New Businesses Coming to Brookside/Waldo

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

A brief blog today with information on two new businesses coming to Brookside and Waldo….

Future Site of BKS Nails

The former James Hallmark shop at 6245 Brookside Blvd, vacant for over two years now, will soon house BKS Nails, a salon offering manicures, pedicures and waxing services. Owners of this shop also own and operate Plaza Nails (on the Country Club Plaza) and Oak Nails (across from the UMKC admin building). Look for this shop to open next month.

Do you remember PIzza Manifesto? That short-lived pizza joint opened last year next to the Chipotle at 75th and Washington, just west of Wornall. It was recently announced that Pizzeria Locale will be going into that space at 505 W 75th St. This ‘fast casual’ restaurant will offer built your own 11” Neapolitan-style pizzas, along with a few salads and sides options. Pizzeria Locale started in with locations in Denver and Boulder, then formed a partnership with Chipotle. The KC location will be the first outside of Colorado.

No word yet on an official opening date for the eagerly awaited Heirloom Bakery and Hearth at the corner of 63rd St and Oak…

Brookside Home Sales Stats – Jan 2015

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

It’s a brand new year for home sales in Brookside! In 2014, 291 single family homes sold in our Brookside zip code of 64113. That’s about 24 per month. We are getting off to a slower start in 2015–that’s because there is a lack of desirable inventory in the $200-$350K price range. Let’s look at the numbers:

In January 2015, eight homes sold in the Brookside area. The median list price was $279,500 and the median sales price was $275,000. Average days on market: 23.

In January 2014, thirteen homes sold. The median list price was $299,950 and the median sales price was $295,000. Average days on market: 38.

Bonus numbers! Note the wide range of prices in our zip code:

Highest closed sales price in 2014 was $1.445 million; lowest was $160,100.

Highest closed sales price in January 2015 was $930,000 and lowest was $170,000.

Although we are behind compared to one year ago, I’m not concerned. January is typically a slow month for home sales, and inventory is still low. The busy spring buying season is just around the corner so these numbers will go up as we head into warmer weather.

Currently there are 60 single family homes for sale in Brookside (zip 64113) with a median price of $409,000 and 123 days on market. That higher median sales price reflects the lack of lower priced inventory–those homes get snapped up quickly and the higher priced homes sit on the market longer. The lowest price listed home is $$210K; the highest is $4.450 million.

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

Brookside Home Prices Rise in 2014

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Good news for Brookside homeowners! Once again our home values increased in 2014! I just checked the stats for single family homes sales last year (in zip code 64113) and properties continue to sell at an overall higher price than 2013. Below I am outlining the details, with a comparison of the last several years for reference.

Year Median Sales Price Avg Days on Market # of Homes Sold

2014 $306,000 41 290

2013 $295,000 45 306

2012 $275,000 61 294

2011 $249,000 87 204

2010 $264,000 87 209

For the year, prices are up 3.72% from 2013, and 11.27% since 2012. The average time a house sits for sale before going under contract shrunk by a few days; the number of homes sold down by a few units.

Brookside continues to be a popular location for all types of homeowners. In 2014 we saw several teardowns on our area plus the rehabbers continuously snap up houses to update and flip. The east side of 63rd St is bustling with new businesses and office space. Current homeowners add on to existing homes, update interiors and there are more school choices for young children. All of these improvements add to the desirability of Brookside as a place to live which translates into higher home values. (Also – 2015 is a property tax reassessment year for Jackson County, so you may see an increase in your property taxes.)

I will briefly mention December 2014 stats as well: nine homes sold, with a median sales price of $236,000. In December 2013, seven homes sold at a median price of $224,900.

Currently there are single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list price of $425,000 and 130 days on market. (All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Heirloom Bakery Plans March 2015 Opening

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Happy 2015! I took a vacation from blogging over the past few weeks…just relaxed and enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. Saw some movies, baked a lot, indulged in those special treats you feast on once a year, and indulged in a few post Christmas sales. I hope your holidays were a special time as well. Speaking of baking….

Heirloom Hearth and Bakery, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

The topic for my first blog of 2015 was going to be an interview with the owners of Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, at the corner of Oak and 63rd St (401 E 63rd). For a while there was a sign on the corner, announcing a Fall 2014 opening…but you know how these things can get delayed! I contacted owners Kate and Scott inviting them for a chat, and they suggested I get back in touch in several weeks–they now hope to open in March. Brookside neighbors are really looking forward to this place–and I’m also excited this corner is turning into an attractive retail shop after years of being an eyesore!

In the meantime, you can buy their delicious homemade breads and sweets nearby at Season and Square, 6205 Oak, or Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters, 419 E 18th St. Contact Kate and Scott Meinke at the website.

