Tag Archives: Mary Hutchison

Repurposing Bryant Elementary School in Brookside

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Last night I attended the first “Reuse Proposal Presentations” hosted by the Kansas City School District.  This one was about repurposing Bryant Elementary School at Wornall and Westover.  It was held at the Country Club United Methodist Church, and over 100 people turned out to listen and ask questions, mostly middle aged and retired residents from the nearby homes.

So far, the only proposal submitted for this site is a combination condo/private country club project by six developers, banding together as an LLC.  (It was difficult to read their formal company name from the overhead projector in the back of the church!).  This group plans to keep the existing structure and footprint of the building.  About half the space would be turned into 14 condos (25,000 SF) and the rest of the building would be a private club with an Olympic sized outdoor pool, six tennis courts, a racquetball court, restaurant, fitness club, and common area for residents, banquet area available for rental, and a private rooftop terrace.  Developers plan about 110 parking spaces, with 28 of those associated with the condos. Condo prices would start at approximately $300 per SF, or around $300,000 for the smallest condo (1000SF).  The developers are seeking tax credits for the project, estimated to cost $11.9 million with construction beginning next year (if approved).   The country club will have a ‘non profit’ classification—did I hear that correctly??

It seemed to me that most of the persons present in the audience were against the project.  The main concern is the increased traffic for the residential area surrounding the club, as well as ‘light and noise pollution’ from the outdoor sports and some ‘visual pollution’ from the inflated domed tennis courts.  The developers reported that no formal traffic study has been done and they feel the traffic disruption will be ‘minimal’.  They will ‘work with the neighbors’ to restrict parking on surrounding streets.  Everyone was asked to complete a form expressing their views about the project that the KCMO School District will take under consideration.

Personally, I am not opposed to a condo development on the site, especially if the existing building will be used.  As for the private country club, I am concerned about the increased traffic and parking shortage for project.  Already there is heavy traffic surrounding nearby St Teresa’s Academy during the week and on weekends during special events. This private club will obviously cater to people with substantial incomes, and therefore unavailable to many nearby Brookside homeowners.  In addition, how will this project look from the street?  Will it be a gated community with tall fencing, an ugly streetscape for passers-by? These specific concerns could not be adequately addressed at the meeting.

Iwant to see other interested parties step up with proposals for this site so there are more options for this building.  You can express your views or get more information by emailing repurposing@kcpublicschools.org

Brookside Events this Week

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It can be a challenge to keep up with all the Brookside events I want to attend!  This week there are two especially important meetings, so I’m blogging about the details below:

Tuesday (March 20) is the monthly board meeting of the Armour Hills Homes Association.  We’ve been discussing raising the annual dues to pay for private security a few hours a day as a response to the increase in crime.  This topic will again be discussed in more detail.  All residents of Armour Hills are welcome.  The meeting is at 7pm at the Country Club Congregational  Church, 205 W 65th St.

Also Tuesday night is the first of two meetings regarding proposals related to ‘repurposing’ nearby closed Kansas City MO schools. Prospective buyers for the Bryant School (319 Westover),  will present their ideas at 6pm at the Country Club United Methodist Church, 400 W 57th St. Proposals for the Bingham School (7618 Wyandotte) will be presented at 9am Saturday March 24 at the Broadway United Methodist Church, 406 W 74th.

I’ll report back via blogs later in the week with a summary of both meetings…wish I could clone myself for the night so I could be both places at once!

 

 

Brookside Area Home Sales Statistics

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Hi fellowBrooksiders …. here are home sales statistics for the main Brookside zip code of 64113, from February 2012:

Eleven single family homes sold in February.  The highest sales price was $650,000; the lowest was $169,275.  The average list price was $315,266, and the average sales price was $296,289.  Average days on market:  144.

In February 2011, ten homes sold.  The highest sales price was $630,000, the lowest was $152,000.  The average list price was $362,830, and the average sales price was $341,545.  Average days on market:  183.

Currently there are approximately 103 homes for sale in zip 64113, with an average list price of $489,046.  The high average price reflects several more expensive homes on the market in the Hampstead Gardens/Sunset Hill areas.  (Note all figures are taken from Heartland MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

There certainly is quite a bit of activity as far as showings and open house attendance in Brookside–I’m optimistic for a strong spring buying season!

