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Community Profile Location: About a half mile southwest of downtown Kansas City Category: Adaptive reuse and infill Number of homes: 1,500 What $300K will buy: A fully rehabilitated 1,500-square-foot, 2 BR, 1 1/2 BA Victorian, with $40K left over for decorating and landscaping Closest latte: Blue Bird Bistro on Summit Street in the heart of Westside
photography: Michael Hanson
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Civic Pride One of the oldest neighborhoods in Kansas City, Westside is a collection of mostly late-19th-century homes—simple frame and brick two-story Victorians with front porches and the occasional storage shed. Westside's fortunes waxed and waned during the 20th century, but thanks to the hard work of many dedicated residents, including a large family-oriented Hispanic population, the neighborhood is safe and economically sound today, with a diverse and creative mix of people. "Everything is right here," says Stephanie Shirazi, a Westside resident since 1992, referring not only to neighborhood amenities like shops and restaurants but also to many of Kansas City's cultural attractions, including the Crossroads Arts District, Union Station, Science City, and the 85-acre retail and entertainment complex known as Crown Center. "You can walk to practically whatever you want to do." Cottage Connection: Westside Community Action Network; 816/842-1298 or westsidecan.org | 
