An evening telephone convo

A few nights ago while driving home, after being at school for 12 hours, Dean called. It was our somewhat typical stream of consciousness conversation while still being connected to . . . something . . . as always . . . you know, guy conversation. Anyway, I enjoyed the conversation, Mr. Meyer.

I found myself still thinking about the conversation tonight (which is several days later) because Dean began telling me about the Soulard. My interest was raised . . . What is this Soul-ful area? Can I find out something more on the Web? From the pictures posted on this site, it looks like an inner-city slum area; however, a quick Google search reveals much more.

Let's start with Welcome to Soulard: A Thumbnail Sketch:

Soulard, a City of St. Louis Historic District and on the National Register of Historic Places, is well known for its festive and sometimes boisterous Mardi Gras and Bastille Day celebrations. This near south side neighborhood also has a wonderful residential tradition.

Originally part of the common fields of the City of St. Louis, some of what is now Soulard was given to Antoine Soulard, surveyor general of Upper Louisiana, by the Spanish governor in the 1790's as payment for his services. Soulard's widow, Julia, stipulated in her will that two city blocks be given to the City of St. Louis for use as a public market. She died on May 9, 1845. Her bequest survives today in the form of the Soulard Market.

The site goes on to reveal some interesting real estate information:

As in the old days, Soulard today is a socially and economically diverse community. The century plus old homes have attracted people of all ages and from many different walks of life. Real estate prices range from $60,000 for a shell to over $450,000 for a completed home, as the neighborhood continues to build and improve. This web site offers insights into the neighborhood, its revival and its present residents.

I wonder if restorations covered in dog crap go for less.

I also found out why that structural engineer gets $125 per hour. It is because he has to know all of this: http://stlouis.missouri.org/soulard/code.html
And a bunch more here: http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/planning/heritage/standards/soulardstds.html

A highlights from the Soulard restoration standards:

Old mortar which is to be removed to provide adequate space for new mortar should be removed by hand, if possible, since power tools can easily chip and damage masonry.

Remember Dean, put your 24V power tools away. Hand tools work just fine. Don't worry about how long it takes.

Don't let your meat loaf. Ciao.