So many of these little gems across the City, north and south. My wife and I live in a row of six identical, two bay (two front windows), shaped-parapet houses here in Dutchtown. There are blocks down here which are almost entirely composed of one and two bay examples such as those above. I’ve heard some describe these as being “functionally obsolete”, mainly because of their size. I beg to differ. They are eminently restorable, and many can be had for a song, 15-20K USD (sadly, my wife and can’t even afford the song :), otherwise I’d be restoring one a year or so). The great thing about these houses is that most of the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical can be accessed from the basement. A diy’er could probably do fairly well, depending on the neighborhood. If there is a rub in all of this, it’s the plain fact that some neighborhoods simply can’t support well-done, competent rehab, which is what the newer and mainly younger residents over the last decade have wanted. Incompetent, WTF?! rehab, yes, but only slum lords and sketchy residents want that.
BTW, when I used Google Satellite View to confirm their location, I realized they were once part of a row of at least 9 identical houses. At least five, if not six of their comrades are now gone.
So many of these little gems across the City, north and south. My wife and I live in a row of six identical, two bay (two front windows), shaped-parapet houses here in Dutchtown. There are blocks down here which are almost entirely composed of one and two bay examples such as those above. I’ve heard some describe these as being “functionally obsolete”, mainly because of their size. I beg to differ. They are eminently restorable, and many can be had for a song, 15-20K USD (sadly, my wife and can’t even afford the song :), otherwise I’d be restoring one a year or so). The great thing about these houses is that most of the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical can be accessed from the basement. A diy’er could probably do fairly well, depending on the neighborhood. If there is a rub in all of this, it’s the plain fact that some neighborhoods simply can’t support well-done, competent rehab, which is what the newer and mainly younger residents over the last decade have wanted. Incompetent, WTF?! rehab, yes, but only slum lords and sketchy residents want that.
I live in a house similar to these, and they are indeed very functional and easy to maintain. I get angry at people who claim they aren’t.
Where are these homes located in St. Louis?
Sullivan Avenue in between Lismore and Parnell.
BTW, when I used Google Satellite View to confirm their location, I realized they were once part of a row of at least 9 identical houses. At least five, if not six of their comrades are now gone.