Veranda:
5/19/08
5/12/08
3460 Oak Hill - Swan Song?
Today I went to survey 3460 Oak Hill and while snapping photos I heard from the street, Is this 3460 Oak Hill? (Yes, that's correct, one of the many code violations on this building includes missing address numbers.)
A guy in a pickup wanted to know, I asked him to pull over and we chatted. He told me the LRA owned property was going up for auction tomorrow. I questioned his info while my blood pressure danced. If it's back on the block when Sam Meller supposedly had the green light I will personally resuscitate that recall.
He showed me a print out from CDA and I pointed to Developer typed behind the address.
We were both confused: he had a print out of auctions, I thought I was reading that it was being developed.
I Googled 3460 Oak Hill and found http://stlcin.missouri.org/devprojects/projinfo.cfm?DevProjectID=387 This was last updated in 2001 when the Codd Brothers were attempting to redevelop the building.
I recall Mark Ettling, the former Director of GOHCC announcing on our neighborhood listserv: 'A historic survey of 16 blocks in Ward 15 was completed by Lynn Josse. The next step will be to submit an application for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.'
Ironic? You betcha.
At this point the historic art deco building is destined to be an empty LRA Lot. The concrete pilings now have severe cracks in them which weren't there last fall(pardon my poorly rendered red arrows), bricks have fallen off, rows of bricks have fallen off the parapet, and rows of mortar is missing from the West side of the building.
Why have alderwoman Jennifer Florida, LRA, and CDA allowed this to happen?
A perfectly sound proposal was submitted in 2001 by the Codd Brothers and dismissed when no other proposal was being considered.
http://stlouisbricks.blogspot.com/2007/07/3460-oak-hill-redux.html
Last year I took a photo of this same view. Now there's missing bricks to the parapet along with a row of listing bricks about to fall. This is now a Life Safety issue.
Trees are now growing into the foundation.
These cracks in the concrete pilings weren't there last year. Click on the photos to enlarge.
About 20 feet of the parapet is missing, I suspect it fell in towards the roof. This isn't a visual perspective issue, I checked it from various views; it's gone baby, gone.
Missing mortar.
Bricks are missing along with rows of mortar.
The side parking pad (once a matching garage) is now a pile of bricks.
A guy in a pickup wanted to know, I asked him to pull over and we chatted. He told me the LRA owned property was going up for auction tomorrow. I questioned his info while my blood pressure danced. If it's back on the block when Sam Meller supposedly had the green light I will personally resuscitate that recall.
He showed me a print out from CDA and I pointed to Developer typed behind the address.
We were both confused: he had a print out of auctions, I thought I was reading that it was being developed.
I Googled 3460 Oak Hill and found http://stlcin.missouri.org/devprojects/projinfo.cfm?DevProjectID=387 This was last updated in 2001 when the Codd Brothers were attempting to redevelop the building.
I recall Mark Ettling, the former Director of GOHCC announcing on our neighborhood listserv: 'A historic survey of 16 blocks in Ward 15 was completed by Lynn Josse. The next step will be to submit an application for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.'
Ironic? You betcha.
At this point the historic art deco building is destined to be an empty LRA Lot. The concrete pilings now have severe cracks in them which weren't there last fall(pardon my poorly rendered red arrows), bricks have fallen off, rows of bricks have fallen off the parapet, and rows of mortar is missing from the West side of the building.
Why have alderwoman Jennifer Florida, LRA, and CDA allowed this to happen?
A perfectly sound proposal was submitted in 2001 by the Codd Brothers and dismissed when no other proposal was being considered.
http://stlouisbricks.blogspot.com/2007/07/3460-oak-hill-redux.html
Last year I took a photo of this same view. Now there's missing bricks to the parapet along with a row of listing bricks about to fall. This is now a Life Safety issue.
Trees are now growing into the foundation.
These cracks in the concrete pilings weren't there last year. Click on the photos to enlarge.
About 20 feet of the parapet is missing, I suspect it fell in towards the roof. This isn't a visual perspective issue, I checked it from various views; it's gone baby, gone.
Missing mortar.
Bricks are missing along with rows of mortar.
The side parking pad (once a matching garage) is now a pile of bricks.
5/8/08
SPEAKING OF GARAGES....
Frame and cinder block garages and the occasional asbestos shingle are standard on St. Louis south side. Of course my two car garage is brick but I haven't done a photo of it. Yet.
