West Plaza is a diverse and ideally located neighborhood bounded by Westport Road to the north, Brush Creek to the south, State Line to the west, and Madison Avenue to the east. As the name suggests, the neighborhood is immediately west of Kansas City’s storied Country Club Plaza and is home to young people, families, empty nesters and retirees. West Plaza residents can experience both the peace and quiet of single-family residential living and, a short walk away, the energy of the Plaza and its many amenities as well as the beautiful Westwood Park and nearby Shops at Woodside Village.
While its history can be traced back to the Santa Fe Trail, the origin of West Plaza development was the blue-collar workforce who sought to live near the railroads and streetcars. Modest bungalow homes were built on narrow – and often steeply sloped – lots. Over time, many of these houses fell into disrepair.
Because West Plaza offers proximity to the Plaza in a bucolic setting, it has become the neighborhood of choice for many, interestingly including those who wish to age in place. This newer demographic of active adults tend to design so that they can remain in their homes as they age, rather than relocate to a senior living facility. Designs anticipate such amenities as future ADA-compliant kitchens and bathrooms, as well as future space allocation for an elevator or stair lifts. New residents are seeking modern homes that provide for their current needs as well as their anticipated future needs, all while taking full advantage of the rooftop and hilltop views of the surrounding neighborhoods. The homes are all designed in accordance with the strict Kansas City, MO regulations that currently exist.
As part of this transformation, NSPJ is working with several builders such as Noblit Didier and Homoly Construction and speculative developers to design homes that fit within the constraints of the lots while also providing residents everything they seek in a home. What started with the design of one modern home in the West Plaza has led to NSPJ designing seven additional homes currently in various stages of planning and construction.
The contemporary, multi-level design that typify these new homes is extremely functional, allowing large amounts of light from all sides of the home in an open plan layout. Simple, clean lines create a sense of calm well-being, and allow for the home to easily be reconfigured as residents’ needs change. Outdoor terraces or decks on different levels provide options for individual “retreats” to enjoy various vistas.
The landscape of each home is an extension of the architecture, drawing on the mid-century modern relationship between the interior and exterior environments. Terrace and/or stepped walls integrate with the slope of the lots. Plants and trees can be selected for their low maintenance.
If you’re thinking of building a new home or renovating a home in West Plaza, we have the expertise to create the perfect design for you and your lifestyle. Contact us to find out how we can help make your West Plaza dream home a reality.
