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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 SALES DIRECTOR

Justin Stoltman | justin.stoltman@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Letter from the Editor SPRING SYMBOLIZES NEW BEGINNINGS TO ME EVEN MORE SO THAN THE NEW YEAR. Nature reveals its beauty through budding trees and flowers, and after a long Midwest winter, the fresh, temperate air invites us to enjoy the outdoors. There is nothing better than opening up the windows on a nice day and letting the fresh air in or enjoying a patio on a warm spring night to usher in the season. As we prepare our garden and flowerbeds, the representation of new life awakens joy in the beauty of our world. I love spring.

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert, LeAnn Parker, Allison Swan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Kelley Photo

One of my favorite childhood memories of spring involves preparing dozens of May Day baskets for neighbors. My sister and I loved to bring flowers to all of our neighbors, whether we knew them or not. Unbeknownst to my mother, we often cut flowers out of our neighbors’ yards to fill the baskets—homing in on the aromatic lilac bushes, peonies and the occasional tulip. At that young age, we didn’t realize that it wasn’t an acceptable thing to do, as we prepared huge bouquets of flowers that weren’t ours to cut and left them on doorsteps. Once my mother realized what we had been doing, she was mortified, but thankfully our sweet, elderly neighbor that got hit the hardest by our flower picking was well aware of our antics and let my mother know that she loved watching us create bouquets out of her flowers and then watching from the window as we delivered them door-to-door. Although I am sure her yard was not as pretty as it

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

was before we arrived with our cutting shears, she told my mother that she felt part of

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

spreading a little bit of cheer when neighbors received their May Day bouquets.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

I still love to randomly drop flowers on my friends’ doorsteps from time to time through-

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

out the year, but thankfully for my neighbors I learned to not take them out of their

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

yards and make a run to Trader Joe’s instead. There is something fun about dropping a flower or note or token of appreciation to the people we care about for no reason other than to let them know they are thought of. It is such a simple way to bring a little bit of cheer to the people in our lives. 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

I hope April finds you well and wish peace and love in your homes this spring season.

Angela Broockerd, Editor Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty ON THE COVER Adventure Awaits PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLEY PHOTO 8

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Johnson County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Johnson County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johnson County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 14 Tallen Arts Handmade functional pottery pieces for everyday living

20 A relaxing getaway in KC’s backyard Reward yourself with comfort and respite

26 Adventure Awaits Chance Adventure Co. gives families the freedom to hit the open road in classic style.

34 Welcoming Spring DIY Floral Bouquet

34 20

14 DEPARTMENTS 8

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Artist’s Palette

34 DIY 39 Realty Report 40 Locally Owned

Reimaging Reimaging Retirement Retirement After a Pandemic After a Pandemic

By Ryan Brooke, CFP®, ChFC® By Ryan at Brooke, ChFC® Principal SearcyCFP®, Financial Services, a Fee-Only, NAPFA Registered Advisory Firm Principal at Searcy Financial Services, a Fee-Only, NAPFA Registered Advisory Firm

as retirement on as retirement on your mind preyour mind prepandemic? Whether pandemic? Whether you were already planning for you were already planning for your retirement or you’re just your retirement or you’re just starting to set a date now, starting to set a date now, chances are retirement might chances are retirement might look and feel different in a post look and feel different in a post -pandemic world. -pandemic world.

A New Perspective A New Perspective

For many, the COVID-19 For many, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a period of pandemic forced a period of reflection on what is most reflection on what is most important in one’s life. The important in one’s life. The restrictions placed on things restrictions placed on things you may have once taken for you may have once taken for granted (eating out, traveling, granted (eating out, traveling, visiting loved ones in visiting loved ones in retirement or nursing homes) retirement or nursing homes) put a spotlight on what really put a spotlight on what really mattered in life, highlighted mattered in life, highlighted basic necessities, and maybe basic necessities, and maybe even exposed areas that you even exposed areas that you realized weren’t important at realized weren’t important at all. all. Personal Relationships: Did Personal Relationships: Did being cut off from certain being cut off from certain relationships show you how relationships show you how important they are, and how important they are, and how important they will be during important they will be during retirement? Perhaps you might retirement? Perhaps you might consider a move if being closer consider a move if being closer to certain people is a necessity. to certain people is a necessity. Or, perhaps you learned some Or, perhaps you learned some new communication skills, such new communication skills, such as video chatting, that will help as video chatting, that will help you keep in touch with loved you keep in touch with loved ones in new ways. You may ones in new ways. You may

