juicery is open Monday through Saturday from 7am-5pm, a website is in progress; there is a Facebook page. Another locally owned business for Kansas City folks to support…welcome to Brookside Unbakery and Juicery!

unbakery juices

Waldo Home Sales 2015 Recap

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Wonderful Waldo!

Bright news during these drab winter days for Waldo homeowners: prices were up in 2015! Buyers are discovering what we already know about Waldo: the convenient location, friendly neighbors and many locally owned restaurants and services attract homeowners to the area! Let’s look at the specific home sales stats for 2015, using the street boundaries of State Line to Holmes; Gregory to 85th St: :

In 2015:

*351 single family homes sold

*The median list price was $160,000.

*The median sales price was $162,000.

*Average days on market was 34.

*The lowest sales price was $18,000; the highest was $495,000.

Why was the sales price higher than the list price? There are a couple of reasons: there could have been multiple offers on the property, pushing the price up or some of the closing costs were added to the sales price.

Higher prices benefit sellers as they have more equity in the home…higher prices benefit buyers as they are reassured the home is in a desirable location with values on the upswing.

For comparison, here are 2014 stats:

*340 single family homes sold.

*The median list price was $150,000.

*The median sales price was $148,725.

*Average days on market was 46.

The number of units sold increased 3.23% from 2014 to 2015; the median price jumped up by just over 9%! I expect this trend to continue in 2016, unless there is some sort of financial crisis.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Waldo this year, you can reach me at

mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com for more details.

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

Welcome Flatiron Blow Dry Bar to Waldo

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, 7108 Wornall in Waldo

Finally, Waldo and Brookside has its own blow dry bar! The Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar opened in a few months ago at 7108 Wornall. I recently stopped by to check out the shop and talk with the owner Jayme Brassell.

Blow dry bars are very popular on the east and west coasts. They are a throwback to the traditional ‘beauty shop’ in the 1950s and 60s. Women would come in once a week, get their hair ‘done’ for the week, chat with friends and neighbors and pamper themselves a bit! The Flatiron Blow Dry Bar has the same goal, but with an updated, more urban vibe. Here you can get a wash, blow dry and style that will last several days says Jayme. No more washing and styling every single day! The stylists use all organic shampoo and conditioner, and special styling techniques to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh for several days. The process takes about 45 minutes, and includes a glass of champagne or mimosa (this is a ‘bar’ after all!) and a mini massage. Waxing and make up services are also available. Prices vary depending on the hair style and special packages/memberships are available.

Stylist Karlye Buff, left and shop owner Jayme Brassell, right

Jayme moved to KC in an unusual way…she and her husband were living in New York City and she was pregnant with baby #3. They decided to get out of New York and googled ‘best places to raise a family’. Kansas City came out on top of that list–so they picked up and moved here, purchasing a home in old Leawood. That was five years ago. Jayme’s shop was initially in Overland Park, but the atmosphere wasn’t quite right. Waldo fits the neighborhood feel and urban vibe she wanted. The local neighbors are very supportive, business is good and she loves meeting all the eclectic people who wander in.

The decor in the shop reflects Jayme’s love of NYC–you’ll see a subway map, Playbill covers, and New York magazines among the shabby chic furnishings. She also offers a few items from Fishs Eddy (her favorite NYC shop) for purchase, and has handmade jewelry and some RenWalla accessories on consignment. . It’s a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere–you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in!

For an appointment at Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, you can call or text 913 972 1400 or book directly at facebook.com/flatironinwaldo. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm, #flatironinwaldo on Instagram.

Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Waldo and Brookside!

Waldo Home Sales Report-Nov 2015

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

It’s almost the end of 2015…time for one more blog reporting home sales for Waldo. Higher sales prices and more units sold…that’s what’s been happening all year in Wonderful Waldo. Let’s check the specific single family home sales in the area of State Line to Holmes, and Gregory to 85th St:

In November 2015, 14 homes sold. The median list price was $147,500 and the median sales price was $150,500 with 34 days on market. The lowest closed sales price was $68,000 and the highest was $285,000.

