Forgive me for constantly returning to the narrow lanes of McKinley Heights just to the northeast of the intersection of Jefferson and Gravois, but the area dates back to before the Civil War, and I found out some new information about it for my recent article for St. Louis Magazine.
The houses date easily to the 1860s, if not earlier, and they sit on large lots, making them perfect opportunities for gardeners.
This alley house is extremely rare and needs someone to rehab it. It’s in great shape structurally and could make a great house.
Then there’s that little half-flounder that sits at the apex of the block, still in good shape.
One of the shortest streets in St. Louis reminds us that we’re so close but yet so far from one of the busiest avenues in St. Louis.
I live in the SF Bay Area and I see so many cool housing opportunities in St. Louis via your blog. I assume there isn’t much interest tho.
I always say there’s a story behind every vacant building, and I don’t know the reason these houses are abandoned. They look like real prizes, and I’m surprised no one has jumped on them yet.
The first two houses in the post are owned by a pair of property company LLCs, according to the city’s Real Estate and Land Records website. Who knows the people behind those LLCs, or why they bought those buildings. Your photographs do not show any indication that those LLCs have made any investment into either restoration or basic repairs.
Indeed, they seem to be providing the minimal amount of maintenance to avoid City attention.