even feel more confident even feel more confident moving to a new location moving to a new location knowing that keeping in touch knowing that keeping in touch is now possible without being is now possible without being together physically. together physically. Job Fulfillment: Did you Job Fulfillment: Did you experience a shift from working experience a shift from working outside of the home to working outside of the home to working remote? With many companies remote? With many companies making it possible for their making it possible for their team to work remote, you may team to work remote, you may realize that you could extend realize that you could extend your retirement date but work your retirement date but work in a new way. Perhaps you want in a new way. Perhaps you want to reduce your hours or spend to reduce your hours or spend some time on location and some time on location and some remote. If the pandemic some remote. If the pandemic showed you how fulfilling showed you how fulfilling working is, that may impact working is, that may impact your thoughts on retirement. your thoughts on retirement. Additionally, if you have always Additionally, if you have always wanted to make a career wanted to make a career change but didn’t because it change but didn’t because it would require a move, would require a move, retirement might be the time to retirement might be the time to try a new employment try a new employment opportunity remotely, if it’s opportunity remotely, if it’s available. available. Exploring New Skills: Did you Exploring New Skills: Did you take time during the pandemic take time during the pandemic to learn new to learn new skills that you skills that you want to continue want to continue honing during honing during retirement? Or, retirement? Or, did you simply did you simply find a love of find a love of learning and learning and

want to explore more new want to explore more new things? Staying active in things? Staying active in retirement can help bring more retirement can help bring more joy and excitement to a new joy and excitement to a new stage of life, so don’t stop stage of life, so don’t stop exploring things that you are exploring things that you are

Did your priorities shift Did your priorities shift during the pandemic? during the pandemic? Did your definition of Did your definition of what really matters what really matters change? change? interested in. If you’ve really interested in. If you’ve really honed a new skill, you could honed a new skill, you could even consider starting a small even consider starting a small business in retirement. business in retirement. If you are on the path to If you are on the path to retirement but aren’t sure how retirement but aren’t sure how to navigate it through and after to navigate it through and after the pandemic, we would be the pandemic, we would be happy to speak with you, happy to speak with you, address your concerns and help address your concerns and help you you embrace embrace this new this new stage of stage of your life. your life.

913.814.3800 | www.searcyfinancial.com | Where You Stand. 913.814.3800 | www.searcyfinancial.com | Where You Stand.

AROUND TOWN

SPRING PARADE OF HOMES SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 24-MAY 9, 2021 The Spring Parade of Homes returns to Kansas City April 24-May 9 and will feature hundreds of homes built by a plethora of home builders across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Homes will range in price from the low $200,000s to more than $1 million. In addition to single-family homes, maintenance-provided communities will also be featured on the Spring Parade. All homes will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and admission is free. Free Parade guides will be available for pickup at the KCHBA (I-435 & Holmes) and at all Parade homes during the dates of the event. Alternatively, consumers can download the mobile app to search homes, save their favorites and map their routes. More information is available at KCParadeof Homes.com

FARMERS’ MARKET AT MATT ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER The Overland Park Farmers’ Market will reopen for the 2021 season on Saturday, April 17. The City is proud to bring the open-air, distanced, walk-up market concept back to Matt Ross Community Center this spring.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ JohnsonCounty using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. 12

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

ARTIST’S PALETTE

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

n e l l ta arts HANDMADE FUNCTIONAL POTTERY PIECES FOR EVERYDAY LIVING

TRICIA ALLEN IS THE TALENTED ARTIST BEHIND TALLEN ARTS CREATING BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE FUNCTIONAL POTTERY PIECES FOR EVERYDAY LIVING. Allen opened her Etsy shop online in 2020 selling dinnerware and jewelry from her home in Kansas City. “I took my first pottery class at Kansas State University when I was 19,” Allen says. “The thing I loved about it was how challenging it was, and how from the very beginning I wanted to master it. I got my B.F.A. in ceramics and painting. I knew I wanted to someday be able to sell my work. My parents bought me a used wheel for my graduation gift. I got married and had four kids in my twenties, so the wheel ended up in the basement for years. In my late 30’s I started teaching again at Epic Clay Studio in Kansas City, Ks. The first time I threw on the wheel again, I didn’t want to stop. My classes would end at 9 p.m., but I’d end up staying until midnight. It was amazing. After about eight years of teaching at that studio, I started Tallen Arts. In May of 2020 I published my first listing on my Etsy site!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

