Queens pearlvodka presents
return of the divas THE INCOMPERABLE
RU PAUL'S DRAG RACE STAR
JADE JOLIE
BRAD FENNEL
TAYLOR SWIFT
REBA MCENTiRE
AS
AS
starring
RU PAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS
CHAD MICHAELS AS
Cher Thursday, June 1st at moonrise hotel benefiting The siba scholarship fund
tickets at spacedivas.eventbrite.com
DRIVE PROUDLY Elevate your expectation of what car-buying should be. At Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis, we’re committed to your complete satisfaction – in sales and service – on every visit. Whether you’re in the market for a new Lexus or pre-owned vehicle, we invite you to experience the Mungenast Difference.
13700 Manchester Rd. Manchester, MO 63011 314.822.7681 mungenastlexusofstlouis.com
LEXUS MAKES THE CAR. MUNGENAST MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.
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April 2017
APRIL 2017
THEVITALVOICE.COM
The HOMEissue IMPRESSUM 6 7
Masthead guest editors
NIGHTLIFE 8 11 13
FIRST SIP
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St. Louis neighborhood guide
PLAYDATES South broadway Stripped Down to the studs
profiles 17 20
john pratt st. louis' hunkiest handyman A home for refugees international institute of sTL
23.
madison hildebrand The Million Dollar Listing star has established himself not only as a luxury real estate agent, but an ambassador of his life and style brand, The Malibu Life.
style 26
Urban improvement company Develop, Design, build
Life Guide 32
Christine elbert Mortgages made clear
Entertainment 35
Makers ball 2017 craft alliance's annual gala
36 38
team teddy selling the ted wiGHt speil scene
Dish & drink 40
building a perfect bar cart
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CEO & partner • Darin Slyman dsly@thevitalvoice.com Publisher & Partner • Jimmy Lesch jimmy@thevitalvoice.com MANAGING EDITOR • Kevin Schmidt Kevin@thevitalvoice.com Graphic DEsigner • AUDREY SCHERER audrey@thevitalvoice.com Contributor • Karla Templleton karlatempleton1213@gmail.com Contributor • Kaleigh jurgensmeyer kmjurgensmeyer@gmail.com Contributor • Tyler Bierman tb6809@gmail.com Contributors art: Darin Slyman, Mark Moore, Audrey Scherer Kevin Schmidt, Chris Haston/Bravo, Isabella vosmikova/bravo Courtesy of Urban Improvement Company International Insitute of St. Louis TEXT: Kevin Schmidt, audrey scherer CHris andoe, karla templeton brandon evans Design: AUDREY SCHERER, stephanie schroeder Online thevitalVOICE.com facebook.com/VitalVOICE twitter.com/VitalVOICE instagram.com/VitalVOICE
Contact Vital VOICE Magazine 4579 Laclede Ave #268 St. Louis, MO 63108 vv@thevitalvoice.com 314.256.1196
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April 2017
guest editors
That’s the same enterprise we took on with Botanical Heights eleven years ago. What started as a risky endeavor has now become one of the most successful and hottest neighborhoods in the city. From Olio+Elaia to Union Loafers and more, it’s been quite a journey. We’ll break ground soon on the next phase of development that will leave the neighborhood in much better shape than we found it.
WELCOME The difference between a neighborhood and a community is the difference between a geographic sense of place and an emotional sense of belonging. The design of a HOME is the bringing together of place and belonging to create a sanctum where one feels comfortable and at peace. At UIC, we’re well-versed in how to do just that, and we’re very happy to be guest editing the Home Issue of Vital VOICE. Most people know about us because of our work in the Botanical Heights and Forest Park Southeast neighborhoods. It’s a story that goes back eleven years, when UIC was founded by partners Brent Crittenden and Sarah Gibson, who met studying architecture at Kansas State University and supported each other as they took turns attending grad school and working for Pritzker laureate architects in Europe. They put down roots in St. Louis because they sensed they could make a difference here. It was not about flashy architecture, but great contemporary design, practical ideas for building neighborhoods, and being positive change-agents for the city. When it comes to building strong, sustainable, and stylish neighborhoods, it often hinges on urban pioneers and early adopters. As we’ve seen in pockets of neighborhoods on the verge in the city and in now well-established areas like the CWE and Lafayette Square, this has been the forte of the LGBTQ community for a long time now. Courageous risk-takers willing to accept a challenge and create a home where others do not see the potential for doing so.
On a parallel course, The Grove / Forest Park Southeast have become the new poster child for comeback neighborhoods. Our work there began 10 years ago with the Rawhide Building, and since then we’ve developed nearly the entire 4200 block of Gibson, designed the 4321 building, and built a few more homes along the way. A nod to the folks at Park Central and Restoration St. Louis, who have been steadfast allies and game-changers as well. Stay tuned for our next big endeavor in Hyde Park – where we’ve already started laying the groundwork for what will be an extended commitment to the neighborhood over the next several years. Through conversations with long-time residents and business owners, aldermen and community leaders, and other developers who have already been working in the neighborhood, we’re confident that we can build on the strengths that are already there while still adding our own unique voice to the mix. Inclusion, openness, innovation, originality, attention: these are the core values of our company and the tools we use to develop, design and build with. From entire neighborhoods to a single home, from a new restaurant to the minute details of a renovation that will help turn your house into a home, they are all part of what goes into building a vibrant community that is supportive and sustainable. And, on a serious note, we are reminded, especially now, of the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and cultural richness in city building. When we meet with our UIC Homes and REFINE renovation clients, we often talk about the neighborhood that their home is in and how they want to relate to it. It’s never one size fits all, and it’s our biggest challenge and greatest joy to get it right for every one of our clients. As you’ll see in the Style section, we love it when our clients challenge us and we exceed their expectations. Sarah Gibson, Co-Owner and Design Principal, UIC Paige McClellan, President of REFINE
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NIGHTLIFE
FIRST SIP
El Mayor Margarita
Spring is here, so get out, get some sun, and get a little tipsy. “El Mayor” means “the best” or “the greatest” in Spanish – perfect for this Perfect Margarita. And you’re free to be the greatest with this twist on the original classic, because summer is a time to let your own style shine through. All right, that was cheesy, but you know where we’re going with this one. Cheers to warmer days ahead.
TEXT: KEVIN SCHMIDT ART: courtesy of Luxco
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April 2017
MAKE IT Glass: Margarita glass
Ingredients: 2 oz. El Mayor Anejo ½ oz. orange liqueur 1 oz. fresh lime juice 1 ½ oz. water 1 T sugar Garnish: Fresh lime wedge & salt Recipe: Mix and chill the lime juice, water and sugar. Then, add El Mayor Anejo and Orange Liqueur. Shake over ice and serve up in a saltrimmed glass.
