“Housing Starts”

With grim references to "housing starts" statistics featured in every report on the state of our nation's economy, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to two neighborhood entrepreneurs who are defying the odds. Bernard Whittington,above left, and Kevin Logan, above right, are shown with real estate agent Cathy McGovern of the CWE's Sandy Bender Real Estate. Both men are originally from the St. Louis area and are the developers of a residential project in the 4300 block of Washington, between Boyle and Newstead. Kevin earned his degree in architecture at the University of Kansas; Bernard played professional football for the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals. When they returned home, the long-time friends joined forces to form a full-service real estate development company called "X3." Each house they build, (they are active in Lafayette Square and on Washington Avenue) has their signature "X" incorporated into the gable on the front elevation, see above and below.

They purchased the Washington Avenue property (where these four new houses and two additional lots sit) from the Union Tabernacle Church on Delmar in 2004. The Church wanted to build a much-needed parking lot on the property, but a very strong Washington Avenue Block Unit would not allow it. With the proceeds from the sale of the property the Church was able to purchase a lot on Delmar that was much more suitable for its parking needs.

The developers received terrific support for this project from 18th Ward Alderman Terry Kennedy and from the Washington Avenue Block Unit which is led by Darryl Sams. The block unit was adamant that only quality houses be built, and were allowed to review the plans to be sure that they were.

The energy-efficient houses are built on 36' x 150' lots and come with a 10-year tax abatement. Prices range from $300,000 to $510,000 for a custom 2 to 3 bedroom home with 2 1/2 to 3 baths. All four of the completed houses have sold in the low $500's to medical professionals. Of the two lots remaining, one is under contract.

Across the street and a little east of the four new houses is a 3400 s.f. home which Kevin Logan designed and he and Bernard are building for Kevin's parents. Kevin's family lived in big house in the 6000 block of Lindell when he was growing up. Now, after several years in an apartment, his parents—or at least his father—have decided they need a bigger house to accommodate their extended family during holiday visits.

This house sits on a 50' x 250' lot. The main living area is at the back of the house above, next to the garage, right.

The house was designed with future needs in mind, so all of the doorways are 3' wide, and the main living area is on the first floor. The long narrow kitchen and family room are shown in the photo above.

From the first-floor bedroom with its towering ceiling, there will be a staircase to Kevin's father's hide-away workroom, above. The house will contain an elevator leading to two additional bedrooms on the second floor. A finished lower level will add another 900 s.f. to the living area.

There is an interior courtyard, above, a feature of the houses the developers built up the street as well. If all goes according to plan, the house will be completed in time for the family to gather for Thanksgiving.

It's obvious that a strong neighborhood association has had a tremendous influence on this block's revival. Most of the original homes have already been renovated, or are in the process of renovation. Add five to seven new homes to the mix, and in my opinion, the 4300 block of Washington is a model of urban renewal. 

A house on the remaining lot is priced from $300 to $399,000. Contact Cathy McGovern, Sandy Bender Real Estate, the exclusive agent for X3 for information. [email protected], (314) 738-8816.

P. S. – I'm taking a break and heading out west for a few days. I will hopefully be able to check in on the blog and post any comments that surface while I'm away. Stay tuned…