“When COVID started, I no longer had a safe studio to work out of. I have Type 1 diabetes and was considered a high-risk group. So, my husband turned the sun room of our house into a studio for me. I now throw off of the same wheel I got for my college graduation.” Allen describes her style as simple, floral and delicate. “I get my inspiration from plants, flowers, fabrics or patterns I see. I’ve always been a watercolor painter and that comes through a lot in my pieces. Something you’ll notice in my work is how I use lines—I have always added lines to both my painting and pottery, even as a kid.” Her artwork proves functional pieces can be beautiful, too. “Honestly, there is just something about eating and drinking from handmade pottery. I love being able to make things that people will use every day in their own homes. Clay can be like a canvas. I can take a piece of clay and make it into anything I want and I love that.”

y m t e om r f “I g n io t a r i insp , flowers, s t n a l p r o s c i fabr ns I see.” r e t t a p

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

For aspiring creatives wanting to turn their passion for art into a business, Allen says don’t wait. “Just start. Even if it’s small. You’re going to make mistakes, and it’s going to be hard, but you learn as you go. Surround yourself with people that will encourage you. There will always be people out there who are willing to answer your questions and that you can learn from—and don’t be intimidated by or compare yourself to other artists. Be true to your own style.” As for the future, Allen hopes to continue to master her work and sell in a local business. “I want to continue to be successful in my growth with increased sales, master my work and learn more. I am hoping to find a small business or artisan shop in Kansas City that I could sell my work out of. I really like going to small farmers markets and would love to sell at more of them. I love seeing the people that buy my work.” For shop updates and to see Allen’s process, visit tallen.arts on Instagram. To purchase and see more of her artwork, visit etsy.com/ shop/tallenarts.

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

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A stay in this boutique hotel is your key to a r e l a x i n g g e t a w a y. ARTICLE JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

REWARD YOURSELF WITH COMFORT AND RESPITE WHILE STAYING WITH THE INN AT MEADOWBROOK.

WHEN YOU THINK OF GETTING OUTSIDE THIS

hospitality. Traditional designs are rooted in an English

SPRING, BOOK A FEW NIGHTS AWAY AT A VENUE

cottage aesthetic, with 54 distinctive rooms featuring

THAT IS CLOSE BY AND FEATURES PLENTY OF

suites, patios and balcony options. The space is comfort-

SPACE TO BREATHE. The INN at Meadowbrook is a

able with vintage elegance, paired with a refined mod-

delightful place where guests can explore winding paths

ern appeal. Suites offer unique floor plans, with group-

through mature trees and tranquil lakes.

friendly rooming options, walk-in showers, a soaking tub

Thoughtful in design, The Inn showcases luxurious,

in the Grand Suite, and in-room streaming technology.

handcrafted amenities, five-star service and abundant

One of the most popular rooms is the Family Suite,

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

featuring full-size custom bunk beds for four, multiple seating areas and a balcony, all in over 1,100 square feet of space. Creating and fostering a higher standard of cleanliness and care throughout the hotel was a primary objective from the beginning.

lakes with all-day sunshine, and bikes are available for guests to roam around the paved trails throughout Meadowbrook Park.

The result? Pristine by Meadowbrook, a program focused on estab-

The INN at Meadowbrook also features world-class dining at

lishing an atmosphere of clean comfort for every guest. The INN

Verbena, an American restaurant and the Market which boasts local

recently received recognition through Pristine by Meadowbrook

goods, handmade pastries and a wonderful grab-n-go section with

from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s GBAC STAR™ facility

delicious fare.

accreditation program. The GBAC is the gold standard for facility cleanliness and outbreak prevention worldwide.

