By Laurie Burstein
Many new developments claim to be “one-of-a-kind,” but three
new living spaces truly fit the bill. From the first-ever condominiums
developed in Sunset Hills, to the first “high-design,” high-rise
in St. Louis, to the only Jeffersonian-themed development with
asking prices of $1.5 million-plus, these three properties truly
stand-out from the rest.
Here is a snapshot on each property and what makes each of them
unique.
Property: 4545 Lindell
in the Central West End
Developer: Conrad Properties
Architect: Louis Saur
Housing Style: High-rise
condominium
Why Unique: Conrad Properties
is bringing the new concept of the “high-design” high-rise to
St. Louis. “High design” is the contemporary architectural style
that is dominating the residential high-rise markets on the
East and West Coasts. With elevators that open directly into
the private foyer of each condo, floor-to-ceiling windows and
building corners formed of glass, the 10-story, $28 million
high-rise is likened to a transparent jewel box. Designed by
architect Louis Saur, with interiors by well-known local designer
Robert Lococo, the building’s 34 residences are currently priced
from $510,000 to more than $1 million. Display units opened
this fall and at press time, 10 homes were already pre-sold.
The interior of each home also includes sleek living areas with
European kitchens, exposed concrete elements, and the latest
communication technology. Homes on levels two through nine have
terraces with views of downtown, Forest Park and the Central
West End. Penthouses have two-story interior spaces plus mezzanine
areas and rooftop decks.
“It’s a very chic design that incorporates light better than
any condominium I’ve ever seen,” says Andrea Lenzen, 4545 sales
manager. Prior to joining Conrad, Lenzen co-founded and was
co-owner of St. Louis-based Condominium Consultants Inc.
“The other feature that really draws comments is the elevator
system. You exit the elevator and step directly into your private
foyer. There’s no common corridor shared with the other owners
on your floor,” she adds.
Another one-of-a-kind feature: “Each floor has a maximum of
four units, which makes every home a corner condo,” notes Lenzen.
“And there are only 34 homes total in a setting in which you
would normally expect to find a lot more. The intimate size
is great for privacy and provides the platform to develop a
strong feeling of community.”
The development’s website at www.4545living.com,
features a live webcam, to show the various stages of the property
as it nears completion.
Property: Laumeier Place
in Sunset Hills
Developer: Novus Companies
Architect: The Lawrence Group
Housing Style:
Mid-rise condominium
Why Unique: Laumeier Place
is the only condominium to have ever been developed in the city
of Sunset Hills and, barring any changes, is likely to be the
only condominium that ever will be developed in this area. At
present, there is no undeveloped land zoned for multi-family
use in the municipality. Two 11-unit buildings in Phase I are
complete, and two additional 11-unit buildings will constitute
Phase II.
The English Manor styled condominiums are next door to Laumeier
Sculpture Park and offers two- and three-bedroom homes with
2,275 to 3,125 square feet with scenic nature views. Each unit
has a balcony or patio. Move-in ready units are available from
$250 per square foot. Standard features include marble or hardwood
flooring, granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms, built-in
bookcases, custom moldings, gas log fireplace with marble surround,
and extensive recessed lighting. Prices start in the upper $500,000s.
“Our location enables us to present a most pleasant dichotomy,”
says sales manager Susan Bastin. “First, there’s an easy-going,
peaceful side. Five of the development’s seven acres are green
space, our next door neighbor is Laumeier Sculpture Park and
Sunset Hills has 73 acres of parkland. Conversely, since we
are close to Lindbergh Blvd. and I-44, access to Main Street
Kirkwood is immediate and we are within 10 miles of Clayton
and 15 miles of Chesterfield or downtown. Our owners live in
the country and in the city.”
Laumeier Place is located immediately west of Lindbergh Blvd.
on Rott Rd. and just south of Watson Rd. For more information,
the website address is www.laumeierplace.com.
Property: Enclave Bellerive
in Creve Coeur
Developer: CF. Vatterott
Architect: The Lawrence Group
Housing Style: Single-family
homes
Why Unique: The Enclave Bellerive
is the only Jeffersonian-themed development being built in the
U.S. today, according to developer CF. Vatterott Construction
Co., a builder in the St. Louis region since 1919.
Located at Mason and Ladue near the grounds of Bellerive Country
Club in Creve Coeur, Enclave Bellerive is the only new home
development in which the faithful portrayal of Jeffersonian
architecture is the central theme. Designed by Lawrence Group
principal Paul Doerner, the homes feature such distinctive Jeffersonian
detail as highly detailed porticos, serpentine brick walls,
octagonal and oval spaces, round and half-round windows, domes
and ornate colonnades. Floor plans feature a dominant central
core, framed by wings of smaller scale.
All this history comes at a price. The Enclave Bellerive is
setting a new record for top minimum price in metro St. Louis
with the 55 estate homes starting at $1.525 million.
Quotes: “Our goal is to create a dignified, consistent and elegant
ensemble of residences that reflect the vision of Thomas Jefferson,”
says Gregory B. Vatterott, president of CF. Vatterott Construction
Co. and managing member of the entity developing Enclave Bellerive.
“The models accurately depict defining elements of the Jeffersonian
style, such as domes and highly detailed porticos and colonnades.
Serpentine brick walls—another Jefferson trademark—mark the
perimeter.”
The gated community is situated on 44 acres and features walking
paths, reflecting pools, a waterfall, fountain and gazebos.
And all buildings are “green.” The developer notes that each
home meets strict eco-friendly requirements in site preparation,
the selection of building materials, energy and water-use efficiency,
indoor air quality and homeowner education. Models at Enclave
Bellerive are verified at the Bronze Level by Laclede Gas and
in accord with the Green Building guidelines of the National
Association of Homebuilders and the Green Building Initiative—St.
Louis of the Green Building Council of the St. Louis Home Builders
Association
“Every aspect of Enclave Bellerive has been carefully researched,
evaluated and planned for the long-term enjoyment of owners,”
Vatterott adds. “If a physical or conceptual component fails
to measure up, it is changed or refined. One especially unique
factor considering that all residences are single-family detached
structures is that the community association repairs, replaces
and maintains building exteriors, roofs, drive courts and patios,
and cares for all common grounds and accessible portions of
a home site.”
To view the models and amenities at Enclave Bellerive, go to
www.enclavebellerive.com.
