Saturday, July 30, 2005

New Art at the Washington Post



The substitute for my living room, The Washington Post, is having some new artists on display coming soon.

While I suck down large Kenary Berry smoothies I will undoubtedly enjoy the new work. The current work on display is great too, but like many people, once it becomes familiar, I quit looking.

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Gallery and Dorsa Lofts

Today was a great day to hear about some concrete plans to build out the Gallery Lofts building at 1201 Washington (home of Gus' Fashion & Shoes).

I've heard off and on about tentative plans but today a credible developer mentioned plans to buy and develop.

I can't wait!


Also, speaking to Sterling Presson, sales manager at Pyramid, I got a timeframe for the unveiling of the Dorsa lofts. The Dorsa building is at 1007 Washington and has a distinctive art deco style. Not that the older buildings aren't attractive, but this one stands out and is exciting. Signs have been up on the Dorsa for a few months now, but until we have pricing and floorplans, its all just a pipe dream.


An informative gathering is being held for anyone interested in the plans for the dorsa. To be added to the list of people I notify about this event, either comment to this post, or fill out this form.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

What's the flippin' Problem?@!

"Great new loft available, never lived in......."

It seems that a lot of the recent loft resales are sounding more and more like the above. Someone asked me today, "can a loft that has just been flipped still be a good deal?" I guess they can. I've seen some lofts that have been totally profitable after less than a year of occupancy and still be priced below market. What a bargain!

My concern with the growing number of speculative flipping is more for any adverse effect it has on the long term goal of building a stable neighborhood in downtown/ downtown west. Real estate investing is great too, but another question lies with the cost of home ownership to the "end user."

What I can say is that there wouldn't be nearly the selection of available lofts if no one tried to flip them. We shall see what happens when all the lofts slated for completion next spring start popping back on the re-sale market.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

New Life Evangelistic Lofts coming soon!



I was reading the July 15 copy of the St. Louis Business Journal and noticed an ad for the Downtown St. Louis Roundtable breakfast at Lucas Park Bar & Grill on August 9th. Anyone reading this should try to make it. Kevin McGowan, James Cloar, and David Linenbroker will be presenting on the subject of downtown development.

Usually a "glass half-full" optimist, I started thinking about some of the other people I would like to see in attendance. Maybe its just that I've shown too many people lofts at Terra Cotta, Annex, Knickerbocker, etc. only to be told that they were going to exclude these lofts solely based on their proximity to the homeless shelter run by Larry Rice.

There are some people out there who don't believe in helping others. I'm not one of those people, I just think that there are enough people of means, and of power within the city of St. Louis to find a better location than 1411 Locust for this shelter. I often wonder if this supposedly golden hearted man is willing to look at the negativity surrounding his mission and be willing to find a better place to house the homeless.

Enough whining already.

This roundtable meeting will be August 9th at 7:30am. The actual program begins at 8. To reserve a spot, email this person.

The ad says something about issues discussed that affect downtown development. I hope to hear about the homeless problem and I hope its not sidestepped as something to be dealt with later.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

The Wait for a Loft


An old colleague was talking with me about his understanding of downtown lofts this morning. "Isn't there a really long wait for those?"

It must be a well kept secret, but there are still some fantastic loft spaces that are brand new construction that are still available in the Windows Lofts at 1601 Washington. They are projected to be done August 1. To view these, of course, one should work with a Realtor. I am there almost every day and can be contacted HERE.


As of the end of business hours today, there were 10 available with prices ranging from $179,145 to $216,830.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

The Days Events


Todays excitement came at Schlafly's Tap Room where I attended a pre-construction party held by Craig Heller and Loftworks .

I thought it was an informational gathering for realtors. I had asked for pricing information back in May and recieved a reply in July inviting me to this party.

It was really for people who had reserved a unit at the Moon Bros Carriage Lofts or who may be considering. All & all it was a pretty nice meeting. Its pretty cool that they have these events to keep loft buyers "in the loop." Food was good as usual at the Tap Room. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The pricing on the lofts seems pretty favorable considering the lofts won't be completed until next May. One couple sitting at my table had high hopes of flipping a unit themselves.

While I'm talking up these new lofts, I just wanted to add that if you are a competing loft developer in St. Louis who may have had any new additions to your family today....Congrat's!!!

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

GRAND OPENING! JULY 15th 4pm


There's going to be a Grand Opening celebration of sorts for a few new or new to downtown shops Starting Friday July 15th at 4pm. Last weekend, MacroSun had its own version of "I dream of Jeannie meets Grants Farm".

The Washington Post (coffee house/office service/meeting facility), Kenary Park Florist, and MacroSun (maybe a few others too).

The Washington Post has become my new favorite place because of the fantastic smoothies & coffee drinks they have. Free Wireless & great art too!

Photo Shamefully webjacked from duckgoesmoo.com :)

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Is Loft Living Right For You?

Its amazing how many people I walk around in and out of lofts with and who ultimately don't want open spaces, large windows with lots of light, etc.

I found this quiz in Better Homes and Gardens, of all places and thought it was worth a post.

LOFT LIVING QUIZ