A Kansas City Real Estate Blog by Realtor, Sarah Snodgrass

Today I was in Kansas City’s historic northeast neighborhood just east of the River Market and Downtown to show someone my new listing. While there, I stopped in at BLVD Pastries for an iced sugar cookie. I had heard from Lauren over at Framework Design how terrific they were, so I thought I’d give it a try.

It was pretty good; not the best I’ve ever had (that would be McLain’s), but good enough that I will definitely stop in again. Before heading back to work, I took a picture of my favorite sign. I LOVE this retro sign. I think it should get some sort of historic designation – it is that cool.

Yesterday I held an open house at 1008 W. 70th Street in Kansas City. The home is located in the popular subdivision of Romanelli Gardens, which extends from 67th on the north to Gregory on the south, and Wornall on the east to Ward Parkway on the west. I created a map in Google Maps so you can visualize. There are about 615 homes in the subdivision, all of which were built from about 1925-1940. Though the subdivision is now about 80 years old, these homes are all well-kept, updated, and each have their own unique beauty. Occasionally while walking my boxer along the Trolley Track Trail, we’ll wonder over to Romanelli Gardens for a change of scenery – its quiet streets are a great place to view the diverse scenery of the homes, the landscaping and the mature trees. Most homes in the area are Tudor-style homes, but you can also find other styles (or a mish-mash of styles) such as colonial revival; many of which have original brick and stone detailing. Below is a photo I took at my open house. I fell head over heels in love with the iron detailing on the front door. This type of door and detailing is common among tudors in the area.

p.s. This was my busiest open house ever. Probably due to the tax credit, the buyers are out in droves and they all said they wish there were more homes for sale. Unfortunately, inventory is down, but I think we will see a spike in listings pretty soon.

There is a new website on the scene in Kansas City that you need to take seriously. Many come and go, but this one is for real. Real writers, real photographers, video, photos, relationships with local bloggers, in-depth journalism, local flavor, lifestyle, food, full listings of local spots, and finally a legit events calendar for KC (similar to the exceptional Lawrence.com calendar of events). Also notable is the top-notch design and layout. This site is easy to use and read. KCFreePress.com

It was a great day for Chiefs fans yesterday at Arrowhead with a much-needed win against the Steelers. When they pulled out the win in overtime, the fans went absolutely berserk. It was a fun game and a spunky crowd. I very rarely go to Chiefs games, but when I do I have a great time viewing the local flavor. Check out my photo editorial below from yesterday’s game. (don’t miss the guy doing the box-wine-pouch shot)

We had some lively discussion on the fate, design, and appreciation of the Meyer West Condominiums in my recent blog entry. Coincidentally, as I was checking the new listings in our local MLS system this week I saw that the retail space on the street level of the Meyer West Condominium building is for sale. I believe it is a 2397 square foot space (per MLS) set up to be a salon and coffee shop/restaurant, currently listed at $280,000. VIEW PROPERTY LISTING (listed by David A. Cox with Century 21 All Pro)

Below is an image from the Missouri Valley Special Collections of the Kansas City Missouri Public Library’s online catalog. This was taken in 1960 at the corner of Brookside Boulevard and Meyer looking southeast toward the Meyer West Condo building. Check out the fins on those old Chevys!

Image Credit: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Missouri.

Here are just a few things that contribute to a high quality of living in Brookside:

1. The Trolley Track Trail – Popular walking, bicycling, and running trail stretching six miles from Volker (UMKC) to 85th and Prospect. The trail exists along an old streetcar line.
2. Parks – There are pocket parks all over Brookside, some in plain sight with the usual jungle gyms, kiddie pools, and tennis courts; but there are also hidden parks that are tucked away known only to the houses that back to them.
3. The MAX and other bus routes – With the increasing cost of gasoline and the growing awareness of reducing air pollution, riding the bus is becoming a larger part of city living. The MAX is a rapid transit line stretching from the City Market to Brookside/Waldo. We love to ride it downtown for First Fridays.
4. The Brookside Farmers’ Market – Your chance to buy fresh locally grown veggies, flowers, meats, and goods every Saturday in season.
5. Shops, restaurants, bars and grocery stores – Everything you need is right here.
6. Friendly neighbors and active neighborhoods -  Don’t be surprised if your neighbors turn out to be some of your best friends.
7. Bikeability and Walkability – Trails, sidewalks, and close enough proximity to be able to ride to many places around town.
8. History – Live in a beautiful, well-built home from the 1910-1940’s. Here you will find tudors, brick, limestone, stately colonials, craftsman bungalows and more.
9. Scenery – Brookside is full of mature trees, statues, and fountains.
10. Events – Brookside is host to popular events such as the annual Brookside Art Fair and the Brookside St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

limestone home with spanish tile roof

Happy Gillis for lunch, Babycakes for dessert. What a way to spend a rainy afternoon. I knew about Happy Gillis from its origins as the Happy Soup Eater – the soup catering/delivery business, so I was expecting to have soup for lunch. There were probably ten sandwich options, but only one sad little soup option on the menu today – potato soup. It was delicious and obviously made with fresh, quality ingredients, but my expectations for soup were so high that I was a bit disappointed. Both sandwiches we tried were great and made with fresh artisan breads which I think can make or break a good sandwich. It is an excellent lunch spot, and I would highly recommend it.

