A Conversation with Sean Ackerson, Southtown Council’s New Exec Director

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Marti Lee

After 29 years leading the Southtown Council organization, Marti Lee retired last year. This is my favorite picture of her–one I took while we were helping with traffic control at the Brookside Halloween Trick or Treat in 2013.

A new executive director, Sean Ackerson, joined Southtown Council earlier this year. He has an extensive planning and economic development background, most recently working for the City of Parkville. A graduate of Oklahoma State University,

Sean Ackerson, Executive Director of Southtown Council

Sean and his family live in Rockhill Gardens. I stopped by his office recently and we chatted about what the Southtown Council is working on.

Do you have any goals you want to accomplish this year?

The Southtown Council overseas seven organizations: the Southtown Council, the Southtown Council Foundation, the Brookside Business Assn and it’s CID; the Waldo Business Assn and it’s CID and the Troost Ave CID. My goals are to continue doing what we do well and evaluate what we can do better. What should we be doing that we aren’t doing? This is a strategic planning year. We want to end the year with a series of priorities for these seven organizations by looking at where we are and where we need to be.

Are there any current specific priorities?

We are working on more parking for Brookside; improving the entryway to Waldo, and improving the image of Troost Ave. We are also working on an art installation for the intersection of 85th and Wornall, the 75th and Wornall fountain improvements, and promoting the districts through public infrastructure improvements, not just through special events.

We are actively now working on the marketing aspect of the Troost Avenue district: most properties along 63rd St from Rockhill Road to Pener Plaza, and on Troost south from Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. We are trying to overcome the negative perception of the area you see on news reports. There are more businesses moving in and the areas along 63rd and Troost provide comparable opportunities to Westport and the Crossroads, but are currently more affordable. There are some really great storefronts and buildings with great bones, all within walking distance of housing, two universities and on a major transportation corridor.

Can you address the situation with the panhandlers at 85th and Wornall?

Each CID has private security that patrol the areas–they make in store visits, walk along the sidewalks and watch the intersections. They look for maintenance issues, places that are being made into shelters and they reach out to panhandlers asking them to move along. Panhandling is a concern for personal safety, and at 85th and Wornall, because of the stoplights and islands, it’s easy to get close to the vehicles. We work through our private security and the police department to minimize panhandling.

Do you feel KCMO City Hall supports the efforts of Southtown Council?

It’s my understanding City Hall has been a good partner. We have always actively engaged with City Hall regarding infrastructure improvements, like the new stoplights at Wornall and 63rd/Meyer. Another example is Waldo partnered with the City on a study of the 75th and Wornall intersection. There are a number of issues in that area: the offset intersection, conflicts between pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and the gap in the Trolley Trail. A three day workshop held in 2015 considered alternatives for improvements, and a plan was selected for putting 75th St on a ‘road diet’ . This plan would reconfigure the parking between 74th and 75th streets and connect the Trolley Trail along the east side of Wornall while reducing the number of lanes on 75th St from 4 to 3. Right now we are finalizing engineering plans and pursuing financing and grants. If all goes as planned, the project could begin in 2017.

I’m very grateful to Sean for taking the time to talk to me for this blog! Southtown Council is a great organization for our area–if you want to know more about how they work, attend one of their monthly lunches, become a member, or just stop by their office at 6814 Troost. For a very small office (Sean and three staff people) — they accomplish a lot for Brookside/Waldo/Troost businesses.

Celebrate Waldo Week Through Friday

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

You are going to spend money anyway this week…on food, services, coffee, etc. Why not spend it in Waldo??

This is Waldo Week, when some merchants offer a 25% discount on merchandise, food, beverages and services. Over twenty businesses are participating, including Waldo Pizza, McLain’s Bakery, Family Bicycles, Euston’s Waldo Hardware, One More Cup and 75th St Brewery.

