The Grooviest Place to Live since 1973 Peace.

From the Boardroom

Debbie Stalnaker, Board President

Happy 50th Birthday Lakewood! For this 50th celebration edition, I’d like to share some of my personal memories of Lakewood fifty years ago. In the summer of 1972, I worked for Andes & Roberts Construction Company –the original developer of Lakewood. Paul Roberts Sr. had a vision for a master planned community, one of the first in Missouri, that is Lakewood. The original plan for Lakewood included a 600-acre lake, almost double the size of the current lakes with just one dam. They had an option to buy an additional 700 acres to the north. There was one hold out for the land, a “worm farmer” who lived near the current boat storage lot. I was told he was offered $250,000 in cash as well as a new house, but he refused to sell, so the plans changed to include the two dams we have today.

Paul Roberts and Wilmer Andes offered lots to their employees. Lot prices at the time ranged from $5,000 to $25,000. Expensive for the time. My Mother, who worked for Andes & Roberts for 25+ years, was offered a lakefront lot for $16,000. I recall much discussion in our house on whether to purchase it, but at the time, it was more than we could afford.

Construction began on the West Lake. Lot sales were slow as this was just farmland and orchards, and many thought it was too far out. 291 Highway was just a two-lane road at the time. There was a big red barn off 291 that was the entrance into Lakewood. It was later turned into a recreation center.

To spark sales, Andes & Roberts formed an employeeowned corporation called the Maybrook Investment Company, which built approximately 12-15 homes in Lakewood. The second house built was a contemporary, chalet style home at 4510 Lake Drive. The house was designed by a recent KU architect graduate, Roy Browne, who was employed by Andes & Roberts at the time. The house was finished in the spring of 1972 and was featured in the home section of the Kansas City Star. The interior furnishings were designed by KU design students, and it served as a model home. As an employee, I was offered the opportunity to hold open house several weekends. Being in the house was so cool! It was very contemporary for the time. The design features were so unique -all the windows in front, the stone fireplace, a spiral staircase,

Lakewood Property Owners Association Board of Directors’ Meeting

Actions taken July 13, 2023

Approved

• Speed reduction measures from the City of Lee’s Summit for Lake Drive subject to final design

• Policy 14, Common Ground Improvements

• Pending Amendment to ARB/ARC Guidelines, Common Ground Improvements

• Stephanie Atchity request for No Fee Use for Lakewood 50 and older club

• Transfer $10,000 from desilt fund to Operating budget for Prior Aquatic Plant Treatment

• Transfer $10,000 from vision fund to Operating budget for Future Aquatic Plant Treatment

• Direct staff to make minimal repairs necessary for the Storage Lot and to submit budget numbers for the 2024 LIP

• Additional Tree Removal Funds from the Shoreline Erosion fund

Tabled

• Landings Covenant Amendment

• Clubhouse Repair - Auto Owners Insurance Update

• Bob Kelly Appeal of LPOA Policy Regarding Common Ground Modification

• LPOA Election Committee Recommendation and even a round bed. I was told that over 22,000 people toured the house. One interested prospect was Chief’s Football player, Willie Lanier, who played for the Chiefs from 1967-1977. It was bought by the Gustafson family in 1973 who lived there for 47 years. It is now owned by Nick and Katie Welch, who are only the second owners and have maintained the 70’s vibe of the house.

There is so much rich history in Lakewood, and lots of similar stories to share. This is my story, and how Lakewood touched me fifty years ago. I’m glad to now be a resident and part of the 50th birthday celebration. Enjoy all the special events planned for August!

Special thanks to Paul Roberts Jr. and Roy Browne who reminisced with me and shared some color to my story, and to Nick & Katie Welch.

LPOA/LHC Board Meetings

August 10

• September 14

• October 12

Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. at The Oaks Clubhouse