
The Home Issue





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Home is where the heart is.
It’s a phrase we hear often, yet its meaning continues to deepen with time. Home is the place we return to at the end of the day, the walls that hold our memories, and the people who make us feel grounded. But home is also something bigger. It’s the community that surrounds us, the streets we know by heart, and the shared pride we feel for the place we call ours.
For us, home is the Northland.

This March, our home issue celebrates not only the spaces we live in, but the people and stories that shape our corner of Kansas City. The Northland is rich with legacy, creativity, and heart — and this issue is a reflection of that.
We are honored to feature Alexis Goin of Stoneleaf Homes, a third-generation custom home builder who is redefining what it means to build with purpose. Her work is a beautiful blend of craftsmanship, heritage, and vision, carrying forward a family legacy while thoughtfully shaping the homes of tomorrow.
You’ll also meet the team behind LC Interiors, a local interior design company proving that great design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about livability. Their approach is practical, intentional, and deeply rooted in how people truly live in their homes every day.
And finally, we share a heartfelt story close to our community’s soul: the renovation of Washington Chapel CME Church in Parkville. More than a building, this church represents faith, resilience, and the power of restoration — a reminder that home can also be a place of worship, gathering, and shared history.
This issue is a love letter to the Northland — to the homes that shelter us, the businesses that serve us, and the people who continue to invest their hearts here.
Thank you for welcoming us into your home each month. It is a privilege to tell these stories and to call this community ours.
With gratitude,
Photo by Hannah Schreiner
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Natalia Kreinbring | Natalia.Kreinbring@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Laura Schierhoff
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Diana Lambdin Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bruce N. Meyer, Hannah Schreiner
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick


Learn






















Ignite Medical Resort Kansas City Northland proudly announces its re-accreditation through The Joint Commission. As the only skilled nursing facility in the Kansas City Metro Area to achieve this distinguished honor, Ignite sets the standard for quality care, patient safety, and clinical excellence through the exceptional work of its dedicated team.
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BARKIVORE is Kansas City’s premier FRESH dog food delivery service, locally owned and operated in the Northland. BARKIVORE handcrafts balanced, human-grade meals made with high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables—never additives or preservatives. All recipes are tested to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles supporting optimal canine health and satisfaction. Dedicated to serving ONLY the Kansas City metro with exceptional quality and customer care. Get started today at Barkivore.com
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Orange Easel will host Spring Break Mini Art Camps on Tuesday, March 31, and Thursday, April 2, at its Platte Woods and Liberty locations. Camps run 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 12:30–3:00 p.m., featuring Adopt-a-Pet, Anime Art Light Box, Patterned Animal Portraits, Mylar Balloon Word Art, Funky Frames, Mixed Media Jungle Animals, Escher-style Tessellations, and Custom Slime Palettes. Find more info at orangeeaselart.com.
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Jennifer Shreckengost, owner of Tiger Pool and Patio, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Kansas City chapter of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). PHTA is the world’s oldest and largest association representing the swimming pool, spa, and hot tub industry, dedicated to education, advocacy, and setting industry standards. Jennifer looks forward to serving and supporting the local pool industry.
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The ASMOV (Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers) Innovator Award has been presented to the Kansas City Symphony Guild for its 2024 Cabaret Concert and annual fundraiser, The Roaring 20s. This year’s Cabaret Concert, Wild Wild West, will be on April 26, 2026. All proceeds from fundraisers go to the Kansas City Symphony. See our advertisement in this publication for more information.
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Local candle and home fragrance brand Herbs N’ Harlem is opening its firstever storefront at Zona Rosa this April. Founded by MaRyah Jennings, the women-owned business brings handcrafted candles, elevated scents, and giftable goods—plus live candle-making—to the Northland’s growing lineup of local favorites.
816-599-3610


At Tiger Pool and Patio, we’re dedicated to turning your everyday spaces into extraordinary retreats. Our mission is to offer a VIP customer experience that makes your journey with us exceptional from start to finish. We recognize that your outdoor area is an extension of your lifestyle, and we’re here to help you craft a personalized oasis that mirrors your distinctive style and preferences. Partner with us to create a space that truly reflects your dream backyard oasis.












How Parkville's Washington Chapel continues to anchor a community
ARTICLE BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUCE N. MEYER
Those who are drawn to downtown Parkville come for the historic charm of this community, as well as locally owned shops and restaurants.
But most visitors and some residents never experience a quiet, but historically significant side of this little river community.

