Urban Detroit Makeover...

BEFORE:

AFTER:
Not what you were expecting, right? Rather than the product of Mother Nature... this icy "makeover" was completed by artists, architects, and photographers in Detroit who encased an abandoned house in ice in order to bring awareness to the "frozen" Michigan housing market and startling number of foreclosures in the region.



It is widely known in the real estate industry, that Detroit was one of the hardest hit cities in the United States by the current economic decline. Houses selling for a dollar at auction, historic buildings crumbling due to neglect and lack of funds to maintain. The once flourishing epicenter of the auto industry, now boasts an estimated unemployment rate of almost 50% according the the Detroit News, a crumbling infrastructure, and tens of THOUSANDS of abandoned properties.

Incredibly sad.

Regardless, I hope that this project, and the national attention that it has received, brings awareness to the current state of Detroit's economy and the virtual LOSS of a city and it's architecture. Detroit, the citizens, and their industry need help desperately... and this is a humbling reminder to those of us in St. Louis: it could always be worse!

Pics of the project...


HERE is a super cool 360 degree panoramic view of the Ice House. In addition, you can check out the Ice House Blog HERE. It's extremely interesting!

Nothing breaks the winter "blahs" like thoughts of warmer days to come...

I am so ready for Spring, I swear... and nothing says warm weather in St. Louis like an evening at the Muny! The nation's oldest and largest outdoor theatre has released their show schedule for Summer 2010! If you haven't already, it's time to renew season passes and/or order tickets if interested.

The 2010 Muny Opera schedule:

• Disney's “Beauty and the Beast”: June 21-30 (10 performances)
•“Titanic: The Musical”: July 5-11
•“Damn Yankees”: July 12-18
•“Cats”: July 19-25
•“The Sound of Music”: July 26-August 1
•“Footloose”: August 2-8
•“Show Boat”: August 9-15

The Muny is such a fun and uniquely St. Louis tradition. If you have never been, consider taking in a show this summer. Pack a picnic, grab a bottle of wine, and make a fun family day/evening out it! Here are my kiddies before last year's production of 42nd Street...

For more info and ticket prices, please click HERE.

Hidden Gem Alert...

Several months ago, a friend (Hi Justin!) mentioned an unassuming building in the Central West End to me. We both share the love of all things old, and he assured me that he had located heaven in the form of an architectural graveyard?! Last week I found myself in the CWE during the day, and figured it was worth a shot.

I must admit that when I pulled up to 439 North Euclid to find this...

...I didn't know what to think?! In fact, it took me 3 runs down the same block to find the building, due to a lack of signage...That being said, when I saw the large head peeking out at me behind glass... I figured that I was in the right place.I can not even express the feeling that flooded by body when I first entered Fellenz Antiques and was suddenly SURROUNDED, head to toe, by every thing that I love about architecture... AGH!! Overwhelming. Seriously. I am the FURTHEST from a proponent of architectural features being stripped from their original home. In fact, I am quite the opposite. That being said, aisle after aisle of hand-carved doors and moldings. Caste iron fireplace covers and deco fixtures. Just beautiful. My horrible Blackberry photos do NOT do the contents of this store justice. It is a must see. In person. Period. Particularly if you own an old house that you are trying to restore... Fellenz is the store for you!!

I have never seen anything like it.

#112 Mitchell Street - Kirkwood

Across from Mitchell Park and only .7 miles (walking distance) from the Kirkwood Farmer's Market & downtown...

This 3 bedroom/2.5 bath 71 year old property boasts architectural goodies like original hardwood floors, archways, several built-ins, and 2 fireplaces. Other amenities include a large eat-in kitchen, a main floor Master and office, a finished basement with fireplace, a large backyard, and a TWO CAR GARAGE (often difficult to find in Kirkwood).

This Kirkwood property is super cute, clean, and being offered by Coldwell Banker Gundaker for $299,000...
Sales Data:

Originally listed: $309,000 on 10/17/09
Last reduction: 12/30/09 to current list price
Last sold: $290,000 in September of 2005

For more info, please email me at cdnandthecity@charter.net .

View full listing HERE.

Winter Weekend Happenings...

Looking for a fun and affordable activity with the family during these cold winter months, that doesn't include bundling up and braving the weather? Wehrenberg is here to help, St. Louis, as they have just announced their...



That's right, from now until March 6th, 13 of the Wehrenberg locations are offering FREE MOVIES at 10:00AM on Saturday mornings. As a parent of 2, I can assure you that the savings are HUGE. Tickets to a movie for a family of 4 are $40.00 alone, and that doesn't include popcorn and goodies.