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April 2017
NIGHTLIFE
Playdates Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design presents:
Makers Ball
21st
Craft Alliance - craftalliance.org
Join Craft Alliance for an evening celebrating makers and the power of craft at their annual fundraising gala the Makers Ball. The event features live and silent auctions, artist demos, an open bar, seated dinner, along with some wonderful surprises. Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design’s annual gala raises crucial support for ther mission to empower people to experience the craft of our time by exhibiting artists’ work, educating all levels of students, and offering free classes and family programs. Proceeds support their community outreach efforts, including: Artists-in-Residence, nurturing emerging craft professionals; Crafting-A-Future, providing mentoring and training for teens interested in creative careers; a need-based Scholarship Fund; free and low cost family programs; and services in schools that help students access the academic, social and creative benefits of arts learning.
7th-9th
19th
America's Center - wizardworld.com Meet Wizard World in St. Louis this month, featuring special appearances by Gene Simmons the cast of Dexter, the event features three days of unparalleled fun.
Disney's The Lion King
Fabulous Fox Theatre - fabulousfox.com The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before and, as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s The Lion King.
22nd The Color Run Dream tour
St. Louis Earth day festival
A Tasteful Affair 29
dining out for life
22nd-23rd
23rd
27th
Wizard World Comic Con
Forest Park - St. Louis Earth Day Join in this community tradition to learn about sustainable products and services offered by local businesses and organizations that share Earth Day values.
OPENING
Four Seasons St. Louis - foodoutreach.org Food Outreach’s largest "fun" raising event of the year support their clients living with HIV/AIDS or cancer, and feature food samples, live music and unique auction.
Poelker.Kaufmann Park - thecolorrun.com The Color Run®, the largest 5k event series in the world, create a world where anything is possible, unicorns are real and foam clouds make everything better.
Citywide - stlefa.org Dine out on April 27 at any participating Dining Out For Life© restaurants, where at least 25% of your check to support the work of Saint Louis Effort for AIDS.
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JOIN US: Sunday, April 23, 2017 2:00 – 5:30 p.m Four Seasons – St. Louis Tastings by Live & Silent Music by Sunday, April 23, 2017 Samba Bom Auctions Local Chefs
Tickets & Information 14
April 2017
Gen. Adm. $50 advance / $65 at door VIP Tickets / $150 www.foodoutreach.org 314.652.3663 x 118
NIGHTLIFE
South Broadway St. Louis Stripped Down To The Studs
text chris andoE art darin slyman
Chad Wick had never so much a replaced a light fixture when his partner of six months, James Pence, announced plans to gut their kitchen. “Then he and his dad came in with a chainsaw one day and just started ripping everything out,” Chad says. “I was stunned and thought, ‘That was a little scary. He doesn't even know what's in that wall!’” Three years and many projects later, James and Chad, owners of Carondelet hot spot, Bar: PM, are both pros at rehabbing. Now, they're embarking on their most ambitious rehab yet with the purchase of a large historic home, circa 1892, a few blocks away from their bar. While it's currently stripped down to the studs, they feel confident they'll be able to move in by summer. On the surface, it can seem like the areas we've carved out for ourselves in the urban fabric are fully cemented, but our human geography has been in flux since LGBT people first began congregating. Before there was the Castro, there was Polk Street. Before there was the Grove, there was the Central West End. Now, as the gentrified Grove prices out residents and businesses, many are speculating that Carondelet/Patch will be the next ‘gayborhood.’ The area's South Broadway business district, soon to be re-branded “The Flats,” already has two LGBT bars and several new LGBT-friendly businesses. Darby Scott, who lives with her partner, dogs, cat and chosen family in a 135-year-old house, says she loves how LGBT-friendly the area is, along with the history.
“I live near the Ivory Triangle,” she begins, “which is a triangle park where the last remaining horse trough in the city was converted to a fountain.” Scott says there were already many LGBT neighbors when she moved in five years ago, but she's seeing an increase in interest in the neighborhood. A sentiment echoed by Paul Sager, Realtor with RE/MAX Results. “LGBT buyers have always been at the forefront of pioneering the next ‘it’ neighborhood: Tower Grove South, Tower Grove East, Fox Park, Lafayette Square, Soulard," Sager begins. “And Carondelet is quickly joining that list. The area represents some of the oldest housing stock in the city as well as some of the most affordable. With the emerging South Broadway district filling with bars and restaurants, as well as the easy access to highways, this is an area that buyers should start focusing on. From stone cottages to homes on the bluffs, you can find something from $7,000 to $750,000.” In addition to LGBT buyers, Sager says the area is attracting rehabbers in general. “The same affordability drawing businesses away from Cherokee Street is drawing rehabbers to the neighborhood. As acquiring homes in trendier areas becomes more challenging, they're looking south where they have more choices, allowing them to showcase their individual styles.” Chad Wick describes their style as "traditional mixed with modern industrial," which their new home will showcase. I've known many rehabbers who spend years on a meticulous restoration only to get restless when it's completed and move on, but Wick says he feels as rooted in Carondelet as the three majestic magnolias in the generous side yard of their new home. “This is going to be our neighborhood,” he says. “This is going to be our home. We want this to be the last place we live." V
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st. louis
neighbor text BRANDON EVANS ART courtesy of St. Louis CVC
To me and many others, St. Louis is home. But sometimes I like to think of the city as an episode of This Old House. That may sound odd, but every great episode of the classic show features a beautiful house with history, and wonderful smaller rooms that come to life through renovation and restoration to make the home shine again. St. Louis is just the same, with various neighborhoods that have experienced their own rejuvenation back to life to make the city a great place to live.
SOUTH GRAND
LAFAYETTE SQUARE
When it comes to areas with a lot to offer, it is difficult to top South Grand. To start with, the area can brag about Tower Grove Park. The 19th century Victorian park is the second largest park in the city and has lots of space for residents to walk their dogs and enjoy the outdoors. Residents can even venture into the Missouri Botanical Gardens, a world-renowned botanical garden. When all that outdoor fun causes an appetite, South Grand can brag about their own international restaurant oasis. The abundance of ethnic and multicultural eateries is known throughout the region.
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April 2017
Lafayette Square isn’t just a neighborhood in St. Louis; it is a strong community with respect for its history. Don’t let that intimidate you, though. The residents welcome all into the area, and one friendly trip to the locally owned coffee shop will sell you on the neighborhood. The area borders Lafayette Square Park, which is a hidden beauty in St. Louis. The gorgeous park offers a historic boathouse and pond for you to enjoy. While in the park, take the time to look at the breathtaking Victorian-style houses that face it. The hypnotic, nostalgia-inducing homes have been carefully restored, thanks to residents and the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee. Residents enjoy several local restaurants that can make even the most devoted county dweller pine for this unique slice of city life.
