Reflections on a Very Urban Day
Benton Park
Just before the election the Mayor presided over a special ribbon cutting ceremony. This afternoon the ribbon was cut on a rebuilt home at 2201 Arsenal in Benton Park.
This house sat vacant for 20 years while it was in legal limbo. It was in tragic shape. Luckily Millennium Restoration and Development came along to renovate the building. During construction came a buyer that loaded the place with some major upgrades. Sales price is reportedly in excess of $700K.
The home owners spoke at the ceremony talking about how they built a new home in Chesterfield (a new money suburb) about 6 years ago. None of their neighbors there seemed to care. They expressed their thrill at being a part of a real neighborhood rather than just a subdivision.
Polish Falcons
After touring all three floors of the house I ventured up to the Polish Falcons for their fish fry supporting St. Stanislaus Kostka. The place was packed! For only $6.50 they had a choice of Jack Salmon, Catfish or Cod; choice of two sides, desert and drinks. I ran into many friends – young and old. The Polish Falcons are located at 2013 St. Louis Avenue. Only 3 more Fridays remain!
Left Bank Books
I finished up the evening at the artist’s reception for a new show of Alan Brunettin. From the exhibit:
“Alan Brunettin’s urban landscapes illuminate the beauty in mature environments. Limiting himself to just three colors per canvas, Brunettin nevertheless exerts a brawny palette. Within his richly textured compositions, the patina of age signifies not decay, but accrued wisdom.”
Check it out at Left Bank Books, 399 N. Euclid, through April 3, 2005.
– Steve
I’m all for urban revitalization, but what exactly does a homeowner get for $700-K? That was the number, right? Goodness.
I went to the Polish Falcons on Friday, too! Yummy catfish and friendly people…what a deal!
The sale price is actually $750,000 (set to close next week). They have quite a masterbedroom suite and a built-in Bang & Olefson sound system. The kitchen was big but by no means spectacular. I am thrilled that they were willing to invest that kind of money in Benton Park.
BTW, I was at the fish fry too — go figure. Plan on going next Friday too. I just love shakin’ it up with the elderly rebels!