Features will include Kitt Kittredge, Aliens in the Attic, Mall Cop, Shorts, Ice Age in 3D, and Monsters VS Aliens.

I would assume that this event will be extremely popular, particularly in this economy, so I suggest VERY early arrival. More info can be found HERE. Bravo to Wehrenberg Theaters for providing St. Louis families with yet another affordable option for family fun! I am certain there wil be many takers. Thanks Wehrenberg...



Ba ba ba baaaa, ba ba ba ba ba-ba-ba... =)

Weekend Happenings...

A good time for a great cause! Looking for a fun excuse to explore fine vintage wines and delicious gourmet cuisine? Head out to the 8th Annual St. Louis Food and Wine Experience at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel this weekend, benefiting the St. Louis Repertory Theater.

Sample hundreds of great wines, see main stage demonstrations by celebrity chefs, relax in the VIP reserve room and more!

Nitty Gritty...

When?

Saturday, January 30, 2010, 11 am–6 pm
Sunday, January 31, 2010, 12 noon–5 pm

The Premier Tasting: Friday, January 29, 2010, 7–10 pm


Where?

Chase Park Plaza Hotel
202 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, Missouri


How much?

Main floor- $45.00 in advance

VIP Reserve Room- $95.00 in advance that includes a Riedel wine glass upon arrival,a gourmet hors d'oeuvre buffet, a taste of rare and specialty wines, and admission to the main floor, as well.


Benefitting?
The Rep’s outreach and education programs

See you there!!

Hidden Gem Alert...

Yesterday, Steve and I enjoyed a casual late lunch at one of our favorite little eateries downtown...
Located at 1104 Locust in the Loft District, Rooster has quickly become one of the city's best kept secrets! This European style, urban cafe was opened in 2007 by David Bailey, the owner of the uber popular Chocolate Bar in Lafayette Square.

Rooster has become wide known for their delicious crepes that range from savory to sweet.We get down there as much as we possibly can, as we can't get enough. Simply, I have never ordered anything at Rooster that I didn't want to rewind and press repeat, over and over. Love this place!

An inside peek...

Rooster is also notorious for their wide variety of Mimosas and Bloody Marys, a favorite at their ever so popular weekend brunches...

... and who are we to refuse?! ha! I indulged in the Mimo, while Steve enjoyed the Original Bloody Mary with bacon and cheddar stuffed olives.

Per the menu, it is filled with a variety of fresh and tasty choices. To me, the crepe is the obvious choice... though Rooster also boasts wonderful sandwiches and salads, as well.

My selection...

Steve enjoyed the Marinated Chicken Sandwich with bacon, tomato, guacamole, and mayo served on their fresh in-house baked wheat bread...

If you have never been to Rooster, it's time that you do! I promise that you won't be sorry. Great food, a welcoming casual environment, and amazing service!

Save green by going green...

It's tax time, ladies and gents. *sigh* That's right, the time to pull all of your statements/receipts and get all of your deductions in order.

What some of you may not know, is if you did any energy-saving upgrades this year to your principal residence... you may be eligible for extra tax deductions! Not only are these home upgrades great for the environment and your pocket book when paying your monthly bills... they may also put more money back in your pocket at tax time.

Specifics:

Consumers who purchased and installed specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, for improvements "placed in service" starting January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010.

Consumers who installed solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016; the previous tax credit cap no longer applies.


Make sure to ask your accountant about your eligibility. Additional info may be found here.

NOTE: Any of you first time home buyers of 2009- remember to take your final HUD closing statement to your accountant, as well. A portion of your closing costs may be deductible , as well =).

Weekend Happenings...

The time is quickly approaching, St. Louis...
This weekend, Soulard is kicking off their 3 weeks of Mardi Gras fun with the FIRST EVER Family Winter Carnival sponsored by US Cellular.

This family-friendly Mardi Gras style day has fun for all ages including make-your-own Mardi Gras masks and crowns, kid karaoke, Saint Louis Science Center activities and Segway time trials, family-friendly performances, Joanie’s Pizza, a Rams Quarterback Challenge, an 8’ X 32’ ft. wall in the Market Park for kids to paint that will eventually be displayed at various Mardi Gras events throughout the Carnival season, and a Children's Parade.

Nitty Gritty:

When: Saturday, January 23rd

Where: Soulard Market Park, 8th and Lafayette in a HEATED TENT (yes!)

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

At 4:00 p.m., children will have the opportunity to wear the masks and costumes they made in an actual parade through Soulard! The parade begins at 9th and Lafayette, proceeds south to Soulard St where it turns east to 8th, and then north again where it turns north and ends in front of Soulard Market at 8th and Lafayette.

For more info on the St. Louis Mardi Gras activities, click HERE.

