Waldo Week Begins Tomorrow 2/24/18

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Now in it’s third year, celebrate our wonderful neighborhood of Waldo with special discounts at many participating business! Over 21 spots are offering some great deals February 24-March 2, 2018. Here are a few examples:

25% off store wide at Coco Brookside

25% off dinner entrees at Boru Ramen Bar and Summit Grill

25% off Irish sweaters at Sheehan’s Irish Imports

Other merchants with discounts include Family Bicycles, Neighborhood Cafe, The Well, Governor Stumpy’s, Avery’s Hair Design and Centered Spirit. Also, be sure to stop by Eclectics at 7015 Oak St–they are re-opening Saturday Feb 24 with a new look and displays!

Remember to mention Waldo Week when you stop in. Find a complete list of participating Waldo businesses at www.waldokc.org. Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Waldo!

Brookside Home Sales Stats-Jan 2018

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

It’s the beginning of a new year and home buyers are out, ready to see fresh inventory in the housing market. 2017 was a strong year for Brookside home sales–median prices were up 10.2% over 2016. Let’s see what the market did last month–I’m using the Brookside zip code of 64113 to check single family home sales.

January 2018 January 2017

Median list price: $429,450 Median list price: $395,000

Median sales price: $416,250 Median sales price: $388,500

Days on market: 37 Days on market: 36

No. of homes sold: 17 No. of homes sold: 13

The 2018 median sales price was far ahead of 2017; however more expensive homes sold last month–highest sale was $1.6 million and lowest was $185,000.

Because January is the first month of the year to track stats, there are no YTD comparisons yet…those figures will be reported next month.

Currently there are 25 active listings in Brookside, with a median price of $615,000 and 55 days on market. Note that only five homes are priced under $350K–the sweet spot for most Brookside homebuyers. Six homes are priced over $1 million.

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

Crosswalk Changes Planned for Brookside Shops Area

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Fortunately we have many crosswalks in Brookside and most drivers are respectful of the pedestrians and runners we have on the streets and sidewalks. However, you should know about the changes planned for one of the most popular areas: the crosswalk on 63rd St between Michael Forbes Grill and Panera Bread.

This crosswalk will be eliminated within the next few months.

The plan is to eliminate the crosswalk at this intersection and improve the crosswalk to the west that connects the two parking lots (behind Midwest Bank on the north and the future Starbucks location on the south) across 63rd St. A pedestrian signal will also be installed with a flashing red stop for the traffic. This west crosswalk isn’t very far from the stoplight at 63rd and Brookside Blvd. So when the updated crosswalk work is complete, it sounds like there will be a second light signal, (the new pedestrian one), also stopping vehicles less than a block away from the 63rd and Brookside stoplight. It will be interesting to see how that works out from a traffic perspective. I’m sure there will continue to be many people crossing 63rd St between Michael Forbes and Panera, even if the crosswalk there is eliminated. If the changes keep the cars, trucks and buses moving at a slower pace–it’s well worth it.

Another view of the crosswalk scheduled to be removed on 63rd between Michael Forbes and Panera Bread.

This project was planned to be done before the St Pat’s Day parade but as with most City projects, will be delayed and hopefully completed before the Brookside Art Annual in May.

As a side note, Starbucks plans to open by the Art Annual.

New Shop in Brookside-Lady Bye for Women

Posted on February 8, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

“Would Kate Middleton wear it?” That’s part of the criteria owner Abby Flores has when choosing clothes for her new Brookside shop, Lady Bye. Located in the former Shopgirls space at 6245 Brookside Plaza (near Foos and 5B Candles), Lady Bye opened last week and the buzz is spreading. When I stopped by, two ladies from my office were browsing in the store!

As Abby explained Lady Bye offers clothes with a classic, “east coast” feel, inspired by the elegance and beauty of style icons like Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy and…Kate Middleton. Inside this cozy shop you’ll see jackets, sweaters, dresses, tops, and a few jeans–mostly casual and business attire that feels current, sophisticated yet comfortable and approachable. A couple of Abby’s favorite clothing lines, Mod Ref and All Row are featured, which she feels offers great quality for the price. Sizes range from petite to 3X, depending on the manufacturer, and she will do personal shopping for time pressed clients. The medium sales price is $69.

In addition to the clothes, Lady Bye offers some accessories: a few purses, shoes, candles, jewelry and perfume. And of course friendly, personal service is extended to all customers.

Abby also owns Coco, another clothing shop (temporarily relocated to 407 W Gregory next to Classic Cookie), which has a more casual, ‘west coast’ feel. She is thrilled to be back in Brookside — neighbors are so supportive as well as fellow Brookside business owners.

If you haven’t been to Lady Bye–stop in soon! Hours are 11-7pm Mon-Sat and 12-5 on Sunday, 6245 Brookside Plaza. Their grand opening is this Saturday Feb 10, 2018 with an official ribbon cutting at 10:30am.

Bier Station Hosts Youth 4 Change Fundraiser Saturday

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Not only does John Couture of Bier Station run a friendly, neighborhood craft beer bar (with tasty food!)–his establishment is very involved in social issues and non-profit organizations in Kansas City.

This Saturday February 10, 2018 Bier Station (120 E Gregory) is hosting a fundraiser for Youth 4 Change, part of the Restart organization. ReStart works towards ending homelessness in our area, and Youth 4 Change is dedicated specifically to youth homelessness. From 2-7pm, proceeds from the sale of Walnut River Beers will be donated to Youth 4 Change.

A silent auction is also scheduled on Saturday, with gift baskets from Brookside and Waldo businesses. If you would like to donate an item or gift card for the basket, contact John at Bier Station. Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses, especially those that give back so much to non profit groups that help KC residents!

