Brookside – How It All Began

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A new book about Brookside came out last Fall and I’m finally getting around to reading it.  Titled “The Brookside Story – Shops of Every Necessary Character” by LaDene Morton, this short but well-researched book tells the history of one of the nation’s first shopping districts built outside of a downtown area.  For as much as I love Brookside..I didn’t know that much about its history.  Shame on me–but that’s resolved now!  I’m not quite finished with the book but wanted to share a few facts that surprised me.

*Brookside was started in 1919, before the Country Club Plaza.  I had always assumed the city grew south from downtown and Brookside followed the Plaza. But JC Nichols created his plan for the Brookside shops to serve the residents of the Country Club District–“America’s first planned subdivision to be built on a massive scale” according to the book. 

*The Country Club District was created to attract wealthy residents from Quality Hill, who were moving due to the growth of the downtown area.  Nichols wanted to attract these people to the Brookside area to keep property values stable.  He wanted the families who moved here to stay here–and so designed the winding boulevards, tree lined streets, large and smaller homes with easy access to shops and other amenities. This was his “‘plan for permanence”.

*The Brookside Shops were born in 1919, when Nichols first broke ground at the northeast corner of 63rd and Brookside Blvd. Over the next ten years, more shops were added. In a very shrewd move, he first sold a lot on 63rd to the City of Kansas City MO for construction of a new fire and police station, knowing that this basic public service would be essential to attract residents.  The Station Building now houses The Fiddly Fig.

I’ll write about  more interesting Brookside stories in future posts.  If you are a fan of Brookside,  buy this book!  Visit the website, www.brooksidestory.com, for more information. 

Thanks for reading my blog–your comments are welcome!

Home Sales Statistics–Armour Hills and Rockhill Gardens

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Just the facts, m’am–here are home sales statistics for the month of November for these two Brookside subdivisions:

Armour Hills:

Four homes sold, averages sales price $163,600.  Eight homes are pending/back up status, average list price of these homes is $208,000. 

Currently 24 homes for sale in Armour Hills, average price is $234,000.

In November 2009, ten homes sold, average price was $247,125.

Rockhill Gardens:

Two homes sold in November, average price $249,475.  Three homes are pending/back up status, average list price is $165,667.

In 2009, five homes sold for an average price of $192,804. 

Currently eleven homes are for sale, average list price is $182,709.

(Important to remember that in November 2009, the $8000 tax credit was in effect, spuring sales.  This November, no tax credit.)

Average prices can vary widely as these statistics show.  Remember, in this area it’s all about specific location and interior updating, besides the usual number of bedrooms/baths/garages.  Short sales and foreclosures drag down the average sales price in all neighborhoods.

Thinking of selling your home next year?  Or thinking of buying in Rockhilll Gardens/Armour Hills?  Email me if you have questions–glad to help!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Skip the Mall–Holiday Shop in Brookside

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A friend recently posted on Facebook that she went Christmas shopping to the stores at 119th and Black Bob in Olathe.  She hated it!  So much traffic, a vast parking lot, long checkout lines and crowds everywhere.  There are some times you just have to make a trip to a big box retail store for some specific generic item on someone’s list.  But if you want to get something a bit different…and have a  pleasant holiday shopping experience at that same time…  head to the Brookside shops centered around 63rd Street and Brookside Boulevard.   Here you will find the usual–and the unusual–gifts for those on your list.  And make your first stop Stuff.

Browsing through Stuff  I found so many very cool gift ideas–at all price ranges.  I hear guys complain about how hard it can be to buy for a girlfriend, a mom, a sister.   Not at this store.  No matter what age–Stuff has something for her. And it’s all unique, much of it made locally, and the staff is super-friendly, offering great suggestions if you are stumped.  Here’s just a few of the things I saw that would make a special gift: brightly patterned baby burp cloths; blue striped fingerless mittens; oversized luggage tags; cord wrap for USB cords; sparkly hand clutch purse; custom number/letter tiles for your home; framed wall earring display (great for  a teen); rich lotions and soaps (a splurge for the stressed); one of a kind ornaments;  jewlery!!!;  and…my favorite…the (well made, cotton) Brookside sweatshirt, available now as a zip up hoodie or pullover ($48).  The Stuff staff is personable, friendly, and will gift wrap your purchase!

I also stopped at World’s Window  for some (locally made) ZUM soap.   This is a great shop as well– a focus on ethinic clothing,   lots of pretty scarves and bright clothes, plenty of  jewelry, folk art, textiles and imported decor.  When I checked out I received a coupon valid for 20% off  during the after Christmas sale–which will come off their already reduced after Xmas prices!  They will gift wrap your purchase here as well.

