John Currey

There’s no hiding Kansas City’s historic Hyde Park Neighborhood, nor should there be, though occupants of the original namesake subdivision might think someone did just that! Having moved to the east of the earliest version, the present day Hyde Park community is bordered to the west by both Hyde and Gilliam Parks, stretching from 31st St. to 47th St., and from Troost Avenue to Gilliam Road. Built in an area that was once a stop for wagon trains along the Santa Fe Trail, the first homes were built there over a century ago in the 1890s. The community grew in desirability and prestige through World War II as the number and variety of the homes increased. Hyde Park features a diversity of architectural styles including Bungalows, Kansas City Shirtwaists, Victorians, Colonial Revivals, and at one time boasted a country club and a nine-hole golf course. Though the area experienced its share of challenges following World War II that included the conversion of a number of the distinguished single-family residences into multi-family dwellings for use as rental properties, a full-scale revival was underway by the mid-1990s that saw many of these once beautiful homes restored to their former glory. Needless to say, an understandably impressive increase in property values followed. The most recent trend in the area is the conversion of several apartment complexes into luxury condominium communities at almost surprisingly affordable price points. Close to Crown Center, Westport, the Plaza, and with highlights including the very special Janssen Place, designations on the National Historical Register, and one of the area’s most active and close-knit neighborhood associations, there truly is no hiding Kansas City’s great Hyde Park Neighborhood!

Just about everybody seems to say similar things about the weather no matter where they live, but in KC it could not be truer: If you don't like the weather, stick around for about 10 minutes, and it is sure to change! That has been especially true this past week or so. I will save the technical explanations to the experts, but what I can say is that the Kansas City area just about has to sit right smack-dab along a line where a variety of weather systems seem to find a way to meet. And this gives forecasters here FITS! Take last Thursday, for example: We had winter storm warnings going full-blast, and 1" to 4" of snow was supposed to be all but certain, yet come about noon that day and we were looking at slightly windy with beautiful blue skies above, and had received only the lightest dusting in the metro area by the end of the day. BUT, head just southeast, and WOW--4" of snow was the minimum. And all this had followed up a very strange Tuesday where we had blizzard-like white-out conditions at mid-day, then sunny and clear all within a few hours time.

Another example: Sunday was very cold, wet, and could only be described as miserable here. But yesterday afforded us a peek at the wonderful spring weather yet to come-close to 70 and sunny, blue skies! Meanwhile, today, back to old man winter--with the potential for freezing rain and/or snow.

No matter what type of weather you like (or dislike), you can find a taste of it in Kansas City, whether it be the gloriously-optimistic mild spring days of the Southeast, a perfect opportunity to take a dip during a Texas-style summer heat-wave, some of the most beautifully-crisp and colorful fall days a la New England, or a winter snow reminiscent of Minnesota. Ever heard of thundersnow? We sure have! And, yes, we do have the occasional threat of a tornado, but most often--thankfully--those pass without incident.

The bottom line is that we really have very nice weather here most of the time. Also, one unexpected pleasure for many is some of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see!!!

Oh, and about our weather folks here, they generally do a pretty good job-the Royals could sure learn a thing or two from them regarding averages! But we will save that topic for another day...

Anyway, one thing for sure about the weather--and hopefully the Royals, too, since I brought them up--stick around long enough, and things are sure to change!!!

Best,

-JC

PS: Please consider sharing your favorite weather stories in the Comments section, would love to hear from everyone! -JC

There are few places in Kansas City where you find such an eclectic mix of historic homes, contemporary condominiums, and terrific townhouses as Union Hill. Located in the heart of Midtown, Union Hill is a 20-block oasis of vintage and newly redeveloped neighborhoods tucked in amongst a variety of Kansas City's landmark destinations including Union Cemetery, Crown Center, Penn Valley Park, Martini Corner, Hospital Hill, and more. And, you can leave the car at home, for as with those living in the heart of downtown KC, the convenience of THE MAX in Union Hill connects you to most everything there is to do and see in Kansas City from The City Market to The Plaza and beyond. Union Hill, the perfect union of neighborhood living and Kansas City Life!!!