In November 2014, 25 homes sold. The median list price was $125,000 and the median sales price was $140,000 with 49 days on market.

Note the sold price was a little higher than list price. Sellers are getting very close to their asking price; and buyers could be adding closing costs to the price of the home.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through November 2015, 374 homes have sold with a median list price of $154,950 and a median sales price of $152,000 with 34 days on market.

From January through November 2014, 343 homes had sold with a median list price of $145,000 and a median sales price of $142,000 and 49 days on market.

We’ve already surpassed number of units sold over last year, and prices are trending higher.

Currently, there are 52 active listings in Waldo, with an average sales price of $123,450 and 71 days on market. Next month I will report total 2015 sales for Waldo…it has been a good year!

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

New Businesses Coming to Brookside/Waldo

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

A brief blog today with information on two new businesses coming to Brookside and Waldo….

Future Site of BKS Nails

The former James Hallmark shop at 6245 Brookside Blvd, vacant for over two years now, will soon house BKS Nails, a salon offering manicures, pedicures and waxing services. Owners of this shop also own and operate Plaza Nails (on the Country Club Plaza) and Oak Nails (across from the UMKC admin building). Look for this shop to open next month.

Do you remember PIzza Manifesto? That short-lived pizza joint opened last year next to the Chipotle at 75th and Washington, just west of Wornall. It was recently announced that Pizzeria Locale will be going into that space at 505 W 75th St. This ‘fast casual’ restaurant will offer built your own 11” Neapolitan-style pizzas, along with a few salads and sides options. Pizzeria Locale started in with locations in Denver and Boulder, then formed a partnership with Chipotle. The KC location will be the first outside of Colorado.

No word yet on an official opening date for the eagerly awaited Heirloom Bakery and Hearth at the corner of 63rd St and Oak…

Waldo Home Prices Rise – Jan 2015

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Although the cold winter weather that won’t seem to leave… house hunters are out, snatching up homes in the Waldo area. In 2014, Waldo home prices rose 2.89%–to a median sales price of $144,000 with 46 days on market, and 330 homes changed ownership. Let’s look at the January 2015 home sales stats for Waldo–I am using the street boundaries of State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St:

In January 2015, 15 homes sold with a median list price of $147,500 and a median sales price of $151,000 with 46 days on market.

In January 2014, 15 homes sold with a median list price of $132,500 and a median sales price of $129,500 with 87 days on market.

Why was the sales price higher than the list price ? A few reasons: there could have been multiple offers on the property; the buyer may have financed some closing costs into the loan by adding to the list price; or some other type of negotiation regarding repairs following inspections. The takeaway here is that buyers are willing to pay the initial list price–or very close to it–for the best homes that come on the market. Comparing the numbers, home values up 11% over last year.

Overall, Waldo homes sales are off to a strong start in 2015! Currently there are 29 single family homes for sale in Waldo (the boundaries I described above) with a median list price of $144,900 and 41 days on market.

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

ReStart Inc Sponsoring New Apartments in Waldo

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

ReStart Inc, is an organization dedicated to helping homeless men, women and families in need, helping them transition to an independent lifestyle. Using funds supplied by HUD and others, they are building a small apartment complex in Waldo at 76th and Washington.

Fourteen one bedroom apartments will be available to young adults, aged 18-24, who have aged out of the foster care system. There will be a live in, on site resident manager. ReStart wanted a central location for this project, the first of it’s kind in Kansas City, so the tenants would be close to businesses for services and job opportunities, plus easy access to bus service. Some Waldo homeowners are concerned about the effect this building may have on their property values.

A meeting to discuss the project is scheduled for March 14 at 10am at the Waldo public library.

Waldo Home Values Rise in 2014

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Wonderful Waldo! Overall, home prices rose in this area last year. Waldo has always been a popular place to live, and I think even more so lately as we’ve had so many locally owned new businesses move into Waldo. Let’s look at single family home sales for Waldo, comparing 2013 to 2014; and we’ll start with stats for December. The boundaries I’m using are State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.