“The Inn has always been at the heart of this development, which was once a 136-acre country club and golf course. Meadowbrook

The INN also offers the most memorable backdrops, with multi-

Park is now a haven in the heart of Prairie Village, Ks., boasting sin-

ple outdoor event space options for not only weddings but evening

gle-family homes, twin-villas, luxury apartments and a soon-to-be-

receptions and cocktail parties. A firepit makes an ideal center of

finished senior living facility,” says Robert Leyva, general manager.

relaxing conversations. The pool and hot tub look out over tiered

“VanTrust is the visionary behind this development.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

A STAY IN THIS BOUTIQUE HOTEL (CONTINUED)

“The Inn has always been at the heart of this development, which was once a 136-acre country club and golf course.” The INN’s first anniversary is in May, which will bring different event offerings all summer long. Special events

There is something for all who enjoy a luxurious escape without traveling miles away!

will showcase the active and outdoor lifestyle atmosphere of The INN, unique food and beverage options and family fun events. Consider The INN for reunions, anniversary celebrations, bridal parties or a romantic time away for two.

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

The Inn at Meadowbrook is located at 4901 Meadowbrook Parkway, Prairie Village, Ks. 66207. Visit innatmeadowbrook.com for more information, find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or call them at 913-329-9000.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

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ARTICLE JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY KELLEY CHANCE

CHANCE ADVENTURE CO. GIVES FAMILIES THE FREEDOM TO HIT THE OPEN ROAD IN CLASSIC STYLE.

Adventure Awaits

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

“ONCE THE PANDEMIC HIT, IT WAS NOW OR NEVER.” KELLEY AND SAM CHANCE HAVE IT FIGURED OUT WHEN

They sold Stella, but the “silver bullet” calling never left and

IT COMES TO SPENDING QUALITY FAMILY TIME TOGETHER

Chance Adventure Co was born. Sam had talked for years about

WITH THEIR TWO YOUNG SONS, SULLY, 9, AND GRADY, 7. They

renovating and renting Airstreams.

literally took a chance in 2013 and bought Stella, a 1984 Airstream

“Once the pandemic hit, it was now or never,” Kelley says. “We

Excella, as a renovation project. One family camping trip and they

welcomed Carolina into our family, a 1983 31’ Excella, and she’s

were hooked. Now they are true vintage Airstream enthusiasts.

been rocking out camping trips with us and our clients since CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

ADVENTURE AWAITS (CONTINUED)

“WE’VE HAD SO MANY INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES CONNECTING THE FOUR OF US.”

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

early last year. In 2020, she traveled to Yellowstone, Glacier,

their own wits, to identify and care for the flora and fauna around us,

the Badlands, Upper Peninsula in Michigan, Indiana Dunes,

and they’ve gained so much confidence and courage through it all.”

Kannapolis, Kansas and more. Georgia, a 1978 31’ Sovereign Land Yacht, is currently being renovated from the frame up.” They will be adding to their fleet soon and are adding an Airstream Renovation Workshop on their Tonganoxie property. They also have

Kelley has owned her photography business, Kelley Photo, for 16 years in KC. She shoots mostly portraits and commercial work, having worked with many national brands including Chipotle and Panera Bread.

the Chance Adventure Co. shop, loaded with outdoorsy inspired items.

Camping is great for social distancing, and each trailer is thor-

Adventure is a part of life for this active couple, who live on 10

oughly cleaned and sanitized after each rental. Airstreams are

acres, have horses, garden, hike, bike and explore. “By far, our favorite thing to do as a family is travel and spend

available for rental for road trips, or they can deliver and setup at local locations.

time outdoors. We hiked the three miles roundtrip, 480-foot climb

“There’s something magical about those silver trailers, especially

to Delicate Arch when the boys were 8 and 5, biked through the

the old ones. They have such character, and many stories within

Badlands, kayaked Lake Michigan. We’ve had so many incredible

their aluminum walls,” she says. “Making them a part of our family

experiences connecting the four of us, and connecting us to nature,

story just made sense.”

via camping,” she says. “The boys have learned a deep appreciation and love for Mother Earth, to navigate the terrain using a compass or

Visit chanceadventureco.com for more information or call 913-669-9251. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

ADVENTURE AWAITS (CONTINUED)

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

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DIY

THE FLOWER, SO LUXURIOUS TO ADORN THE GRANDEST OF EVENTS AND WEALTHIEST OF SPACES AND YET SO SIMPLE AND COMMON THAT EVEN CHILDREN ARE FOUND RUNNING THROUGH FRONT DOORS WITH HANDFULS FOR THEIR MOTHER. The flower attends practically every special occasion from wedding celebrations to welcoming new babies into the world.