“This is home,” Cora, 77, and Pearl, 83, said, almost simultaneously. “This is my safe space."
This requires a visit to a short street in a residential area just west of downtown.
The address is 1137 West Street.
Rising on a grassy hillside is the Washington Chapel C.M.E. Church. The history here is as old as Parkville itself.
This is where the Douglass sisters were raised — Cora, Pearl and Lucille. They have fond memories of their grandmother preparing church suppers on the old South Bend Malleable stove that still anchors the fellowship hall and not so fond memories of a firm pinch from their mother if the sisters were not paying attention in church. They sang in the youth choir, attended junior church, Sunday school and church again.
“This is home,” Cora, 77, and Pearl, 83, said, almost simultaneously. “This is my safe space,” added Cora, who holds a doctorate in Christian counseling.
Some records indicate that “colored Methodists” were meeting in a hotel located adjacent to the old Parkville Train Depot as early as 1835.
The town of Parkville was founded in 1838, a year after the Platte Purchase became a part of Missouri. Later, Park College donated land on what was then Parkville’s west side for a school and a church for Black residents.
Benjamin Banneker School, just down the street from Washington Chapel, was built in 1885. The chapel’s cornerstone was laid in 1907. Both buildings include limestone quarried and hand-hewn by Parkville’s Black residents and students at Park College.
“Former slaves had great skills in masonry and construction,” says Cora. “That these buildings are still standing is testament to that.”
Both buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 thanks to efforts from their mother, Lucille Sears Douglass, who passed away in 2003.
Over the years, Washington Chapel has been maintained to the best of the small congregation’s abilities.


But in October 2022, services inside were suspended until major architectural and accessibility issues were addressed.
The Douglass sisters and others are quick to recognize Saint James C.M.E Church in Leavenworth and Rev. Nicky Wright for welcoming members of their congregation during the renovation. The Parkville Presbyterian Church has also provided invaluable support.
But the bell tower was crumbling, the attic had no insulation, the single bathroom was not up to code, and many other issues were identified by retired architect and volunteer project manager Mike Scarborough. While fundraisers and volunteers began the work, the entire cost is estimated at more than $600,000, an overwhelming amount for a small congregation.
Then, Barbara Luetke moved to the area. A native of Wisconsin who came to Platte County via Seattle, Barbara is a retired university professor with experience in grant research and writing.
Working with Pearl Douglass Spencer, Barbara prepared a grant through the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. They were awarded $160,000. That, along with an estimated $200,000 worth of in-kind donations and volunteer work, has allowed for the completion of three handicapped accessible restrooms, new carpeting and a new HVAC.
The sanctuary is located on the second floor, so the biggest outstanding expense is adding an elevator to allow worshippers access who cannot manage the stairway.
About 30 volunteers showed up on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year to clean and polish pews, move piles of debris and other tasks. Among them was Joyce Schrimsher and her 11-year-old grandson, Henry, and his best friend, Riley Gosch, 11.
“Having them here on this day, doing this work, puts the knowledge of slavery this close into perspective,” said Joyce Schrimsher.
Many of the volunteers that day were with the White Alloe chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Most had never been in the

“Former slaves had great skills in masonry and construction,” says Cora. “That these buildings are still standing is testament to that.”

church before and expressed excitement at the prospect of returning for a worship service.
“If people are going to try to erase history, then we’re going to do what we can to save it,” says Kat Henry, a frequent volunteer and member of Do Something Missouri. “We can’t do everything, but we can always do something.”
Another group that has been a Thursday presence for at least two years is Friends of Sacred Structures, a Kansas City non-profit dedicated to the preservation and renovation
of religious spaces. FOSSKC has also awarded the church nearly $6,000 in grants.
“The people who originally built this church, they were good,” says Max Sherman, who coordinated the skilled labor volunteers from FOSSKC. “It’s been such a joy to see this congregation get their church back.”
Services are expected to return to the chapel any day now. The restoration will continue for as long as it takes.
Follow progress and learn how to donate on the Facebook group for Washington Chapel Restoration.






















