New Community Space Opens in Brookside

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

If your Brookside/Waldo home has a front porch—you know how relaxing and welcoming the space can be. For those of us without that amenity, please enjoy the new front porch at HJ’s Youth and Community Center, 6425 Wornall. The sleek new building joins the campus of St Andrew’s Episcopal Church at Meyer and Wornall. HJ’s gathering place is open to all area residents, not just members of the church.

Father John Spicer, Rector, at St Andrew’s, has been watching the construction go on the past several months. He’s so excited about the new space, and eager to show it off to the Brookside/Waldo residents. As he explained to me, “We want this building to be a place of intersection between the church and the community.” St Andrew’s Youth Ministry will meet here, along with Boy Scout Troup 16 (here for more than 90 years!). Other groups are welcome: community meetings, business associations, classes for couples and parenting, financial seminars. Special events like wedding receptions, anniversary and birthday parties can be hosted in the space; there is a catering prep space/kitchen (alcohol permitted) and there will be a staffed coffee/snack bar with a special Roasterie Blend coffee named for the church. So if you are weary of working from home, or need a break while walking the trail, stop in the lobby of HJ’s, grab a beverage and relax on the patio!

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A lot of dedicated, design conscious thought went into the appearance and amenities of the outside of the building so as to engage the neighborhood residents and passers-by. On the east side, there is a fire pit on a patio (pictured at left) and a water station. A bike repair area will soon be installed for those who use the Trolley Track Trail. Father John hopes to host summer movie nights on the building’s east wall. The front porch will have Adirondack chairs and a bike rack. And notice the large steel WELCOME sign on the west and south side of the building!

HJ’s Youth and Community Center will host an Open House for the neighborhood this Saturday, April 28 from 1-3pm. Please stop by and see this beautiful space that everyone is welcome to use and enjoy. Oh—and if you are wondering about the pumpkin and Christmas tree sales, they will still take place here! For more information, call the church at 816 523 1602. Online space reservations will soon be available at www.hjsbrookside.org

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Brookside Home Sales Report-March 2018

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

The busy spring home buying season is here and buyers are hungry for fresh listings, especially those priced at $350K or less. Let’s take a look at the Brookside home sales report for March 2018, using the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

March 2018 March 2017

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

Median sales price: $394,000 Median sales price: $395,000

No. of homes sold: 23 No. of homes sold: 23

Days on market: 14 Days on market: 34

Notice the median sales price is virtually the same as a year ago, and number of homes sold is the same. Homes this year went under contract in a shorter amount of time–just two weeks. The lowest sales price last month was $255,000 and the highest was $1.1 million.

Year to date figures below:

Jan-March 2018 Jan-March 2017

Median list price: $387,450 Median list price: $397,000

Median sales price: $373,000 Median sales price: $394,000

No. of homes sold: 52 No. of homes sold: 50

Days on market: 25 Days on market: 37

Although the median sales price is lower YTD this year compared to last, I don’t think that signals an overall slump in sales prices. We have such a wide range of prices in Brookside–I think the lower median number reflects more ‘lower’ priced homes selling, and that’s where the demand is (not for $500K and over). Also, note the trend of more homes closing and going under contract in a shorter amount of time compared to 2017 YTD.

Currently there are 33 active listings in zip code 64113. The median list price is $529,950 and 33 days on market. Prices range from $$249,000 up to $2.89 million. Sixteen homes are priced over $500K.

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

Bella Napoli Changes It’s Coffee Bar

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

You may have heard Bella Napoli is ‘closing’ it’s coffee bar. Not true! It’s the concept and hours that are changing!

Starting today, Monday April 16, the coffee bar will open at 10am, along with the deli and market. You can get coffee (or expresso, latte, etc) but no pastries or drinks with syrup. Owner Jake Imperiale says he’s changing the concept to “do it the Italian way” –meaning no coffee ‘to go’. Come in, order your beverage; it will be served on china and then you can sit down at a table and take the time to really enjoy your beverage. (And if you’ve ever been to Italy, you know that is the true Italian way to have a coffee. Linger and appreciate your drink, take the time to chat with your companion or sit and contemplate the day.)

Bella Napoli has been a Brookside fixture since April 2001. It’s here you will find fresh Italian deli meats, cheeses and sandwiches, along with imported wines, olive oil, vinegar, pastas, olives and other treats. Lunch and dinner are also offered, in a cozy, comfortable, space. There are plenty of places to get a ‘grab and go’ coffee in Brookside–now when you want to relax and savor the real Italian experience, come to Bella Napoli. New hours are 10am-9pm Monday though Thursday; Friday and Saturday 10am-10pm; closed on Sunday.

Thank you for supporting locally owned Brookside/Waldo businesses!