LINDENWOOD PARK If any neighborhood represents the sturdy, brick-crafted homes that St. Louis is known for, it is definitely Lindenwood Park. Members of the community –located between I-44/Arsenal St. and Chippewa – take pride in their homes and are committed to keeping their neighborhood strong. Homes in the area were built between 1930 and 1950, and maintain strong stability thanks to the sound craftsmanship in building and upkeep by the community. The good-natured neighbors often cross over Chippewa to enjoy a cool treat from the world famous Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard.
NIGHTLIFE
rhood guide
MIDTOWN
THE LOOP
SOULARD
Midtown is a neighborhood full of bustling activity, as it serves as both the hub of St. Louis collegiate life and the city’s heart for the arts. Within its limits sit St. Louis University and Harris-Stowe State University. Midtown is also home to Grand Center, which holds The Fabulous Fox, Powell Symphony Hall and the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis. Most of the historic buildings have been repurposed into a variety of places including some really great restaurants and cafés. Residents – who include culturally diverse college students – live mostly in renovated apartments or lofts. One of the more prominent apartment buildings is the Continental Life Building, which towers over the rest of the neighborhood with 22 floors. Residents here can see all over St. Louis from the great location.
The Delmar Loop is a great neighborhood that offers apartments, picturesque homes and tree-lined streets. More importantly, it offers a fantastic energy thanks to Delmar Boulevard. On the street – which has been voted one of the ten best streets in America by the American Planning Association – there is a bustling energy that must be experienced. To live within walking distance of incredible restaurants, eclectic stores and impressive concert venues is an opportunity that few can resist. Even businesses are succumbing to the enticing energy of the neighborhood and setting up offices .
Soulard is a great neighborhood in the city, but many who don’t live there only think of it as a party destination for Mardi Gras. While it does hold one of the biggest celebrations north of New Orleans, Soulard is also home to a vibrant community. The largely residential area features block after block of brick-faced row homes or apartments. Some of the buildings date back to the mid 19th century. While Soulardians enjoy being within walking distance of numerous pubs and restaurants – and being on committee to plan events such as the annual Oktoberfest – they really benefit from the sense of community that provides safety in the neighborhood. While visiting, be sure to accompany a resident to the Soulard Market. The fresh farmer’s market is one of the oldest markets west of the Mississippi River. thevitalVOICE.com
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Open through May 7 For ticket information, visit slam.org/degas. Members always free. Everyone free on Friday.
Open Tuesday–Sunday One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park
#SLAMdegas
This Exhibition is organized by the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. It is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.
Edgar Degas, French, 1834-1917; The Millinery Shop, 1879-1886; oil on canvas; 39 3/8 x 49 9/16 inches; The Art Institute of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Larned Coburn Memorial Collection
may 27, 2017 – january 7, 2018
his tomb his treasures the breathtaking recreation
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April 2017
Profiles
South City's Hunkiest Handyman Lesbians get a good wrap when it comes to being handy with everyday, household repairs. For gay guys, well, let’s just say that it’s not on our list of stereotypes. Whether it’s fixing the toilet, tweaking a leaky faucet or installing new lights or blinds, we all have our natural talents, but everyday repairs fall in the laps of the lesbians in regards to the LGBTQ community. Nonetheless, John Pratt (JP for short), a South City stud and owner of JP’s Handyman Services, has become your go-to (gay) guy for anything you need done around the house. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer EvenmiVital a libero. Fusce sapien. VOICE hasvulputate used himeleifend for repairs – adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula egetone Vestibulum purus quam, scelerisque ut, being a broken door done by yours truly dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque because, molliswell, sed,Inonummy id, wait metus. Nullam just couldn’t to get in to penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, workaccumsan lorem in dui. Cras ultricies mi one morning. We’re slightly biased here nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, (he is eumarried turpis hendrerit fringilla. Vestibulum to Vital VOICE photographer, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, Mark ante ipsum but primis in faucibus luctus Moore), he does a damnorci good job. et sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; In ac dui quis But don’t take our word for it – we caught up Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, withmi consectetuer lacinia. Nam pretium turpis JP to chat about what exactly he can do vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus for you. et arcu. ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Duis arcu tortor,America suscipit eget, “I worked corporate for 25imperdiet years nec, imperdiet iaculis, ipsum. Sed Ialiquam doing banking and investments, and just got Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus tiredultrices mauris. Integer arcu,my accumsan of it,” JP begins. “I gotante to turn elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate long-time a, consectetuer eget, posuere mauris. hobby into a career, so ut, I couldn’t eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, portti- turnPraesent adipiscing. Phasellus ullamcorper it down. It took me in a completely tor eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim. different ipsumdirection rutrum nunc. in myNunc life.” nonummy metus. Aliquam lorem ante, dapibus in, viverra Vestibulum volutpat pretium libero. Cras id quis, feugiat a, tellus. Phasellus viverra nulla Onedui. Aenean eros et nisl owner sagittiswill vestibuthing every ut new business never ut metus varius laoreet. Quisque rutrum. get used lum. to? Nullam nulla eros, ultricies sit amet, The fear of a bad online review. Aenean imperdiet. Etiam ultricies nisi vel “That’s nonummy pede. Sed the kindid,ofimperdiet stuff thatfeugiat, keeps me up at augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. night, lectus. Donec mollis hendrerit risus. because if you don’t satisfy somebody, Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus. they can write that review,” he explains. Phasellus nec sem in justo pellentesque “Doing the work, I’m not worried about. But Maecenas tempus, tellus eget condimentumthatfacilisis. Etiam imperdiet imperdiet digital footprint is scary right now orci. because rhoncus, sem quam semper libero, sit amet you Nunc nec neque. leo what dolor,about tempus don’t know who’sPhasellus going to say adipiscing sem neque sed ipsum. Nam quamyou non, auctor et, hendrerit quis, nisi. Curabitur and when. But there are a lot of good nunc, blandit vel, luctus pulvinar, hendrerit things ligula sapien, tincidunt euismod vitae, happening right nownon, as well, people id, lorem. Maecenas nec odio et ante tinc- mentioning posuere my imperdiet, leo. Maecenas malesuada. name.” idunt tempus. Donec vitae sapien ut libero Praesent congue erat at massa. Sed cursus venenatis faucibus. Nullam quis ante. EtiamAndturpis vitae tortor. vulputate that’s all it takes forDonec him: a posuere good word of sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. mouth. arcu.“My Phasellus accumsan cursus velit. Facebook page is all that I use, I Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. don’t have a website,” he says. “Oak Hill Hardware Donec sodales sagittis magna. ante primis in faucibus and Vestibulum True Value let meipsum leave my business cards orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; there, and I get a lot of referral business from Sed consequat, leo eget bibendum sodales, Sed aliquam, nisi quis porttitor congue, elit text Kevin schmidt them, as well as a lot of client referrals.” augue velit cursus nunc, quis gravida magna erat euismod orci, ac placerat dolor lectus ART Darin SLyman
