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Brookside – Full of Subdivisions Rich in History

Celebrating 100 years this September, Brookside is full of subdivisions rich in Kansas City history. Three of these historic neighborhoods are Crestwood, Countryside and Morningside. Each notable for their own distinctive features, we decided to take a closer look at why these subdivisions make up Kansas City’s best neighborhood – Brookside!

Crestwood

A little city of its own, the Crestwood subdivision was developed in 1920 by the J.C. Nichols Investment Company. Located just south of the UMKC campus to 56th Street between Oak and Holmes, Crestwood was designed as a “garden home” development for “high class residence purposes.” Today, the subdivision is still one of Brookside’s premier neighborhoods full of large, beautiful homes with a variety of architecture including Cape Cods, traditional Colonials and Tudor Revivals, but also Mid-Century Modern and even a home shaped like a teepee!

Countryside

“These are my neighbors, my parish, my everything,” said Brookside Real Estate Owner and Broker, Jim Kraus of the Countryside subdivision. Jim has lived in Countryside all of his life and even sold his first listing there! Noted as the most walkable neighborhood just south of The Plaza, Countryside is located from 51st Street to 57th Street between Oak and Wornall. Directly east of Loose Park, Countryside is still affordable with homes ranging from $220,000 to $1,000,000 this past year. However, homes located west of Main Street are nationally recognized by the KCMO Historic Preservation Commission, meaning approval is needed for additions and the rebuild of homes.

Morningside

Made up of Morningside Park, Meadow Park and Hinkle Place, Morningside is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods Brookside has to offer. Unlike streets in other Brookside subdivisions, Morningside Drive is a street that does not pick back up – making those who live on the limited street very distinctive. A unique feature of Morningside is the old Trolley Track Trail Depot located at 6000 Main Street. Now converted into a family home, many passing by would never know the rich history that lives inside the home.

Ready to see some of the historic Brookside neighborhoods for yourself? Give the Brookside Real Estate (and history!) experts a call at (816) 333-3330. We can’t wait to show you even more reasons why Brookside is Kansas City’s best neighborhood.

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Support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with Bags of Fun KC

Recognized nationally every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a campaign organized to increase awareness of pediatric cancer and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Almost every day in Kansas City a child is diagnosed with cancer. In 2018 alone, there were more that 16,000 children and adolescents diagnosed and nearly 1,200 children who lost their battle to cancer. With no current cure, it is still the largest killer of children in the United States.

Children undergoing cancer treatments spend an average of 120 days in the hospital. These children can often become depressed, isolated and fearful. Thankfully, a local nonprofit foundation held near and dear to the hearts of everyone here at Brookside Real Estate Company is doing something about this.

Bags of Fun KC/the Gabby Krause Foundation delivers the power of play to children fighting cancer and other long term, life threatening illnesses. Director, Louisa Weinrich explained, “A bag of fun is a backpack filled to the brim with 12-15 items picked specifically for each child’s needs, interests and treatment plan. Each bag of fun is filled with hours of distraction, educational items, as well as items that encourage socialization and items that bring comfort. Not only do bags of fun give the children something to focus on during their treatments, but they also give the families of these children the sense that someone else cares.”

We at Brookside Real Estate have proudly been a local partner of Bags of Fun KC/the Gabby Krause Foundation since their inception in 2011 and have had the pleasure of providing over 200 bags of fun to sick Kansas City children and their families. “All of us here are extremely passionate about helping bring a smile to the faces of these KC children who are being treated for long term, life threatening illnesses,” said Brookside Real Estate Owner and Broker, Jim Kraus, “The opportunity for Brookside Real Estate Company to partner with this organization means a lot to all of us, and we enjoy the opportunity to help spread the word throughout Kansas City and beyond about the fine work this organization does for young cancer patients and their families.”

If you would like to find out how you can help Bags of Fun KC/the Gabby Krause Foundation or sponsor a bag of fun for a child, you can do so by going to their website: www.bagsoffunkansascity.org

 

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Introducing Ellen’s New Video Series – I’ve Got a Guy

If you know Ellen, there’s a likely chance you’ve heard her famous words, “I’ve got a guy for that,” on more than one occasion – and she’s not wrong! Ellen does indeed have just the right guys for your home-related questions, concerns and issues. In fact, her neighbor once said, “Ellen, if I woke up one day to a mob of kangaroos in my backyard, you’d be my first call because you probably have a guy for that!”  

It takes a lot to become one of Ellen’s “guys.” Having worked with a lengthy list of contractors in the Kansas City area throughout her career, Ellen’s developed her own list of specialists who represent the best of the best in old-home work. And now she’s here to help with her new video series, “I’ve Got a Guy.”

With a passion for older homes in the Brookside area, Ellen’s greater passion is for the people who live in those houses. When you purchase a home with Ellen, she doesn’t just walk away the minute the sale is done. She wants to be the first person you call with any home issue whether it’s days, months or even years after you’ve made your purchase! With her new series, “I’ve Got a Guy,” it’s now easier than ever for Ellen to share helpful information from her go-to old-home specialists with those looking for advice.

Join Ellen on her journey throughout the Brookside and Waldo area as she discusses old home issues with some of the best professionals in the business. If you have any specific questions about vintage homes and their maintenance, drop Ellen a line at ezbrookside@gmail.com or stop in and see her in her storefront office across from Charlie Hoopers in the heart of Brookside!

The First Episode: The Sewer Doctor

Take a look at Ellen’s first “I’ve Got a Guy,”  episode featuring John Vaughan from The Sewer Doctors. Since the sewers of the Brookside and Waldo neighborhoods are often over 100 years old, there may be serious issues lurking 6 feet below the surface of your lawn. Join Ellen and John as they discuss need-to-know facts and important homeowner sewer maintenance tips and tricks – that might even save you big money!