Mar. 23, 2007 - Manchester_Those Little Town Blues

The statistics used here are from the 2000 Census, but I know this town has grown some. The population the was 19,161. The town is located in West St. Louis County. The median household income was: $64,381 and the home value: $144,300.

Now let me tell you this. This town (like Kirkwood, Ballwin, Ellisville & Wildwood) is finding it self growing! Builders are buying these smaller homes and larger lots, and choosing to put 2 or 3 homes on them. If the lots are smaller, then they put these larger homes that are SELLING for $500,000. or more. Amazing to see the smaller homes being dwarfed by the McMansions. It's the trend now. Watch for that median home value to jump!

Of course, the Aldermen are having a tough time as they struggle to give in to the builders and argue with the residents to keep the town as it was/is. They don't have the best reputation for following the rules on the books. Some like the power of their position and make the residents feel like no matter how small the matter, they will fight it or you will have to come back time and time again to meet some individual aldermans view of what should be done, when all he should have done was go by the book. Lots of frustration here, as well as in the other townships mentioned above.

Manchester City Hall is the Lyceum Building, which was built in 1894 and is seen on the National Register.

Manchester is center and located at highway 141 and Manchester Road. The first name was Hoardstown, named after a prominent landowner by the name of James Hoard. He died in 1825 and the town was renamed to Manchester.

There are a couple of old cemetaries here too, along with some of the old original buildings. The town is growing and there has been talk of joining Ballwin, Winchester & Manchester, to save on expenses. Maybe not such a bad idea, in my opinion.

Jun. 6, 2009 - 1018 Sulphur Spring Rd_Manchester_MO63021

You'll love this 3 year old home at first sight! It has so much to offer, including 4 Bedrooms and 2 1/2 Baths, a two car garage, driveway with a turnaround. Deck, Premium Lot, Freshly Painted! Parkway Schools! Be sure to check out the Visual Tour and then call me or your agent to set your appointment to view the property.

Please note that the two large trees have been taken down and a large Evergreen Tree has been planted.

Feb. 2, 2009 - new roof on kirkwood mo united methodist church

As some friends and I were on an excursion we happened by the United Methodist Church located in Kirkwood, MO. We were astounded and impressed by the work these roofers were doing. Of course, we had to get a couple of pictures!

Check this out! Sure glad I wasn't asked to do the job. It looks pretty scarry to me! Roofing was done by Olde Style Roofing Co

Jan. 22, 2008 - ChesterfieldSoundbarrier

Aug. 5, 2007 - Ballwin_CDBG

Are you aware of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)?

If not, you may be missing out on a good thing!

This is the 6th year that Ballwin, MO will receive the grant. It's $40,000.00 this year, which is used to provide funds to benefit low to moderate income residents in the city. The funds are used for a Home Improvement Program (HIP). In order to qualify, (call Ballwin City Hall (636) 227-8580) first to find out the procedure. You can receive a five-year forgivable loan of up to $10,000. to repair your home and bring it up to minimum standards.

Current year funds have been used up, but you can still have your name put on a waiting list by calling: (314) 615-4025. Good Luck!

p.s. Other townships in the St. Louis area offer a similar program, so check it out!

Jul. 6, 2007 - ClarksonWoods_chesterfield_mo

A great time was had by all at the Annual Clarkson Woods subdivision parade. This subdivision is in Chesterfield, Mo. A growing West County community of many professionals and a few older residents that can still remember what the town was before it became a booming area. It now features malls and hi-fashion boutiques, nearby Interstate 64 (40), and the Spirit of St. Louis Airport.

So many neighbors, friends, relatives, kids & dogs showed up it made for a fun morning for all that attended!  Many other local subdivisions have parades too, inviting the fire department to provide their fire truck for the enjoyment of the kids and adults too!  I hope you'll enjoy this tour that I put together and get a feel for what happens here in the Midwest.   Click: Clarkson Woods

Nov. 4, 2006 - Kirkwood

Ah, Kirkwood! A community of older stately homes and a mix of smaller homes, quickly being bought up strictly for the land & building of new homes. It's tough to find a first time home buyer home here as the prices are typically higher than average. Think LOCATION!A friendly older community that has lots of charm.  Kirkwood will be a destination that you won't want to pass up! It was established in 1853 and was the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi. Stop by to see the train station (still functioning!) and while there, get a custard at the ice cream stand. Great places to get a bite to eat, fun parks (over 300 acres of park land), ice rink, ball fields, tennis courts, and playground areas, Kirkwood has a lot to offer! I love to visit the charming shops that dot this area. Sunday past, I happened to visit a Sculpture park at Maryhurst's Rooster Gallery.

While I was taking photos, the artist happened by and we discussed his work. This is just a sampling of what you can see. After talking awhile, he informed me that my uncle was buried there in the adjoining park-like area. Sure enough, after he'd left, I went over to find my uncle's gravesite, which I located. I had attended the funeral in 1968, but we had not been allowed to go to the gravesite and I never knew where he had been buried. The cemetary is small and consists of Brothers and priests (my uncle had been Provincial at Chaminade) that had taken the vow of poverty and service to others.  Besides the exterior scuptures, there are two galleries that you can view (closed on Sundays).

On a clear day at Geyer and Big Bend, by the railroad tracks, you can see the Gateway Arch as you look down the tracks! How cool is that!

Kirkwood school district serves all or a part of 7 other nearby suburban communites. More than 62% of Kirkwood's high school graduates entered a four year college or university, compared to the state average of 38.7%.