Brookside Farmers’ Market Opens Saturday

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

farmer Another sign of Spring! The Brookside Farmers’ Market opens this weekend, Saturday April 14, 2018 for the season. Location is the same: southeast corner of 63rd and Wornall, at Border Star elementary school.

There are many farmers’ markets in the metro area; what makes this one a bit different is that all vendors live within 100 miles of the market and the goods they sell are “organic and sustainable”. Besides fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers, there are various meats for sale, baked goods, snacks, and some vegan/gluten free items. The market accepts KS Vision and MO SNAP forms of payment. It’s helpful if you bring your own bag to the market!

With the crazy weather we’ve had, there may not be an abundance of fresh produce on opening day. However, there is always something tasty to purchase!

Thank you for supporting our local Brookside Farmers’ Market. Hours are 8am-1pm every Saturday through October.

Brookside Home Sales Stats-Feb 2018

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

It’s early in the year, however home buyers are out shopping–traffic during open houses is very heavy! There still isn’t very much inventory in the highly sought after $200-$350K price range — and those that do pop on go under contract almost immediately. Here are the February 2018 single family home sales stats for Brookside, using zip code 64113.

February 2018 February 2017

Median List Price: $349,950 Median List Price: $421,250

Median Sales Price: $320,000 Median Sales Price: $402,000

No. of homes sold: 11 No. of homes sold: 14

Days on market: 9 Days on market: 43

Although the median sales price was much lower than last year, consider that in Feb 2017, more expensive homes sold, including a $1.2 million dollar property. Here are year-to-date figures:

Jan-Feb 2018 Jan-Feb 2017

Median List Price: $399,900 Median List Price: $399,000

Median Sales Price: $376,000 Median Sales Price $393,461

No. of homes sold: 27 No. of homes sold: 27

Days on market: 9 Days on market: 43

The highest sales we’ve had so far this year is $1.7 million in January.

Currently there are 32 homes listed in 64113, with a median sales price of $469,750 and 25 days on market. The lowest priced home is $259,950 and the highest is $2,890,000. Just one half of the homes listed are under $450,000.

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

Brookside St Pat’s Parade on Saturday

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

This Saturday, March 10, 2018 is the 38th Annual Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade! Even if you are not Irish, join your neighbors and friends for this family friendly event, starting at 2pm.

The parade route is:

Starting from 65th St and Wornall Rd, north on Wornall to 63rd St; east on 63rd St to Main; south on Main St to Meyer; west on Meyer ending at Brookside Plaza.

Please arrive early! If you are driving, park several blocks from the route and note that residential streets will be very congested. Street closures will begin early afternoon. Watch for pedestrians, strollers, lots of kids running around and huge, colorful floats! Expect traffic delays and street closures in this area through late afternoon.

Be sure to stop in for lunch or refreshments at the nearby Brookside businesses–and check out some of the new shops in the area: Skin, Lady Bye and Design in the City.

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats-Jan 2018

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

As I write this blog, I am looking ahead wondering if Armour Hills will again be one of the most desirable neighborhoods for buyers in 2018. Last year the average days on market for a new listing in Armour Hills was just 7, and median home prices increased 14.9% over 2016. Those numbers say a lot about how strong this neighborhood is.

Let’s take a look at the stats for last month:

January 2018 January 2017

Median list price: $289,975 Median list price: $329,475

Median sales price: $284,500 Median sales price: $327,500

Days on market: 5 Days on market: 18

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

Although the median home sales price was much lower than 2017, that reflects the fact lower prices homes sold last month. Still, three of the four homes that sold were at or above list price. The highest sales price was $340,000 and the lowest was $185,000. I believe Armour Hills will again be a strong destination for home buyers this year.

Currently there are five active listings in Armour Hills, with a median price of $345,000 and 71 days on market.

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

Home For Sale in Brookside East

Posted on February 21, 2018 by Mary Hutchison

Know anyone looking for a Brookside home? This new listing of mine could be the one!

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This house features a bungalow floor plan, with two bedrooms on the main level and a spacious master suite on the second floor. It’s updated and move in ready: refinished hardwood floors, fresh interior paint featuring a formal living and dining room, plus cozy side screened porch. All windows have been replaced as well!

Check out this kitchen–newer cabinets, backsplash, solid surface counters and Hansgrohe faucet over the sink. The back door leads to a yard with deck and one car garage.

You will love this huge master suite on the second floor! Newer windows fill the bedroom with lots of natural light. The full bath offers a dual vanity, easy to clean Onyx shower, jetted tub and walk in closet!!!

Other improvements include a new roof, new sewer line, updated electrical work, radon system installed and refinished hardwoods. Very desirable location near UMKC and a few blocks from the growing Brookside East area featuring several shops, restaurants, bakery and services. Offered at $245,000. This house has the charm and updates a Brookside buyer wants!

Contact me for more information. Come home to Brookside!

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.

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

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