If you would like home sales statistics for your particular neighborhood, email me!

Brookside’s 32cd Annual St Patrick’s Warm Up Parade 2012

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We are just a few days away from one of the most fun events of the year in Brookside:  the St Patrick’s Warm Up Parade.  It begins at 2pm on Saturday March 10, and lasts around 90 minutes.  The parade starts at 65th and Wornall, heads north on Wornall to 63rd St, east on 63rd to Main St, south on Main to Meyer, west on Meyer to Brookside Blvd.  The weather should be great!

2012 Brookside Warm Up Parade

2012 is the 32cd year for the parade.  According to LaDene Morton’s book, The Brookside Story, the first parade was started on a lark by the owner and patrons of Hogerty’s Tavern.  Virginia Kellog was running the merchants association at the time, and she decided to make the parade an official Brookside event.  The downtown KC St Pat’s parade was gaining in popularity, and Brookside would piggy-back on the celebration by having their parade a week early.

At first the ‘parade’ wasn’t very big.  It was mostly children from the neighborhood church and school groups who participated. One car would chauffeur the Grand Marshal of the parade.  Eventually, the parade grew in size and length to what it is today.  In the 1980s, the merchants started giving awards for various categories, including best music, best float and best theme.  The parade now has to limit entries, currently over 100, and regularly attracts local media coverage.  Local politicians and dignitaries to join in the fun, creating their own floats or walking along with residents.   This year’s Grand Marshals are Bob and Darlene Drummond, owners of Drummond Cleaners–a Brookside business since 1919.

One of the best things I like about the parade is that it’s a very easy parade to watch–you aren’t far back from the street so you get a good look at the floats and the riders.  It’s a true family affair, with many folks making it a party day on the front porch or lawn so friends can gather and socialize all afternoon.  The parade is one of the special annual events that makes Brookside such a special place to live.  Just be aware of the traffic closures and avoid the route area from late morning until late afternoon!

January 2012 Home Sales Statistics for Brookside — Zip Code 64113

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Hello, fellow Brooksiders! Here are Brookside single family home sales statistics for January 2012, followed by the stats from January 2011 for comparison. I am using the main zip code of 64113 for these figures:

In January 2012, nine homes sold. The lowest sales price was $210,000 and the highest sales price was $920,000. Average list price was $357,933; average sales price was $346,167. Average days on market: 123.

In January 2011, nine homes sold. The lowest sales price was $146,770 and the highest sales price was $800,000.  The average list price was $407,633 and average sales price was $382,030.  Average days on market:  235.

As of this writing, there are 101 single homes for sale in zip 64113…that is a lot of inventory!

Although the same amount of homes sold in each month, the average price was much lower in January 2012.  Keep in mind that Brookside is an area where home prices vary widely—there are $200,000 homes within a few blocks of $800,000  homes. For a true comparison, you have to look at stats that compare with your own smaller footprint of homes, and know that if more higher priced homes sold, that brings up the average sales price.

If you would like home sales for your area…email me!

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

 

When Clients Become Friends

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Last night I took two clients to dinner.  This couple recently closed on their home purchase in Overland Park, and I enjoy spending time with them…so I invited them to dinner to celebrate their new purchase. My husband came along for the evening.

When I first met the wife, Diann, I knew we would get along great!  She’s a happy, sparkly, positive person.  A retired English teacher, we had a lot in common as my daughter plans to be an English teacher.  Jeff is an employment lawyer who used to be a pharmacist—he has a calm and honest manner about him.  We shared stories about our kids, books, home décor, restaurants—a very easy conversation.  I know we will share more social time together now that the business side of our relationship has closed.

This is one of the best benefits of being a real estate agent—getting to know so many interesting people, and becoming friends with (some of) them.  When first meeting a customer, it’s a great feeling to  ‘click’ over certain shared interests:  love of travel, kids the same age, political leanings, current events, favorite TV shows and movies.  Besides talking business, I enjoy taking a break and sharing conversation about these other topics we all like.  And after the business is over…continuing the relationship through social events and meals is a huge benefit.

At the start of each year, I think ‘who am I going to meet this year through real estate that will join my circle of friends?’.  At the end of every year, I look back and smile, relishing those new customers-turned-friends.  It’s one of the joys of life, making that circle of people in your orbit a bit larger..and real estate has done that for me!