Brookside Ready to Welcome Two New Restaurants

Posted on January 11, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside will welcome two new restaurants shortly…Brookside Barrio and Brookside Poultry Company are preparing to open within the next few weeks. Similar to building a brand new house–one can aim for a firm opening date but usually it’s a fluid process, as various vendors and contractors plus new staff have to come together at just the right time before the doors open. Often a new spot is jammed with curious foodies the first few weeks, so it can be a challenge getting the service and food in sync while everyone is talking about ‘the new place to eat’ in our neighborhood. If you are one of the first to try one of these new places, please be patient with the dining experience!

Brookside Poultry Company is Brookside resident Charles d’Ablaing’s first restaurant, having worked at Chaz on the Plaza, Webster House and Rosso (now closed). Originally from Atlanta, the chef will focus on southern cooking with an emphasis on spit-roasted chicken, duck and turkey (locally sourced), plus cheddar biscuits, marinated fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits and key lime pie. The restaurant seats just 30 people (no reservations) and food will be available for take out. In addition, patrons can rent the space for private events Sundays and Mondays when it is closed to the public. Brookside Poultry Company is located at 408 E 63rd St, (63rd and Oak) in the former Oak 63 space.

barrio In the old Julian space at 6227 Brookside Plaza, watch for the opening of Brookside Barrio, a Mexican Kitchen and Bar. This is the third restaurant for Chris Ridler, who also owns Sol Cantina on Martini Corner and Zocalo on the Plaza. Menu items will include grilled skirt steak with cilantro chimichurri, fried shrimp tacos and Mexican lettuce wraps (that sounds interesting!). Brookside Barrio will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and will have outdoor seating as well–one of the best features about that restaurant spot.

Two new dining spots coming soon to Brookside for you to try…I’m excited about both of them, especially because they are locally based operations. Now all we need is a new opening date for Plate…….hopefully this year!

KC Restaurant Week Begins Friday

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Kansas City Restaurant Week 2018 begins Friday Jan 12…and it’s not too early to make reservations today! So many restaurants book up early.

KCRW is a benefit for Kansas City Community Gardens. A portion of the money raised will go to this organization that helps low income neighborhoods and communities grown food in vacant lots and gardens. Restaurants offer a multi course lunch ($15) and/or dinner ($33) during the ten day event through special menus that you can view online. Many of the participating eateries are locally owned, so it’s an excellent opportunity to try a new place at a bargain price! Reservations are strongly recommended.

Here’s a list of the Brookside/Waldo restaurants that are participating:

Aixois, Avenues Bistro, Michael Forbes, Nick and Jakes, Boru, Summit Grill and Red Door Grill.

Reservations and menus can be viewed at the KC Restaurant Week website. Special deals run through January 21, 2018. Enjoy some good food and conversation with friends while supporting Kansas City Community Gardens!

Brookside Home Sales Report-Nov 2017

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Home sales have slowed in Brookside, as they traditionally do this time of year. Very few sellers list their homes during the holiday season and through the cold months early in the year. Here are the November 2017 single family home sales stats for Brookside, using zip code 64113:

November 2017

Median list price: $409,000

Median sales price: $405,000

No. of homes sold: 17

Days on market: 26

November 2016

Median list price: $350,000

Median sales price: $349,000

No. of homes sold: 25

Days on market: 35

Technically, home prices were up 15% over last November, however there were two $1,000,000+ sales last month. The higher dollar sales push the median price. Let’s look at the year-to-date figures:

Jan-Nov 2017

Median list price: $385,000

Median sales price: $380,000

No. of homes sold: 269

Days on market: 19

Jan-Nov 2016

Median list price: $350,000

Median sales price: $350,000

No. of homes sold: 307

Days on market: 34

Year-to-date, home values in Brookside are up just over 8%. Note that homes are selling faster, and sellers are getting very close to list price. Currently there are 28 active listings in Brookside with a median price of $525,000. Seventeen of the homes are priced over $500K.

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

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-Oct 2017

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

The Armour Hills subdivision in Brookside has been one of the hottest locations for home buyers this year–the rising prices reflect that demand. Here are the October 2017 home sales stats for Armour Hills, with a comparison to last year:

October 2017

Median list price: $329,250

Median sales price: $327,250

No. of homes sold: 8

Days on market: 47

The lowest closed sales price was $235,000 and the highest was $446,500.

October 2016

Median list price: $289,475

Median sales price: $294,499

No. of homes sold: 12

Days on market: 27

Checking year-to-date figures:

Jan-Oct 2017

Median list price: $314,750

Median sales price: $313,250

No. of homes sold: 84

Days on market: 9

Jan-Oct 2016

Median list price: $275,000

Median sales price: $274,500

No. of homes sold: 72

Days on market: 25

Note that this year, sellers are getting 99% of their asking price, and prices are up 19% over 2016. Currently there are seven homes listed in Armour Hills, with a median price of $307,000. Two of the homes are over $500K– that’s rare high asking price for our neighborhood.

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

Road Construction Along Wornall in Waldo

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Wornall Road is one of the most traveled street in the Brookside/Waldo area. I avoid driving on Wornall south of Gregory through 85th St–the road is very narrow and usually always congested.

You’ve probably noticed that Wornall is now down to two lanes, roughly between 79th and 83rd Terrace with some sort of construction going on.

I called KCMO to find out what was going on. The City has contracted with Infra Source to replace the gas lines. Expect this area of Wornall to have just two lanes for at least the next thirty days while the company completes it’s work.

Alternate routes include Main St, Ward Parkway, Oak and State Line.

If you must drive along Wornall during the construction, please be considerate of the road workers, other drivers and allow for extra time. It is an inconvenience but not worth a case of road rage!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

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