October 2001
House of the Month
3129 Ohio

By Jo Ann Vatcha
Community Development Administration

The great autumn leaf show is set today among some of St. Louis’ most beautiful brickwork, in a great urban neighborhood making a strong comeback. Today’s "House of the Month" is 3129 Ohio, in the Benton Park West Neighborhood of the City of St. Louis. Come early to join Mayor Francis G. Slay’s Director of Development Barbara Geisman, Alderman Ken Ortmann, and other special guests, in celebrating the City’s commitment to neighborhood revitalization, clearly evident in the many projects underway in Benton Park West.

Open from Noon-4:00 p.m. today, the three-story house at 3129 Ohio has been transformed by Pyramid Construction into a spacious single-family home with three large bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, large dine-in kitchen, and much more. An interesting side entrance brings guests into the newly created hall and stairway. Brand-new systems include new wiring, plumbing, fixtures, and central heating and air conditioning. The bright kitchen features new wood cabinets, range, dishwasher, and large center island. There is also a first-floor half bath.

The second floor has been creatively reorganized into two large bedrooms, with a full bath and lots of closet space, and second floor laundry, for maximum convenience. The third floor "master suite" has a walk-in closet, private bath, and a great view. There are new insulated-glass windows throughout the house, which also has a new roof, full basement, and high-efficiency A/C and furnace. The yard is fenced for privacy, and there is a brand-new deck.

3129 Ohio was developed by Pyramid Construction with construction financing from Jefferson Heritage Bank and the Community Development Administration. Over the last ten years, Pyramid has developed over 320 for-sale homes. Their successes include Eads Park, Keystone Place, The Villages at Grand Oak, Shaw Condos, downtown lofts, and much more. 3129 Ohio is listed at $ 139,000 and is eligible for ten-year tax abatement. And take a second look at this well-tended block, where homeowners and great neighbors have made their own substantial reinvestment over the past decade. Plans to renovate two additional homes and build another new house on this block will make it the hottest market in the area.

Located west of Jefferson and south of Gravois and Arsenal, the neighborhood shares a beautiful park with the Benton Park Neighborhood to the east. It’s a designated "Sustainable Neighborhood" with a busy "Hub" office, lovely community garden, and extensive police community-relations activities. Recently, several groups have been working together on a comprehensive new neighborhood plan.

Over the past few years, CDA has worked with 9^th Ward Alderman Ken Ortmann, the Benton Park West Housing Corporation, and private developers like Pyramid Construction to complete 14 houses, all sold to new homebuyers. There are also rehabbed rental units and the 74-unit Booth Manor Senior Center. Additional houses have already been acquired for rehabilitation. Among Pyramid Construction’s current projects are a spectacular rehab at 2822 Wyoming and new houses at 2720, 2733, and 2826 Wyoming and 2650Arsenal and 3100 Ohio. For more information, call real estate agent Stan Presson of Stellar Properties, 773-7333.

The map of today’s "Open Houses" includes another large single-family home just a few blocks west at 3237 Michigan, beautifully renovated by Dizdar Bros. Construction Co. with lots of builder extras like incredible closet space. To reach Benton Park West from Highways 40/64 or 44, take the Jefferson exit and drive south, turn right on Wyoming and then right again on Ohio to 3129. For information about City developments, call (314) 622-3400, or check our web site.

Benton Park West Neighborhood