PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. — Brenda Zimmerman spends a lot of time outdoors with her grandson in Prairie Village. It’s a small, close-knit community and she loves it.
“It has the walk to park, the walk to shops, dining and everything.” Zimmerman loves the trees, the charm, the character. “Whether it’s Colonial, or Tudor, or the different pitches.”
But the only thing falling faster than the leaves are some of the houses.
They’re being bulldozed, and replaced with homes more than twice the value. In some cases, they’re being replaced with homes three times the size.
“There’s one in particular; I thought it was an office," said Zimmerman. "I thought it was absolutely an office building. I was stunned when my daughter told me it was a home.”
For Zimmerman and others that live-in Prairie Village, that’s becoming a problem. Neighbors say in some cases the homes swallow up the entire lot. City Administrator Wes Jordan hears their concerns.
“I think we’re still trying to get a handle on it too like everyone else is,” Jordan said.
Village leaders have implemented several zoning changes that limit the size of a home built.
Numbers show this teardown and build up trend is happening in many communities. Jordan says for good reason.
"We want to attract young families that want to live here," said Jordan.
Since 2010, the number of homes torn down and new ones built has more than quadrupled in Prairie Village alone. That’s caught the attention of many realtors, including Krista Wilson.
"Our buyers can’t find something," said Zimmerman. "There are multiple offers for a lot more than list price. It’s been difficult."
And price point isn’t the only difference Wilson has noticed.
“We have all the 50’s post-war, little ranches around here and now we’re building these giant [homes], some of them not fitting in architecturally," said Wilson.
Realtor Scott Galvin says he works with developers that aim to maintain the charm and integrity of the neighborhood.
“I don’t think you’re going to see an Overland Park," said Galvin. "I think the consumer building down in Prairie Village is making a lifestyle change.”
It’s a change welcomed by some. Galvin tells 41 Action News he often sells lots, just days, even hours after homes are bulldozed. While all sides acknowledge, change is inevitable, Zimmerman is concerned developers are placing profit over character.
"It’s the compromise on the style and establishment on the area that’ll bother me," said Zimmerman. "It doesn’t fit, it doesn’t.”
