October 2000
House of the Month
8116 Church

Nestled in the heart of the Baden neighborhood on a lovely tree-lined street across from the historic Our Lady of the Holy Cross Church sits a wonderful homeownership opportunity for first-time homebuyers. Operation Impact as part of its HOPE 3 Program developed the two-family building at 8116 Church Road. The property will be open today from noon until 4:00 p.m. This home carries the "bonus" of a second unit for rental income. Located a short distance away from a quaint commercial district and the banks of the mighty Mississippi, the Baden neighborhood has a charming small town atmosphere that dates back to the early 1800's. Residents enjoy amenities such as neighborhood-based public and private schools, banks and shopping, and the fine Baden Branch Public Library.

Operation Impact renovated 8116 Church Road in cooperation with the St. Louis Community Development Administration and the Baden Community Housing Corporation, which has actively promoted development in the neighborhood. Among their 45 successful single-family projects is 8143 Church Road, one of the oldest existing houses in the City of St. Louis. Recently completed, with a new bedroom wing added to the original historic house's living area, 8143 Church Road is ready for move-in and may also be viewed today. Commerce Bank was the construction lender for 8116 Church, and Missouri State Bank was the lender for 8143 Church. The Baden Community Housing Corporation works with the Baden Community Center and other churches and organizations to promote and revitalize the neighborhood. Additional information about Baden will be available at the Open House today.

8116 Church Road will be the perfect new home for a first-time homebuyer who wishes to supplement a moderate earned income with rental income. Each of the two units has two bedrooms, living room, bathroom and a large, eat-in kitchen, complete with refrigerator, range, and garbage disposal. The second floor unit has a bonus room, perfect for a computer and home office.

There are laundry hook-ups and lots of storage room in the huge basement. Each unit has central heating and air conditioning and separate controls. The original pocket doors have been preserved, as have an original decorative stone fireplace and the archtop windows on the front façade.

8116 Church Road is listed for sale to a first-time homebuyer at $ 72,000 and has a $ 2,000 closing costs grant. Income eligibility guidelines apply to both buyer and renter. To reach the Baden Neighborhood, from Highway 70, take the North Broadway Exit and go approximately 2 miles; turn left onto Bittner Street and right onto Church Road to 8116. For more information, contact Mary One Johnson at Gundaker Realtors, 367-8755 or 503-1055.

Baden Neighborhood