Under Contract: 5014 Parker Ave in South City

Craving gingerbread?

This lovely 1930’s brick bungalow popped up on the market yesterday to dozens of frenzied showings. Last night, my Buyers duked it out with competition and we got it! YES. This historic beauty, packed with original architectural goodies, closes escrow at the end of the month. 

A warm congratulations to the S clan for contracting this beauty and a sincere thank you to wonderful B and T for their kind referral. You guys are the best!❤️

If you are contemplating a 2021 move, the time to start strategizing is NOW, friends.  Need advice or someone to bounce ideas off of?  Curious about what your house is worth?  Need more space or a home office or more room for at-home-learning?  Seeking a quiet weekend retreat outside of the city?  I can help, let's connect!

Hello, gorgeous!

The day that I stop sharing historic architectural eye candy with you guys is likely the day that I die. A peek at my weekend, just because... 

 1899. Compton Heights. No filter. Stunning.

Peek at my day...

Pristine 1921 untouched original woodwork in Richmond Heights?

 Spectacular! 100 years old never looked so good?! *swoon*

Under Contract: 435 South Elm in Webster Groves

I adore a good love story! My Buyers stumbled in to this historic Webster Groves home yesterday and immediately knew. After an evening of negotiation, I received the accepted contract at 5:30 this AM.  Yippee!  What a terrific start to a new week.  🏡❤️

This home epitomizes classic 1902 charm from the wraparound porch and pristine pocket doors to the pink stained glass transom and the dreamy peaked walk-up attic! 

A quick peek at some of the architectural goodies...

This beauty closes escrow in November.  A warm congratulations to the fabulous F duo for a fresh start in gorgeous historic Webster.

If you are in St. Louis and contemplating a move, the market is still strong and moving with plentiful inventory and falling prices.  It is a GREAT time to be a Buyer. Let's connect...

Hidden Gem: A St. Louis Lemp Style Halloween

Nothing screams "St. Louis Halloween Spooktacular"...

... like a haunted walking history tour of the Lemp complex and Cherokee Neighborhood at night?!  Last night, Steve and I gathered with some of my Coldwell Banker Gundaker coworkers for a little Halloween fun. Ack!

If you are from St. Louis, you likely know all about the legend of the Lemp family, the unfortunate Prohibition demise of one of the largest brewers in the country, and the string of "unfortunate incidents" that resulted in the old family mansion becoming one of the most notorious in the United States for alleged hauntings!

On this tour you get to hear all about the tragic history of the Lemp Family, learn the locations of the lost Lemp Neighborhood Cemeteries, and enjoy the gorgeous Cherokee Neighborhood architecture at night as they share other spooky tales of more haunted and historical locations along the tour route.

The St. Louis Paranormal Society is actually BASED in the old Lemp Brewery complex at the base of Antique Row and offer tours several nights per week.  Check out their website for more information at https://www.seeaghost.com/ or find them on Facebook HERE.

If you want to tour the Lemp mansion ITSELF, they actually offer guided tours every Monday, year round.  They also have a fabulous restaurant, offer fun mystery dinners, and have overnight accommodations for the brave at heart. Learn more at http://www.lempmansion.com/index.html

There is also an October haunted house in the complex and trust me, IT IS FRIGHTENING! 

It involves taking an old warehouse elevator down to the caverns and um, yeah. Been there, done that (thanks to the coaxing of my teenage boys) and not sure I will do it again?!  Ha ha.  Brave?  Learn more HERE.

TIP: 
Whatever you choose, make sure that you round out the evening at Ted Drewes for a "Great Pumpkin" concrete...

The best! 👻

See some of my other local "Hidden Gems" HERE.

St. Louis Hidden Gem: Capitalist Pig BBQ

Steve and I went out for an innocent lunch and ended up in the slammer 👀... 

Please send bail money, or at least extra napkins! Ha Ha.  

I love and adore a repurposed space, and Capitalist Pig doesn't disappoint.  The 3rd District Police Station, across the street from the Anheuser Busch World HQ, opened up in 1937 and served the 16 surrounding neighborhoods until it was decommissioned in the 1990's.... 

This 19,000 sqft building was eventually purchased by retired Police Officer, Ron Buechele, and transformed in to a restaurant, art gallery, event space, and private residential space.

Enter Capitalist Pig BBQ, where the aesthetic is as cool as the locally-sourced cuisine is tasty.  ...

They haven't done much to alter the space, which honestly, is what I appreciated the most. Most of the building is as it was, including the abundance of marble known as "St. Genevieve Golden Vein". This ootlitic limestone was only produced from Saint Genevieve, Missouri quarries in the early 1900's and is known worldwide for its quality and beauty...

You place your order at (what once-was) the sergeant's desk, encased by marble...

Steve and I chose to dine in the short term holding cells. This is where prisoners were held while being processed...

