LOCATION: It’s a given that Lafayette Square is an amazing neighborhood. The property values tell that story clearly. There are few neighborhoods in the city that consistently support 500K+ values. But, at the risk of being redundant, let me chatter about this perfectly positioned place. Lafayette Square sits squarely between I-44 and I-64/40, providing easy access to downtown. The residential area surrounds a remarkably well revived commercial center which is home to Baileys’ Chocolate Bar, Sqwires, 1111 Mississippi, Park Avenue Coffee and much, much more. Living anywhere in this neighborhood means you can WALK to the park, a dry-cleaners, several restaurants and a coffee shop. The community aspect of The Square is hard to beat and is evidenced on their website. And at the risk of using Realtor speak, I must say: It is a truly sought after location!
Interior Finish Quality: This home has been continuously occupied since 1887. To date it has had only 5 owners. Presumably each of them has done her (of the five owners only one has been a man) job as stewards of the architecture. All the doors are the solid wood originals each with original hardware. Every original hinge remains in this house. The built-in wood cabinets are still in the kitchen.The pocket doors are fully functional, sliding open or closed with the softest touch. The FOUR original fireplaces including surrounds, hearths and mantles are in immaculate condition. THE TRANSOM WINDOWS WORK! (sorry couldn’t help myself, most of the transoms I have seen are forever painted shut). Now for a list of the new: HVAC completely replaced 2002, Electrical Panel replaced 2002, Plumbing Stack 1996 (all the way to 2nd floor), EPDM roof replaced 2003, Gutters and Downspouts Replaced 2003, Brick Cornice Tuckpointed 2002, Mansard and Crown Molding on Cornice Painted 2004. Visit 1715 Hickory for more interior photos.
Value: Below is a CMA report from the St. Louis MLS. Based on a map search of the Lafayette Square area, the numbers show that 1715 Hickory is priced to SELL. And this link will allow you to see photos of the comparable properties listed in the CMA. I won’t distract you with any of the values over 325K. (An MLS search revealed 4 sold properties over this cutoff ranging all the way to $806,250) Instead the CMA below shows properties that are very similar to Hickory in terms of size and approximate condition. At 60K below the average sale price for homes of this size, Hickory is a value. Price per square foot for Hickory is $97 where the average is $120. This is your chance to buy in Lafayette Square for a truly affordable price.
The League of American Bicyclists has announced its Fall 2009 Bicycle Friendly Communities which includes St. Louis. Indeed we are specifically mentioned in their press release. In addition to that Missouri as a whole has moved up to 17th in the overall state rankings.
St. Louis, Mo., for example, is one of the 70 largest cities surveyed in the ACS and a new BFC. The community nearly doubled their number of bicycle commuters from 2000 to 2008. The city has completed several noteworthy projects within the past year, including 53 new miles of on-street additions to the bikeway system, a $10 million investment, and an expansion of bicycling education offerings for children and adults. “St. Louis like cities across the country, is making smart investments in building a welcoming community for biking that will inevitably lead to more, healthier and sustainable transportation options and increased recreational opportunities.” stated Bill Nesper, League Director of the Bicycle Friendly America program.
To discover and map your own new bike route check out Bike St Louis. They have a great interactive map of the many new bike paths in the city.
Many thanks to Great Rivers Greenway for getting STL on the map! Below is a screen shot of the current and developing trails for the greenway.
Want to live on the greenway? Check out 6405 Ruth. This home faces the Christy Park extension path which connects Holly Hills to River Des Peres.
In this gorgeous parklike setting you may never have to travel by car again. Just take your bike out the front door, hop on the trail and ride to the Metrolink! This home is listed at $194,900 has 3 beds and 2 full baths with an additional family room upstairs and an impeccably finished lower level rec-room. There is a one car attached garage as well, but who needs it?
Here’s your chance to weigh in on the future of STL and the surrounding 7 counties! Our federally designated metropolitan planning organization is seeking public opinion.
East West Gateway is in the midst of a goal-setting exercise that will inform the future of St. Louis’ transportation network. Through the Renewing the Region project, East West Gateway is creating opportunities for public engagement. Their new blog offers a great chance to learn more about transportation planning and how that affects the social and economic viability of the region as a whole. This is your opportunity to chime in with suggestions on how to make St. Louis a more sparkling region.
“The public engagement process will promote discussion, seek suggestions and set goals for the region through meetings, web-based outreach and work with other regional institutions”
4031 Bamberger is open this Sunday from 1-3PM. It is a perfect home for the first time buyer. The house has been incredibly well-maintained and has updated systems and newer windows and roof. The hard floors are in superior condition, the woodwork is beautiful. There’s a decorative fireplace and stained glass windows. This house has tons of charm and sits on a block full bungalows with perfectly manicured yards. Owners are ready to move and prepared for a quick closing so that the buyer can use the $8000 tax credit before it expires. You will not find a better home in this price range.
Organized by zip code: 63116
Organized by zip code: 63109
Organized by zip code: 63118
Organized by zip code: 63110
Organized by zip code: 63104
Organized by zip code: 63139
Dawn Griffin Real Estate Blog
I’m an experienced Saint Louis Realtor specializing in St. Louis City as well as neighborhoods like Webster Groves, Maplewood, Clayton, University City and Ladue. With an undergraduate degree in Education and Master's in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development — I have the heart of teacher.
I have been immersed in Residential Real Estate, helping home buyers and sellers understand the market, manage the ambiguities and negotiate the best terms for themselves. I am consistently voted a 5-Star Agent by clients and featured as one of St. Louis' Best Agents in Saint Louis Magazine.