JP is a jack-of-all-trades, like any good handyman should be. But he doesn’t necessarily consider himself to be a master of one particular thing. “I like to think of myself as a generalist, not a specialist. I don’t really have a specialty, but general knowledge in a lot of things,” he explains. “I get a lot of plumbing calls: leaks, drips, slow drains. I’m not a plumber, but I’ve gotten very good at fixing those. I get a lot of people that just need help putting a picture up that don’t have the tools to do it. I do remodels; I’m requis orci.two Phasellus consectetuer modeling bathrooms right nowvestibulum – laying elit. Aenean tellus metus, bibendum sed, floors, doing tile work, painting. I’ve actually posuere ac, mattis non, nunc. Vestibulum done structural work, building people’s fringilla pede sit decks, amet augue. In turpis. Peldecks, repainting redoing lentesque posuere. Praesent turpis. Aenean columns. If I don’t know how, I’ll teach posuere, tortor sed cursus feugiat, nunc myself how before I go and I’ll do it. I’m augue blandit nunc, sollicitudin urna building a cat tree for eu somebody right now.” dolor sagittis lacus. Donec elit libero, sodales nec, of volutpat suscipit non, turpis. to fix And, course,a,we all need someone the shitter every now and then, eh? Toilets Nullam augue are kind ofsagittis. gross, Suspendisse and JP alwayspulvinar, jokes that he ac venenatis condimentum, sem libero vospends more time in other people’s lutpat nibh, nechepellentesque velit pede quis bathrooms than does his own. “With nunc. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in fautoilets, people don’t want to tell you what cibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia they really did or what is really the problem, Curae; Fusce id purus. Ut varius tincidunt but you eventually find out.” libero. Phasellus dolor. Maecenas vestibulum mollis diam. Pellentesque ut neque.hePellenTeaching and training is something tesque habitant morbi tristique specializes in too, just as long as itsenectus doesn’t et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. take away from his business too much. In dui magna, posuere eget, vestibulum “Some people just want it fixed and don’t et, tempor auctor, justo. In are ac felis tortor want to know, but others like quis a sponge malesuada pretium. Pellentesque auctor and want to learn it for next time,” he says. neque “One ofnec the urna. things I want to do on my Facebook page is to have a tip of the week. portasomething, a, auctor quis, IfProin I havesapien taughtipsum, somebody that euismod ut, mi. Aenean viverra rhoncus makes me feel good too. I’m a little pede. Pellentesque habitant tristique unconventional in the things morbi that I do, but senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac you have to be different. So anytime I learn turpistrick egestas. UtI’ll nonteach enimpeople eleifend felis I little or tip, how to pretium feugiat. Vivamus quis mi. Phasellus do it.” V a est. Phasellus magna. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. CurabiturServices at lacus ac velit JP’s Handyman ornare lobortis. Curabitur a felis in nunc yourhandymanjp@gmail.com fringilla tristique. 314.805.8340 thevitalVOICE.com
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z1077.com
20
April 2017
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PROFILES
S
A Home for Refugees
it down and really think about immigration. What does this topic mean to you? How do your opinions impact other human beings’, well, legislation? As with a lot of things, I asked “Google” my questions to see if I was on the right track with my preconceived notions and assumptions. You will find in your research that “Google” is at our disposal because of the impact and coverage of refugee resettlement. Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google, immigrated to the United States in 1979, escaping the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Steve Jobs’ biological father was a Syrian refugee; Madam Secretary Madeleine Albright escaped Czechoslovakia and the tyranny of Hitler and Stalin, later inspiring the portrayal of a child in a film designed to promote sympathy for refugee children of war, as she had been. Other notable products of immigrant drive and genius include the creator of Yahoo!, Liz Claiborne, Ebay, Kohls, Nordstrom, Colgate, McDonald's, Disney and Amazon. Here in St. Louis, we are surrounded by the entrepreneurial spirit of our immigrant-driven past. For well over 250 years, St. Louis has been a mecca for growth and has inspired industry dominance in a plethora of arenas. Take into consideration the many pockets of our great city that we visit or call home. Cherokee Street, Dutchtown, The Hill, South City – all areas that thrive because of immigration and the hard work and brilliance they brought to our city in decades old and recent. Not to mention, the food. In the current state of affairs, we are seeing an increase in fears, both logical and depressingly fanatic – all seemingly brought to us by the current presidential administration offering “facts” that are flipping the bipartisan humanitarian approach at the resettlement of refugees to the January 27 Travel Ban. The long-term impact of this ill-implemented executive order is unknown, but the list of world citizens impacted is shocking. The notable people directly impacted reads like a who’s who of Nobel Peace Prize recipients: a postdoctoral fellow working on new ways to treat the advancement of HIV/AIDS and a pioneer in genetic sequencing that tracks and monitors epidemic outbreaks like Ebola. These examples of the impact and importance of immigration law, both historically and in today's society, are relatively minimal in comparison to the larger picture. St. Louis and The International Institute of St. Louis continue to aid these individuals, extending a helping hand, understanding the overall contributions – both economic and societal – that these displaced people provide. Just in
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St. Louis alone in 2014, immigrant entrepreneurs paid 1.1 billion dollars in taxes. Immigrant spending power topped three billion dollars and from that year emerged 7,073 new entrepreneurs in just the St. Louis metro area alone. Immigrant families have long played an important role in helping to build housing wealth in the U.S. In recent decades, more than 40 million immigrants in the country collectively increased the U.S. housing market wealth by $3.7 trillion. Much of this was possible because immigrants moved into neighborhoods once in decline, helping to revitalize local communities and make them more attractive to U.S. born residents. Homes owned in 2014 by immigrants here in St Louis? 27,608. Refugees are resilient human beings. Every day, 110 innocent children risk it all to flee to the U.S. This provides a lower risk of succumbing to gang violence, organized crime, child abuse, sex trafficking, domestic violence, abandonment, death of parents, labor exploitation, corruption, poverty and, of course, war. 65 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced, and less than .1 percent will ever get the chance to start a new life. The actual truth of the “vetting” process that we hear about recently isn’t as simple as some would like you to believe. The 18-24 month process from UNHCR Registration to the arrival into the US has currently 14 steps of screening and placement. Of the 1 percent that are actually placed in the United States, those who arrive at our gates don’t just get handed a free pass – the next steps are just as grueling. Limited funding (three months of assistance) allows families to find housing and get low paying jobs to get started. Thanks to organizations like the International Institute of St. Louis, they have a foundation to guide them into their new life. For almost 100 years, the International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) has been assisting in the process of immigration, helping clients integrate into society and live the American Dream. The list of opportunities and assistance they offer is endless and multifaceted. From housing, job placement, education, community orientations and overall administrative support, IISTL is instrumental in integrating these families into the St. Louis community. Working under the umbrella of USCRI (U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants), IISTL offers support from the beginning and continues throughout the process of resettlement for new Americans.