Some garages were built with warmth and talent like this precious gem a block down from my home.
Hand made wood corbels painted baby blue. I'm not taking off points for the asbestos shingles due to the artistry of construction.
I'm charmed by the piece of metal that was added to the top of the service door. My neighbor made one of those for my garage door to prevent the rain from rotting the top.
Brick garage with a stand of bamboo:
Brick and cinder blocks:
Low tech folding doors (I have these!)
Rotting:
These garages were built on the angle that follows the houses on a gently curved street.
Some garages were built with warmth and talent like this precious gem a block down from my home.
Hand made wood corbels painted baby blue. I'm not taking off points for the asbestos shingles due to the artistry of construction.
I'm charmed by the piece of metal that was added to the top of the service door. My neighbor made one of those for my garage door to prevent the rain from rotting the top.
Brick garage with a stand of bamboo:
Brick and cinder blocks:
Low tech folding doors (I have these!)
Rotting:
These garages were built on the angle that follows the houses on a gently curved street.
5/4/08
Update - MARTI FRUMHOFF Memorial Garden in TGS
Last week I met with Tim Moffit (left) and John Kohler from the St. Louis Dept. of Public Service to discuss the details of Marti's Memorial garden.
They are standing at what will be the East end of the garden. It will expand eight feet to the south and two to the north. It will be quite large, estimated at 3,000 square feet. The city will start working on it in 2-3 months. And we're getting irrigation!
I have to give a huge shout to 10th ward alderman, Joe Vollmer for approving a hefty hunk of funding to expand the space.
Of course we still need help with the funding that goes towards the physical planting (and purchasing the plants and trees), benches, the memorial plaque and long term maintenance. Go here to donate via pay pal: http://www.martifrumhoffmemorial.org/ or email me for my address to send a check. Please help us create this space for one little woman who was a force in our city!
They are standing at what will be the East end of the garden. It will expand eight feet to the south and two to the north. It will be quite large, estimated at 3,000 square feet. The city will start working on it in 2-3 months. And we're getting irrigation!
I have to give a huge shout to 10th ward alderman, Joe Vollmer for approving a hefty hunk of funding to expand the space.
Of course we still need help with the funding that goes towards the physical planting (and purchasing the plants and trees), benches, the memorial plaque and long term maintenance. Go here to donate via pay pal: http://www.martifrumhoffmemorial.org/ or email me for my address to send a check. Please help us create this space for one little woman who was a force in our city!
5/2/08
TERRA COTTA FLEUR-DE-LIS
In the twelfth century, either King Louis VI or King Louis VII became the first French King to use the fleur-de-lis on his shield. Later, several English kings incorporated the symbol into their coats of arms to show their claims to the throne of France.
From the block of 3900 Juniata, the fleurs span the cornice of the building.
According to Chapter 1.20 of the City of St. Louis Revised Code, the City of St. Louis flag is the following:
"The flag with a solid red background has two broad heraldic wavy bars, colored blue and white, extending from the left top and bottom corners toward left center where they join and continue as one to the center right edge. This symbolizes the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Over the point of confluence a round golden disk upon which is the fleur-de-lis of France (blue) calling attention to the French background of the early city and more particularly to St. Louis of France for whom the City is named. The golden disk represents the City and/or the Louisiana Purchase. (Heraldically, the disk is a "bezant" or Byzantine coin signifying, money or simply purchase.)
The flag’s colors recall those of Spain (red and yellow or gold), Bourbon France (white and gold), Napoleonic and Republican France (blue, white and red), and the United States of America (red, white, and blue)."
From the block of 3900 Juniata, the fleurs span the cornice of the building.
According to Chapter 1.20 of the City of St. Louis Revised Code, the City of St. Louis flag is the following:
"The flag with a solid red background has two broad heraldic wavy bars, colored blue and white, extending from the left top and bottom corners toward left center where they join and continue as one to the center right edge. This symbolizes the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Over the point of confluence a round golden disk upon which is the fleur-de-lis of France (blue) calling attention to the French background of the early city and more particularly to St. Louis of France for whom the City is named. The golden disk represents the City and/or the Louisiana Purchase. (Heraldically, the disk is a "bezant" or Byzantine coin signifying, money or simply purchase.)