After lunch, my friend Katherine, who was taking me out to celebrate my recent birthday, treated me to a strawberry cupcake with strawberry butter-cream frosting from Babycakes in the River Market neighborhood. They are a small little cupcake shop and bakery – great for popping in for a sweet treat, or you can call them for party orders. They had rearranged the store a bit since the last time I was there with more retail stuff. Besides the cupcakes, they were selling some drinks, cupcake stands and the funniest greeting cards I’ve seen in a while such as “Momma said there’d be days like this but she didn’t tell me there’d be this many!” As expected, my strawberry cupcake was delicious, although I’m not very discerning when it comes to cake.

I love these old signs around town. Sadly, the shops in the Loma Vista storefront in Westport were shuttered recently, but Justrite is doing great. As a matter of fact, I just purchased a return-address stamp as a housewarming gift from them last week.

These two establishments are highlights of KC’s bar and restaurant scene. The food at 1924 was surprising, fresh, and delicious, while the setting is very retro Kansas City which I love. Vintage tile floors, rich wood, brick, but it has a nice current/modern feel to it. I had the three-course meal with wine pairings and I loved every bit of it – especially the starter which was a braised pork ravioli in a delicious light sauce. This was a couple months ago, and their menu changes seasonally so don’t expect to find this dish if you dine there.

Manifesto, on the other hand, has a very different feel. It is a speakeasy bar in the lower level of 1924 Main. They don’t market, so it is a word-of-mouth type place where they have some really entertaining etiquette rules. The drink menu here is nothing short of astounding. I had their take on a margarita which had nothing in common with a traditional margarita except for the tequila. This drink was light and savory – I have never had anything like it. It was made with the herb sage, and fresh lime and a really, really cool tall rectangular ice wedge that was the height of the glass. With as much care they put into the details here, I am sure it was carefully and scientifically made to melt perfectly into the drink. Mixology…

So if you are feeling like trying something fresh and new, either of these places will certainly please you.

(Photo by the talented Matthew Collins from Present Magazine article which you should read! Story is very interesting and his photos really bring the restaurants to life)

What is it with Trader Joe’s? It gets more traffic than anything else on my blog – seriously, check out the comments. People are always talking, writing about it on facebook,  and I hear and read about it everywhere. It’s just a grocery store, people! I haven’t been paying too much attention (been too busy shopping at Cosentino’s I guess), but what I have been able to piece together is that they are coming in the next year and a half, or maybe not, and if they come to KCMO, they will be in the Katz Drugstore on Westport and Main, or it will be in the shopping center called the Uptown Shoppes on Broadway next to the Uptown Theater that the owner is working on cleaning up. I assume it will be where that dirty Apple Market was located – big improvement (I heard this from a very reliable anonymous blogging commenter). Or it may be in Johnson County. But officially, a Kansas City location is not in the two-year plan for Trader Joe’s. Looks like Kansas City can continue our obsessive commenting and wooing of the ever-elusive Trader Joe’s Grocery Store. Dang, and I really want some 2-buck-Chuck – sike!

In the mean time, check out this crazy Trader Joe’s Delivery service (courtesy of BlogKC).

Just got home from a great performance at the Fishtank Theater called Sorry, Wrong Number. It is a new spin on theater, wherein the play occurs just inside the building with sound pumped outside to the audience who was seated on the sidewalk watching the play through the windows. Luckily it was a gorgeous evening, which complimented the play and added to the experience. The star of the show, Corrie Van Ausdal, recently opened this experimental theater/performance/cultural space in the Crossroads, and if this is any direction the theater will take – we are in for many pleasant surprises. Bravo, Corrie!

Brand new KU Studio 804 home near KU Med was just listed for sale. This is the first time they have ever listed a new one for sale so get quick before it is snatched up! This is one of the most impressive homes I have ever been inside. It is a platinum LEED certified, off-the-grid home with a water sistern and even its own sculptural-looking windmill in the back yard. But step inside, and you quicky forget about the green qualities once you see the high-end finishes, clean lines, and contemporary decor.

Home listed by Annie Premis & Ford Kistler of Prudential.