April 13, 2011

On a quiet street just behind the newly renovated Fire Station 23 at Independence and Van Brunt is a rock-solid, stone and frame Shirtwaist that’s been meticulously maintained by the same family for the last 50 or so years.

Pride of ownership shines through in this three bedroom, one bath house that’s been updated throughout with all the right touches that modern homeowners demand in an older home.

The stonework on the exterior of the home lends itself to Craftsman styling and accentuates the home’s aged elegance. Inside, the home is indicative of most Shirtwaist homes in Kansas City in that it has a large front foyer that opens into a large living room in front of a formal dining room. The original pocket doors remain operational, and in the walls they were designed to separate. Leaded glass windows in the foyer and dining room also remain – a reminder of a simpler time and place.

The kitchen has been upgraded with solid wood cabinets as well as a small breakfast bar that’s reminiscent of a 1950s diner bar complete with chrome molding and bar stools. All the kitchen appliances go with the home, too – an added value if you’re on a strict budget.

Wall to wall carpet covers the original hardwoods throughout the home, which makes cold feet in the winter a thing of the past. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, two of which feature expanded closets. It’s an anomaly, but a very welcome addition in homes of this vintage.

Mechanically, this home has been upgraded in most every way possible. Updated plumbing and 100-amp electrical service make sure the basics are covered. A new furnace and central air unit was installed last winter. Combine that with blown in insulation and thermal windows and it insures comfort year-round without the bothersome draftiness prevalent in older homes. A wonderful fenced backyard with a deck make spending summer evenings outside even more enjoyable.

Bill and Jim Lawless have this home listed at a fantastic $74,950, which means it won’t be on the market long, even during this market downturn. If you’d like a private tour of this cozy Lykins Neighborhood stone Shirtwaist, call Bill or Jim Lawless at Northeast Realty today. They’d be more than happy to show you the wonderful amenities inside this rock solid family house just off the Avenue. They can be reached at (816) 231-8442.

– Michael Bushnell