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ST. LOUIS text Karla Templeton ART Courtesy of International institute of st. louis
The International Institute is St. Louis’ only refugee resettlement sponsor, sponsoring 650 refugees annually. In 2016, a special Syrian refugee resettlement program was added, which included an increase in 300+ refugees each year, last year totaling 1,145 displaced families. With 65 million people displaced worldwide, St. Louis could impact 75,000 to 100,000 of those people, and IISTL is fighting to get that as close to a reality as possible. Anna Crosslin, an immigrant herself, is the President and CEO of IISTL, and since 1978 has been the visionary that has led the organization through many tides, high and low, in the various needs for their clients. Blending the community is just one of the many ways Mrs. Crosslin excels. Each year, she and her team produce St. Louis’ largest multicultural celebration, the Festival of Nations. This event brings in more than 125,000 attendees during its two-day program, highlighting and emerging the beauty of cultures from all over the world. The vision Crosslin has implemented into reality is why her list of accolades ranges from the White House honors, “a Champion of Change,” to numerous “most influential” statuses. She views St. Louis as a whole, including the structures in it by saving properties that could easily become another empty hole in our neighborhoods. Touring the new facility with IISTL’s Communications and Marketing Director, Gary Broome, the importance of and the presence of historical connection were apparent in our conversations, as well as the importance in all avenues on how to embrace and sustain the old with the new. The institute now resides at 3401 Arsenal in the Tower Grove neighborhood, what for years was known as St. Elizabeth Academy. The original convent buildings were erected in 1894, and the land throughout the years added new additions and evolved into more than a convent,
but also a high school. Walking through the halls with Mr. Broome, it was a flashback in a time when things were simpler, but yet still very trying when it came to immigration. In this vast structure, late 19th century architecture partners up with 50s modernist design. It’s that era that echoes in the hallways, brickwork and color scheme which is inspiring when thinking about sustainability. It embraces the change that time has caused while also allowing the space to be saved, renovated and used for educational/personal development and humanitarian values, fitting for a previous high school and convent. The English word “home” is from the Old English word, hām (not the pig), which actually refers to a village or estate where many souls are gathered. It implies that there is a physical dwelling involved, but the main idea is that it’s a gathering of people. One dictionary had an interpretation of the modern definition, “the abiding place of the affections.” It’s not a building or a room, but a place where your love dwells. The International Institute of St. Louis continues to aid those all over the world in finding a true home. Every human being deserves this. If history has taught us anything, it’s that we share a nation built on immigration. After all we are the nation that prints E Pluribus Unum on our currency, “Of many, we are one.” V
For more information on International Institute of St. Louis
Visit iistl.org.
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text KEVIN SCHMIDT ART CHRIS HASTON/bravo
Madison Hildebrand
Moving
Million Dollar
Homes
“Did you watch the end of last season when we were going at it with my mouth wired shut?” Madison asks. Well, that’s a conversation starter. And even if I hadn’t, I’m surely Youtubing it before I finish writing this paragraph. Madison Hildebrand is a guy who’s been through it all – as you might have guessed. He’s among the small circle of Bravo’s “OGs,” an original cast member on the original series, Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles. His niche is Malibu, a comfortable spot to get, well, comfortable with, and he leads the way for selling a lifestyle. His brand, “The Malibu Life” encompasses everything that he does, from homes to properties, television appearances to a magazine of his own. We chatted with Madison loud and clear – his jaw long-healed by now – about this past season of the show, and what we can expect from him and his brand in the near future.
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Which castmates are you getting along with these days?
Josh Flagg and I are fine. If there were any bad energy, I would say it’s with Josh Altmann, as we’ve been fighting for years on TV. But last season, the British guys and I got into a real bad argument more than once, and my opinion of them has drastically changed. I’m afraid I have more drama with them than I do Josh Altmann now. I’m not a dramatic guy; I swear I don’t have these issues. Are you okay with the British twins now?
I love that you said they were twins, because they’re not but everyone thinks they are. And everyone also think they’re gay lovers. But they’re not even brothers – not even related – they just have the same accent. Did you watch last season when we were going at it with my mouth wired shut? Going forward, I don’t know if I like either one of them better than the other. Why is Malibu the best destination for real estate in the LA area?
LA is all about the weather and the lifestyle, that’s why so many people come here. So being able to be on the cusp of such a great city but still be in nature and having more privacy and space and fresh air, I think Malibu is that community where it still has a small town feel. We’re a few of the lucky that get to call the Pacific Ocean a property boundary line. And there are only two coasts here, so it’s great to be able to live on one of them.
because some of those things cost more money to put into a home. And it’s a blend of unique materials, great light, and definitely has a “wow” factor. What’s your home looking like these days?
I live in seclusion. It borders the state and federal parks in Malibu. It’s a single-story, indoor/outdoor home with a pool and more then 3,000 square feet of just patio and deck space. I’m surrounded by oak trees and the natural landscape and, of course, I have my own natural garden. I have a green thumb with plenty of space for my dogs. The home itself is a post and beam that I’ve remodeled completely with white French oak floors and just a lot of natural elements, something we call a ‘Malibu modern.’ What are a few home décor trends for 2017?
Natural woods. Rose color. White walls with a tint of rose, and then neutral palettes with a touch of color. I’m also seeing a lot of the old world brass and black contrast as the bold statement colors. Accessible luxury: Is it a thing, and how can one get that luxury look for less?
First of all, luxury is defined by the individual. And if you are looking to make your home more luxurious and you’re on a budget, I think that you can go a long way with having consistencies. That actually carries over to how I was young Tell me about your team and brand, The and trying to put together my brand and a successful, Malibu Life. luxurious image. It was about consistencies and the little things. In your home, if you want to take it a step up – and When I graduated college and got into real estate, I had a this sounds ridiculous but people do it and it makes the mentor and I studied a lot of the other agents, and I realized world of difference – is replacing all of your light switches that most realtors used their name to brand themselves. And and electrical socket plates to be matching, and spend the being at the ripe age of 26 and trying to build a brand in extra money to get the ones where you don’t see the screws. selling multi-million dollar real estate, I realized that my name Also, changing your AC or heat vents and spending the extra didn’t really carry much weight. But what I did know was how money to get a custom detailed one really elevates the look to sell the Malibu lifestyle. Real estate was something that I of the home dramatically. Also, the hardware: door handles was passionate about but wasn’t something that I necessarily and kitchen cabinet knobs. Of course making sure they are wanted to commit my life to. I’m an entrepreneur, so I matching; it looks consistent and sturdy. thought that by creating The Malibu Life, that I would not have to be present to represent my brand at all times. What’s one thing you should never You sell luxury. What does the modern luxury home look like?