I am a total sucker for...

... the Whole Foods floral department, and am rarely able to escape my weekly shopping trip without a bundle of flowers in tow. This week... gorgeous tulips in abundance! This bouquet is one of 3 in my house right now, and they just make me happy. Oh yeah, and have given me a case of Spring Fever... =)

3212 Locust Street, #3...

This super cool Midtown residential/commercial historic mixed-use property was just listed yesterday... This would be an amazing investment opportunity for someone who enjoys the urban lifestyle and has dreams of opening up their own business. The work has been done! Move in and live your dream. Architectural goodies include a storefront, an exposed tin ceiling, exposed brick, fully renovated bathroom with shower, open loft area, a modern kitchen, fireplace, a finished lower level, and a great location near SLU (St. Louis University).


Property is being offered by Hagen Properties for $189,900. See the full listing HERE. Email me at cdnandthecity@charter.net with additional questions or for a private showing.

Old Man Winter got you down?

Give him the cold shoulder, embrace the chilly air, and head out to...

... the 5th Annual University City Loop Ice Carnival this Saturday!

Completely centered around the celebration of ice and all things frigid, the Loop Ice Carnival is an all day event with fun for the whole family.

Nitty Gritty:

When? Saturday, January 16th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where? TheDelmar Loop, from Rosedale to Kingsland avenues

How much? Most events free, $30 for Frozen Buns Run

Where to get more info? 314-727-8000, http://www.visittheloop.com


Fun Includes:

Frozen Buns Run (5 and 10 K)
Ice Sculptures
Ice slides
Smore Roasts
Human Dog Sled Races
Live Performers
Pub Crawl
Scavenger Hunts

For more information and event schedules... click HERE.

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

Makeover Time...

I adore the blog Young House Love. If you are even remotely interested in the trials and tribulations of home ownership, design, do it yourself projects, or creative home solutions... you will love it too! John and Sherry are constantly tweaking their little starter and sharing their tips and finds with their readers. Very interesting read.

One of my favorite sections of the YHL blog is the Reader Redesigns highlight. In a nutshell, readers send in a "before" shot of their space dilemma and then another shot of the "after" solution. As a Realtor, I love the one featured this week, particularly in this economy. Though absolutely ideal for some, the current real estate market / economy is not conducive for everyone to move and seek the space that they feel they need. I speak with frustrated homeowners weekly. Though the market is slowly improving, it has a way to go. For those of you more affected by the economy and holding out a tad longer in the home that you feel you have outgrown, a little inspiration to seek creative solutions:

The reader Mary wrote in stating that she had recently downsized from 2000 sq feet to 1,080 sq feet and no longer had the space room for a desk/office. Though her plan down the road is to add on to the property, in the time being she came up with this clever solution...

BEFORE:

AFTER:
Love it. It's all about creative solutions and working with what you have, instead of stressing about what you don't have! Phenomenal example of what a little bit of elbow grease and a lot of creative thinking can accomplish. Thanks again to Young House Love for giving their creative readers a forum to share their ideas with the rest of us.

There's no place like home...

Would you like to live here?

No, this is not a joke.

Every year, HGTV has a luxury home giveaway. They not only hand over the keys to a BREATHTAKING fully-furnished custom designed home... the total prize package is worth over 2 million buckaroos! HUGE.

This year, the grand prize includes:

- A custom-built, fully-furnished home located in Sandia Park, N.M.
- $500,000 CASH
- An all-new 2010 GMC® Terrain
- High-end appliances
- HGTV Dream Play Home

You can enter HERE once a day through February 19, 2010, for a chance to live the dream...



A video tour here...



In addition, more photos can be found HERE. Enter and good luck!

Snowy scenes from a FROZEN Creve Coeur Lake...

Design Eye Candy ...

Every so often, I come across a new item on my regular design blog reads that makes me go "hmmm". This AM's find is one of them!

South Korea designer, Wonsik Chae, has developed a new product called the Lightening Bag...
These aren't your granny's teabags!?

"Consisting of a cup filled with a chemical intermediate and a bag containing fluorescent molecules- the light works through a catalyst of this chemical reaction."

The result? A light which imitates the form of a tea bag. It even SEEPS like a tea bag.

Don't believe me? Here's a video of it in action...



I know, bizarre yet intriguing right? Though at first I found the concept to be a tad useless, after giving it more thought... I could see this concept emerging into the event planning business eventually. Particularly if they can modify the colors?!

The Lightening Bags give off a similar iridescent glow to a glow stick, but are more versatile. Romantic outdoor summer event... trees illuminated by lanterns strung high from trees. I won't lie! It got my wheels spinning.