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

THE FLOWER It is often used as a gesture of love as it is given to a sweet-

to their blooms? Whatever it is, I am thankful for their presence in all

heart, used as a symbol of remembrance on anniversaries

the different times, reasons and seasons.

and a thoughtful act of congratulations at graduations of

The flowers of Spring are my favorite of them all. After a long

all kinds. The flower even reaches past joy into the spaces

cold and dark winter, hope of Summer is born in a Spring flower.

of hardship, loss and mourning. Never a misplaced sight

Claude Monet once said, “I must have flowers, always, and always.” I

to find a flower tucked somewhere in a hospital room or

couldn’t agree more, especially as my heart and bones begin to thaw

somewhere close by a sickbed. The flower is welcomed into

from winter. As Spring continues to slowly roll in, I encourage you to

our moments of grief as we gather at funerals to celebrate a

take the chance to bring flowers into your home or workplace. Here

life lived. The flower is rarely invited but always welcomed,

are a few ideas to inspire the beauty and joy that the flower can most

accepted, and even expected there. What is it that draws us

certainly bring this Spring.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

DIY (CONTINUED)

{I PROMISE, THEY ARE} FAUX-REAL BOUQUETS I have a secret! More than half of the flowers in my Spring tablescape are faux. Can you tell which ones are which? I’ll reveal one of them... all of my white tulips are faux! I am sure I’ve made all Florists cringe but in my humble opinion, when you mix faux flowers with real ones it really does something magical. Not only do faux look real next to real flowers but the whole bouquet lasts so much longer (I mean, half of them aren’t going to die anyway so I guess that’s pretty obvious). Mixing faux-real does a trick on the eye and I promise that you cannot tell the difference. There are, however, a lot of really bad obviously-faux flowers out there so follow these simple tips to get the best looking ones. FAUX FLOWER TIP #1: When hunting for the best faux flowers, look for the colors that you would see in nature. For example, in the natural world, flowers are often brightly colored but never, ever neon (save that for an outfit at your next 80’s party). FAUX FLOWER TIP #2: Choose faux flowers that have a natural looking shape as real flowers are rarely perfect and never identical. Stay away from faux flowers that are totally perfect. Perfect is not real life. FAUX FLOWER TIP #3: When choosing faux florals don’t forget to keep an eye on the stems and leaves. Go for a finish that is textured and never high gloss or smooth. Check out my faux floral highlight on instagram to see the difference @ silvertoothfarmhome. FAUX FLOWER TIP #4: Unlike real flowers where you can use a floral frog to secure stems into place, faux flowers work much better if you use chicken wire inside your vase. Using chicken wire lets you place flowers exactly where you want them and they stay put. FAUX FLOWER TIP #5: When arranging faux flowers (even if you aren’t mixing with real flowers), always, always add water to the vase. Seeing the water is another eye trick that will make your faux flowers look completely real.

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY CABBAGE VASE I absolutely love the unexpected use of familiar items. Vegetables as bouquets? I’m all in! Cabbages as vases? Bring it on! In this cabbage arrangement I used real tulips and eucalyptus. A flower trick I learned recently is pulling back tulip petals to make them look like a completely different flower! I love how it gives the whole arrangement a more wild, out of the garden look. To open your tulips this way, start at the bottom of the flower and gently push the base of the petal back until it pops into place. Continue working around the tulip popping back each petal until you reach the gorgeous center. It's amazing how transformative tulips become when you open them up this way! SUPPLIES + One large green or red cabbage + One 4oz or 6oz mason jar or wet floral foam cut to size + Real tulips and eucalyptus greens (or any flower of your choice) INSTRUCTIONS + Carve out the center of the cabbage by using a small serrated knife. If needed, use a spoon to scoop out the cabbage pieces (similar to carving a pumpkin). + Next, use either a small mason jar or wet floral foam to fill in the hole you’ve created in the cabbage center. + Add flowers by arranging to your liking. A general rule is to have ⅓ to ⅔ in height (flower to cabbage or cabbage to flower). But, sometimes rules are for breaking so just do what feels right! + Alternatively, use a potted plant instead of cut flowers. Simply use soil instead of water and a potted plant instead of cut flowers. Here I’ve used a small African Violet but Pansey’s would also be delightful.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

