urbanSTL

Can anyone tell me who i need to contact to find out priceings for the cheerfull house lofts?

That building is going to be sweet when it's done. I think it's one of the better looking buildings on Washington.

First let me say, I am a long time reader, first time poster. Does anyone know who is developing this?

yuppiegal wrote:First let me say, I am a long time reader, first time poster. Does anyone know who is developing this?

Welcome to the forum yuppiegal.



First off, isn't this the Cheerful House Buildings? If it is, this development is being discussed at over in the <A HREF="http://www.urbanstl.com/viewtopic.php?t=383">Bee Hat and Cheerful House Bldgs.</A> thread. If it is the Cheerful House Buildings, then it was reported on 01/20/05 that Patrick Stanley was planning a renovation of the Cheerful House Buildings.

Yep, that's the Cheerful House.

THe building will look alot better with a good power wash and the removal of the fire escape from the front.

The good news is, the fire escape is already gone!



Here's a pic from several months ago, before the streetscape improvements were completed:



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Hey Hey, now that is a much better looking building.

The developer for this is Chastan Properties (led by Patrick Stanley). This will be a huge addition to the already strong corridor of loft spaces, adding to Bee Hat, and the soon-to start A.D. Brown Building. By the way, Bee Hat is being developed by BHAT LLC, led by Matt Burghoff... I believe someone mentioned they thought these were joint projects, but the only similiarity I know of, is the architect (Rosemann).



C

Critique wrote: I believe someone mentioned they thought these were joint projects, but the only similiarity I know of, is the architect (Rosemann).

Rosemann and Associates seems to be doing quite a bit of residential work downtown... they look to be doing the projects for McGowan | Walsh as well.

I think they recently moved to Washington Avenue from Maryland Heights or some other suburb.

DeBaliviere wrote:I think they recently moved to Washington Avenue from Maryland Heights or some other suburb.

Yes, you are correct... here is the thread commenting on that



Rosemann Architects Moves Downtown from burbs

http://www.urbanstl.com/viewtopic.php?t=106

Hello,



My name is Adam Pickett, and I am an architect with Rosemann & Associates (intern architect to be exact, since I just graduated a year ago). I have really enjoyed the forum, and it is great to see such depth in conversation about development and architecture in our city.



To give a little bit of information on the Cheerful House, expect some beautiful lofts to go in there, as well as some great 1st-floor spaces that won't be found anywhere else downtown (obviously, I can't divulge too much information at this time). I know that for the loft tour, some interior renderings were completed, but once the website for the project is up and running, I will update you guys, so you can see more pics of the floorplans, interiors and even an exterior rendering (I believe within the next couple of weeks).



I worked at two other firms while still in college (in Springfield, MO) and I really love the atmosphere and design process that Rosemann has. I would encourage anyone to stop in and see the office sometime, it is a really great space, and being on the street level of Washington Avenue, very visitor-friendly. If anyone would like to come by, please feel free to drop me an email at: apickett@rosemann.com. I would be happy to set something up.



I look forward to more discussion on here, and I praise you all for your continued efforts to have meaningful conversation about the development and life in St. Louis.



Adam

Awesome - thanks!

My name is Dan Snodgrass and I am participating in the sale of the condos at Lucas Lofts, which is the building at 1123 Washington. I noticed that the information on the website was a little dated, so I notified the webmaster to update our information. Feel free to revisit that page for an updated intro to the building. If anyone is wanting more specific information on the building, feel free to contact me.



Thanks!!

Can anyone tell me why units here are so more expensive than other developments taking place. The prices Im seeing on a number of units is ranging from the $166/sf for a 600sf unit to over $190/sf for a 2br with 1200+sf, on the 2st floor. When compared to other developments such as Meridian and Banker's, 2nd floor units at Meridian are running right at $160/sf for a comparable size 2br at Lucas, and Banker's when more units were available, were ranging from the $110's to $140's/sf.

In response the pricing of the units, the response I have would be to tell you that not every building is the same in the interior renovations that are being completed, as well as what is offered in the price. Make sure you know all the important details of the renovation process and amenities that are going to be built in every unit. Some unique features of the Lucas Lofts are the curved walls that occur on every floor, the basement parking space that is included in the price, the rooftop wading pool and martini bar, the bowling alley on the first floor, 15 ft ceilings or higher with wood plank ceilings, sound attenuation, etc.... It might be difficult to see all the differences when some of the buildings can only offer drawings of what it is going to be look like. But again, make sure you don't just assume that every builder is doing the exact same interior finishes as the next.

I hope this helps!

It does help, thank you. I know for sound issues, I've talked with several builders about the construction of their floors and walls, I don't want to hear neighbors conversations. I'm sure the 10 year tax abatement also has a difference in the pricing over non-abated development, correct me if I'm wrong.



Sidenote: does anyone know what non-abated vs. abated units are running for property tax annually?

Just my .02 cents here. Bankers were priced too low, but consider that things like second bedrooms are actually upgrades, appliances are lower end, floors are just concrete, etc., etc. They priced and planned that building in such a way that after all options and upgrades you will be in the range of $180 - $190 or so a square foot, so they hope. Just my opinion here.



Lucas on the other hand seems to be priced too high. But they are doing some extras that others are not doing. I wonder though what a wading pool, martini bar and bowling alley will do to your association fees, and how much use that stuff will actually get. And as curved walls look cool, they can be a challenge to place furniture in a good and functional way.



Seems to me that based on the most recent loft tour that the average per square foot price is around the $160 - $175 range with some being a bit more than that. One developer I spoke with said that by the end of the year the average price will be $200 a square foot.

Some people want more and some less. It makes sense that the developers are offering different products. But, I am curious about condo fees. How do loft condo fees compare to traditional condo buildings? I know there are a lot of variables, but I mean when all amenities and services are the same. Also, how do the utility costs compare?

Expat wrote:Some people want more and some less. It makes sense that the developers are offering different products. But, I am curious about condo fees. How do loft condo fees compare to traditional condo buildings? I know there are a lot of variables, but I mean when all amenities and services are the same. Also, how do the utility costs compare?

I can speak only from personal experience as I moved into my downtown loft back in December. Just over 1500 square feet and my condo fees are $173 a month. That covers water, sewer, trash, T1 internet connection, fitness center, rooftop deck, snow removal, window cleaning, and general building maintenance. My only utility that I pay is electric which is running about $70 a month. Everything in my unit is electric, no gas.

irocktheparty2000 wrote:

Expat wrote:Some people want more and some less. It makes sense that the developers are offering different products. But, I am curious about condo fees. How do loft condo fees compare to traditional condo buildings? I know there are a lot of variables, but I mean when all amenities and services are the same. Also, how do the utility costs compare?

I can speak only from personal experience as I moved into my downtown loft back in December. Just over 1500 square feet and my condo fees are $173 a month. That covers water, sewer, trash, T1 internet connection, fitness center, rooftop deck, snow removal, window cleaning, and general building maintenance. My only utility that I pay is electric which is running about $70 a month. Everything in my unit is electric, no gas.

Pretty good deal, especially if it includes internet & fitness center. And $70 monthly for utilities is really good.