Littlest Bake Shop–Treats with Big Flavor

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

It’s usually those cozy, quiet little food shops that supply the best atmosphere for a short caffeine stop, a shared treat with a friend or a corner to relax and read for a bit. I’m thinking of places like Second Best Coffee, Heirloom, or the Unbakery. And now Brookside and Waldo have another option: The Littlest Bake Shop at 645 E 59th St–a vegan and gluten free bakery.

Owner Iris Green is an experienced baker–she’s published her own cookbooks on Amazon, and recently moved back to KC from Los Angeles with her toddler. She was doing pop ups to sell her cupcakes at this same space (it was Pirate’s Bone) and when that business relocated to the Crossroads, Iris decided to move in. She bakes everything on site, using local and seasonal ingredients. Flavors change depending on what inspires Iris and what is fresh–she usually always has a vanilla and chocolate cupcake and cinnamon rolls, but for something different, she’s offered rose muffins with marzipan filling; blackberry peach cobbler, or whatever Iris can dream up with the seasonal produce she finds. That’s the real treat–trying a flavor you weren’t expecting!

Besides muffins, mini pies and cupcakes, Iris has several beverages for sale: coffee drinks and egg creams. She makes all her flavored syrups from scratch, too. Iris told me she thinks of her store as “vintage concept with with a contemporary flair”. Her shop is small yet inviting: some tables and chairs, a counter with stools, and a shaded patio out the back door!

The shop has limited hours right now (Friday noon-7, Saturday and Sunday 10-3), but that’s part of the fun–drop in on a whim to see what she’s cooking up today! Iris will also take special orders. The Littlest Bake Shop is located at 645 E 59th St–just west of Chai Shai.

front

REMIX-New Consignment Shop in Brookside

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Did you know there is a women’s consignment shop in Brookside?? I didn’t! It’s fairly new, having opened in April. Remix is a welcome addition for female shoppers who appreciate a bargain—and want to ‘recycle’ their stylish clothes.

Catherine O’Sullivan, Remix

Owner Catherine O’Sullivan moved here from Boston ten years ago. She has a background in fundraising, having worked for the KC Symphony and UMKC. But, she says, “I always had the small business bug in me”. She did a lot of shopping in consignment stores in Boston and decided to open her own shop here.

remix interior REMIX focuses on women’s fashion, ranging in sizes 00 through 18. She also sells handbags, shoes, jewelry, jeans and work out clothes. Typically her items are priced at the industry standard of 75% off retail. After 30 days on the rack, the price is knocked down 20%; after 60 days, it’s 30%. She has about 40 regular contributors now, and welcomes more. She’s looking for items that are clean, not damaged or ripped/torn, and especially appreciates unique items. Her store is easy to browse, with jeans and work out gear in a separate area; accessories towards the front; and designated racks of “new arrivals” and special dresses. As we get closer to prom season, Catherine will plan mother/daughter shopping events for STA and Pembrooke.

Catherine explained why she chose Brookside for her shop: “I knew there wasn’t a consignment store here, and I knew after living here for the past 11 years it would be a good location. I really wanted a neighborhood shop”. Business has been good! Remix is open Monday through Friday from 11am-5pm and by appointment. You can also email Catherine with photos of items and she will tell you if she’s interested. And if you find something in her store you like—she will hold it for you. Check out new items via her Instagram account (remixkc).

Remix is located at 3 W 63^rd St, directly south of Charlie Hooper’s.

Brookside Home Sales Report-June 2019

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

We are halfway through the year…how are Brookside home sales holding up compared to last year? Sales are still strong and prices up. Read on for details…I am using the main Brookside zip code of 64113 (State Line to Oak; 55th to Gregory) for these stats.

