Category Archives: Waldo Community News

Waldo Home Values Rise in 2014

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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?

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k exteriorLast 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. k slideInside, 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

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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…. 

KC restaurant weekThat’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!

 

Heirloom Bakery Plans March 2015 Opening

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Happy 2015! I took a vacation from blogging over the past few weeks…just relaxed and enjoyed the holidays with family and friends.  Saw some movies, baked a lot, indulged in those special treats you feast on once a year, and indulged in a few post Christmas sales.  I hope your holidays were a special time as well.  Speaking of baking….

Heirloom Hearth and Bakery, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

Heirloom Bakery and Hearth,  under construction at 63rd and Brookside

The topic for my first blog of 2015 was going to be an interview with the owners of  Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, at the corner of Oak and 63rd St (401 E 63rd).  For a while there was a sign on the corner, announcing a Fall 2014 opening…but you know how these things can get delayed!  I contacted owners Kate and Scott inviting them for a chat, and they suggested I get back in touch in several weeks–they now hope to open in March.  Brookside neighbors are really looking forward to this place–and I’m also excited this corner is turning into an attractive retail shop after years of being an eyesore!

In the meantime, you can buy their delicious homemade breads and sweets nearby at Season and Square, 6205 Oak, or Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters, 419 E 18th St.  Contact Kate and Scott Meinke at the website.

Blogs coming up within the next two weeks include a recap of Brookside/Waldo housing stats for 2014 and information on KC’s Restaurant Week!

 

 

Waldo November 2014 Home Sales Report

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As we head towards the end of the year, Waldo home sales have remained very consistent with last year–and prices are up!  Let’s look at the stats for Waldo single family home sales for November 2014, along with a comparison to last year:   The area I am focusing on  is single family home sales between State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.  

In November 2014, 22 homes sold with a median list price of $125,000 and a  sales price of $124,950 with 36 days on market.  The lowest home sale price was $41,000 and the highest was $235,000.

In November 2013, 21 homes sold with a median list price of $129,000 and a sales price of $125,000 with 58  days on market.  The lowest home sale was $32,000 and the highest was $247,500.

Comparing these two months, the numbers are virtually the same. Homes sold almost two weeks faster  this year than last.  Here are the year-to-date figures:

From January – November 2014, 308 homes have sold with a median price of $143,000 and 48 days on market.  

From January – November  2013, 301 homes sold with a median price of $133,800 and 50 days on market.

Average sales prices are up in Waldo, and about the same number of homes are selling.  This is great news as the housing market continues to regain some of the value lost during the housing crash.  Currently there are 42 single family homes for sale in this Waldo area, with a median list price of $144,900 and 76 days on market.  Next month I will compare December figures and the important year end report.  Happy Holidays to everyone!

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

New Waldo Restaurant Serves Breakfast Too!

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The title of this new Waldo restaurant says it all up front: Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish. Located at 8950 Wornall Road, this spot used to be The Cook Shack. Kelvin Powell and his wife Rischa Rayon opened the place in September 2014 and serve tasty home-style cookin’ all day long…so let’s find out more about this local Waldo business!

Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish in Waldo

Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish in Waldo

I stopped by earlier this week and visited with Rischa about what’s on the menu. She emphasized that fresh, not frozen, meat and fish are served: handmade burger patties, fresh chicken wings fried in their own special batter, and real fresh potatoes are used for the hash browns and country potatoes. Fish selections include catfish, basa and tilapia. The Game Day menu also offers several food combos so you can choose what suits you: for example, wings and your choice of sides (mac & cheese, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes and fries/tots/onion rings).

One aspect of Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish that sets it apart is the breakfast menu. I was trying to think of another Brookside/Waldo area restaurant that serves a full breakfast –and only came up with The Classic Cup. At Game Day, breakfast is a busy time and they serve it all: freshly made biscuits, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal, eggs, grits, gravy, pancakes, waffles and side meats. The prices are reasonable and the portions are large–one cinnamon roll can feed at least two persons!

Rischa Rayon

Rischa Rayon

Rischa explained this restaurant is a family affair–for now, employees are relatives as they get the business established. They appreciate all of their customers, and set prices so area residents can afford to stop in often. It’s a place that has that special small neighborhood feel, where the staff will take the time to get to know you after a couple of visits. Enjoy this comfort food as you chat with Rischa at the counter, keep an eye on the TV or people watch out the large windows. In the spring, they plan to get a liquor license and have a small patio for outdoor dining during warmer weather.

During December and the cold winter months, the hours can vary a bit. In general, the restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday 8am-7pm, Friday/Saturday 8am-9pm and Sundays 8am-4pm. Visit their Facebook page or website for more information…also, the Game Day staff will cater and reserve the restaurant for private events. Stop by and try this new Waldo dining spot!

Waldo Home Sales – October 2014

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It’s time again to report October 2014 home sales stats for Waldo.  People often ask me what the boundaries of Waldo are, and I don’t have a firm answer for them!  For purposes of this market update, the area I focus on is single family home sales between State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.

In October 2014, 42 homes sold with a median sales price of $140,000 and 49 days on market.  The lowest home sale price was $37,500 and the highest was $247,500.