Speaking from my experience in Malibu more than anywhere else, I would say that it is an efficient home. It has some modern technology and is eco-friendly in a lot of ways, 26
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settle on?
Location. But that is, of course, in terms of real estate. When it comes to your home, I definitely think that the flooring is something you should not skimp out on. If you’re going to do wood floors, do real wood floors and not the pergo or some
kind of laminate. That is really where you should spend your money. People don’t want carpet either; that’s the opposite of luxury. What does the love market look like for Madison?
Well, it’s all about my one boyfriend, so I guess there is no market. My love market is a relationship that I am very happy in. It’s going awesome. What’s the biggest obstacle you have overcome living together?
We are both sound sleepers, but I snore. So for him, it would be adjusting to that. Other than that, I think it should be easy if you’re going to move in with someone. Sharing closet space was difficult because I have so many clothes. But we wear the same size, so that’s kind of convenient. Anything else you’d like to add?
I think it’s awesome that a lot of people are wanting to get into this career, but the advice I would give – because I mentor a lot of people – is that I am a little concerned about people who watch the show and love to show houses and sell real estate that think that this job is easy and they can just go get their license and go out and make money. But the truth is that it is extremely difficult and you are literally running your own company from top to bottom: you’re secretary, running your own marketing, an expert negotiator, organized, time efficient and tech-savvy. There are so many elements, not just showing houses. And it takes money – you need to have enough money in the account to be able to support yourself for at least six months without making any money. It’s glamorous and fun, but it’s not what it looks like on TV. V
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op, Design, Build How UIC is Rejuvenating St. Louis
text TYLER BIERMAN ART DARIN SLYMAN & Douglis Beck
UIC has already made a huge splash in St. Louis with their out-ofthe-box way of blending architecture and design to create some of the most striking contemporary businesses and homes in the city. Some of their most eye-catching projects include the former City Hospital power plant downtown transformed into a climbing gym for Climb So Ill, the pair of upscale wine bars/restaurants Olio and Elaia, City Garden Montessori school, as well as many residential homes that have been popping up in the Botanical Heights and Grove areas. Founded by architects and partners Brent Crittenden and Sarah Gibson, UIC – which stands for Urban Improvement Company – is a develop-design-build company focused on the mission of improving the city of St. Louis. They are doing this by building unique, modern homes and businesses in areas of the city that have gone underdeveloped over time and turning them around, making them more appealing for visitors and consumers, and more walkable and enjoyable places for residents. While UIC continues to improve the St. Louis City area, they're also changing the game for their clients by providing an all-in-one service from real estate development through construction that makes the building process easier and more accessible than ever before. That theme matches the motto of their UIC Homes division: Modern Living Made Easy. To learn more, we reached out to three of UIC's satisfied customers to get the scoop on their experiences with UIC, why they love their UIC homes and why they believe in the UIC mission. First, there's Brad Fratello. He's an art professor at Meramec Community College and a yoga instructor. It turns out that Brad and his husband Doug are in the design process for their second UIC home. They sold their first to a man who made a blind offer about two years ago. “It wasn't even for sale,” Brad explains, “but when somebody offers all that you ever hoped the house would be worth when you retire, and they offer it to you 20 years early, you take the
money and run.” They plan to make their second home very much like the first, complete with a fireplace, vaulted ceilings and an open layout that leads seamlessly to the backyard, catering to their love of greenspace. Next, there’s Dana Widmer, who works as the feline manager at Five Acres Animal Shelter and has spent more than 20 years in pet rescue. Her home has a mixture of retro light fixtures, hickory wood floors, a big comfy chair and exposed industrial piping in the kitchen, all culminating in a style that she calls “farmhouse-industrial.” Her home is a cozy 1,000 square feet, which is perfect for her and her pets. Widmer also had UIC do a vaulted ceiling and large windows to really open up her small space. Finally, there’s John and Amanda McAllister. John is an architect and Associate Vice President with Cannon Design, and Amanda is an architectural designer with Trivers. They went with UIC because they were looking for a modern take on the historical elements of the city’s architecture. The 1,800-square-foot layout of the McAllister home has very efficiently stacked bedrooms to cut down on their carbon footprint, a large, open living/kitchen space and large rear windows that bring in tons of natural light. Besides just knowing what their homes are like now, the three sets of clients go on to explain the standout moments they had while working with UIC, and what about the home building process made them the happy homeowners they are today. For Dana, it was all about how flexible and easy to work with they were. "I always heard nightmarish stories about building a house and how hard it is, but UIC was the exact opposite,” she says. “One big thing was how accommodating they were with my lighting selection – I like putting unique lighting in my home. I didn't get my lighting from any of their usual choices, which I'm sure must have been a hassle for them. But even so, they let me pick out what I wanted from things I saw online – which they typically don't do – and they installed it all for me." For Brad, it is the endless amount of thevitalVOICE.com
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creative energy that they brought to every design meeting. “They bring refreshing ideas to the table every time you meet with them,” he explains. “We happily learned that when our budget constraints seemed tight, that is when UIC's creativity gets kicked into gear. Some of our favorite elements of our house were things that they were able to forge out of a limited budget.”
John echoes that sentiment by explaining his amazement in the city’s transition, and how it continues to evolve. “My current neighbor who has been there for over 30 years actually remembered there being a crack house on the lots where I built my house decades before I moved in. That kind of transformation is really incredible to see and be a part of.”
Another big factor that makes UIC stand out for its clients is the intimate, neighborly relationship they bring to the table. As John explains, “It's the relationships you gain with them. Working with UIC is like having your neighbor build your house. I actually live right down the street from their office, so reaching out to them is always easy, and they're always happy to come by and take care of anything that may come up.”
Such transformation can be seen all around St. Louis, from Botanical Heights and the Grove, to the Central West End and Shaw, to new developments in Tower Grove East and Creve Coeur. Soon they’ll be heading north to Hyde Park, where new clients and new styles will add to that historic neighborhood. What seems clear is that no matter where UIC builds, the results will be something unique and unexpected, just like their clients.
As for the impact that UIC has made in St. Louis, Brad goes on to explain that it's as simple as looking at the neighborhoods they have already developed, “Think about Botanical Grove. It was nothing five or six years ago before UIC started developing it. Literally, there was nothing there. Now, I know that our new place is going to be their first imprint in Tower Grove East and I know that they are excited to put their presence there. I think that everywhere they touch they make better.”