In December 2014, 23 homes sold with a median sales price of $170,000 and 30 days on market.

In December 2013, 28 homes sold with a median sales price of $148,000 and 39 days on market.

Comparing these two months, prices were way up in December 2014 compared to the previous year. Now we will compare 2014 to 2014 single family home sales:

In 2014, 330 homes have sold with a median price of $144,000 and 46 days on market. The lowest home sales price was $23,000 and the highest was $430,000.

In 2013, 332 homes sold with a median price of $139,500 and 50 days on market. The lowest home sales price was $15,000 and the highest was $372,000.

So, average sales prices in Waldo rose 2.89% in 2014, with about the same number of homes selling in six weeks’ time. Waldo homeowners continue to gain equity lost during the recession, and there is a wide range of prices for homebuyers interested in this area.

Currently there are 36 active single family listings Waldo area, with a median list price of $136,000 and 78 days on market.

(All information from Heartland MLS; numbers are deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Who Built That House at 63rd and Oak?

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Last week I stopped by the house that was recently built at 63rd and Oak, across from the 7-11. Many area residents have watched this corner over the past several months, wondering what the house would look like when finished. Fortunately the owners, Stephanie and Bill Kalaherka, designed the outside features to blend in as much as possible with the neighborhood. The family moved in last fall, about four months later than planned (as is typical for a new build job, rarely are they finished on time).

Stephanie and Bill chose to buy this lot to build their ‘forever’ home. They have family in the area and love Brookside. Although they looked at a few resale homes, ultimately they decided they could get exactly what they wanted by starting from scratch. Plus, Bill knew he could install energy-saving features in the new home. Taking advantage of federal and local tax credits, this home has solar panels on the south facing roof, a geo-thermal heating system and thick insulation on the exterior walls in the basement. Although they haven’t lived in the house an entire year to examine the overall cost-effectiveness, Stephanie says it cost about as much to heat this house (3700 SF) during the coldest weeks of winter as it did to heat their old rental home that was much smaller. Inside, the two story house features four bedrooms and three full baths (one bedroom and full bath on the first floor for guests), an office, finished basement with storage area and the popular open floor plan on the first floor. Each of the children’s rooms has a loft above the bedroom and yes, there is a two story stainless steel play slide. There isn’t much of a backyard area, but the owners plan to install a small patio behind the garage. Stephanie is looking forward to spending time on the front porch when the warm weather arrives.

Many shopkeepers from across the street have stopped by to welcome the family to the area. They want to meet as many local residents as they can…so stop by and say hello! The Kalaherkas are settling in and look forward raising their kids…and growing old…inside their brand new Brookside house!

It’s Here–KC Restaurant Week Jan 16-25 2015

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

January…the most boring month of the year! The weather is cold, trees are barren and everything outside looks gray and dingy..except for the bright, soft focus sunsets! Hard to muster up the energy to go out after you are settled in at home….

That’s why January is the perfect time for Kansas City Restaurant Week! From Jan 16-25, we have ten days of bargain priced meals at many of KC’s finest restaurants. This is the time to try the pricier spot you may have heard about for the low price of $33 for a three course dinner ($15 for a two course lunch). Many of the eateries are locally owned and and operated; and there are all kinds of cuisine offered–from pizza to boar meat!

All of the participating restaurants donate a portion of their profits to these three organizations: Boys Grow, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Cultivate KC.

Below is a list of the Brookside/Waldo spots offering special menus during the week. You can go to www.kcrestaurantweek.com to see individual restaurant menus, make reservations and see a complete list of all the places throughout the metro area offering the prix fix deals.

75th St Brewery Louie’s Wine Dive

District Pour House and Kitchen Michael Forbes Bar and Grill

Julian Waldo Pizza

Lew’s Grill and Bar The Well

Thank you for supporting KC Restaurant Week! Reservations fill up fast so make yours today!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

What's Happening In Brookside and Waldo (Kansas City, Missouri)

Category Archives: Waldo Community News