Tag Archives: Brookside homes

StoryCorps in Brookside

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Talk, talk, talk…how many conversations did you have today?  Anything out of the ordinary? Or was it the usual….how was your day? What’s for dinner? Stop fighting with your brother! Is your homework done?  My boss is a real __________ (insert adjective here). Did you make the sale? Was it just another day in the life?  Here’s your chance to have a different type of conversation.  One you will remember for the rest of your life.

What is that…  the shiny silver trailer parked in the lot just east of 63rd and Brookside Blvd? This is the mobile Story Corps booth, an oral history project that gives you a chance to record an interview with someone who is important in your life.  Most people using the booth have a conversation with a parent, child, co-worker, best friend or spouse, asking questions such as : How would you like to be remembered?  What life lessons would you like to pass on? Tell me about a very happy experience you’ve had.  Describe your first kiss. Tell me a special memory you have from school/childhood/your parents. Inside the StoryCorps booth, these are the type of  questions that get asked and answered between participants.  And it can be a very intimate, honest and emotional experience.

Three years ago I recorded a conversation with my (then) 13-year-old daughter at the permanent StoryCorps booth in Grand Central Station, New York City.  It was lively, funny, and yes, tearful.  It was fascinating to hear her answer some weighty questions and get her perspective on her life to that point: what did she want to accomplish in the future, what do you love most about your sister? What are your impressions of New York City?  This was  my daughter who I talk to every day…mostly banal conversations regarding school, homework, chores.  To take the time dive in deeper to her thoughts while recording–it’s a treasured conversation we can share from time to time  as we — I–get older and she grows into an adult.

StoryCorps was created by David Issay in 2003.  There have been over 35,000 interviews in all 50 states.  When you record a session in the booth, one disc is created for yourself to keep, and the other is archived in the Library of Congress. The StoryCorps booth will be in Brookside through October 3 and honestly, it’s tough to reserve a session.  There is no charge to record your story (although donations are appreciated); visit  the StoryCorps website and search for an open slot.  If all times are reserved—get on the wait list, there are cancellations. If you are lucky enough to score a reservation, prepare yourself for an emotional experience.  The recording area is very small, no windows, all is quiet.  Bring your questions, open up and listen.

StoryCorps is stopping in Kansas City for the second time, thanks to KCUR, our National Public Radio station at 89.3FM.  Thanks to the staff of the station for all of their hard work to bring Story Corps back to the area.   Also, thanks to these local Brookside businesses for their support of StoryCorps and KCUR:  Brookside Price Chopper, Blue Grotto, Mr. Goodcents, JULIAN, The Roasterie, Avenues Bistro, Sharps 63rd St Grill, Fiddley Fig, Brookside Barkery, James Hallmark, Brookside Party Warehouse.

You can hear recorded stories from the StoryCorps booth every Friday on KCUR; they are usually broadcast around 7:20am.  In addition, KCUR will broadcast select excerpts from the recorded Kansas City conversations through the Fall on air.

Thanks for reading my blog. You can contact me at mary.hutchison@prukc.com or please leave a comment.

What Brookside Can Teach Highwoods and Polsinelli

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Do you hear the uproar?  The owner of the Country Club Plaza, Highwoods Properties (based in North Carolina) has proposed a generic, sterile looking new office building for the  Polsinelli law firm at the northeast corner of 47th and Broadway.  The new building would require demolishing an original 1920s building and the Neptune apartments.  KC area residents and Plaza lovers worldwide are loudly voicing their objection over replacing a classic, Spanish themed, original Plaza building with a large,  unsightly box that doesn’t fit the surrounding architecture.

I’m in agreement with the purists:  what attracts businesses, retail and homebuyers to the Plaza area is its original, unique, preserved architecture and it’s sense of place.  There are already a few building mistakes in the retail area of the Plaza, #1 being the Saks store box of a building.  We don’t need another one.  Frankly I’m shocked and disappointed that Highwoods would propose such an unsightly piece of work on their property.  They do a great job of maintaining the Plaza atmosphere with other retail establishments, hotels, landscaping and restaurants.  Why erect something that looks like it belongs in Corporate Woods?  Don’t they realize the original architecture is one of the  main reasons businesses want to be on the Plaza?  Isn’t that one of the main reasons they bought the complex??                                                                                                                   

Highwoods and Polsinelli should take a good look at local Brookside homeowners who have built  new homes while blending in with the older, surrounding homes on the same block.  Just like Polsinelli, Brookside homeowners want to be here for…the location, the walkability, the nearby  amenities,  and historic, well crafted homes.  There have been a few teardowns in Brookside where, thanks to the new owners, a new home has been erected that compliments its’ surroundings in every way. I’ve seen some monstrous homes built in Leawood/Prairie Village  on empty lots (particularly on the 8100 block of High Drive and the 4000 block of Prairie Lane) that ruin the line of sight for all the neighbors. They stick out like a lone pimple on the forehead.  I can’t help but think it’s ego and selfishness that demanded those designs.

Pictured in this blog are three ‘new’ homes built in Brookside that complement the historic nature of the area in addition to  the homes on the blocks where they were built.  Oh to have the amenities of a brand new home in Bside  but in a classic looking exterior!  Highwoods and Polsinelli can do the same….if their egos and wallets  are notched down a bit  for the greater good of Kansas City’s top architectural masterpiece.

  Thanks for reading my blog.  You can reach me at mary.hutchison@prukc.com or maryhutchison.org

This Brookside Home Needs a New Owner!

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Despite the slow housing market, sales continue in Brookside.  Seems like everyone wants to live here…or at least consider it when looking for a new home.  During a recent open house, I had four couples from North Kansas City interested in moving to the area–four different couples in three hours!  That was unusual.

This home, at 441 W 58 Terrace, needs a new owner. It’s been on the market since spring, and is now reduced to $295,000.  This is a lot of house for the money, especially considering the location.  Why hasn’t it sold yet?  Many reasons, I believe–the initial price was high for many buyers, it needs a little polishing up here and there, the backyard isn’t large and it’s perhaps too much house for empty nesters.  The positives of this house are many: it’s on a great block (I used to live two homes down and know the neighbors!); it’s just a few blocks north of the Brookside shops and a few blocks south of Loose Park; it has four large bedrooms, three and a half baths, a two car garage and newer roof; it has hot water heat; a newer kitchen; a family room, cozy library and separate office space. There are many classic architectural details: a leaded glass window, original light fixtures, maid’s staircase, front porch, stucco and brick exterior.    The owners want to move closer to school for their children.  They are ready to entertain offers–so if you know of someone who is looking in the area–call (816 510 1262) or email me.  You can also visit my website for more photos.   

This home is such a great value and has so much to offer it’s next owners…help me get it sold!!

Annual Brookside Tree Lighting Ceremony!

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Bundle up Brooksiders…for the annual Brookside Tree Lighting Ceremony this Thursday, December 3.  The festivities center around 63rd St and Brookside Plaza starting at 6pm.  The St Peter’s Children’s Choir will put everyone in a jolly mood singing Christmas carols…sleigh rides are available …. hear the Holiday Trombones and remember to bring a few cans of food for Harvesters.

Right now the temperture is forecast to be in the 30s–not too cold, just grab a hot beverage from the Roasterie on your way over.  It’s another neighborhood tradition here in Brookside–all are welcome, see you there!