Hidden Gem Alert: Gus's Pretzels

My afternoon appointments led me to South City today. It was not worth the risk of facing the wrath of my family going home empty handed?! =) Hence, I dropped by a true St. Louis landmark to pick up a bag of my family's favorite treats...
Gus's has been a St. Louis favorite since it opened it's doors in 1920. A 3rd generation business, Gus's pretzels can be found in every grocery store, gas station, and festival in the Metro area. That being said, there's nothing better than a fresh Gus's from their downtown factory...
Our regular order: 12 pretzel sticks with honey mustard. The best!

#4106 Shenandoah Ave - Shaw Neighborhood

The gorgeous Gustavus Hinrichs home in Historic Shaw, circa 1899, popped on the market this AM. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 111 year-old property boasts 2,500 square feet, unbelievable original woodwork/millwork, and awesome 21st century updates/amentities that still maintain the architectural style and integrity of the home. Complete with updated electric/systems, a 2.5 car garage, a 2 car parking slab, a sizable fenced-in yard, 3 full stories, and a TAX ABATEMENT until 2017... this property is a true city gem!


Being offered by Circa Properties for $389,000. The full listing can be seen here. The property was last sold on 12/17/06 for $380,000 with 33 days on the market. For more information or a private showing, please email me at cdnandthecity@charter.net .

Local and on Facebook?

You must join the Secret St. Louis page! The discussion page, particularly, is FULL of amazing local suggestions and tips.

Fabulous!

Sorry for my absense...

I just got back in town from a family getaway.

I will be back shortly to continue the fun... =)

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: Fellenz Antique Shop

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.Fellenz Architectural Artifacts. I can not even express the feeling that flooded by body when I first entered this establishment and was suddenly SURROUNDED, head to toe, by everything 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. Cast 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.