urbanSTL

Academy sure has turned over quickly, a good sign for the near north side. Quick check of Zillow and none of the listings are turnkey livable, which means that these pricey renovations have all sold.

@GoHarvOrGoHome "Academy sure has turned over quickly, a good sign for the near north side. Quick check of Zillow and none of the listings are turnkey livable, which means that these pricey renovations have all sold.

The Academy neighborhood is similar to several other communities in North City with strong potential. Obviously, the Academy neighborhood has the benefit of proximity to the emerging Delmar Makers District, CWE, Forest Park, etc. However, the other key elements of density remain in the Academy neighborhood with strong community residents that have been holding strong awaiting investors willing to take on some key renovations that would attract additional middle class homeowners. Some key investors have restored homes in the Academy neighborhood as was done in Layafayette Square, Grove, and Shaw neighborhoods. These investments change the narrative on what is possible and concentrates efforts in a way that people can see the positive change. The Academy Neighborhood has some of the best architecture in St. Louis. Greater architectural detail than several home in the CWE. The West End is also an architectural gem (5300-5400 and 5900-6000 blocks), yet with less original structure density in the center of the neighborhood (5600-5800 blocks). 

I'm surprised we haven't seen more activity in the neighboring Fountain Park. Definitely a step beck architecturally (although that should theoretically make projects easier to accomplish) but the location seems much more appealing to me. You can just walk down Euclid into the heart of the CWE, unlike Academy that is basically walled off from the south.

Either way, happy for Academy, and I'm sure Fountain Park won't be too far behind.

I quite enjoy Fountain Park. 

I feel like Fountain Park is slowly gaining some momentum, though it really doesn't seem to be moving as fast as what I'm seeing in the West End or in Academy. 

The blocks of homes directly across from Fountain Park and along Euclid are in decent if not great shape, the rest of the neighborhood still looks pretty bad though. A lot of vacant lots too.

Fountain Park will see a revival albeit challenged by the significant vacant lots on Bayard and Aubert (between Enright & Fountain) and the ongoing crime/drug issues around the Hodiamont Track next to the gas station on N Kingshighway. 

Did this place get burned recently or am I confusing it with another two-turreted mansion with lots of awnings? I don't think I'm confusing it...


https://twitter.com/ChickenJoeSTL/status/1818297997073039842

Guess we're just going to let vagrants, arsonists, and Paul McKee burn down the entire city. Nobody seems to f*cking care.