In October 2013, 19 homes sold with a median sales price of $133,500 and 55 days on market.  The lowest home sale was $42,000 and the highest was $243,000.

You can see a big difference in the number of homes sold–twice as many this year compared to last.  The average sales price was higher as well, and a few less days on market.  Here are the year-to-date figures:

From January – October  2014, 288 homes have sold with a median price of $145,500 and 46 days on market.  

From January – October 2013, 290 homes sold with a median price of $142,000 and 49 days on market.

Overall, Waldo is on pace with last year’s sales figures, with an increase in the average price.  Good news for the neighborhood!

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

Waldo Holly Jolly Shopping Crawl- Sat Nov 29, 2014

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WaldoHollyJollyPoster Ready to get a jump on your holiday shopping?  Waldo is ready for you! This Saturday November 29 is the Waldo Holly Jolly Shopping Crawl from 10am-2pm.  Over 30 different participating merchants are offering discounts, freebies and holiday deals. 

Here’s a short sample of the specials:  $3 pints at 75th Street Brewery; 20% off at Garza’s Goodies; free appetizer at The Well; discount off salon products at Chop Tops Hair Company; free chair massage at The Healing Place….besides shopping for others, there are deals you can take advantage of for yourself as you cruise through the stores!

In addition, you can earn Waldo Bucks:  Get a punch card at any participating store or restaurant, have the card stamped at three business for $10 in Waldo Bucks or five businesses for $10 Waldo bucks.  A nice payback for supporting local Waldo merchants!

Details on all the specials are available at www.waldomo.com/holiday.  Saturday is also Small Business Saturday nationwide…please support a small, locally owned business near you this weekend. Small businesses generally offer you the most eclectic selection of merchandise and the best customer service!

Welcome a New Salon in Brookside – Bona Terra

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Bona Terra Salon, 414 E 63rd St

Bona Terra Salon, 414 E 63rd St

“Gotta get a haircut.”  How you feel when that time comes? Do you prefer to stop by a chop shop and get in, get out? Or do you like to take the time to enjoy the experience, relax and enjoy a head massage, discuss new style options, pamper yourself a bit?

You may have noticed a new salon in Brookside called Bona Terra (the name means ‘good earth’ in Latin), located at 414 E 63rd St (in the old Blockbuster building). I stopped in recently and talked with Kate Aguilera about her new business. She is so enthusiastic and excited about having her own shop. You definitely feel a fresh, sophisticated yet comfortable vibe when you walk in the store: this is an Aveda ‘concept’ salon, meaning only Aveda products are used and sold here. In the lobby, you’ll find shampoos, conditioners, skin care items and some very cute holiday gift packages– all organic products in recycled packages.   And a very friendly staff to help you!

bona productKate is a K State grad who worked for many years in the advertising and communications industry. Throughout her high school and college days, she styled hair and make-up for her friends. Growing up, her mother was a great influence: she was always very conscious of how she presented herself as a woman to the world–professional and fashion conscious. When Kate and her husband decided to move back to KC from Topeka, they wanted to live in Brookside and send their daughter to St Peter’s School. Her parents bought the building and Kate opened the salon as manager.

Kate Aguilera, Salon Manager

Kate Aguilera, Salon Manager

So what makes this shop different? Kate sets a high bar for her stylists: all must attend Aveda training classes, dress well, and maintain a superior level of customer service and knowledge. Every client has a consultation before the service, and after each haircut–a complimentary make-up touch up. You won’t find loud music and gossip in this salon–Kate wants you to have a total lifestyle experience, not just a haircut. She wants each customer to leave feeling refreshed and confident about the way they look. Prices are competitive with other salons in the area. Bona Terra offers nail and make up services as well, with other body treatments coming in the near future.

Stop in and check out Bona Terra at 414 E 63rd St. Welcome Kate and her staff to Brookside. Browse the Aveda products for gift ideas–or pick up a gift certificate for holiday gift-giving. Also, mark your calendar for their Grand Opening Celebration from noon-5 on December 7.  Thankfully the eyesore of that vacant Blockbuster building is gone..and we have a new business in Brookside!

brookside east

Brookside’s Holiday Season Opener Nov 13, 2104

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brookside holidayEven though you may still be scheduling your Thanksgiving plans, it’s time for Brookside’s Holiday Season Opener–tomorrow, Nov 13, 2014 from 6-9pm at 63rd St and Brookside Blvd.  It may be a bit chilly but the atmosphere will be warm and festive..plus you’ll enjoy  complimentary coffee and hot chocolate from the Roasterie and Michael Forbes Grill!

Choirs from area schools will serenade shoppers and  bring out the holiday spirit  as you stroll through the shops, checking out special deals and admiring the special seasonal window displays.  Bring any gently used winter coats or sweaters you may have and drop them off at World’s Window–they are collecting outwear for Rose Brooks Center–and you’ll get a 20% off coupon to use in the store.

For a complete list of store specials and other goodies being offered, click on this site: www.brooksidekc.org.  Remember, locally owned businesses generally offer the best customer service and the most interesting, eclectic gift choices.  Support Brookside merchants and start your shopping tomorrow evening.  You may even find a little something for yourself!