Armour Hills Board Meeting February 2012

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Last night was the monthly meeting of the Armour Hills Homes Association.  As a board member, I usually blog a brief recap of what was discussed.  These are not the official minutes but information from my notes:

*Approximately 15 residents attended to talk about crime prevention in Armour Hills.  This group presented several suggestions for residents and the board to fight crime in the area.  They are talking with Euston Hardware and local security companies about offering special discounts  AH residents–these details may be published in a future Clarion or presented in a separate meeting to homeowners in the near future.  Their main request is an increase in annual dues (could be as much as $60 additional per year) to pay for off duty KCMO police officers to patrol our neighborhood.

*Improved communication with residents is a big goal of the Board this year.  Tiffany is currently writing an RFP to  streamline and outsource our communications to a separate company/individual.

*We are talking with ATA regarding regular upkeep and maintenence of the overpass of the Trolley Track Trail.  Landscaping needs to be done — with a potential hefty price tag.  It is possible that AH will take over the  maintenence of this specific part of the trail once a landscaping design is agreed upon.

*We are discussing a possible Earth Day event for residents.  Dumpsters would be available for refuse.

*Resident Mel Solomon presented a proposal regarding pruning 200-250 trees in Armour Hills.  He would do the work himself.  The board will consider his proposal.  At this time, no funds are set aside for tree pruning.

All residents are welcome to attend our board meetings.  The next one is March 20 at 7pm at the Country Club Christian Church. Thanks for reading my blog!

 

Brookside Author to Discuss “Pilate’s Cross” at Plaza Library Feb 23!

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What’s the best part about reading a non-fiction book?  For me, it’s the escape into another world.  At the end of the day, I look forward to surrounding myself with different folks, in another city, with various relationship dramas and situations to deal with.  Living with a good book for a few weeks is a joy, and sharing the experience with someone else is one reason why book clubs are so popular.  Having the chance to talk with the author of a favorite book—a thrilling meeting of the minds!

Alex Greenwood

Award-winning Brookside author J. Alexander Greenwood, who wrote Pilate’s Cross will speak at the Plaza location of the Kansas City Public Library on February 23 at 6:30 p.m. (Please click here to RSVP.) This crime thriller is based on a true story that happened in Peru, Nebraska. In the book, John Pilate and his new friend Kate investigate the unsolved mystery of the murdered president of Cross College. Greenwood gained access to actual police records, crime scene photos and news reports in researching the book. (Full disclosure, Alex is a friend of mine, thus this post to help promote this event.  But I did read the book and really enjoyed it–more so, I think, because I know the author!)

Thoroughly engrossing, the characters the author created will prompt your escape into this novel.  John is someone who is generally minding his own business and suddenly forced to take action because of particular circumstances.  How he gets through this ‘mystery situation’ will keep you turning the pages in this book!

They say ‘write what you know’, and Alex based John somewhat on himself.  Sexy and attractive Kate is a composite of women he’s known, including perhaps a particular girl he met in Nebraska. When asked about his favorite part of the book, Greenwood is particularly proud of the snappy dialogue between John Pilate and the sheriff.

“My grandfather, an accomplished author in his lifetime, instilled in me the value of having characters which are relatable to the reader,” Alex said. “You can have the greatest mystery plot around, but if the characters are cardboard, it won’t work.”

Alex said he was first inspired to write during numerous childhood talks about storytelling with his grandfather, Robert E. Trevathan. He fondly remembers seeing Trevathan–an award-winning author of dozens of Western and historical fiction novels–sitting alone at a card table outside a Waldenbooks store patiently waiting to sign a few books and talk about writing at an “author event” . “Ah, the glamorous life of the author!” Alex said. “I was hooked.”

“Pilate’s Cross” has been well received with several hundred fans–many who asked that Greenwood write a sequel.  That sequel was released this month.  Pilate’s Key sends John on another adventure, this time in Key West, Florida.  When I first met Alex, he was still writing the book–and now there is the sequel.  I so admire his determination to get his words out in front of book readers.  Self publishing his work through the web has brought him success much faster than trying to go the traditional publishing route.  He’s an inspirational example of what hard work, determination, and a lot of charisma can do to help achieve your personal artistic and creative goals.