A few other ideas for those who may be hard to shop for:

Tasty Italian delights from Bella Napoli;  all natural products from  Brookside Barkery for the dog lover;   decadent Christopher Elbow chocolates from The Roasterie; a Christmas pop-up book from The Reading Reptile; a classic toy or game  from Brookside Toy and Science; unusually scented candles from 5B and Co candles.  And there are a few chain stores sprinkled in that also offer gift options:  Baskin Robbins (gift card stocking stuffer); Hallmark card shop (ornaments, wrap and ribbons); Beauty Express (hair/nail salon products).  Another gift I really appreciate as a working mom–gift cards for a take out dinner.  That gives me a night off from cooking–what mother doesn’t appreciate that?  Carmen’s Cafe, Jalepeno’s or Blue Grotto are good options, but don’t forget Julian for a nice evening out dinner option. At Julian I want to dine in with my husband…and no kids!

Didn’t this blog post actually put you in a shopping mood?  You don’t have to dread holiday shopping…if you head to Brookside!  Thanks for reading my blog–you can reach me via email or my website.

A Birthday in Brookside

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Recently my younger daughter turned 13.  As the kids get older, I remember more of my younger days–what I was doing, thinking, feeling at the ages my girls are now.  Siena and Erin are growing up in a neighborhood similar to my old neighborhood in St Louis–do you think that’s why I chose Brookside as my home?

Growing up in University City, the homes were older ,the  lots smaller, street corners sprinkled with locally owned stores.  My siblings and I walked to and from school.  We walked to the park–where we would just sit and talk, flirted with boys and hide in the bushes.  On weekends we would walk a mile or so to “the Loop” on Delmar, where we would buy (vinyl) records at Streetside, stop in the ‘head shop’  and have a lunch of french fries with a hot fudge sundae at Dairy Queen.  The Loop is still a thriving area in U City–the head shop, record store and DQ are long gone. Sometimes we would walk to Clayton and shop at Famous Barr–that building now an annex of Washington University. We felt safe, free, trusted by our parents–to be responsible and act properly in the shops as we were crusing the neighborhood.

Seems to be the same with my girls.  When school gets out early–Siena  and her friends meet in Brookside on 63rd Street.  They shop at Beauty Express, browse through Stuff, eat at Jalepeno’s and buy smoothies at the Roasterie Cafe. They meet up with the boys…although somehow my daughter never says the boys will be there.  They  walk to the park and hang out, sometimes they ride bikes.  Surely they are doing the same things I did at that age, in the same environment…with cell phones so they can check in.   The circle of life.

Yes I do worry somewhat about the kids getting hit by a car, not using the crosswalks, someone offering them drugs or cigarettes.  But at this age they must learn, on their own, to be aware and handle various situations alone–like I did.  I want them to be self-reliant and alert, watching for traffic, for suspicious persons — and act accordingly.  Our family loves the walkability of Brookside and that’s one aspect that makes this area so special. 

And when my girls are adults, searching for a home, where will they want to live?  I hope it’s in a neighborhood just like the one they grew up in.

Thanks for reading my blog–you can comment below or reach me via email at mary.hutchison@prukc.com

Brief Summary–Armour Hills Annual Homeowners Assn Mtg

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Last night was the Armour Hills Annual Homeowners Assn meeting.  Happy to say, we had our best attendance–over 60 people!  I think this was due to some extra promotion and a little different format as well.

In the past year, Armour Hills  HOA has accomplished quite a bit:  new wind screens on the tennis courts, new picnic tables in the park, the pool was sandblasted and painted, there’s a new island and sign  just off Brookside Rd at 70th (landscaping coming in the spring next year), and we signed a contract for snow removal for the winter of 2010/2011.  Still, at last night’s meeting we wanted to hear more of what the homeowners would like to see the association do–what are the priorities?  So Gunner Hand broke up the attendees into small groups and we all spoke out about some possible improvements and concerns for the neighborhood. 

All four breakout groups would like to see better contact and cooperation with the City of Kansas City MO when reaching out for information, complaints, problems.  A number of residents would like to see a better public school option and expressed concerns about the ongoing upheaval at Southwest High.  Better codes enforcement was mentioned, along with a printed Armour Hills directory, appointment of block captains, park improvements and neighborhood clean-up/sustainability workshops.  The board will take all of these suggestions, narrow them down to the top 4 or 5 we feel we can tackle, and report back to the residents through the Clarion.