JOHNSON COUNTY

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

HIGHLANDS CREEK

$2,299,000

$2,191,837

95%

135

6.2

SOMERSET ACRES

$2,100,000

$2,000,000

95%

7.1

TOMAHAWK FARMS

$1,225,000

$1,140,000

86%

4.1

TUSCANY RESERVE

$1,150,000

$1,055,000

91%

323

4.5

THE FARMS AT BRISTOL HILL

$1,200,000

$1,040,000

86%

3.1

THE CLOISTERS

$860,000

$825,000

95%

5.1

PAVILIONS

$899,000

$813,000

90%

4.1

MILLS FARM

$825,000

$809,500

98%

5.1

PATRICIAN WOODS

$849,950

$800,000

94%

5.1

WHITEHORSE

$785,000

$800,000

101%

4.1

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. STATISTICS from 101/01/2021 TO 01/31/2021. * DOM=Days on Market

CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

LOCALLY OWNED

DREAM OUTSIDE, LIVE OUTSIDE,

P L AY O UTS I D E ! SPRINGTIME IS IDEAL FOR ELEVATING THE LUXURY AND COMFORT OF OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES, FROM PATIO TO YARD TO YOUR FIREPIT. PARKER WHITNEY, OWNER, ELEVATED LIVING LANDSCAPE & OUTDOOR SPACE DESIGN, KNEW HE WANTED TO BE A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER FROM AGE 10 WHEN HE BEGAN MOWING YARDS, PLANTING AND ROOTING PLANTS AROUND HIS HOUSE IN WICHITA, KS. ARTICLE JUDY GOPPERT

“I knew I wanted to work outside, and in high school I figured out I wanted to become a landscape architect. My advisor in college switched me to landscape designer,” he says. “My parents always pushed me, and now I’m living my dream!” Whitney turned this childhood passion into a degree in Landscape Design from Kansas State University. He has been in the industry 12 years now and works with clients across Johnson County and the greater Kansas City area to elevate their landscapes.

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

He personalizes his design process to each client. “I assess the entire site and go back out at random points during the day to walk the premises, look out through the windows to get a perspective of what they want,” Whitney says. “My designer, Marc, has a different process, and we all mesh. We draw the design up on a computer program, to give them a fullcolor example, then tweak it and work with them every step of the way.” He says outdoor living areas, including firepits, fireplaces and other types of fire features are popular right now. Hardscapes, patios and pergolas are highly requested, as well as patios around pools. “I think COVID has helped us regarding people wanting things outside. We have completely multiplied our business and enjoy creating beautiful living spaces for families,” he says. “We can also give people tips to keep their landscape nice, and we believe when you do something yourself, you get great satisfaction.” Whitney recommends doing your research when planting. He notices that many people want to plant their native plants, say, from Florida, which do not do so well in this temperature zone. Also, avoid planting trees too close to your house. Consider the size they will grow to and plant accordingly. The company believes in giving back, and a portion of each job goes to support military families through Folds of Honor. Whitney mentions that working outside is good for PTSD and welcomes anyone to visit his website and apply, adding, “I feel lucky to have had my education paid for, and I want kids of deceased or disabled veterans’ families’ education paid for. They deserve a college degree as much as I do.”

CONTINUED >

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LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Whitney is engaged to Jill, a nurse at Overland Park Regional. They spend time outdoors with their 2-year-old, 130-pound Newfoundland, Haas, and enjoy traveling to find new inspiration for his landscape ideas. “Many of our happiest family memories come from time spent in our backyards, whether grilling out, soaking up the sun or just hanging out. We are passionate about continuing to create those memories and helping others do the same by providing spaces that inspire time together and time outdoors,” he says. “The relationships I have made through my work are what keep me learning and growing.” As the birds begin to chirp and the trees bloom, take time to enjoy it all. Being outside is, after all, Elevated Living. Elevated Living Landscape & Outdoor Space Design is located at 1812 E. Kansas City Road, Suite 200, Olathe, Ks. Visit elevatedlivingkc.com or call them at 913-944-5066.

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2021

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