Throwback architecture and designs by Mary Carol Garrity make an alluring new addition to an older neighborhood.
Property Profiles
Recreating Brookside Charm
Loose Park Place channels the neighborhood’s heart and history in newly constructed townhomes.


Running has many benefits. It makes the heart stronger, shapes the legs, and in Katie Gerson and Maggie Fisher’s case, it inspires a new business venture. “We started running together about three years ago,” Katie says. “We did a lot of brainstorming as we ran. We would talk the entire four-mile route.” Eventually, their morning run led to the creation of Revival Development LLC.

For their first project, they tore down and reconstructed two homes in Brookside. “Revival Development’s entire philosophy is to build buildings that are appropriate for the neighborhood,” says Erin Bardon, AIA partner and architect for BNB Designs. “Their projects are the best of both worlds. Owners get to live in a historic neighborhood with modern conveniences. They think with the heart of an owner, not with the eyes of a developer. Their buildings really show that.” This philosophy carries over to their newest project, Loose Park Place, at the corner of Wyandotte and West 51st Terrace. “We picked the location very carefully,” Katie says. “It’s a short walk to the Plaza or Loose Park. People keep saying you can’t find anything like this in Kansas City.”

In order to create a modern space in the classic neighborhood, BNB Designs and Revival Development had to start from scratch. “We found two duplexes for sale,” Katie explains. The first was in disrepair, and the second had asbestos shingles. We tore them down and started over.”

The first obstacle (and main objective) was to recreate the historic look of the area. “The combination of the brick, darker-toned mortar, solid wood windows, black iron accents and white columns give it a classic Colonial look,” Katie explains. The classic exterior opens into a modern haven. “We were able to incorporate a lot of amenities into those lots,” Erin says. “Each unit has a private entrance, two-car garage and gorgeous windows that give a good view of the area.” This is just the beginning of the modern conveniences available in these units.

The main level has 10-foot ceilings and houses the living room, dining room and kitchen, which showcases granite countertops, a breakfast nook and access to the spacious deck. “This space is going to be the most used, so we wanted it open and livable,” Katie says. The master suite is on the second floor, with a fireplace and a master bath that has a cultured marble tub and vanity. A large closet is off the master bath. “Closets and garages are very important,” Katie laughs. “People want to make sure they have enough storage and car space.” The second bedroom on this floor has a private bath and walk-in closet.

The third level has many uses. “It’s staged as an office, but it can be a guest bedroom, an art studio or a game room,” Katie says. “I’ve even seen people put twin beds in the dormer areas.” The basement is also a multi-purpose area with a full bathroom. To add to the modern lifestyle, homeowners have the option of installing an elevator that runs from the basement to the third floor.

While these amenities are standard in all four units, Katie and Maggie found ways to distinguish each one. “The master bath and closet configuration is different,” Katie explains. “In 204, there is carpet on the stairs leading up to and including the third floor, and the lighting fixtures are an antique nickel. Hardwood floors run all the way through 206, and the unit is decorated with brass antique features.” Mary Carol Garrity, owner of popular home decor store Nell Hill’s, with locations in Atchison and North Kansas City, suggested the installation of hardwood floors throughout unit 206. It was one of many decisions Mary Carol made for the unit, also known as the Nell Hill’s Designer Town Home. “We approached Mary Carol and asked her to stage and outfit one of the town homes,” Katie says. “This endeavor is very special because it’s not something she normally does.”

“Some things you just can’t resist, and we just had to do this project,” Mary Carol says. “We thought it was a wonderful venue to show off in and show some of our new furniture and accessories at Briarcliff.”

Mary Carol selected all the colors for the rooms, guided the lighting choices and is using pieces from her new Mary Carol Home Collection to decorate the space. “We’re going for comfortable elegance,” Mary Carol explains. “We want it to be inviting and have a little elegance without being stuffy or too much like a show home.”

Comfort and elegance go perfectly with the classic yet modern mission behind Loose Park Place. “I’m going to be jealous of whoever buys it,” Mary Carol laughs. “I might ask for visitation rights.”

Call 913.579.6893 for more information or e-mail kwogerson@kc.rr.com