June 2019 June 2018

Median list price: $369,000 Median list price: $412,500

Median sales price: $370,000 Median sales price: $397,000

No. of homes sold: 31 No. of homes sold: 40

Days on market: 11 Days on market: 16

Median sales price was down almost 7% compared to last year…however, in June 2018 there were three million dollar sales (just one last month) and more homes sold. Still, many sellers getting at or over asking price! Here are the YTD figures:

Jan-June 2019 Jan-June 2018

Median list price: $395,000 Median list price: $399,450

Median sales price: $389,807 Median sales price: $386,750

No. of homes sold: 154 No. of homes sold: 144

Days on market: 28 Days on market: 14

Prices are a little higher than last year and sellers getting very close to asking price and more homes sold YTD. Currently there are 41 active single family homes listed in Brookside, with a median list price of $424,950 and 62 days on market.

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

Waldo Welcomes a New Restaurant-Brick+Mortar

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

You may have heard that a new restaurant opened in the former Tanner’s location in Waldo…it’s called Brick+Mortar. I stopped by last week to check out the space and was quite surprised…the food on this menu is not your usual bar and grill fare, which is what I was expecting. Read on for details!

Brick tables and bar

First, a bit of background: This is the second location for a Brick+Mortar, following the first in Santa Monica and a third planned for Pittsburgh. The two owners, Travis Lester and Justin Schafer, started a restaurant company called BRG, with seven other concepts and restaurants. They chose to expand into Kansas City, bringing a west coast vibe to the midwest. Surrounded by neighborhoods and other local business, Waldo seemed like a great location to settle into.

Walking into Brick+Mortar, you’ll find two large garage door windows opening to the street; several TVs, two bars and a small outdoor patio. There’s a large mural dominating one wall, featuring the skyline of Kansas City. General Manager Brandi Wilmes says “Our atmosphere is for everyone, with a female driven environment. With our elevated bar food menu, we think it’s a place everyone will find welcoming. We have a full scratch kitchen, everything is made fresh in house including our hand cut pastas and the chitarra has become one of my favorite menu items. Our mixologist worked at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas and has created a more sophisticated bar menu including our most popular drink- the Flower Bomb”. That’s a tequila based cocktail with citrus and in house made ginger syrup. The “bomb” aspect of the drink comes from the flower garnish that is the “buzz button” : a szechuan flower that creates a strong tingling, numbing and mouth-watering sensation, fully opening your tastebuds to the unique flavor. Popular food menu items include the ahi tuna poke, the in-house rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and grilled fish tacos. There’s also hamachi crudo, octopus, amazing burgers and several small plates. Brisket is ground in house—served with fresh cut fries. Brandi also mentioned the atmosphere is “energetic and new, with entertainment 5 days a week”, which could be a live band or DJ.

Brick+Mortar has some great food specials on Monday ($1 burger) and Tuesday ($2 tacos) 6pm-close with the purchase of a drink. Wednesday’s special is “boards and bottles”- ½ priced bottles of wine and ½ priced cheese, charcuterie and brie boards. They are open seven days a week, with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6:30, a late night kitchen menu from 11pm-2:30am, and brunch 10am-4pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Brick+Mortar is located at 7425 Broadway, just south of The Well. Chances are their menu has something that will catch your eye the next time you are looking for a new place to eat!

Brick front

McLain’s Bakery-A Waldo Classic, Updated for Today’s Tastes

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

One of the features of the Brookside/Waldo area neighbors appreciate so much are the locally owned, ‘mom and pop’ shops and eateries. McLain’s Bakery is that type of place: it’s been serving up delicious baked treats since 1945! And although the Hirlemans are just the third owners, Mollie Lothman and her brother Jeff Hirleman remember going to McLain’s as kids for their moms favorite cookie. As adults, Mollie wanted to open a bakery; Jeff wanted to open a coffee shop—so the family decided to buy the place when it came on the market back in 2014.

A photo from the original McLain’s Bakery

If you grew up going to McLain’s (the original location was on Wornall, just north of 75^th St), know that the original butter roll dough recipe is still used for the pastries (cinnamon roll, Danish, twist, etc.) However, the siblings wanted to update and expand the bakery’s offerings for today’s customers. They added new cookies (including a gluten free double chocolate chip flavor), muffins, and more coffee options. Moving to the current spot at 201 E Gregory also gave them more space to add seating, hot breakfast sandwiches and light lunch options. They make all items fresh every day—including bread for the sandwiches and even the salad dressings! And just like the original McLain’s, custom cakes are a big seller—about 70-100 are created every weekend.