Alexis Goin is a custom home builder in Kansas City. She’s a third-generation home builder and continues the tradition of her grandparents and parents with Stoneleaf
Homes. We sat down to ask her about her favorite parts of her job, what she’s learned growing up in the business and what it’s like carrying on such an important family legacy.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KATIE CURRID
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING WITH CLIENTS IN BUILDING THEIR HOMES?
I would say my favorite part of working with clients is being able to bring their home to life. This all starts as a thought in their mind, and within months, it’s real, and they are making memories for themselves and their families in what used to be just a dream.
WHAT IS THE OVERARCHING PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU USE AT STONELEAF WHEN BUILDING HOMES?
For me, it’s being able to give every home its own style. Not every house is designed from scratch with an architect, so even though it may be the same or similar floor plan as another home, it should feel different and be reflective of the buyer. I am a custom home builder, and every home should feel just that — custom.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CUSTOM REQUESTS THAT YOU’VE RECEIVED?
I’ve done a trampoline room, and it was awesome. I absolutely gave it a test run before closing.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE PROCESS?
Post-trim is definitely my favorite part. I love seeing everything really come to life that we’ve been working so hard on for the last few months. It’s my favorite. I love walking in every day and seeing the design finishes come together.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR CLIENTS?
[A client found out] I was getting married, and she bought me this beautiful crystal cake platter for my wedding. And then, when I was having my baby, she sent me a sweet gift and note. She was just awesome. And I had a gal that I built a house for that actually lived across the street from me in my old house, and anytime she saw me, she invited me for a glass of wine. Just being able to kind of have relationships like that outside of [home building], and even years after the project has closed, I feel like it’s pretty special.
CONTINUED >







HOW DO YOU FEEL BEING A YOUNG WOMAN HOME BUILDER?
I have a lot of [workers that] are like, ‘It’s so cool that you do this.’ A lot of them have daughters, so they’ll bring their daughter to the job site, which is really cool for me to be able to show them that, you know, you can do this one day. You’re not limited in what you want.
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER AS A KID BEING ON JOBSITES WITH YOUR PARENTS?
My grandpa, who was also a builder, got me my first tool kit. So I would bring that with me when it was time to “work”. I also was a total girly girl, so my parents would pack up a blanket, this portable TV with an antenna,
“I love walking in every day and seeing the design finishes come together.”
and a bunch of my Barbies and dolls, and I would just play while they worked. They put me to work, though — I was great at blue taping the lower part of the walls and picking up the sites.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FROM WORKING WITHIN A FAMILY BUSINESS TO TAKING OVER YOUR OWN COMPANY?
The biggest challenge initially was that so many of my subs knew me as a little girl — many I met when I was five. So getting them to see me as an owner versus that little girl was hard at first. We’ve gotten through that, though, and while they still may see me that way, we’ve all grown, and there’s a lot of respect there now.
DO YOU EVER CALL YOUR PARENTS FOR ADVICE?
Probably too much. I think I called my mom four times the other day. They’re both so different in how they operate. So honestly, being able to talk to both of them about a situation and see how both of them would handle it is very helpful. They started out when they were really young, too, and they learned a lot over the course of their time in this business. It’s really good to be able to call them and talk through situations.
WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS THAT STILL GUIDE YOUR DECISIONS AS A BUSINESS OWNER?
That none of this is possible without faith. Life is not easy; owning a company is not easy, but when all else fails, God is there. Prioritize your faith, your family and life outside of work — it’s the most important part.

If you’re interested in learning more about building a home with Stoneleaf Homes, you can reach Alexis at (816) 200-2441 or via email at lexi@ stoneleafhomes.org. Their website is stoneleafhomes.org .









Founded in 2020, Stoneleaf Homes LLC is building high quality homes at multiple price points across the northland here in Kansas City. Owner, Alexis Miller Goin, is a second generation home builder and has implemented her knowledge for building and business in the same way her father and mother did for more than twenty years. She has fortified her building strategy to build cost-efficient homes, simplify the process for her clients, and maintain friendships with those she builds for while also maintaining great relationships with her subcontractors and vendors.




HOW LAURA COLEMAN OF LC INTERIORS CREATES SPACES THAT WORK FOR THE PEOPLE IN THEM
ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SCHREINER
Laura Coleman never set out to create rooms that look good but feel untouchable. Her work is rooted in reality — kids, dogs, everyday messes, and the kind of comfort that makes people want to stay awhile.
“I don’t have any formal spaces,” says Laura, who is in the middle of refreshing her own home in Smithville. “I like everything to feel like you can come and sit down. My dog sits on all the furniture.”
As the founder of LC Interiors, Laura has built a business around that philosophy, designing homes that feel approachable, layered, and personal. Her projects span everything from one-room transformations to full basement finishes and whole-home renovations, but the goal is always the same — spaces that work for the people living in them.