For more information on previous projects or to get the ball rolling on your own UIC home, you can visit their websites at ucistl.com or uichomes.com. For information on transforming your current home, visit refinebyuic.com. V
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Life guide
Christine Elbert Mortgages Made Clear
text KEVIN SCHMIDT ART darin slyman
Good people tend to do good things. Great people do what Christine Elbert does. That’s not a direct quote, but it sits sound with us. We call her the “Lesbian Jesus,” and in the least sacrilegious way possible – the woman genuinely has a good heart, the most patient spirit, and she genuinely loves this city. “One of my core beliefs is building community, and that expands to building neighborhoods, building our city, and houses being safe places – especially within our [LGBTQ] community, she says. “From working on BRIEFS [Theatre Festival] to the Pride Scholarship to the LGBT Youth Center, I do love and support our community. I don’t just skate around and show up every once in a while.” And she’s been a staple in the St. Louis LGBTQ community for quite some time now. 30 years ago, her car dealership, Elbert Buick-Pontiac-GMC, was one of the few corporate sponsors of Pride. “We would donate vans and pick people up at the airport when they flew in,” she laughs. These days, Christine spends most of her time with her clients, working as a mortgage-banking specialist for First Integrity Mortgage. “My official title is Senior Mortgage Banker. It just means I’m old and I’ve been doing it a long time.” Or you’re just really good at what you do? “I am that too. It’s a good thing I’m humble.” Christine has been in the residential lending industry for more than 12 years, which is described as four units or less. She does a number of different things around mortgages for residential purposes. For preapproved clients, she will sit down and talk about a budget and what they qualify for, compare how much the house payment is to how much house, their debt to income ratio, etc. Are you lost yet? “What I do with a lot of my clients is really go into the explanation aspect,” she says. “My industry is really good at using jargon – like so many industries – so half of my job is just being a translator. People get overwhelmed because they do not know what I am talking about, but they do know that it directly affects their chances of getting a home. I let them know what they need and what they need to provide, and why.” Helping guide along newcomers is one of the biggest rewards of Christine’s job. “I love first time homebuyers,” she says, “because it is the education aspect of it, and it’s also empowering people around their money, which is fantastic. So I try to turn it from, ‘Can I buy a house?,’ to ‘How much house can I afford and what does that look like?’”
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Christine's Cheat Sheet Fixed Rate Mortgage (FRM) A mortgage on which the interest rate and monthly mortgage payment remain unchanged throughout the term of the mortgage
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Also called variable-rate mortgage, is a mortgage loan with the interest rate on the note periodically adjusted based on an index which reflects the cost to the lender of borrowing on the credit markets. Ever hear someone say that they are pre-qualified for a loan? Or maybe pre-approved? What’s the difference, and what does it mean to you? “Getting pre-qualified is an opinion – it’s not actually confirmed,” she says. “What we do at First Integrity is the full, formal pre-approval. So when my clients go out to buy a house, we’ve pretty much covered every base that we possible can up front. The whole point is that, once my clients are pre-approved, I don’t want them worrying about the money anymore. I want them doing nothing but going out and paying attention to what the perfect home for them is going to be. The money stuff is already done, and they already understand it. And that’s a big piece for me.” And what do you need to do to be pre-approved? Talk to her a couple of months in advance, she says. “That way, we have a chance of doing an overall view of the credit picture, the finances, and you know well before you need the money how much money you would need to do what you want to do. If there are things that we can do to help tweak your chances in getting a better rate, improve you credit score, pay down your credit cards to 35 percent, I’ll work with you on that.” "I believe that investing in owning your own home is the biggest decision many people will make,” Elbert says. “When I purchased my first home, that house became my own safe space, and owning a home becomes a part of that.” She understands the need for a place of sanctuary, where you can feel at home in your own home. V
Amortization The repayment of principal from scheduled mortgage payments that exceed the interest due. The scheduled payment less the interest equals amortization.
Loan-to-Value ratio (LTV) The loan amount divided by the lesser of the selling price or the appraised value.
Equity The difference between the value of the home and the balance of outstanding mortgage loans.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A mortgage set up as a line of credit against which a borrower can draw up to a maximum amount, as opposed to a fixed amount.
Housing Price Index (HPI) A measure of the prices at which dwellings are bought and sold over time. Indices can encompass different areas, for example a city, state, region or country.
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St. Louis American
Now Open! Free admission
PRESENTED BY
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Forest Park (314) 746-4599 mohistory.org
ENTERTAINMENT
Craft Alliance Center of Art+ Design's Annual Gala text KEVIN SCHMIDT art KEVIN SCHMIDT
It’s that time of year to get crafty. Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design’s annual Makers Ball celebrates the imagination, skill and dedication of makers, highlighting the beauty of handmade objects and the powerful stories they contain. The ball on Friday, April 21 raises crucial support for their mission to empower people to experience the craft of our time by exhibiting artists’ work, educating all levels of students, and offering free classes and family programs. “It encapsulates what we do here,” Boo McLoughlin, Craft Alliance Executive Director, says.” We are a community of makers who are working and have perfected their craft, and then young makers, such as school students, who are being exposed to this for the first time. The Makers Ball is a celebration of craft and of the makers who are involved in the craft, and it also gives us the means to bring people into our community and give people the opportunity to come in to our studios as young artists or as young students who have never been exposed before.” We’re all artists in a way, some more obvious than others. But there is no requirement to be a part of Craft Alliance, and there’s no portfolio needed to attend the Makers Ball. “So many people tell themselves that they are not artists, but it’s not a question of whether you are or aren’t,” Boo continues. “You have to come, engage and give yourself the time to really explore. We have lots of ways to do that, whether it’s coming and taking a class while having a glass of wine or a beer on a Friday night, or coming to a workshop over the weekend. Or you could sign up for a four or six week class and really try your hand at it. Another way to get involved is to become a member with all of our programming. When you become a member, you know about all of our openings, about talks and lectures. And you can also support through contributions, which makes their commitment to the community possible.” “There’s such amazing evidence coming out now that, when it comes to people who make with their hands, it does something for you intellectually and emotionally,” Jackie Chambers, Director of
