March 23, 2011

Traditional Shirtwaist homes are often the most sought after style of homes in older neighborhoods, given their outstanding functionality and livable flow patterns. This week, Eric B & Associates present this two-story stone Shirtwaist home located in the heart of the Indian Mound Neighborhood.

Just off Hardesty Avenue, a stone’s throw from Budd Park, stands 5222 Wilburn Court, a true neighborhood gem that has been immaculately maintained and is a throwback to a simpler place and time. Wilburn Court is a short two blocks long, running between Denver and Hardesty avenues, roughly three blocks north of St. John Avenue. Wilburn Court is also one-way eastbound — a feature that keeps traffic and noise to a minimum.

Curb appeal is everything for this house. The exterior and grounds have been expertly maintained and updated with creative landscaping and a fenced back yard with a single car garage.

Most Shirtwaist homes feature a similar interior floor plan. The front foyer blends into a spacious front family room and into the large formal dining room off the kitchen. In this case, the living and dining rooms feature the warmth of the original woodwork and hardwood floors, including the original quarter-sawn white oak balustrade and a gorgeous built-in Deacon’s Bench. The kitchen has been completely updated with new countertops, appliances and a small pantry and laundry area on the first floor. Upstairs, three bedrooms share space with a modest master bathroom that looks to be a mid-1960s Kohler style bath — retro chic and very cool.

Mechanically, the home has been updated to facilitate modern living and its conveniences. New plumbing and 100-amp electrical service have been upgraded thoroughly and there’s a new roof, forced-air gas heating and central air. Throw in a full basement for extra storage, and you’ve got a great house that’s perfect for a growing family.

Eric Bellamaganya with Eric B & Associates has this Indian Mound home listed at a very modest $95,000. The property also is a prime qualifier for the KC Dream Home program, which forgives a portion of the mortgage for certain qualified buyers.

If you’d like to see additional pictures of the property, visit Eric B’s website at www.ericbsellskc.com. For an exclusive showing of this Wilburn Court home, contact Eric at (816) 529-7171 or eric@ericbsellskc.com.

– Michael Bushnell