June 9, 2002
House of the Month
5865 Enright

By Jo Ann Vatcha
Community Development Administration

Not far from the original "Meet Me In St. Louis" trolley line, and convenient to today's MetroLink, an exciting trend in development is transforming another fine old neighborhood. You'll see new homes tailored to fit a traditional urban setting when you visit 5865 Enright, one of two model homes open Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m.

In planning "West End Estates", Bank of America worked closely with Alderman Irving Clay and partnered with the West End Community Conference to reflect their vision for the neighborhood. The bank's Community Development Corporation, under VP and Project Manager Reginald Scott, will invest $10 million to build 62 new homes over 2-3 years at this prime location near the Central West end, Cabanne Place, and Skinker-Debaliviere Historic Districts. The partnership utilized builders Don Johnson and Vatterott Homes to offer five models. Whether you're ready to move in or want to choose from nearby sites, these homes offer great potential for future appreciation. A $1,500 closing costs grant is a bonus incentive, and 10 year tax abatement is also available.

The "Rivers" Model, starting at $164,900, has 1,690 square feet of finished space on two floors, plus full basement, all with 9 foot ceilings. Three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and attached 2-car garage make this house an excellent value. The entry's elegant stairway is centered between the great room and formal dining room. The kitchen has high quality cabinetry and appliances, and the laundry room and mud room lead into a 2-car garage. The 2nd floor has three bedrooms, including a light-filled master bedroom.

The larger "Clay" Model, starting at $192,500, has 2,198 square feet of finished space, including a master bedroom suite stretching the entire width of the house. Among features found in more expensive homes are the atrium-style entrance foyer and charming bay window in the great room. All the homes have classic St. Louis design elements, like brick facades and stylish front porches.

With all five models, West End Estates also incorporates "universal design" features, such as 36" wide doorways, for easy disability adaptations. CDA's design professional, Jeff Dodd, and the home builder team have assured a wonderful fit with nearby historic homes. Bank of America also offers Affordable Mortgage Programs, including "Teacher Zero Down" and other special mortgages.

Recently profiled in "Take Five Magazine" and in Greg Freeman's Post-Dispatch column, Alderman Clay has succeeded in attracting several new home developers to the West End by making homeownership top priority. Community development Block Grant funding is directed to demolition of derelict structures, infrastructure improvements, and buyer incentives. The results are impressive, over 100 new homeowners so far, with more than 200 on the way, all north of Delmar, in a great location to call home. Just blocks from the popular "Loop", the West End and Skinker-DeBaliviere Neighborhoods have worked together planning improvements to Delmar.

Terra cotta planters in new medians stretch west to the Delmar/Loop MetroLink Station. East and west of the station, $4.7 million in funded improvements for sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting is bringing new life to Delmar. Look for restaurants, retail and new entertainment sites to join the Pageant Theatre soon.

To learn more visit our City of St. Louis website or call Joe Fank at CDA, (314) 622-3400. To reach the featured home from Forest Park Parkway, go north on DeBaliviere to Delmar, turn left (west), then right on Goodfellow, left on Clemens, left on Hamilton, then left to 5685 Enright. For information, call Mary One Johnson Home Team Realty, at (314) 436-3970.