You can immediately notice the effects of the heavy traffic on Compton Avenue north of Meramec Street; the block just has a different feeling. The architecture looks the same as on other streets in Dutchtown, but there’s just something about the feel where you can sense the rush of cars going by everyday changes the mood.

But I love the rich red brick of these four-family apartments. They have “good bones,” and even if they’re a bit rough around the edges right now, they can be brought back to their original splendor in the future.

Of the more unique houses in the neighborhood is this slender three story two-family, which due to it coming on the market, I learned is actually three apartments now. The balconies, accessible from French windows, have always grabbed my attention. I wish it were better maintained.

The “The Beauty of Dutchtown” series continues with Number 31.