Blogs coming up within the next two weeks include a recap of Brookside/Waldo housing stats for 2014 and information on KC’s Restaurant Week!

Brookside Home Sales – November 2014

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

For the November Brookside homes sales report…fewer than half the number of homes sold last month as compared to October 2013. However, not an unusual stat for this time of year! Let’s examine Brookside single family home sales for the month of November 2014 with a comparison to last year, as well as year-to-date figures. I am using sales from the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In November 2014, 9 homes sold (compared to 25 in October). Median list price was $299,950, and median sales price was $287,000 with an average of 34 days on market. The lowest priced home sold was $117,000 and the highest was $635,000.

In November 2013, 14 homes sold. The median list price was $235,000 and the median sales price was $228,000 with 35 days on market.

Fewer homes sold, but median price was way up. This tells us more expensive homes closed–which coincides with the lack of inventory for the buyers in the $200-$250 price range.

Looking at year to date figures:

From Jan – November 2014, 263 homes have sold at a median sales price of $306,000 and 39 days on market.

From Jan – November 2013, 270 homes sold at a median sales price of $300,000 and 42 days on market.

This year is trending to be similar to 2013 home sales, with about the same number of homes sold but a higher sales price. Good news for homeowners–and, yes, buyers as well. They know they are investing in a neighborhood that has an upward trend of home equity growth!

Currently there are 68 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list price of $379,950 and 105 days on market. The lowest priced home is at $170,000 and the highest price is the house at 5650 Ward Parkway, built for Tom Pendergast, at $4.45 million. (All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Four Bdrm Brookside Home for Sale – $219K

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Armour Hills Gardens home for sale!

If you are looking for a four bedroom home in the Brookside area…you know they can be hard to find (unless you have a pretty high price range!). My new listing in Armour Hills Gardens offers a lot of space for the price, along with four true bedrooms!

Built in 1946, the home is located in Armour Hills Gardens, between Oak and Holmes on E 66st St. There are two bedrooms on the first floor, plus a full bath and this cozy living room with built-ins on either side of the fireplace.

The kitchen was completely remodeled a few years ago–check out the long granite countertop, new cabinets, plus stainless steel appliances and several windows that overlook the fenced backyard. The kitchen also leads into the dining room.

Here is one of my favorite features about the house: the screened-in porch! The doors are directly off the dining room–making it a perfect spot for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day.

On the second floor…another two bedrooms and full bath, plus a rare family room! This area is large–approximately 22×15– it’s a great spot for a media/game room.

A few other features: one car attached garage and full walk out basement. This home is near St Peter’s Church/School, bus route, and Brookside shops and amenities. Asking price is $219,000. If you know someone who wants to live in Brookside–please link them up to this blog or have them contact me!

Peek Inside This Armour Hills Landmark Home

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Armour Hills Landmark Home

If you’ve ever walked, biked or driven past this house at 48 E 68 St in Armour Hills…it surely made you stop and gaze at it’s stunning curb appeal. This is the home of my neighbors Jackie and Dave, and I’ve been wanting to write a short blog about this house for a long time. Every time I am driving home potential homebuyers around Armour Hills, they comment on how uniquely beautiful this house is as we go by.

Original tile work on back patio

Built in 1925 in the Spanish Mission style, this house was a model home for JC Nichols as he was developing the Armour Hills subdivision. The exterior is all stone, with a red clay tile roof. It features a wrap around porch, a tile walkway and a basement garage. This photo is original tile work laid into the back yard patio.

Dave has done some research on the original owners. Ernest and Zanah Portley lived here, and Mr Portley was an owner of the Wakefield Mantel and Tile Company located in downtown Kansas City. It was the largest tile importer in the US, and employees installed tile in the Phillips and Muehlebach Hotels, as well as Fairyland and Electric Park. (I wonder if the company had anything to do with the elaborate tile work on the Country Club Plaza–could not confirm that hunch.)

Original tile work, cabinet and lighting from 1925

What is so fascinating about the inside of this house is that so much of the original tile work has been preserved. The bathrooms had tile all the way to the ceiling!

Other photos pictured below are from the breakfast room. Having a breakfast nook is common in this area–what is different here is the tile mural on the wall, the tile on the shelves above the radiators, and the large fireplace in this room. Also note that original black and mustard colored tile floor.

Tile work on top of the breakfast room radiator

Fireplace in breakfast room

On wall of breakfast room

Ernest died before Zanah, who lived in the house until 1984. Their son went to Rockhurst High School and College, and died tragically at age 25. Jackie and Dave bought the house in 1999, and have remodeled and/or updated each room, taking care to preserve the original craftsmanship when possible. If tile work and light fixtures needed to be replaced, Dave purchased specially made replacements that matched the original decor.

