January 13, 2002
House of the Month
1901 Arsenal St.

By Jo Ann Vatcha
Community Development Administration

Lemp. Falstaff. Anheuser-Busch. All the great St. Louis history conjured up by these names can be imagined at 1901 Arsenal, on view today from 12-4. Directly across from the historic Anheuser Busch brewery complex, the Benton Park Neighborhood is now enjoying a revival after years of hard work by urban pioneers. Like its neighbor, Soulard, it's home for a diverse population, with families and singles of all ages. This totally renovated building was transformed by Pyramid Construction into condominiums, The building façade has been recreated, with beautiful detailing on the cornice and storefronts. Two residential for-sale townhouses have been created on the building's second and third floors. The larger townhouse has three bedrooms and two baths upstairs, plus another bedroom suite below, on the main living floor, which features new hardwood floors, working pocket doors, a stylish kitchen with center island and more. This unique 2,703 sq. ft. home is a great value at its price of $ 138,900.

Large historic windows give both townhouses lots of light. At 1,752 sq. ft., the second townhouse is bigger than many new homes. Its lovely living/dining rooms are separated by magnificent pocket doors, and the galley kitchen has ceramic tile floor, convenient workspace, and access to the rear deck. On the upper level are two baths and two bedrooms with incredible closet space. Priced at only $ 85,000, this townhouse epitomizes city living.

Each owner has gated off-street parking, as well as a deck and access to a small garden. A condominium association will ensure maintenance of common areas and the building's exterior. Condo fees will be shared by the two commercial spaces on the first floor, the 885 sq. ft. unit priced at $ 54,900 and a 1,484 sq. ft. unit for $ 91,900. Retail or office uses are anticipated for the commercial spaces. The location near Anheuser-Busch will be a great asset for relocating a business here.

The innovative redesign of this building was stimulated by Missouri's widely recognized Historic Tax Credits, which assist in the rehabilitation of historic buildings like Cupples Station. These tax credits are also giving a boost to development of homes and smaller commercial buildings in historic neighborhoods. The City's Community Development Administration acquired this long-vacant building at the entrance to the neighborhood and, with Firstar Bank, made financing available for the project. Pyramid President John Steffen stated, "We appreciated the opportunity to work with Benton Park Housing Corporation to reconstruct this solid nineteenth century building and make it last another century. Making sure we save historic treasures in our residential neighborhoods is very important to the future of St. Louis."

Created in 1866, the beautiful city park which gives the neighborhood its name is just down the street. Nearby are Cherokee Antique Row, the DeMenil Mansion, and the Lemp Brewery, built over the legendary caves of the area. Plans and information about other historic rehabs, new construction in the neighborhood, and Realtors' Open Houses will be on display. To reach Benton Park, take the Arsenal exit from Highway 55, just opposite Anheuser-Busch, to 1901 Arsenal, at Lemp. For more information, call Stan Presson at Steller Properties, 773-7333. Learn more about development in the City of St. Louis, by visiting our website.