First suburbs are communities where a majority of the housing was built shortly after World War II and limited amounts of undeveloped land exist within the city's boundaries. Nineteen cities, including Overland Park, are members of the First Suburbs Coalition formed through the Mid-America Regional Council.
The first suburbs - those inner ring cities that developed in the era shortly before and after WWII - have targeted modernization of their communities’ housing stock as one of their top objectives.
The First Suburbs Coalition Idea Book examines four of the most common housing types found in these suburbs - ranch, split level, two-story and cape cod — and provides dozens of ideas for appropriate ways to update and make additions to them. The 40-page, folio-sized book offers color illustrations of each design and the elements which can be renovated or added.
The book also addresses windows, doors and garages as well as other basics of exterior appearance. Considerations, such as energy efficiency, financing and universal design, also are discussed along with a section of guidelines for selecting and working with reliable contractors.
The First Suburbs Coalition Idea Book is available for $10. To reserve a copy, contact Community Services at 913/895-6339 or neighborhoods@opkansas.org.
More information on the First Suburbs Coalition can be found online at http://www.marc.org/firstsuburbs/.