DeBaliviere wrote:Would it kill them to paint the garage door to match the siding?
That's my #1 pet peeve with front-loading garages. Actually, it might be one of my top pet peeves, right up there with gum smacking and too-loud cellphone conversations in public places...
I'm not against front loaders per se, even if they're not what I prefer, but I absolutely how rare it is to find garage doors that actually blend in with the houses to which they are attached. I'm not sure why it's such a novel concept, or why it's so expensive to make the garage door fit in with the front elevation of a home. At any rate, it's all too rare to see a front-loading garage door that doesn't stand out like a sore thumb.
As for the houses, I must say they're not what I expected, and that's not a bad thing! I kinda like them, actually.
ThreeOneFour wrote:
As for the houses, I must say they're not what I expected, and that's not a bad thing! I kinda like them, actually.
I like 'em, they look unique. I'd love to have a place like that.
Me too. I was expecting the accepted, and dare I say mediocre, "norm" of brick fronts and three sides of vinyl. I like how the Glades Corner development uses brick AND a contemporary design.
Too many infill homes have three sides of vinyl siding, which makes me wonder why developers waste their time and money putting brick on the front. You can put a pig in a tuxedo, but it's still a pig, right? Also, I think in some settings, it's appropriate to pay homage to the past with infill construction. In Saint Louis, however, I think developers lean on the past a little too much. I think comparable infill I've seen in places like Chicago and Cleveland tends to be more imaginative overall.
This development in Dogtown reminds me more of some of the elements I've seen in infill in those places. It's certainly a step in the right direction. IMHO, these homes look like quality homes, they will be assets to the neighborhood and catalysts for more investment (either more infill or increased rehab activity), their design fits well with the existing infrastructure and topography, and I think they set a new standard for infill in other parts of the city.
As much as I detest vinyl siding and have vehemently stated so, I'm gonna have to eat my words after seeing the moderne homes...they look great (as do the more traditional ones posted). Just shows you what a good architect can do. The guy who designed these beauties, well, I just hope he does more of this quality...lots more in St. Louis.
new-to-STL wrote:^Wow! I wonder what these look like on the inside?
The link that Citylover provided on the previous page used to have interior shots, but the link has expired already. Maybe there is another listing for these somewhere that show the interior.
Citylover wrote:Listing on Craigslist, looks like a nice place.
I do not like the garage, nor do I like the siding, instead it should be brick or stone. Regardless, this is one of the most unique, moderistic, new houses I have ever seen! Good job!
The reason these look so good is because a competant architect designed them. Much as I hate vinyl siding, these houses look great. Its because the design of the homes is so interesting that you see the brick and siding working together and the color of the vinyl (instead of white) compliments the whole package. You can easily see great attention, care and pride in the design of these homes, and craftsmanship. The vinyl might be there to cut costs, but it is not apparent and actually looks more like the intent was an interesting and aesthetically pleasing structure in using the vinyl. With these, there is hands down no comparison to those ugly nightmares with brick facades and vinyl sides (white, no less) that say nothing but "lets put vinyl siding on the sides 'cause its cheaper". (Obviously, an even mediocre architect was no where to be found when these tasteless structures were designed.)
The floor plans are also great. (Thanks Expat and New-to-STL)
Marmar, I agree with everything you said. These are quality, distinctive new homes in a superb location. I'd take one in a heartbeat; I just wish they weren't priced more than twice the value of my home.
As much as I love old architecture, particularly Arts and Crafts homes like the one I own now, there are times when I'd love to have a new home. And generally, I find myself incredibly disappointed by the offerings I've seen throughout the city. These homes along Glades Avenue are notable exceptions. Maybe someday I can afford one, it's too bad that 'someday' seems like a long time from now...
I generally have an allergic reaction to vinyl, but these homes succeed IMHO thanks to the cohesive design. I could live with it for now, and then upgrade to stone like Doug said, or even composite siding like what's used in New Town St. Charles.
