It has been another busy and productive year for the Brookside, Waldo and Southtown corridors as we begin to wind down the end of 2012 and look forward to the New Year. Economic signs are ever-so-slowly improving, but improving nonetheless, and for that we can be both thankful and hopeful.
Our community was saddened by the loss of two iconic, long-time business and civic leaders during 2012: Leon Goodhart, Brookside property owner and former owner of Country Club Shoes; and Dr John J. Turley, Waldo optometrist and property owner since 1954. Both are irreplaceable and sorely missed.
The saying “When one door closes, another door opens” was evidenced this year by the implosion/demolition of the 6700 Troost Ave. office building to make way for a Rockhill Greens development, a new urban mixed-use redevelopment project focused on a healthy-living lifestyle. Other signs of new life included the “makeover” of the Metro Shopping Center into Pener Plaza at 1616 E 63rd St., and the reconstruction of the DiCarlo building at 5008 Prospect by Blue Hills Community Services for a ‘green” small business and contractor incubator.
The Brookside Charter and Day School, 1815 E 63rd St, began an expansion project to accommodate its growing enrollment. When completed, the original building will be larger, and a new gymnasium/auditorium and performing arts center will be added. Renovation was also underway of the permanent home for the new Ewing Marion Kauffman School, also on 63rd St at the former Nazarene World Headquarters. The new location is expected to open in the 2013-14 school year.
Brookside saw the completion and grand re-opening of the new Commerce Bank building at Meyer Blvd. and Brookside Plaza. Other businesses that opened in Brookside included Michael Forbes Grille at 128 W. 63rd St. (in the old Sharp’s location); Panera Bread at 6301 Brookside Plaza; and the T-Shirt Deli at 116 W. 63rd St. Pedestrians are now enjoying the new sidewalk connection on 62nd Terrace between Missouri Bank and JULIAN.
In the Waldo community, the year brought celebrations, dedications and beautification projects. The Waldo Gateway at Gregory and Wornall was officially dedicated, complete with community and business leaders, public officials, and the Southwest High School band. The Waldo Area Business Association initiated a new “Waldo Walk of Fame” at the Waldo Fountain during opening ceremonies of the Waldo Fall Festival. Dr. John J. Turley, mentioned above, was the first honoree. A bicycle ride to your destination became easier with the installation of 10 custom bike racks – with the historic Waldo logo in the design - around the Waldo corridor.
One of the new collaborative efforts this year of the three organizations was to initiate a “New Neighbor” program and collection site, whereby businesses can donate marketing/sales aid items at the Southtown office, which are then used in “welcome” bags to new residents. As a reminder, the stock is running low, so now is a great time to donate items (minimum of 50) to the Southtown office!
Last but not least, we recognize our annual events, which would be impossible to manage, conduct and enjoy without the wonderful support of the many volunteers, and are what truly make Brookside, Waldo and Southtown a unique and special place:
Brookside St. Pat’s Parade; Brookside Art Annual; Waldo Crawldo; After Hours Business Exchange; Independence Day Celebration Parade (inaugural), Shred and E-Waste Recycling events; Southtown Beautification Awards Dinner; Waldo Fall Festival; Trick or Treat Street; Brookside Christmas in the Park; and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Thank you, one and all, for your support!
Have a wonderful holiday season, and a prosperous New Year!