If you’ve been in The Grove neighborhood lately, you may have noticed the new construction on Vista Avenue. The house, with its clean lines and modern design, stands out from the more traditional brick homes common in the area. Inside the house, large windows and white walls create a space that is light and spacious. The high-end finishes give you that classic modern feel that never goes out of style.
The house on Vista Avenue will soon be one among many in a project that’s bringing more than 100 multi-income units to the neighborhood. The Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corporation selected two developers for the project: Unify Grove Development and Rise Community Development. Once it’s complete, vacant lots and boarded-up homes will have been replaced by a vibrant community.
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Chris Hulse and Kyle Miller of Unify Grove Development expect the project to bring stability to the neighborhood.
There are not many locations in the central corridor of St. Louis where you can build new homes; there are even fewer spots where you have this much ground in one area, “so there’s an opportunity to reposition the neighborhood,” says Hulse.
The Grove is a highly sought-after neighborhood for its proximity to Forest Park, BJC, Cortex, and downtown. There are many new projects planned for the area, including City Foundry STL, which is slated to open in 2019, and the art walk on Sarah Street that will connect The Grove and Cortex with art, programming, and open space.
“I think this neighborhood will end up eclipsing a lot of others in terms of where people want to live,” says Hulse.
The neighborhood redevelopment is the second project on which Hulse and Miller have collaborated. In their first, they transformed the former St. Pius V School into 25 unique apartments while maintaining some of the original classroom details.
Hulse and Miller share a high-end modern style, which is evident in their work. The home on Vista Avenue is contemporary yet timeless. The high ceilings and open floor plan make for a warm, inviting space.
The homes are being built as they are sold, with an expected three-month turnaround. They’re low-maintenance and energy-efficient, with Anderson 100 Series windows and James Hardie Reveal panels. The homes share a layout, but buyers select the finishes that appeal to them.
“Everyone who has walked in has said, ‘I want it,’” says Miller.
“We’re where we need to be with the house,” adds Hulse.
“So we’re selling the neighborhood and the process,” says Miller.
Unify Grove has organized the project into three phases. Phase one, the completion of 24 houses and 16 townhomes, is expected to be complete in just under a year. The maximum timeframe for the entire project is estimated at two and a half years.
When finished, there will be 46 houses and 16 townhomes along with the 50 affordable units being built by Rise. Streetscape will transform the neighborhood with paved streets and alleys, lights, and landscaping.
“In most places, the most expensive real estate is in the core. It doesn’t make much sense for us to abandon our cities. I think the market is coming back, and we see that happening here, too,” says Hulse.
