KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hallmark has brought beauty to Kansas City in myriad ways, but the company's latest venture helps improve foreclosed homes.
"We have a little over a 100 homes that are available right now for sale, so we are looking to reach out and get a little marketing today," Chad Erpelding, a program specialist with The Land Bank, said.
Among the bank's homes in foreclosure is one at East 36th Street and Wayne Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.
It's weather-beaten with broken windows and pity from neighbors, who admit the property has seen better days.
Through a partnership with Hallmark, Land Bank hopes to find the home a new owner.
"This project really I was drawn to, because I wanted to get out in the community and sort of connect with the community while using our creative talents," Katie Koch, editorial director for Paper Wonder at Hallmark, said.
Artists created temporary wooden doors and windows for five homes in Kansas City, which all have different designs from topical leaves to inspirational quotes.
Stanley Harper has lived next the house at 36th and Wayne his entire life.
"The neighbors kind of looked out for each other," Harper said. "The kids all spent time with each other, kind of was a close knit neighborhood. Things have changed a lot now."
He said he works to keep up the house, but can only do so much. But it brought a smile to his face to see the Hallmark-inspired upgrades.
"It was kind of neat," Harper said. "We got some enjoyment out of it."
He hopes it helps sell the house and bring back the old neighborhood he loves.
"I would like to see a close-knit neighborhood again," Harper said.