McLain’s Bakery as it looks today, with the signage from the original store

McLain’s is one of those places where the employees are sincerely friendly and service oriented. Mollie says “We promote our employees from within when we can. Our two head bakers didn’t even know how to bake when they started working here! Tips are shared with everyone. We have over 100 employees now with our three locations.” (McLain’s Market is now open in Lawrence and Overland Park.) Like the original owners from way back when, Mollie and her staff love seeing people of all ages coming into the shop and watching the kids get older, knowing they are providing special treats for a regular Saturday morning visit or special occasions. McLain’s is here to “make life’s moments sweeter”, which is part of their mission statement.

So…are you craving a treat from McLain’s after reading this blog?!? Stop in soon to the Waldo location at 201 E Gregory. They are open seven days a week!

Happy Bottoms Moves To Waldo

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

You may have noticed a new occupant in the former Habitat ReStore space at 303 W 79th St. It’s not a business that is open to the public, however it does provide an important community service. Happy Bottoms is a diaper bank, getting families in need diapers through several social service agencies in the six county area.

Stacks of diapers at Happy Bottoms, and their van

Current Executive Director Jill Gaikowski is the founder of Happy Bottoms. In the fall of 2009, a friend alerted her to the urgent need for donated diapers to help families in the area. Jill started a diaper drive and eventually collected 16,636 diapers, stacking up in her basement! Having found her calling, she opened a non profit organization dedicated to collecting and distributing diapers to those in need. The original warehouse location was in Lenexa; Happy Bottoms recently moved to the Waldo location for more space. Currently they are renting the building but hope to purchase it at some point.

Business and Communications Manager Beth Canipe

Business & Communications Manager Beth Canipe explained how the non profit works: the diapers are acquired through purchases (at reduced rates) and donations. The diapers are distributed through 37 area social service agencies (government programs such as WIC and SNAP do not allow diapers to be purchased under federal programs). Those families who qualify can get 50 diapers per month. Happy Bottoms also provides potty training education for parents and potty training kits.

As with most non profit programs, volunteers are always welcome! You can volunteer to help as an individual or through a “corporate engagement” program—Happy Bottoms will come to your office and set up wrapping stations to bundle up the diapers for distribution. Monetary donations are always needed. I especially like the suggestion of donating to Happy Bottoms in honor of Mother’s Day coming up this weekend!

Find out more information on Happy Bottoms and how to donate or volunteer at their website.

Diaper Bundle Stations at Happy Bottoms

Want To Buy A Brookside House? What To Know-Part One

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

As a Realtor who is living in a third Brookside home, I work with a lot of homebuyers who want to join me living in the area. There’s so much charm and personality in this 1920s neighborhood, and with so many desirable amenities, it continues to be a sought after location for house hunters of all ages. There’s a lot to know about buying in Brookside, so I’m starting a series of blogs about what to expect…before you buy!

First, let’s define a geographical area: for blog purposes, I’m referring to street boundaries of the main Brookside zip code of 64113: 55^TH St to the north, Gregory to the south, State Line on the west side and Oak as the east boundary. It can be argued that west of Oak is also a part of Brookside, especially considering all the new development in Brookside East; and that homes north of 59^th St are closer to the Plaza area. Real estate is first about location, so understand that in general, the homes west of Wornall in Brookside are larger (with higher property taxes) and more expensive than east of Wornall (smaller homes, smaller lots).

The next thing to know is this: properties closer to the central Brookside shopping district at 63^rd and Brookside Blvd can be higher priced than similar properties farther away. There is a reason so many buyers tell me “I want to walk to shops, restaurants and a grocery store” – those features are high on many buyers’ wish list and what attracts so many people to this neighborhood. Developer JC Nichols designed the footprint of the Brookside around the shops—and being within walking distance hikes up the property value.

