ST. LOUIS- May 30- For hundreds of years, the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis were dotted with only the occasional mansion, and very few people had the privilege of enjoying the spectacular river views from their porches.  Now, that is about to change.  A new residential townhome project, aptly named the Mississippi Bluffs, is now open at 5200 S. Broadway, just ten minutes south of downtown. 

Perched on the cliffs overlooking the river, the new townhomes offer magnificent views of the flowing water below, barges gliding by, and wildlife in the wetland sanctuary on the eastern bank of the river. 

According to Fenton resident Dr. Jennifer Stith, a professor and director of Washington University's physical therapy program, "the site is just instantly calming."  Stith, who had never envisioned living in either the city or in a townhome, is one of the first owners at the Mississippi Bluffs.  She saw a photograph of the project in a newspaper and decided to check it out.  "I'm a water person and I knew right away this was the place for me.  Where else can you see the river, the Arch and the Jefferson Barracks Bridge from your backyard?"  Stith hopes to see more residential development along the bluffs.  "I'd love to see more people enjoy the best St. Louis has to offer."  

Designed for nature lovers, every townhouse offers commanding views from all vantage points.  Every unit features three outdoor balconies to the east to provide sunrise views of the river, and, and two decks to the west overlooking a 6.2 acre private park.  The site plan also incorporates an outdoor pool, patio and communal fire pit, located on the bluffs.

Three floor plans are available for owners to customize, including the addition of an elevator in two models. Prices start at $459,000 for an 1870 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome with a two car garage.  Other standard amenities include finished lower level, hardwood flooring, high efficiency furnaces, Low E windows and a second floor laundry.  Only 34 units will be built in this gated community.

"We have a lovely home in the Chrondelet neighborhood and frankly, we expected to live there forever," says Sandy Meagher, who will be one of the first owners at the Mississippi Bluffs, along with her husband Mike.   "But when we found out there was a chance to live on the river right in our own neighborhood, we couldn't resist.  We've lived in the neighborhood for years, and love the unique shops and restaurants in the area.   Before I retired, I enjoyed the river view every day from I-55 on my way to the office, and I can hardly believe I'll get to enjoy that view from my own deck.   We were the first owners to put down our earnest money!"    Mike is a professional remodelor who is doing much of the interior work himself.

Mississippi Bluffs is open every Sunday from 12- 4 p.m. or by appointment at 314-735- 0766.  A display will be completed by mid June.

The site itself is rich in history.  The Bluffs are part of the original Carondelet neighborhood, founded in 1767.  Originally inhabited by the French, the village expanded to include Germans and French by the time of the Louisiana Purchase.   By the 1800's lead shot (lead pellets used in shotgun shells) manufacturing was prevalent in St. Louis, and a shot tower used in the Civil War still stands on the bluffs. The USS St. Louis, launched at Carondelet, on Oct.12, 1861, was the first ironclad gunboat of U.S. forces and was the first to sustain a bombardment from a hostile battery.  

In more recent times, the site was vacant for more than 30 years. As the revitalization of nearby neighborhoods such as Lafayette Square and Soulard expanded, the developers of the project knew the time had come to bring St. Louisans back to the river.  

For more information, contact Circa Properties at 314-735-0766 or visit http://www.mississippibluffs.com/

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