For more info about the book, links to retailers and to watch the book trailer video, click here (or paste the link below into your browser):

http://www.pitchengine.com/pilatescross/mystery-thriller-sparked-by-1950-college-murders-spawns-second-book

If you are in a book club, Alex is happy to drop in for a discussion of the book (in person or even via Skype)!

“Pilate’s Cross” is available as an e-book through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and most other ebook retailers.  You can buy hard copies at the library event or by special order through Lulu, Rainy Day Books, I Love a Mystery, Barnes & Noble or other local bookstores.  Be sure to check out the Pilate’s Cross/Key Facebook page for special offers and updates.

Hope to see you at the Plaza library February 23!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pilates-John-Pilate-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B006XKH01S/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

Lulu (paperback): http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/pilates-key/18843028?productTrackingContext=search_results%2Fsearch_shelf%2Fcenter%2F1

Free Home Security Check from KCMO Police Department

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Last week I had KCMO police officer John Trainor come to my home for a free security check.  This is a complimentary service for homeowners–and so very useful!  It took about thirty minutes, and was easy to schedule on-line by directly emailing John (john.trainor@kcpd.org) to set up a date.

Many of his suggestions and comments were common sense:  don’t leave ladders near your home; keep windows locked, keep storm doors locked, don’t keep purses, laptops and other items of value visible near windows (to prevent a ‘smash and grab’ burglary).  He also recommends keeping bushes trimmed (can be a hiding area) and plenty of lights outside the home–near the garage, between homes, and in front and back areas.  Bars on basement windows help, but according to John, many thieves (50%)  enter through the front door:  they will knock, if no answer–they  kick the door in.  There are many safety devices you can install on doors to reinforce them:  jambraces, 1″ deadbolts with a reinforcing collar, strikeplates with longer nails — all available at your local hardware store.  John also left a helpful brochure “Burglary Prevention for Homes” with references and details on other suggestions for improving home security.  I highly recommend scheduling one of these visits to your home–then take the time to implement the suggestions discussed.

Having two daughters, I also asked John about self-defense for women.  He suggested the girls and I attend one of the free self-defense seminars operated by the department.  This is a four hour class that includes hands-on demonstration and lecture.  Go to www.kcpd.org and click on W in the A to Z headline for more info.

It’s a terrible, personal violation to experience a home burglary or assault.  And it’s easy to say you don’t have time to follow through on preventative measures.  But just by reading this blog, it’s on your mind!  So put ‘improve home security’ on your to-do list.  It’s worth it!

This Feels Strange

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Of course I’m talking about this weather!  As I look out the front window while I type, I see bare trees but blue skies and kids in tee shirts!

Dinner with neighbors Feb 1 2011 snowstormLast year at this time, I distinctly remember posting photos of various snowy sites around Brookside.  This winter, not even an inch of snow yet–not in this part of town anyway.  Now there are many people very happy about this warmer weather–myself included, to a point.  It’s been great for showing buyers homes in the area–no cutting cold winds or crunching down snow to make it to the front door of the house.  Don’t have to have the heat cranked up to keep the house warm.  We’ve been grilling on the  patio just about every weekend!  But in another way..I miss the normal winter weather…

January 2011 in Brookside

It’s fun for the kids to have that unexpected snow day…seeing them watch the crawl on TV, anxiously looking for their school name to pop up on the screen.  I love looking out the windows at night, seeing a ‘freshly fallen silent shroud of snow’ (thank you Simon and Garfunkel, for that lovely phrase).  Last year when we were snowed in, we had a pot luck dinner with our neighbors–no one was driving anywhere, everyone was home early from work and we threw together a tasty feast for our two families. Bundling up to go out and shovel snow–good exercise!  Watching the Brookside youngsters sled down Suicide Hill is a joy.  I like throwing on the flannel pj’s  and  burrowing under the down comforter to watch a movie while sipping hot chocolate, enjoying  the blissful cocoon of security inside while Mother Nature storms outside. Will any of that happen before spring 2012 hits?

Experiencing the very distinct change of seasons is one reason I couldn’t move out of the midwest. It would be boring to me, always having the same weather year round. So while I am grateful for this warm spell, I am hoping for a real midwest snowstorm soon, before the lilacs start blooming outside my kitchen window!

(Thanks to my daughter Siena for inspiring this post!)