SOLD: Jefferson Avenue
The Story Behind this Home
3717 South Jefferson was built in 1884 as a two-family flat with beautiful architecture right on the Jefferson Streetcar line — how convenient! There wasn't anything special about it; it was just like many flats in Saint Louis. It lived a fairly normal life as a south Saint Louis flat. Then came the 1970's. When many were fleeing the city, someone had a vision for 3717 South Jefferson. They saw an opportunity to create a 1970s modern, "California Contemporary" single-family home. And they did. It was decked out with a hot tub in the basement, an intercom system, wet bar, a spiral staircase and the most far out 1970's decor you can imagine. Best of all, a spectacular two-story, light-filled atrium. It even won the Dutchtown South Improvement award.
Dutchtown South Improvement Award
While this is currently the Gravois Park Neighborhood, this area was once part of Dutchtown. The award was won for the 1970’s rehab.
The Decline
45 years later, the house had fallen into severe disrepair and those 1970's finishes were far out of style. The house has been completely gut-rehabbed and all those bad 70's finishes have been replaced with updated, elegant, 2021 finishes. The gross 70's hottub is gone, the spiral staircase has been replaced with a functional one that's to code and the floorplan has been updated (only slightly) to perfectly accommodate 2021 living. The spectacular atrium has been beautifully restored and updated.
The Rehab
This award-winning rehab has an open floor plan with a light-filled, two-story atrium that will make you weak in the knees. There's so much counterspace, you can do a 500-piece-puzzle while you make dinner. Your owner's suite has a large shower, double vanities and a walk-in closet. Upstairs you have laundry and two more bedrooms with a massive, design-forward Jack and Jill bathroom suite.
You also get covered parking for two cars, a private courtyard and large deck right off the living space. If you are energy-conscious, be aware that the walls and ceiling (unlike many rehabs) are fully insulated to modern code, heating and cooling is zoned, the furnace is 90+% efficient and the rear windows have low-e glass. The atrium area also features a beautiful loft area perfect for a home office or reading area.
Video Tour
Compton and Dry 1875 Map
In 1875, when the Compton and Dry maps were created, this home would not yet be built, but it would eventually be on Jefferson, just south of Winnebago, which you can see in the upper-left corner of Plate 32 of the Compton and Dry maps.
First Sale
We know that was a major project, because by 1914, the 2-family was listed for sale for $3500, proudly boasting $336 per year of rental income. That means you could have rented one of the units for a low low price of only $14 a month in 1914.
Early Updates
This unique home is not only fantastic, it also has a rich history. It was built in 1884. But by 1900, the owner at the time, Miss C. Ameis, applied for a building permit for $1200 worth of work. In 1900, that was a pretty significant update. In this most recent update, the kitchen counters alone were more than three times that.
Terrible Accident
In 1930, Joseph Slager lived in the house. Sadly, on December 3rd, 1930, the St. Louis Star and Times reported that he was in serious condition at City Hospital after being hit by a streetcar in the 6400 block of Manchester.
Marquette Mermaids
On July 4th, 1934, the St. Louis Globe-Democrat showed a picture of the Marquette Mermaids, taken a the Marquette swimming pool. Mary Slogar, on the far left lived at 3717 South Jefferson.
Ranger Real Estate
In 1979, a real estate company called "Ranger Real Estate" ran an advertisement in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, stating they are, "Proud of our work in St. Louis Rehabbing Older neighborhoods." Sounds familiar. Perhaps this is the company who rehabbed 3717 Jefferson and used it as their office?
Open House
On Sunday, September 15th, 1985, Realtor John Green held an open house!
Gutter Cleaning Accident
In 1988, 40-year-old Alan Burns was cleaning his gutters and fell off the ladder. If that wasn't bad enough, his bicep landed right on a blunt-pointed fence, which according to Google Street View, was there until the early 2000's.