I am not going to lie, having never been to jail myself (I swear), I found lunch in the minty green jail cell quite amusing...

And quite delicious...

If you have never ventured to Capitalist Pig, I highly recommend it!  From the Pork Belly BLT (I think the best BLT I have ever eaten) and the ribs to the huge corn muffins, homemade pickles, mac and cheese, and beans... it was a fun and phenomenal foodie adventure in a VERY cool architectural space.

From jail intake to discharge, it was pure awesome.  St.Louis- do yourself a HUGE favor and check them out!  ❤️

NITTY GRITTY:

The Capitalist Pig

#2727 South 12th (Across from visitor parking at Anheuser Busch)

St. Louis, MO 63118

Open: Wed-Sun, 11-3pm

Web: https://www.capitalistpigbbq.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCapitalistPig
Twitter:https://twitter.com/CapitalistPig

 See my other St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

A Luston Home in Webster Groves

I spy with my little eye...

... a rare Lustron home with the original enameled steel siding AND roof! These prefab houses were developed in the post-World War II era in response to the shortage of homes for returning GIs.  There were only 3k constructed nationwide between 1948-50. St. Louis has only of the healthiest remaining inventories in the country!  Fun find today.

Here is an interesting piece if interested in learning more about the history of Lustrons...

Architectural Goody Alert! Rare Crown Glass "bullseye" window.

It doesn't happen often...

... but I stumbled upon a hand blown Crown Glass "bullseye" window pane this AM! The center area where the punty was connected was considered an imperfection at the time and typically resmelted or used in a low end applications like a rear transom. 

This window, however, is front and center on a late 19th century Victorian.  I have only seen 2-3 in St. Louis over the last 15 years so I had to share. So rare, so interesting. ❤ 

Architectural Goodie: Unique stained glass in University City

I have seen a lot of century old stained glass windows in St. Louis over the years...

...but never ever one depicting bleeding hearts?! 💕 So pretty, understated, delicate, and unique!

A trip to Fellenz Antiques in the Central West End

This AM, I introduced a client of mine to my favorite architectural graveyard in the city... 

If you have an older home that has lost original architectural elements over the years...  reintroduce some historic charm via Fellenz Antiques in the Central West End. While I would obviously prefer to see lovely 100 year old architectural goodies in their original HOMES, Fellenz is an excellent resource for old home lovers and owners!

Visit them at:
Fellenz Antiques
439 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-0214

See my other St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

St. Louis Memorial Day Weekend 2016 Happenings: May 27 - 30

The long holiday weekend is almost here, St. Louis!  As usual, the city will be buzzing with family-friendly activities. Here are a few of my favorites...

2016 Art Outside at Schlafly Bottleworks 

Schlafly Art Outside is a three-day-long alternative art fair featuring art from over 50 artists based here in the St. Louis area. Come and show your support for local art and local beer.

Art Outside is not an ordinary fair, but one that features quality art, music, and plenty of tasty food and drink from Schlafly Beer. Hosted at the brewery’s Bottleworks location in Maplewood, Missouri, Art Outside draws approximately 15,000 visitors each year.

5.27.16 - 5.30.16
Friday:  5-10 PM
Saturday: 10AM-10PM
Sunday: NOON-4PM

Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood
6260 Southwest Avenue

http://schlafly.com/events/calendar/2016/05/27/art-outside/


2016 St. Louis County Greek Fest in Town & Country

Whether you're of Greek decent or just love ethnic cuisine, the Greek Fest is a lively environment destination in which you can experience the Greek community's deeply rooted traditions, heritage, and delicious cuisine!

5.27.16 - 5.30.16
Friday-Sunday: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
1755 Des Peres Road

http://stlouisgreekfest.com/

Eckert's Farm Memorial Day Festival

Eckert's Orchards in Belleville is celebrating Memorial Day with a three-day festival complete with music, food, wagon rides and special kid's activities.

5.28.16 - 5.30.16
10-5 pm

Belleville Country Store
951 Green Mount Road Belleville, IL 62220

http://www.eckerts.com/events/memorial-weekend-festival-8/


44th Annual Gypsy Caravan at the Family Arena

Junkers, antiquers, and Pinterest fans... welcome to heaven!!  The St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association presents the 44th annual Gypsy Caravan, one of the largest antique, craft and flea markets in the Midwest. Proceeds support the STL Symphony and Education Concerts that reach and inspire upward of 40,000 students from 1,000 area schools each season.

Monday, 5.30.16
Early Bird (7:00-9:00 AM): $20
General (9:00 AM-5:00 PM): $10
Free at all times for children under age 13.