Finally, to close out this first blog about buying in Brookside…I want to mention crime stats. Buyers tell me: I want to live in a safe area. That’s a subjective statement, so know that if you want detailed information on crime in Brookside, check out www.crimereports.com. The KCMO police department reports incidents to this site.

The next blog in this series will focus on typical features and characteristics of a Brookside home. These are not cookie-cutter newer suburban homes, yet many share similar original features from the 1920s. And the Brookside charm will never go out of style! Your comments and suggestions about topics to cover are welcome!

Armour Hills Home Sale Report-Feb 2018

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Are we headed for a slowdown in the housing market this year? So far, not in the Brookside/Waldo area. And in my neighborhood of Armour Hills, homes are still moving quickly although fewer are selling–so far. Here are the home sales stats for last month:

Feb 2019 Feb 2018

Median list price: $362,499 Median list price: $306,950

Median sales price: $352,500 Median sales price: $304,500

No. of homes sold: 4 No. of homes sold: 6

Days on market: 87 Days on market: 3

That median sales price was quite a jump from last February, however three of the four homes that closed last month were over $350,000. Here are the YTD figures:

Jan-Feb 2019 Jan-Feb 2018

Median list price: $324,975 Median list price: $299,500

Median sales price: $321,000 Median sales price: $299,500

No. of homes sold: 6 No. of homes sold: 10

Days on market: 84 Days on market: 4

Home values are up 7% compared to last year. Currently there are six homes listing in Armour Hills, with a median price of $339,925 and 21 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-Feb 2019

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Welcome Spring! Finally, a week of warmer days to enjoy! Here’s the Brookside single family home sales report for last month, pulling stats from the 64113 zip code. We are into the busy home buying and selling season!

Feb 2019 Feb 2018

Median list price: $374,999 Median list price: $349,950

Median sales price: $355,000 Median sales price: $327,000

No. of homes sold: 13 No. of homes sold: 11

Days on market: 76 Days on market: 9

Fun fact: highest sales price was $1.925 million last month! That’s one reason for the higher median price. Here are YTD figures:

Jan-Feb 2019 Jan-Feb 2018

Median list price: $376,999 Median list price: $357,000

Median sales price: $361,500 Median sales price: $340,000

No. of homes sold: 22 No. of homes sold: 29

Days on market: 78 Days on market: 41

Although fewer homes sold, and were on the market longer, prices are up 6.3% compared to last year. Currently there are 44 homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $454,475 and 30 days on market. Four of the homes are priced over $1 million; a total of 17 are over $500K.

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

Brookside’s St Pat’s Parade This Sat 3/16/19

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

It’s time once again for the St Patrick’s Warm Up Parade in Brookside–2019 marks the 39th year! The parade itself starts at 2pm; the route will be closed prior to start time.

This parade is a family friendly event–many parade watchers set up chairs along the streets and kids sit on the curb, waiting for tossed candy from the participants. Some of my favorite displays are the zippy little cars, Irish dancers and bagpipe players. Expect to see several politicians waving to the crowds as well–especially with the upcoming KCMO mayoral election. The route starts at 65th and Wornall; continues north on Wornall to 63rd St; then east on 63rd to Main St; south on Main to Meyer and then west on Meyer to Brookside Road.

Streets will be very crowded with parked cars, kids, pedestrians, etc! Please plan on walking to Brookside to watch or if you must drive, park several blocks away.

Wondering how the Brookside parade got started? According to The Brookside Story by LaDeen Morton, the idea was for Brookside to piggy back on to the growing popularity of the much larger city parade in downtown KCMO. By adding “Warm Up” to the official parade name, the Brookside event would be seen as a kick-off to the city celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The first Warm Up parade started in the parking lot by the tennis courts and then traveled along Meyer, Brookside Plaza and 63rd St, lasting less than thirty minutes. This week’s parade should be almost two hours!

Remember to stop in for a beverage, lunch or ice cream treat while in Brookside for the event. Thank you for your support of our locally owned Brookside/Waldo businesses!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

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