Mississippi River Bridge design

If you have been following this blog over the past few months, you know how important I believe the new Interstate 70 bridge connecting Missouri and Illinois in Downtown St. Louis is. As the region goes, so goes the City, and the future of Highway 70 is very important to us all. I have had my misgivings over the arrangements made in February, but on the whole I think the planned Mississippi River Bridge will be a huge step for the region. Read more

Multi-Family Lead Remediation

As a follow up to their Multi-Family Window Replacement Program, the City of St. Louis recently introduced a new program called the Multi-Family Lead Remediation Program. Where the window program only compensates landlords for the replacement of up to 10 wood windows per unit ($200 for normal windows and $400 for historic windows), this program has broader implications. Rather than compensating rehabbers just for windows, the financial benefits of this program can be applied to any lead abatement work. Read more

Lofts in Fox Park’s future?

Fox Park is one of those South St. Louis neighborhoods in the midst of a transition. Unfortunately, like surrounding neighborhoods such as Benton Park West and Tower Grove East, the current downturn in the market has stalled the progress of redevelopment in the area. But all I see when I pass through the area is the untapped potential. Read more

Modern flair with translucent walls

Every now and then I see something implemented in a rehab project that is so simple, yet so effective, that I just wonder why more people don’t do it. About a year ago I was at a furniture store that had a series of translucent walls as the backdrop for their furniture displays. It really caught my attention and I thought it could have some interesting “real world” applications. Read more

Window air conditioner installs

Just like radiators, I’ve always thought window air conditioners get an unfairly bad wrap. They are relatively cheap (usually between $100 and $300 per unit), most models are efficient if properly installed and there is no need to install expensive ductwork throughout the building. Read more

Bye, bye California

My posting frequency has been slowed quite a bit over the past few weeks due to being really busy with work and taking on my new rehab project. You probably noticed that posting came to a complete halt over the extended holiday. Never fear, I just on vacation and I am back in St. Louis and back on my game. Read more

Construction quality

When you’re standing on a deck or any man-made structure, do you ever wonder who built it and if they knew what they were doing. When looking at properties, these questions should be considered. And if you’re doing the work yourself, it’s always important to make sure that it is being done right. Failing to do so can cost a lot of money and even lives. Read more

Copper theft season

Just when it seemed that increased security measures at local scrap yards were having a positive effect on copper theft, spring had to hit. Over the winter, even buildings that weren’t secured properly seemed to be holding onto their copper longer than usual. In the past couple of weeks, as the temperatures have been rising, I have defintely noticed an increase in theft of copper in St. Louis City properties. Read more

Writing off one bedrooms

When many investors are looking for their next rental property they have a tendency to ignore a vast majority of the current inventory on the market. The trait that these properties share in common is that they are single bedroom units. Landlords tend to shy away from them for fear that they won’t be able to pull in the rents they desire. If you can relate to this standpoint, just as with avoiding duplexes, you could really be missing out on some great buys. Read more

Tuckpointing old brick

The tuckpointing in your brick building is starting to decay. Cracks are forming and small chunks of mortar are beginning to fall out. Sounds like you’re due to take on the “not too difficult” but time consuming task of tuckpointing. Time to head on down to the nearest Home Depot or Lowes at stock up on tuckpointing supplies and ready mix mortar. Right? If you are tuckpointng an older building like those found through most of St. Louis City and much of St. Louis County, you just made a mistake. Read more

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