Gothic revival

I feel like a realtor, but really what I am is just selfish and would really like someone who appreciates historic architecture to buy and restore the beautiful homes in my neighborhood.

Take for example, 306 N. Jackson St - going on the market this month.This house is also on the National Historic Register, and was built in the late 1800's. Gothic in style, this bungalow has amazing millwork, and some of the original slate roof. There was an addition to the back of the house sometime in the early 1900's which has allowed for a very large kitchen and 2 extra bedrooms on the 2nd floor - which gives the house around 2400 sqft. The house features a VERY large master suite with full bath, 2 other baths, a garage and a bocce court!

Above is the bocce court in the back yard.

(since it's not on the market yet, you can email me I and can get you in touch w/ the owner if you are interested!)

La Belle Dame

A new post AND good news for those of you looking for a big, beautiful historic home in a safe neighborhood for under 100K.

Let me present 301 N. Jackson.

Located in hip downtown Belleville, this house is within 3 blocks of all of the new restaurants, bars and boutiques of Mainstreet. Did I mention this house is 5 blocks from the MetroLink station? Super convenient to everything, and 20 minutes to downtown St. Louis.

La belle dame does need a little work, but the architectural details will send you swooning. With over 4,000 square feet, and 2 car garage in the original carriage house this would be the perfect house for someone looking for a lot of space.

Need more perks?
* Low property tax
* Illinois has lower income tax than Missouri, and is more lenient for those who work in Missouri and live in Illinois (unlike Missouri)
* You can live in a gorgeous historic neighborhood w/ an urban feel and NOT pay the 1% St. Louis City income tax
* Be a part of an up and coming community. Downtown Belleville is undergoing serious renovation, and we have tons of events in the downtown area throughout the year (i.e. Art on the Square, The Chili Festival, Jazz & Wine Festival)
* Job growth. Not only is Boeing building a new manufacturing plant here, but we also have several hospitals. Belleville Memorial has seen huge growth in its patient population and is expanding with the construction of neurology and orthopedic buildings on its campus, not to mention the newly renovated/expanded ER.
* Great neighbors

Has anyone else noticed an affinity for lawyers to set up shop in historic houses?

This seems to be popular here. On my walk, I noticed more than a handful of law practices dotted throughout our historic residential neighborhood.

I thought I'd share with you some of the beautiful turreted homes that I saw on my walk today.




This next one isn't really turreted, but it has a beautiful rounded porch that reminds me of a turret. This house is currently being renovated. It's going to be a big job, but I love watching their progress.

Despite a renewal of urban living, many cities still show signs of previous flight from the city center to the suburbs. Belleville is no different.

Thirty or so years ago when people were moving away from the downtown area, many of the beautiful mini-mansions were left behind - only to be bought up by slum lords and turned into multi-family housing. Luckily, with the establishment of the historic districts people can no longer convert single family homes to multi-family units. However, many of these converted buildings still exist just begging for someone to return them to their original grandeur.

These are some that are within one or two blocks of N. Jackson.

I'm not sure which, but one of the buildings below was the homestead of Pierre Laclede's niece. Sadly, the legacy is lost.



I love this building. With it's shutters it reminds me of New Orleans or Charleston. Too bad the landlord (yes, people live in this ruin) doesn't keep up with repairs.




These buildings below probably were built as multi-family units, but have seen tremendous neglect. There has been quite a lot of renovation on this street, and the first two buildings are for sale by owner.

Like many of the streets in older St. Louis neighborhoods, historic areas of downtown Belleville still have brick streets.

Unlike St. Louis, most of the bricks aren't stamped HYDRAULIC. Rather, it's EGYPTIAN. I think I may have stumbled on a nice research project (pun intended). Come to think of it, there is a local company on Main Street called Egyptian Stationary & Office Supply.

Interesting.

More lovelies from Jackson St.