Support our local small business owners and patronize these Waldo businesses through Friday March 4! www.waldokc.org

Waldo Home Sales – Jan 2016 Report

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Waldo home sales are off to a strong start in 2016! Usually this is a slower time of year for the market. Let’s check the numbers…single family home sales in the Waldo area between State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:

In January 2016, 21 homes sold. The median list AND sale price was $163,950. Average days on market: 62.

Not much bargaining between buyer and seller–buyers are paying at or close to list price. The lowest sales price was $37,000 and the highest was $320,000.

In January 2015, 14 homes sold. The median list price was $162,900 and the median sales price was $158,500. Average days on market: 46.

More homes sold this January than last; and median sales price jumped up!

Can’t check year to date figures yet…will do that next month.

Currently, there are 19 active listings in Waldo, with a median list price of of $127,500 and 93 days on market. If I can help you buy or sell a home in Waldo–contact me for more information!

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

Armour Hills Jan 2016 Home Sales Report

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Hello Armour Hills neighbors…not much to report regarding January 2016 home sales in our subdivision, so this blog will be short! Here are last month’s home sales for Armour Hills in Brookside:

In January 2016, two homes sold in Armour Hills. The median list price was $264,475 and the median sales price was $269,155. Average days on market: 39.

You’ll notice the median sales price was higher than the list price. This is because one of the two homes sold for $12,550 over the list price. There could have been a bidding war for the property.

In January 2015, four homes sold. The median list price was $232,277 and the median sales price was $232,000. Average days on market: 24.

(as a side note, the $400K house listed on W 70th Terr this month was under contract in less than 48 hours)

Currently there are 4 active listings in Armour Hills, with a median price of $237,475 and 89 days on market.

If you are thinking of selling…or buying a home in Armour Hills, contact me for more detailed information on neighborhood sales!

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

Brookside Jan 2016 Home Sales Report

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Home sales typically start off slow every year..that’s what is happening in Brookside as we kick off housing market reports for 2016. Why do sales drag early in the year? I’ll provide some answers after reporting Brookside home sales (using zip code 64113) for January 2016:

In January 2016, eight homes sold. The median list price was $369,500 and the median sales price was $367,500. Average days on market: 25. The highest sales was $441,500 and the lowest was $262,500.

In January 2015, nine homes sold. The median list price was $325,000 and the median sales price was $315,000. Average days on market: 24.

Stats were about the same as a year ago, as in number of homes sold and days on market. You’ll notice that median sales price jumped up. (Brookside home prices rose 11% from 2014 to 2015.) Prices can vary wildly in the Brookside zip code, so numbers can be skewed depending on how many higher priced homes close in any given month.

So why are home sales slow early in the year? A few reasons: the weather isn’t great the first few months of the year (homes always look better in the Spring!); home sellers are getting their homes ready to list (freshening up the inside, decluttering, making improvements); and many families want to move once school lets out for the year. There just isn’t much inventory for buyers to choose from in the first quarter–which can actually be an advantage for those sellers who have homes prepped and ready to market in February and March. Interestingly, there were ten homes that were listed–and then went under contract–last month. Demand is strong!

Currently there are 48 homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $579,000 and 97 days on market. Sixteen homes are priced over $1,000,000. There is a lack of inventory in the $225-$300K price range. If you would like specific information about home selling in your area-contact me at mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com

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

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

New Traffic Signals Coming to Brookside

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Looking west at Meyer and Wornall–new traffic signal coming soon!

Have you noticed the construction project underway at two key Brookside intersections? New traffic signals are being installed at Wornall and Meyer plus Wornall and 63rd St–the heart of Brookside and two of the busiest intersections in our neighborhood.

I stopped by today and spoke with one of the contractors about the scope of work. (Kansas City MO isn’t doing the job; the City has subcontracted the work.) The old traffic lights are coming out, and the new ones will have updated features: ‘talking’ signals for the deaf and lights suspended on ‘arms’ that hang over the intersections. New crosswalk lines will be painted as well.