The Family Arena
2002 Arena Parkway
St. Charles MO, 63303

https://www.stlsymphony.org/gypsycaravan/

4 Fun St. Louis Memorial Day Weekend 2015 Happenings!

Shakespeare Festival: 
Antony And Cleopatra in Forest Park

Nothing says "Summer in St. Louis" like Shakespeare under the stars in gorgeous Forest Park.  Grab a blanket, picnic basket, and the family for a free evening of fun.  Marking 15 years of free, outdoor Shakespearian performances, the Shakespeare Festival's production this year is based on a classic ancient romance, "Antony and Cleopatra."

05.22.15 – 06.14.15
Free, Nightly at 8 PM, except Tuesdays

Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park
5715 Elizabeth Ave
St. Louis MO,

http://www.sfstl.com/in-the-park/antony-and-cleopatra-2015/


2015 St. Louis County Greek Fest in Town and Country

Whether you're of Greek decent or just love ethnic cuisine, the Greek Fest is a lively environment destination in which you can experience the Greek community's deeply rooted traditions, heritage, and delicious cuisine!

5.22.15 - 5.25.15
Friday-Sunday: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

1755 Des Peres Road

http://stlouisgreekfest.com/


Lantern Festival: Magic Reimagined at the Missouri Botanical Gardens

What is more beautiful than our Garden at night?  Our garden lit up by brilliant COLOR! Celebrating the Garden's ongoing botanical research in China, 22 all-new sets crafted from silk and steel will once again offer visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience an event rarely staged outside of Asia

5.23.15 - 8.23.15
6-10pm

$22 adults
$11 members
$10 children (ages 3-12)
$5 members' children

Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/special-exhibitions/lantern-festival.aspx


43rd Annual Gypsy Caravan at the Family Arena

Junkers, antiquers, and Pinterest fans... welcome to heaven!!  The St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association presents the 43rd annual Gypsy Caravan, one of the largest antique, craft and flea markets in the Midwest. Proceeds support the STL Symphony and Education Concerts that reach and inspire upward of 40,000 students from 1,000 area schools each season.

Monday, 5.25.15
Early Bird (7:00-9:00 AM): $20
General (9:00 AM-5:00 PM): $10
Free at all times for children under age 13.
Peek and Purchase (Sunday, May 24, 2015 5:00-7:00 PM): $30
Exclusive opportunity to shop vendor booths before the general public; includes Early Bird admission on Monday

Discounted admission wristbands* available for purchase at Dierbergs Markets through May 25.

*Early Bird: $17.50; General: $8.50; Peek and Purchase: $27.50

The Family Arena
2002 Arena Parkway
St. Charles MO, 63303

https://www.stlsymphony.org/gypsycaravan/

Unique Property: The Gocke House in Overland- plans by Frank Lloyd Wright

Every so often, I enjoy featuring a unique property from the St. Louis area. The Gocke House in Overland has always fascinated me!   As I was in the area last week showing properties, I dropped by to snap a couple of photos...



The Gocke House, circa 1910 and located at #2615 Poe Avenue in Overland, was designed by St. Louis architect Lawrence Ewald, from plans published by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  The structure, compromised almost entirely of steel, concrete, and tile was designed to be "fire proof" and was published in the Ladies' Home Journal- April 1907 by Wright in his article "A Fireproof House for $5000".  It is said that the only wood (combustible) materials used in the building of the structure are in the doors and window sills.

Personally, as a FLW design fan and a true lover of historic houses, I never miss a tour of one of his well-preserved properties.  Mr. Wright's infamous motto, "I believe a house is more a home by being a work of art", resulted in mind-blowing design like this...

this...

and this...

The above photos were all taken from the GORGEOUS Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, Illinois, which I have visited no less than a dozen times over the years.  Stunning. 

Many of Mr. Wright's designs remained untouched and intact longer than MOST architects of his time as he would routinely drop by his "masterpieces" and scold the homeowners for making ANY changes to the décor- tablescapes included!  Simply, the story of FLW is fascinating, as was the method to his madness. SIDENOTE: Consider picking up a copy of "Loving Frank" for a personal look at the eccentric character behind these homes.  My copy is well-worn.

While the Gocke House was obviously NOT built by Frank Lloyd Wright and totally lacks the detail that a FLW house boasts, it is an important property nonetheless.  The fact is, as far as early 20th century architecture and design goes, this property (along with all FLW design plans) is unique and boasts extremely design-forward contemporary lines for its time...  

DETAILS:  The property sits on 1.72 acres and boasts 3700 square feet  and 4 bedrooms/ 4 baths in the main house, 2 one-bedroom guests houses,  a 700+ square foot barn, an in-ground pool, and a private tennis court.

The last sale was for, wait for it, only $375,000 in May of 2013.  The agent disclosed that the rental income alone in the 2 smaller guests houses is over 1000K a month.  Deal of the century.

Here are a few more peeks of the property, taken from the last MLS listing, if curious...