February 10, 2002
House of the Month
2648 Russell Blvd.

By Jo Ann Vatcha
Community Development Administration

If there were an Olympic event for historic rehabilitation, 2648 Russell would definitely be a medal contender. Open today (Sunday, February 10, 2002) from Noon-4 p.m., it's one of a three-part rowhouse on "Historic Russell," known for its strong architectural tradition, including meticulously restored homes and rowhouses from Compton Heights to Jefferson Avenue.

Millennium Restoration and Development Corp. redesigned this 3-story home to remain true to its history, while reaching the standards and lifestyle of today. The living and dining rooms, separated by 11 foot columns, show off wonderful woodwork, hardwood flooring, and a lovely fireplace. The kitchen has cathedral arch maple cabinets, range, dishwasher, and ceramic tile floor. The developer's trademark "fleur-de-lis" stained glass shows up in the first floor ½ bath.

The stained wood staircase has an exposed brick wall on its way to the third floor master suite, with its innovative use of space, even a fireplace with mahogany mantel. The second floor's two bedrooms are separated by a common area, which could be used for games, TV, music or computer room. All systems have been replaced: new wiring, plumbing, fixtures, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning, a new 20-year rubberized roof, second floor laundry, and much more. The new garage is accessible from the patio or walk-out basement. The lucky homebuyer will enjoy a charming garden area with new privacy fencing.

Millennium purchased the unit from the City of St. Louis' Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) and developed it with the assistance of the Community Development Administration (CDA), State Historic Tax Credits, and private financing from Missouri State Bank. Additional work was done to the façade to bring the entire rowhouse to the same high level of design finish.

Millennium has completed and sold several rehabilitated homes in the Tower Grove East Neighborhood, winning a Landmarks' "Most Enhanced Site Award" and two Homebuilders Association "Homer Awards". Known for attention to detail, Millennium's current projects include condos, rehabbed homes, and new historic replica houses in Benton Park. Tim Vogt, Vice President, notes: "We are proud to be part of the revitalization of the City's strong neighborhoods by building and restoring quality homes."

2648 Russell is listed at $ 209,000, as shown, and also features ten-year tax abatement. This is the Fox Park Historic District, where 7th Ward Alderwoman Phyllis Young has worked with CDA to bring more than $ 2.7 Million for housing rehabilitation. It's home to DeSales Community Housing Corporation, which recently completed 65 units in its Mutual Housing Affordable Housing Program, with $ 7.2 Million investment from the St. Louis Equity Fund. DeSales also owns the 230-unit Compton Hill Apartments. Information about for-sale and rental units open today will be available at the site.

To reach today's Open House from I-44, go south on Grand and turn left (east) at Russell, just past the Compton Hill Water Tower. To learn more about development in Fox Park and the City of St. Louis, call Sam Green, CDA Housing Analyst, 622-3400 or visit via internet. For more information about Millennium properties, call Claire Vogt of Coldwell Banker Gundaker at (636) 227-0076 or 704-6308.