Two longtime Brookside businesses renew their leases

Brookside Toy & Science, a beloved neighborhood shop that has operated at 330 W. 63rd St. for more than 50 years, has signed a new lease.

Donna Ward purchased the business in 1964 and it shows up in the 1963 city directory. Her son, Jim Ward, took over in 1995 and he owns it with his wife, Mary Jo.

He has been in negotiations to renew his lease with First Washington Realty Inc. since August.

“It wasn’t going very well but then a representative came in and saw what we were about. Since then it has gone very well,” Jim Ward said.

Brookside Toy & Science has signed a 5-year lease with a 2-year option.

Lauren Alexandra Bebe Boutique, which opened in 1994 at 322 W. 63rd St., also has renewed its lease for five more years.

The owner couldn’t be reached for comment.

In a statement, Gregg Zike, vice president of the Maryland-based First Washington Realty, said: “These shops play an essential role in Brookside’s success. We are excited to know that they’ll continue to offer a unique shopping experience for the Brookside community.”

This recent announcement continues a string of renewals by local tenants with First Washington Realty, owners of Brookside Shops since 2014. First Washington also has owned The Village and Corinth Square in Prairie Village and Fairway Shops in Fairway since earlier this year.

First Washington said it also has renewed the leases of some other local retailers including Rainy Day Books in Fairway, 5B & Co. Candlemakers in Brookside, Village Flower Co. at The Village and Wooten Liquor at Corinth Square.

In a statement, Monica Mallory, regional property manager for First Washington Realty in the Kansas City area, said: “We’re here to take care of them. We’re over the moon about these renewals, knowing that these great shops and restaurants are here to stay. And we’ll continue to pursue the best local, regional and national tenants to keep these districts thriving, convenient and neighborly.”

First Washington Realty, Inc. is a privately owned real estate investment, advisory and management company. It specializes in neighborhood shopping centers that serve as centerpieces within a community.

The company owns and manages approximately 93 shopping centers in 23 states and the District of Columbia, containing approximately 13 million square feet with more than 2,200 retail tenants.

This story was originally published October 28, 2015 at 1:07 PM with the headline "Two longtime Brookside businesses renew their leases."