If the weather cooperates, both intersections should be updated and work completed within a month. Your tax dollars at work…improving Brookside!

Example of an ‘arm’ traffic signal

New Townhomes & Apartments Planned for Brookside

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

New, updated housing in older, walkable neighborhoods…there is such a high demand for it. That’s why you see old houses torn down in Leawood and Prairie Village, replaced by multi-million dollar McMansions. Real estate…it’s all about location! But what if you don’t have a McMansion budget? Two new developments in Brookside East may be a good option for renters and homebuyers in our neighborhood.

John Hoffman, left and Lance Carlton of UCB Properties

John Hoffman and his son Lance Carlton own UCB Properties. You may have seen some of their hew housing along the 2700 block of Charlotte, or the townhomes going up at 27th and Campbell. They also built apartments at 2901 and 3630 Gillham. John and Lance have two projects in the works for Brookside East that should both be ready for occupancy later this year.

63 Brookside apartments planned for 63rd and Holmes

John says 63 Brookside is the first apartment complex built in Brookside in forty years. Located at 63rd and Holmes, it will be a three story building with 23 one and two bedroom units; rents ranging from $900-$1500. Each unit will have a balcony; pets are OK and tenants will have secured surface parking in the back. The exterior of the contemporary building will be made of brick and metal; interiors feature all electric appliances, quartz countertops and tiled baths, plus John is working with the KC Art Institute for some unique artwork in the common area and hallways. Pre-leasing should begin in March.

New Townhomes Planned for Brookside on 63rd East of Holmes

As of now, there is no official name for the townhomes project; perhaps 63 Oak Townhomes as these units are located directly east of Heirloom Bakery at 63rd and Oak. Each townhome will be three levels, with two bedrooms, three full baths, a ‘flex’ space on the lower level (that could be a third bedroom), a two car garage, and three private outdoor spaces (front patio, front deck off living room and back deck off the kitchen). The units will range from 1800-2000 SF and be priced in the low $400K price range with a to-be-determined monthly HOA fee. The exterior will feature a ‘modern, contemporary design’ according to John. They plan to break ground this spring and sell in the fall.

Newer home built on the 2700 block of Charlotte

John and Lance, both from the Brookside area, emphasize they don’t build ‘cookie cutter’ homes. They think hard about “the long term effect of what we do”. They use high quality construction materials and nicer interior finishes with high ceilings; the garages are not prominent and there are no front gutters. They want their buildings to blend in with the surrounding neighborhood and emphasize walkability for the residents…encouraging homeowners to get out and walk or bike to enjoy the unique shops and amenities found in Brookside.

Both of these developments are coming at the right time for the developing Brookside East area. Expect to see a lot of activity regarding new retail and services, plus the housing construction–happening along 63rd St east of Oak the next several months.

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.)

Armour Hills 2015 Home Sales Report

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

As I was reporting monthly stats on Armour Hills homes throughout last year, I knew the trend was rising prices. We’ve had a big increase in our home values–that’s good news for both sellers and buyers! Let’s take a look at the specific numbers:

In 2015:

*79 homes sold

*Median list price: $269,500

*Median sales price: $265,000

*Average days on market: 34

The highest sales price in Armour Hills was $461,000; the lowest was $139,000.

In 2014:

*70 homes sold

*Median list price: $239,950

*Median sales price: $236,500

*Averages days on market: 32

The highest sales price in Armour Hills that year was $474,000; the lowest was $125,000.

A few more homes sold in 2015 than 2014, and the median sales price jumped 12%!

It’s good news for both buyers and sellers because…buyers want to purchase in an area where home values are going up (not down); and sellers want to continue to gain equity in their homes. I expect 2016 to be a strong year for Armour Hills homes sales as well. If you are thinking of buying or selling this year…contact me for an even more detailed analysis of our neighborhood home sales (mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com).

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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