Looks like The Meyer Company will be building new residential on the vacant lot at the corner of Magnolia and Michigan in the Tower Grove East neighborhood.



According to a conversation I had with Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett, they will be eligible for tax abatement. She said there would either be 4 houses or townhouses (can't remember which) built on this vacant lot and financing was in place. I was skeptical, but yesterday I saw a bulldozer digging to where the foundations will be.



This is very exciting as it's really close to where I live and will go a long ways towards making that block more stable. I'm a little concerned about what materials will be used considering Meyer Company's obvious suburban home building as well as the building stock on that block. Does anyone else have any info on this development or any indication as to how these homes will be built? They are just around the corner from two ecoUrban green townhouses.

Looking through their portfolio on the website. Pictures 1 and 7 might not be all that bad. However, it looks like they may also have a love affair with vinyl.

Even pitcure 8 reminds me of the bungalow style neighborhoods northwest of Carondelet Park.

You look at all the energy efficiency and energy programs coming out and wonder how brick would be applicable. Brick will never compete against vinyl on price for new construction. However, I think it would be plausible and legitimate argument to provide energy incentives/credits for adding more brick to new construction. You have better insulation quailities and longer lasting materials.

Moving along quickly. Drove by yesterday and already two foundations have been pored with a third that has been excavated. Either there will only be 3 houses or they will have to tear down the warehouse to the north to fit a 4th.

From the TGENA listserve:



Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett, Ward 6 and the St. Louis African American Caucus, invite you to a ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling new homes in the Tower Grove East Neighborhood.

When: Monday, June 15, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Where: 2600/2700 block of Michigan, near the intersection of Magnolia



FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

ALDERMAN KACIE STARR TRIPLETT, WARD 6 AT (314) 622-3287

Here is an article about the new homes built. I've also posted a picture of the corner home below from the article. Unfortunately this is the only home with one side of full face brick. At least they did to it on the corner lot of the street. Good to see they are affordable and I would say they are of decent urban nature. Definately a huge plus over what was there. Kacie Starr Triplett is definately a great alderman - we need more like her.





http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/ar ... fford0.txt

Threshold Investment Properties did a quick write-up on this project and he included photos on his website. The house on the far right looks to be already occupied.



Here is a link to more pictures/information:

http://thresholdstl.com/st-louis-develo ... gan-infill