The flag’s colors recall those of Spain (red and yellow or gold), Bourbon France (white and gold), Napoleonic and Republican France (blue, white and red), and the United States of America (red, white, and blue)."
COLUMNS - TGS
My house.
I found those wood storm doors in the alley over ten years ago and stored them in the garage until I found someone willing to cut them down and install them.
Roman brick on the porch and a stellar brick column with corinthian capital.
I found those wood storm doors in the alley over ten years ago and stored them in the garage until I found someone willing to cut them down and install them.
Roman brick on the porch and a stellar brick column with corinthian capital.
4/29/08
THERE OUGHTA BE AN ORDINANCE...
And there is...click on the title above. Thanks to Steve Wilke-Shapiro for the link!
Louis Reed campaign signs pasted to boarded up buildings in north St. Louis. Once Reed was elected someone went back and pasted over Thank You sticker's instead of removing them.
Is it just me who finds it ironic that the new President of the Board of Alderman has allowed these signs to remain posted? Isn't there a time stamp on these signs?
Location: Maffit and Vandeventer.
Grand Ave.
Another location of Grand. There's more, these are just the ones I photographed.
Louis Reed campaign signs pasted to boarded up buildings in north St. Louis. Once Reed was elected someone went back and pasted over Thank You sticker's instead of removing them.
Is it just me who finds it ironic that the new President of the Board of Alderman has allowed these signs to remain posted? Isn't there a time stamp on these signs?
Location: Maffit and Vandeventer.
Grand Ave.
Another location of Grand. There's more, these are just the ones I photographed.
4/27/08
CITY ORDINANCE 59267
Oh for crying out loud, did this ordinance really need a graphic?
Whilst driving by I wondered if I really saw what I thought I saw which was an actual item leaving the back door of the dog. I backed up. Yep, there it was exiting the pup and....Oh no you didn't!
I like to imagine the conversation that went on with the person who got this gig:
Boss: We need a graphic to go with this ordinance.
McJob: OK, let me read it...Say what?
(riotous laughter) Are you serious?
Boss: Just do it already.
McJob: Er...how graphic do you want this?
Boss: Do I have to spell it out for you?
State Rep Mike Daus relayed a hilarious story about this sign. He said he was at a meeting where alderman Joe Vollmer said a graphic was needed because dogs can't read.
Whilst driving by I wondered if I really saw what I thought I saw which was an actual item leaving the back door of the dog. I backed up. Yep, there it was exiting the pup and....Oh no you didn't!
I like to imagine the conversation that went on with the person who got this gig:
Boss: We need a graphic to go with this ordinance.
McJob: OK, let me read it...Say what?
(riotous laughter) Are you serious?
Boss: Just do it already.
McJob: Er...how graphic do you want this?
Boss: Do I have to spell it out for you?
State Rep Mike Daus relayed a hilarious story about this sign. He said he was at a meeting where alderman Joe Vollmer said a graphic was needed because dogs can't read.
4/25/08
FIVE CORNER INTERSECTION
I'm queer for five corner intersections.
Except in San Francisco where driving is madness and trying to find a parking spot will drive a nervous woman to drink. I once borrowed a friend's Monticello to drive around in SF. It was a V8 sedan with a hood as large as my bedroom. Driving up those hills and stopping at a stop light I couldn't see over the hood. I had to lean out the window to watch lights change.
Except in San Francisco where driving is madness and trying to find a parking spot will drive a nervous woman to drink. I once borrowed a friend's Monticello to drive around in SF. It was a V8 sedan with a hood as large as my bedroom. Driving up those hills and stopping at a stop light I couldn't see over the hood. I had to lean out the window to watch lights change.
ART DECO FOUR FAMILY
An Art Deco masterpiece, this four family near Potomac and Brannon has a magnificent black vitrolite facade. Love the landscaping.
'Diamond' vitrolite
Stained glass tulips on each door.
Certainly not the original screen doors. They were probably wood and matched the door behind.
This is one of the few buildings I've met that has face brick on all walls (as does its garage below)
Painted black to match the vitrolite!
Wormed brick.
The matching garage
'Diamond' vitrolite
Stained glass tulips on each door.
Certainly not the original screen doors. They were probably wood and matched the door behind.
This is one of the few buildings I've met that has face brick on all walls (as does its garage below)
Painted black to match the vitrolite!
Wormed brick.
The matching garage
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