We’re big fans on infill townhomes in St. Louis. The relative density of these projects, large and small, fits well in the historic scale of much of the city. Townhomes present a so-called gentle density, adding more residents to the city without introducing large apartment buildings. And the economics are smart for the city as well, as property tax revenue per acre is significantly greater with townhomes than single-family dwellings.
Two three-unit projects in Soulard and two two-unit townhomes in the Fox Park neighborhood look to continue this trend. All are located in local historic districts and so are reviewed by the city’s Cultural Resources Office and Preservation Board.
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1851 Menard Street – Soulard Historic District
OWNER/DEVELOPER: JS Community Builders LLC/Justin Hemkens
ARCHITECT: Feeler S Architects
THE PROJECT: The project proposes to construct three attached townhouses with first-story garages on a vacant site on the west side of South 10th Street, adjacent to Interstate 55.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION: The Cultural Resources Office consideration of the criteria for new construction in the Soulard Historic District led to these preliminary findings:
- 1851 Menard Street is located in the Soulard Neighborhood Local Historic District.
- The applicant has provided an appropriate Model Example for the proposed new construction.
- The project generally complies with the requirements of the Standards to follow a Model Example except in the areas of scale and foundation material.
Based on these preliminary findings, the Cultural Resources Office recommends that the Preservation Board grant preliminary approval for the proposed new construction with the stipulation that final plans and design details will be approved by the Cultural Resources Office for compliance with the district standards.
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1810 South 10th Street – Soulard Historic District
OWNER/DEVELOPER: Dan Holak
ARCHITECT: Keith Schroeder
THE PROJECT: The project proposes to construct three attached townhouses on the east side of South 10th Street on a vacant site in the Soulard Local and National Register Historic District. As a new construction project, the Cultural Resources Office scheduled it for review by the Preservation Board.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION: The Cultural Resources Office consideration of the criteria for new construction in the Soulard Historic District led to these preliminary findings:
- 1810-20 South 10th St. is located in the Soulard Neighborhood Local Historic District.
- The applicant has provided an appropriate Model Example for the proposed new
construction. - The proposed design complies with most of the requirements of the Soulard Historic
District standards.
Based on these preliminary findings, the Cultural Resources Office recommends that the Preservation Board grant preliminary approval for the proposed new construction with the stipulation that final plans and design details will be approved by the Cultural Resources Office for compliance with the district standards.
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1827 California – Fox Park Historic District
OWNER/APPLICANT: Schill Investment Fund LLC/Tim O’Donnell
THE PROJECT: The developer proposes to construct two 2-family townhouse buildings with attached rear garages on a currently vacant site at the northwest corner of Geyer and California Avenues. The property is directly adjacent to Interstate 44 at the north boundary of the Fox Park Local Historic District.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION:
The Cultural Resources Office’s consideration of the criteria for new fences and retaining walls in the Fox Park Historic District Standards led to these preliminary findings:
- 1827 California Avenue is located in the Fox Park Neighborhood Local Historic District.
- While the applicant has not provided a specific Model Example for the proposed new construction, the design of the proposed buildings follows historic precedent.
- The project generally complies with the Fox Park District Standards for New Construction.
- The unusual characteristics of the site, with no rear alley, require that access be provided from California and Geyer.
Based on the Preliminary findings, the Cultural Resources Office recommends that the Preservation Board grant preliminary approval to the project, subject to the stipulation that final plans and design details will be approved by the Cultural Resources Office for compliance with the district standards.