“WE WANT A SPACE THAT FEELS LIKE THEM — THAT THEY CAN BE PROUD OF AND SHOW OFF TO THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.”

Many of Laura’s clients come to her feeling stuck. Some have lived with the same furniture since college. Others know their home no longer fits their family, but they don’t know where to begin. Laura sees her role as part designer, part guide — helping clients articulate what they want, and just as importantly, what they don’t.
“We always ask clients to go through our social media and send us things they like and things they don’t like,” she says. “Honestly, you get more out of people when you ask them what they don’t like.”
That early clarity helps shape a process that’s tailored to each client. Some want to be deeply involved, shopping and reviewing samples. Others prefer to hand over the reins and trust the professionals. Laura is comfortable with both approaches, as long as expectations are clear from the start.
One thing she emphasizes early on is timing. “Timeline is always the first thing,” she says. “Lead times for buying stock furniture are vastly different from buying custom furniture. A kitchen remodel is different and more invasive than a basement finish. A typical basement finish is 10-12 weeks.”

Budget conversations are just as important. Laura is quick to note that home renovation television shows don’t always reflect reality.
“Home improvement shows have done us no favors when it comes to item costs, labor costs and timelines,” she says. “A lot of times [on TV], the materials are purchased at a discount or gifted from vendors. Subcontractors are dedicated to the project for filming, and video is edited for speed.”
Over time, LC Interiors has grown to meet the needs of clients who want more than design alone. In 2024, Laura expanded the business to include a construction branch, allowing her team to offer a more seamless, turnkey experience — from initial concept through construction and final installation.
“We decided to bring everything in-house,” she says. “Now we can do it all, from initial consult through design concept to construction, and then the final finished product.”
That shift has taken pressure off homeowners, who are often overwhelmed by technical decisions. “There are just so many things behind the scenes that people don’t know of,”
Laura says. “They don’t have to get in the middle of some of these nitty-gritty questions.”
The team behind LC Interiors includes Laura’s husband, Keath, who handles much of the business management, along with a superintendent, skilled tradespeople, and junior designer Emma. Together, they manage projects across a wide range of sizes and scopes.
One recent project that captures Laura’s approach is a design refresh at Lone Summit Ranch in Lee’s Summit. The property has multiple buildings that serve as an event and wedding venue, but Laura worked on the main residence, a sprawling farmhouse-style home.
Rather than a full remodel, the project focused on a cosmetic update of the main level. “I’m not really calling it a remodel,” Laura says. “I’m calling it a refresh.”
The house already had strong architectural elements, including exposed beams and custom details, but the interiors felt dated. “The house felt too heavy and dark for our client’s current design aesthetic,” Laura says, explaining that the previous palette leaned heavily into black, white, and red.








The client wanted a shift toward a light and airy, Southern, traditional feel. Laura responded with a very layered look, even with a simple color palette. “We did a lot of mix of blues and white,” she says. “We really added in the textures, and did a lot of pattern on pattern to achieve that Southern charm feel.”
Lighting played a key role as well. “We glammed up the lighting,” Laura says, adding brass and gold tones to bring warmth and contrast. Fabric choices helped soften the space. “Everything up to that point felt more masculine,” she says. “We really needed to soften it up.”
The result is a home that feels calm and inviting — proof that thoughtful cosmetic changes can dramatically alter how a space feels. “It feels like a breath of fresh air,” Laura says. “It feels good.”
Trust was a defining factor in the project’s success. “She was so sweet and so trusting,” Laura says of the homeowner. “She just 110 percent let us run with it.”
That kind of relationship is what Laura values most. “When you get a good fit between the client and the designer and the client trusts you, and you have a mutual vision, it just shows how it can turn out at the end,” she says.
Ultimately, Laura believes good design should make life easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. “We want a space that feels like them,” she says. “That they can be proud of and show off to their friends and family.”
But once clients experience that shift, Laura warns, it often leads to more calls to come back to design more spaces. “It’s a slippery slope,” Laura says. “As soon as you start, it always keeps going.”
If you’re interested in working with LC Interiors, you can find Laura and her team at lcinteriorsllc.com or on Instagram at @lcinteriorsllc

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MARCH 2026

At Oakhill, we guide tomorrow’s leaders through creativity, character, and community.
A Place Where Your Child Is Seen & Known
At Oakhill, small class sizes and caring teachers ensure your child isn’t a number — but a valued, unique learner in a supportive community.
Challenge, Enrichment & Experiential Learning
At Oakhill, learning goes beyond the classroom — students explore nature, tackle hands-on projects, try new ideas, and learn about the world around them.
Helping Every Child Grow and Thrive
We emphasize not just what students learn, but who they become — nurturing character, problemsolving, and 21st-century readiness in a missiondriven independent school setting.

