For some time now exciting changes have been percolating along the 63rd Street Corridor in Kansas City (and we don’t just mean coffee at the new Unbakery and Juicery!) While new developments are always noteworthy, this advancement is particularly exceptional.
You see, just over a year ago, this section of 63rd Street was more than 85% vacant!
No wonder developer Butch Rigby’s vision to revitalize this area of the community is causing such excitement! For Rigby, a local entrepreneur and developer (known by many for his work in bringing classic film venues renewed life via his company Screenland Theatres), the “Brookside East” 63rd St. Corridor project is more than redevelopment, it’s a means of “connecting” a community.
The early renovation results have led to some surprising “connections” that were not entirely expected. For example, one of the renovated office buildings – that was only a year ago dark and empty – now has floor to ceiling exterior windows providing clear vistas both inside and out. In fact, so clear that several new office dwellers happily reported that outdoor pedestrians often wave up to them as they pass by on afternoon sidewalk strolls.
The views from the building’s inner offices are nearly as great as those from the exterior offices thanks to deconstructing solid-walled offices and replacing them with clear (sound-insulated) glass. “My goal,” says Rigby, “is for everyone from inside the building to be able to see a tree from their workspace. If they could see a tree, they could not only enjoy natural light, they could see the surrounding neighborhood they were now part of.” Another “connection” made!
Brookside has long been a thriving market for home buyers in search of charming one-of-a-kind homes, big trees and walkable shopping district. Home values have continued to appreciate, and neighborhood has become a bit of a coveted place to call home. It has both small-town, family-friendly charm – as well as convenient access to the Plaza, the Crossroads and downtown.
Unfortunately, the office and retail space along 63rd Street past Oak had not been updated much at all in over 30 years. But, thanks to the shared vision of Rigby and several other like-minded local redevelopers, like Scott and Kate Meinke who opened Heirloom Bakery & Hearth just over a year ago, and Colonel Laster with Laster Industries, the goal of extending the walkability and local retail allure of Brookside further along the 63rd Street Corridor is in full gear.
A longtime supporter of local small businesses, Rigby is committed to bringing unique and interesting new retail neighbors to the neighborhood. His vision to expand the Brookside neighborhood further down 63rd Street corridor has meant carefully curating new shops and retailers that will continue to represent the unique neighborhood charm of Brookside.
The renovated office space has been an attractive option for many area small businesses – as witnessed by occupancy that nears 100% even as some of those spaces are still being completed. A wide variety of businesses have already moved into to the mixed-use office space in the renovated building (with the new floor to ceiling windows) located at 601 E 63rd Street. From businesses like Element Wellness Spa Studio, to Odimo, a cutting-edge architectural design and consulting company, small business in occupancy along new 63rd St. corridor is thriving.
We here at Brookside Real Estate Company have long said that Brookside is more than a neighborhood, it is a way of life. Brookside is about community. Brookside is vibrant. Brookside is teeming with life and growth. This expansion is bringing wonderful value to the neighborhood. We welcome this advancement – and our new neighbors – with open arms. If you’ve not yet had a chance to do so, stop by and see what all the buzz is about. If you’re already a Brookside resident, take a walk down the sidewalk, wave to the new office tenants, stop in and meet the new retailers and say “hello” to our new neighbors.
And if you’re not already living in Brookside or Waldo or one of the surrounding neighborhoods, stop in and visit us here at our own retail office on 63rd Street. If this community isn’t already your home we, like Butch Rigby, would love to get you connected!
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