Fireplace in Living Room

This photo shows the large fireplace in the living room–just look at the detail in the stonework!

My estimate as to the market value of this home? Priceless!

Meyer Fest Happens This Weekend in Brookside

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Our good neighbor St Peter’s Parish is hosting the first Meyer Fest this Saturday, Oct 9, 2014 on the parish grounds at 815 E Meyer Boulevard. Everyone is welcome!

On Saturday morning, enjoy a pancake breakfast from 8:30-10:30am, along with a Bike Parade and the KidSPOT carnival. Food trucks are also available from 10:30am-12:30pm. The festival then takes a break until the evening activities…

Starting at 6, there is the Indoor Wurst Party, featuring German food and a polka band. Outside, enjoy live music at the block party with The Elders, the Fritz Hutchison Band and The Zeros.

Although Meyer Fest is a fundraiser for the parish, another purpose for this event is to bring together the various and diverse residents we have in the area and build community for those not a part of the parish. So even if you are not a church member, you are welcome to join in the fun. Bring your family, neighbors and friends!

Learn more about pricing and details at MeyerFestKC. And a special thanks to The Roasterie, who is the festival’s main sponsor.

2014 Waldo Fall Festival on Saturday

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Ah, September…a favorite month for outdoor festivals in Kansas City. This Saturday, Sept 20 is the 22cd Annual Waldo Fall Festival from 10am-5pm at 75th and Wornall Road.

I enjoy this event so much because it is very family friendly and neighborhood oriented. All ages have a good time here–there are so many things to do:

Live music, including a performance by Mr Stinky Feet; food trucks; dance show; KC Zoo Zoomobile; a rock wall and scavenger hunt; merchant booths; dog show and rides plus so much more.

Walk the Trolley Track Trail and wind up at the Waldo Fall Festival at 75th and Wornall on Saturday!

What’s For Lunch or Dinner? Try This New Waldo Spot

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Let’s be frank: it’s a daily, often boring chore to plan and prepare fresh and healthy meals for one person or a family of five, even if you enjoy cooking. My daughter used to work at Cosentino’s Brookside Market as a ‘utility clerk’ (she bagged groceries), watching busy, suited singles and parents with hungry kids rush in, grab whatever from the prepared food section and dash out. We want convenience!! When my family is scattered and it’s just me at 6pm–I’m fine with eating a bowl of cereal or steaming some edamame to munch on with a side of grapes.

There’s a new Waldo ‘grab and go’ spot that’s a tasty and nutritious alternative to the usual grocery store salad bar or pizza delivery. Called Can I Have A Bite?, owner Kathy Hale is preparing fresh food daily for your convenience with an emphasis on using local meat and produce. (Longtime KC residents may remember her 1990s vegetarian restaurant called The Daily Bread). But don’t think all the choices are vegetarian–what’s different here is Kathy offers four versions of her food: “real” meaning no dietary restrictions; vegan, vegetarian and paleo. Here’s a sample of the menu items when I stopped by last week: vegan lasagna (one of her more popular dishes), chicken aioli wrap, a kale-apple-almond salad , lemon lentil soup, cashew meatloaf and pizza, plus a selection of spreads and desserts. She also offers a couple of breakfast items each day and partners with Red Headed Philosopher Coffee (also local) for beverages. Note that this coffee vendor offers more than coffee, like homemade lemonade and an Iced Grasshopper drink –yummy!

Kathy Hale

Kathy wants her customers to “know the story behind your food” like she does–all of her vendors grow organic and don’t use pesticides or hormones. She created all the recipes and cooks everything herself. I asked her if she had a calorie count and nutritional info for each item. Her philosophy is not to focus on calories, but on what you are eating–and make sure it’s fresh and free of chemical additives. Still, the portion sizes are reasonable and I don’t think any item would be unreasonable in the specific calorie count.

The point here is healthy convenience–the menu changes daily, and there are always several options. The entrees are frozen so it’s easy to stop in, buy dinner and heat up at home. Breakfast and lunch items are easy to pick up prepared and ready to eat. Check the Facebook page or website for what you want and text Kathy with your order. Currently Can I Have A Bite? is open Tuesday through Friday from 6:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 7:30am-4:30pm and Sundays from 10am-2pm. It’s located at 8011 Wornall (east side), across from the Autozone. You can park right in front of the shop (easiest if you are heading north on Wornall) or turn on W. 80th Terrace for an off street spot.

Stop by and try something from Can I Have A Bite?. Spread the word to your friends who are on restricted diets. Thank you for supporting locally owned Waldo and Brookside businesses!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

Tag Archives: Brookside real estate