Our city council representative Jan Marcusson was in attendance–she actually joined one of the break out sessions and listened to comments from the group.  Mayoral candidates Deb Hermann, Jim Rowland and Mike Burke also came by.  Deb and Mike left early–Jim stayed almost to the end of the meeting.

We elected two new board members, Dan Newman and Mistie Costaker.  David Pucci was re-elected to the board and serves as treasurer.  Finally, it was almost unanimous vote that a small annual increase in dues was passed.

Armour Hills is the Brookside subdivision with the largest number of homes. Overall, we have a great neighborhood and a very active HOA with so many caring residents who love living here.  Thanks to everyone who came to the meeting in support of our HOA!

Thanks for reading my blog–your comments are appreciated!  Reach me at maryhutchison@prukc.com.

Waldo Home for Sale – A Real Bargain!

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Out on Realtor tour yesterday, I saw this new listing in Waldo–wow, it’s a bargain!  Five bedrooms, two full baths for $179,900! A lot of space for the money at 7316 Main.

Lacks some curb appeal but don’t let that stop you–the large wrap around screened porch in front is a great feature.  Sip a beer and watch the foot traffic go by!  Inside, the living room and dining room are very open, and the kitchen has a small eat in area.  In back you’ll find a carport with private drive and a deck.  There is a hi efficiency furnace, 200 amp electrical and almost 2000 square feet per tax records.

Great location too–walk to school, church,  library, Trolley Track Trail, Waldo hot spots, bus stop.

This house is priced to sell.  You’ll be impressed.  It’s not my listing. ..of course I can show it to you…just email me.

Brookside’s Iron Chef

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Yes I’m hooked on “The Next Iron Chef”…because fellow Brooksider Celine Tio is in the competition.  She’s a formidable competitor for the male chefs on the show–even though they don’t seem to think so.  As of last Sunday, there are five competitors left–and Celine is the only female. 

I’ve eaten at Julian, Tio’s restaurant located here in Brookside,  and interviewed Celine for this blog.  She’s a friendly, no-nonsense, dedicated chef and doesn’t have the drama personality so many reality shows attract.  Each week I watch her and think, ‘good for you–just crank out the food, stay above the bickering and go for the win’.  She’s so unlike the men who seem to be much more cut-throat and ego-driven. Celine has had to face an unruly outdoor flaming grill of fire and a plastic coated bowl melting at the stove–of course she’s frazzled but manages to overcome the problems and create winning dishes.  I suspect she cringes at some of the staged antics she had to go through on the show–the promo photo of a tough-looking, intimidating chef isn’t her at all. 

Last Sunday’s episode had the chefs preparing four dishes, representing the north, south, east and west areas of the U.S.  Celine cooked various representations of a lobster roll, dirty rice, pork belly pot roast and a Philly snack cake.  She didn’t win the challenge, but she ‘survived to cook another day’ –meaning she wasn’t eliminated.

Chef Tio is a master at marketing her restaurant and, along with her appearance in the show, is  featuring a special Sunday seating at 7pm.  Dinner is served that includes food she cooked on the show; at 8pm diners stay to watch the next episode on tv.  The Next Iron Chef tapings concluded months ago–we don’t know at this point if she was the ultimate winner. But the fact that she’s made it this far–and turned  the appearance into a smart publicity tool for her restaurant–surely makes all the frantic competition worth it.

I would love to interview her again about the Iron Chef experience–some good behind-the-scenes stories that any viewer would relish hearing! In the meantime, I’ll just have to make another date for dining at her place and hope she can pass along a story or two as she table-hops through the restaurant. Even if she doesn’t ultimately become The Next Iron Chef, at least more local Kansas City folks are discovering–and patronizing–Julian. It’s every chef’s dream to open their own restaurant.  She did it during the economy’s collapse and survived, thrived through her own hard work, great food and dedicated staff. Support local businesses…dine at Julian for lunch or dinner. And don’t forget dessert…mmmm, the chocolate pudding and ginger donut!

Thanks for reading my blog–you can comment here or reach me at mary.hutchison@prukc.com

Why to Vote Yes on MO Amendment 3

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Here’s the issue, no spin:

Voting Yes on MO Amendment 3 will prevent government entities in the state of MO from imposing and NEW taxes on real estate transactions.

