September 22, 2002
House of the Month
Merchandise Mart & Rudman Buildings

By Jo Ann Vatcha
Community Development Administration

Fine loft living is featured Sunday, September 22nd, at Downtown St. Louis Partnership's free Housing Tour and Street Festival at Tucker and St. Charles Streets, from noon to 5:00 p.m. The festival features live music, food and drink for sale, plus information on more than a dozen sites which are open for viewing, including display apartments in two long awaited renovations. The Merchandise Mart building at 11th and Washington, built in 1880, was the center of the dry goods and clothing industry for more than 100 years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this monumental granite building has stood the test of time, though vacant for twenty years. Rehab finally became a reality through the committment of developer Historic Restoration, Inc., to St. Louis' convention center hotel, along with Historic Rehab Tax Credits and other city and state financing. HRI's total renovation of 213 spacious 1,2, and 3-bedroom apartments has preserved original architectural elements, like brick archways found throughout the massive building. The first floor will soon include specialty retail, including a restaurant, and several "live/work lofts," perfect for the entrepreneur, artist or small business owner who wants to experience downtown life 24/7.

New residents of the all-rental Merchandise Mart building will enjoy a rooftop garden deck with spa, fitness center, business center, on-site management, and optional housekeeping services. Underground and covered parking are available. Nearby shops like Breve' Espresso and Kelly's Deli are already busy with new residents and office workers. Inside and out, the Merchandise Mart building has been designed for an exceptionally diverse and vibrant community life. Rents range from $640 to $2,495, and each apartment includes washer/dryer, kitchen appliances, hardwood floors, mini blinds, and dramatically high ceilings. ADA-compliant apartments are available. There are even special rents for individuals meeting income qualifications. From the huge, elegant windows of the Merchandise Mart, the exceptional beauty of downtown architecture really shines.

Rudman on the Park, rehabbed by McGowan Bros. Development, is ready to bring new excitement to Washington Avenue's entertainment and office/retail district. Located just a block west of Tucker, The Rudman has 48 loft apartments, including many two-bedroom units, renting from $975-$1,400 per month, with move-in starting in November 2002. Heavy timber ceilings and exposed brick highlight this historic rehabilitation project. The lower floors will contain commercial and retail space, including the new home of US Bank's Community Development Corporation. Whether out for an evening at a trendy nightclub, walking the dog past the fountain in Lucas Park, or checking out the magnificent St. Louis Central Library, all the best of the downtown lifestyle is just outside the door of the Rudman on the nearly finished Washington Avenue streetscape.

Walk or drive from 15th to 18th Streets to see Washington Avenue's new look in this great downtown neighborhood.