MARCH 3RD
Weekly Pre-K Storytimes
North Kansas City Public Library, 2251 Howell Street, North Kansas City | 6:00 PM
Looking for a low-key learning outing? Join us for Storytime! These sessions include read-aloud stories, songs/ movement, and a super-simple craft. Storytimes are geared toward pre-k kiddos, but children of all ages are welcome. No registration required! Storytimes are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
MARCH 5TH
Historic Downtown Liberty | 4:00 PM
Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours evening of shopping, dining, and supporting local businesses around Historic Downtown Liberty Square. Participating boutiques and restaurants will offer extended hours, special promotions, and themed experiences. Guests can enter to win gift cards by scanning QR codes at participating locations. Shop local, shop late, and make a night of it.
MARCH 7TH
NKC Parks and Recreation Center | 10:30 AM
This is not a talent or beauty contest. Children ages 2-7 are judged based on “Irish Spirit” and charm. Costumes are not required, but an “Irish Flair” is encouraged. Children may dress up in green, their favorite Irish apparel or outfits in line with the yearly theme. The winners of each group ride in the parade the following week. More info at snakesaturday.com





We've transformed a 120-year-old-home into a vibrant, energetic wine bar in downtown Parkville. Enjoy curated wine flights, premium spirits, local craft beers, and refined shareable plates in a space that honors its original charm. With exclusive clubs, live music, and private event opportunities, every visit invites you to savor exceptional taste in an unforgettable setting.
Ask
about our wine and spirits club







Kansas City Neuroplasticity Institute offers mental health services, neurofeedback and the Shiftwave Chair to support sleep, focus, stress regulation, and recovery. We regularly work with first responders, veterans and active-duty service members using non-invasive, evidence-informed methods that support the brain’s natural ability to regulate and adapt.
Now accepting Blue Cross, Aetna, TriCare, VACCN, and Medicare. www.kcnpi.com | 816-407-7706 x208 10 Westowne Street, Liberty, MO



MARCH 13TH-14TH
Snake Saturday Parade and Festival
Downtown North Kansas City | 10:00 AM
Attend the annual North Kansas City Snake Saturday Parade on Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. A festival, including a carnival, will also take place on March 13 and 14, with the carnival opening from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Activities include a children's petting zoo, children's stage show, Clyde Ellis race car show, food vendors and more. More info at snakesaturday.com
MARCH 21ST
Touch-A-Truck
Platte Landing Park Friends Shelter | 10:00 AM
Touch-A-Truck presented by Parkville Parks and Recreation is a fun hands-on interactive and educational experience for the whole family! Enjoy exploring a variety of vehicles used by first responders, maintenance and more! The event is from 10-1:30 p.m., with the first hour being a sensory-friendly experience with no air horns, lights or sirens.
APRIL 2ND
Chocolate Walk
Historic Downtown Liberty | 4:00 PM
Indulge your sweet tooth at the Third Annual Chocolate Walk in Historic Downtown Liberty. Participating local businesses will offer an array of chocolate-themed treats, from edible samples to creative non-edible items. Tickets include a tote bag and event stamp card. Check-in opens at 4:00 PM at 11 N. Gallatin St., with admission closing at 6:00 PM. More info at historicdowntownliberty.org













The relationships you’ve built with your Liberty Hospital Primary Care providers remain at the heart of our commitment and the center of your care. What’s growing is the size and strength of the team behind us.
Liberty Hospital is part of The University of Kansas Health System, which means your primary care team connects you to more than 1,500 specialists and subspecialists ready to complement the care you already receive.
Together, we provide the premier care you count on every day, and now it’s part of something greater. We’re not just bringing world-class healthcare to the Northland – we’re bringing it right to you.
This is where health happens: libertyhospital.org/primarycare