Many states already impose a tax on real estate transactions–Kansas being one of them.  Typically this is a precise figure  (in Kansas it’s $2.60 per $1000)          or a percentage of the sales price.  Because states are always looking for new sources of revenue, and usually that new revenue comes from additional taxes, this admendment would prevent additional taxes on these transactions. 

Current closing costs on home sales run into thousands of dollars.  Future taxes would only add to these closing costs–for buyers and sellers.  In Missouri we already pay property taxes on real estate every year.  A so-called ‘transfer tax’ would add hundreds of dollars more to each transaction. 

Exact wording of the amendment reads:  “Should the Missouri constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties and other policial subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?”

Thank you for carefully considering your vote on this issue!  You can reach me at mary.hutchison@prukc.com

Southwest High School Thoughts–Part Two

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Looking over that last blog post, I decided some of the incidents mentioned (sex in bathrooms, pot smoking, defying authority, truancy) are probably happening at every Kansas City high school.  These are teenagers, right? Yet when the Kansas City MO police department get called to the school over 50 times in two months–that is not a common high school occurance.  It’s the frequency of the incidents and the lack of discipline/respect for education that is most worrisome.

So, what to do?  As much as I would like to say the parents need to be pro-active in solving these problems, I think the school district and Southwest school administration need to take the lead.  Here’s a few suggestions:

1.  Teachers must have control of the classroom for effective teaching. If they can’t control the class–get help and/or get a new teacher.  How many unemployed teachers would be willing to come in and help out on a contract basis? 

2.  Take the troublemakers out of the classroom.  Don’t just send them to the principal’s office.  Have a separate detention room or send them home. There MUST be consequences ENFORCED for bad behavior.

3.  Absolutely all teachers must take the lead from the principal and maintain (relatively) quiet, orderly classroom changes and hall atmospheres. 

4.  Identify the five most pressing problems.  Tackle them one at a time.  Hold staff accountable for the action steps that need to be taken to get a handle on the problems while working towards the solutions.  Form individual task forces to work on the problems with clear action plans.

5.  Try to involve the parents.  This one could be tricky.  There are some parents who  have disciplined their children and taught them how to behave in school, who have taught them the value of education, who provide a stable home life and teach values. There are parents who do not.  Still, involve as many parents as you can to help institute changes at the school.

6.  Involve the students.  What ideas do they have for solving the problems? They are living it every day–involving the kids in the discussion will win the school district more support from the very kids they claim to serve.

I’m very tempted to wander the halls and classrooms of Southwest myself –just to experience it.  I’m curious and yes, fearful, at the same time. Still, I just might do it–and that would be another blog post.

Thanks for reading this blog–you can reach me at mary.hutchison@prukc.com

What’s Really Happening at Southwest High School?

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Last night I attended the monthly board meeting of the Armour Hills Homes Association.  A resident came and shared with us copies of two long email messages, written by a community volunteer, about her experience at Southwest. Her email outlined several disturbing incidents in and around the school: kids getting off the bus but not going into the school; open pot smoking just outside school doors;  extremely loud hallways filled with foul language and name calling; dress code not being enforced;  video of students having sex in the bathroom; sex on cars; verbal and physical harassment of persons walking by the school; teachers call for security but no response; students refusing to comply with requests from administration; truancy;  fires being set…you get the picture. There are security officers at the school but they  cannot keep up with the non-stop chaos. I have no way to verify these incidents but surely school officials are following up with more investigation.

What’s interesting about this email is that the author was asked to leave the school and discontinue her volunteer role. She seems to feel that she was asked to leave because school officials do not want the general community knowing about the extent of the problems at the school. Here is someone who is trying to make a difference, who isn’t being paid, who is willing to try, in a small way, to help out on a regular basis–and she is no longer welcome at the school.  Is there another side to this story as to why she was asked to leave?

The Brookside community made a very deliberate effort to reach out and welcome the students at Southwest.  Volunteers cleaned up the grounds and painted the walls; communication was started, residents offered their time in the school.  Brooksiders  would love to have a local  public school middle/high school it could  show off.  A few years ago when the SWECC reopened with an emphasis on preparing kids for college, there was real hope for success. Teachers, students and parents had to make a commitment to the challenging college prep education. Now, it appears the school has many more students who really don’t care at all about paying attention in the classroom. A high percentage of the students who  wanted to take advantage of the college prep program have left this year.  As a community we reached out  to the students and administration at Southwest–was that just a wasted effort?  It’s so bad that Steve Scraggs, Southwest’s principal, had enough and quit over the weekend. 

What to do?  That’s what I’ll be thinking about for the next blog post.