Development and Communications at Craft Alliance, explains. “It keeps your mind nimble. It’s so rewarding emotionally that people are starting to find that, more than listening to music or watching a dancer, making something with your hands and having that participatory experience, touching the materials, it’s good for the soul and it’s good for your brain.” The Makers Ball supports Craft Alliance’s community outreach efforts, including Artists-in-Residence, which nurtures emerging craft professionals, and Crafting-A-Future, which provided mentoring and training for teens interested in creative careers. It also supports a need-based Scholarship Fund the Alliance offers, free and low cost family programs, and services in schools that help students access the academic, social and creative benefits of arts learning. “It makes it possible for people who would otherwise not get to experience something like that,” Boo explains. “We do have tuitionbased classes, but this event is a critical means for us to raise money for our programs. “A lot of times, people will say, ‘Oh, a non-profit is having a party, what does that have to do with their mission?’” Jackie continues. “It’s a fundraiser and it’s lovely, but what we try to do with the Makers Ball is directly linking up to our mission. The fun and the joy that you get there by seeing and experiencing the artists – seeing the arts and taking it home with you – is the joy that people experience here in the studios.” The Makers Ball is set for Friday, April 21, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. at The Caramel Room on 1600 North Broadway. Patron tickets are $500, and individual tickets are $250, which includes the Crafted Confections Party. The Crafted Confections party is a sweet afterhours party from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. that features pairings of Bissinger’s chocolates and handcrafted spirits, a silent auction, raffles, artist demos and fun surprises. For more information on the Makers Ball, visit craftalliance.org. V thevitalVOICE.com
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text KEVIN SCHMIDT ART Mark Moore
It’s been a year since we last chatted with Ted Wight, and he’s still as bubbly as ever. You may remember “Teddy,” St. Louis’s guru for discovering and selling architecturally interesting homes in St. Louis, from our profile last year. Or you may know him because, simply, he is not to be missed. He is active on the St. Louis social scene, and can be spotted jaunting around town selling the most beautiful spaces this city has to offer. Moreover, his digital presence has been killing it these days, be it his social media video posts that exude approachability in the most clever way, or his blog posts highlighting interesting news and facts on the homes he represents. And while he may be the brains of the entire operation, it does take a village. In his case, Claudia Brodzinski and Blake Anderson, who translate Ted from a human to a brand, one digital step at a time. Nonetheless, all roads lead back to him because, naturally, he keeps the “Ted” in Ted Wight. His blogs are where you’ll see the bulk of who he is and what he has to offer. St. Louis Style is his main blog, and then he has micro sites like Clayton, Ladue, etc. “We’d like to do a University City and Central West End blog too, because you 38
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create these things and then you need to feed the monster – it’s a chore to have that balance and update,” Ted says. “But you go to a lot of realtors’ blogs and you see that the last time they posted was last September. The rule is posting once or twice a day, that way people incorporate reading the blog as part of their daily routine.” “And people don’t want to just look at listings,” Blake Anderson, a digital marketing strategist for Ted, says. “New developments, social events, gardening tips too.” It’s these additions of more compelling and relatable content that garners a wider base for Ted’s audience. Not everyone is in the market for a new home, and not everyone can afford what’s in his portfolio.
ENTERTAINMENT
The whole idea is to create a wonderful magazine about St. Louis,” Ted says. “I’ll fold in my own listing with that too. We offer tips on how to build a home, tips for millennials, and just articles that we see that are interesting. And we’ll find interesting architecture stories from around the world and here that we like and share.” Whether it’s his own listing or his competitor’s, Ted is a fan of amazing homes that promote the diversity and exclusivity of the St. Louis architectural scene. In talking to him, Ted doesn’t realize how funny he actually is. He’s charming, pleasant and inherently puts a smile on your face. He’s a type that is excited about everything he does – there isn’t a down moment in the 24 hours of Ted’s day. He lives for what he does, and it shows in the facets of media that he puts out. “I find that a lot of people come to me and say that they are looking for homes in St. Louis, they look at my blog and my Instagram, and they feel that I am in sync with who they are,” he explains. “Through my model, people say, ‘He’s not just a West County agent, he’s selling architecture and an esthetic that is interesting. He’s high-tech, he’s savvy, and he’s in touch with what the city has to offer.’ So suddenly, I’m a person.” “With videos, a lot of the time we just share what Ted is doing,” Claudia Brodzinski, a digital marketing strategist for Ted, says. “If he’s out at an art gallery opening or tries out a new restaurant, he takes pictures or a video and then puts it right up.” Have you seen his videos? He posts them to his site when it pertains to a listing or when he’s out on the town, and he’ll utilize social media when he wants to expose something that interests him. Think “Where In The World Is Matt Lauer?” – just on a local level and much more fabulous. He’s a celebrity in his own right – the man is just funny. From body language to voice tone, hand gestures to a big smile, he sells himself, and we’re returning for more. “People really do want to work with me because, well, it’s just Ted Wight,” he says. “It’s keeping that personal attention. But our sales have gone up dramatically; last year our sales increased 45 percent.” And we can see why. V
For more information on Team Teddy, visit stlouisstyleblog.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
PEARL VODKA, THAT UPPITY THEATRE & Vital VOICE present:
BRIEFS:
THE FINAL ACT
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Art mark moore Place .ZACK PERFORMING ARTS INCUBATOR
The festival of short LGBT plays moved to a new location at the .ZACK Performing Arts Incubator this year, bringing to a close a solid six year run of the annual theatre festival. This year's Briefs featured seven new, original plays and one returning play, "When Oprah Says Goodbye," brought back by popular demand to an audience that packed the space for four solid performances.Â
ENTERTAINMENT
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Dish & Drink
Building Bar Cart A perfect
TEXT AUDREY SCHERER ART AUDREY SCHERER
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Bringing the bar home with you is easy if it means everyoneis already wasted and they’ll probably do shots of whatever you have, scarf a few Bagel Bites, and hopefully snag an Uber home before they pass out altogether. But these aren’t your over-served bar days anymore. You’ve got a couch from West Elm, a fine set of glassware you won in Secret Santa, and an apartment with a view. You’re looking for a social situation that’s a bit more refined, and your guests have a fine palette, whether they’re sober or sipping. Organizing the perfect bar cart is key to sophisticated entertaining, whether it’s a dinner party, game night, pre-club warm-up or a nightcap. Here’s what we’ve put together as tips to include to organize your perfect bar cart. V
Hardware
Alcohol
Glassware
Decor
- Cocktail shaker - Ice bucket & tongs - Bottle opener & corkscrew - Jigger for perfectly measured cocktails
- Champagne - Wine - Highball - Rocks
Mixers
- Club soda, tonic, ginger ale, soft drinks - Fruit juices: Orange, cranberry, pineapple, tomato - Ice
Flavoring
- Bitters - Simple syrup - Sugar cubes
Garnishes
- Lemons, limes, oranges - Maraschino cherries - Olives
Accompaniments - Drink stirrers - Coasters - Cocktail napkins
-Vodka, Whiskey, Gin, Bourbon, Scotch are good as essentials -Beer, wine, and sparkling wine are nice to have as “light” options
- Serving tray: a tray can reduce clutter and give the illusion of organization - Themed artwork - Something living: House plant, fresh cut flowers, or herbs. (Herbs can double as garnishes, especially basil or mint)
Extras
- Bowls for fruit garnishes - Bar books, recipe books, themed literature - Candles - Cute matchbooks - Something quirky that speaks to your personality
Five Final Tips
1. Stock your home bar with liquor that is used in recipes that are crowd pleasers and that you are familiar with. Tailor you selection to your personal tastes. 2. Keep clutter to a minimum 3. Display barware for serving 2-4 guests. Additional glasses and supplies can be stored away. 4. Display 3-5 bottles at one time. If your selection is larger, change them out seasonally. 5. Keep some Perrier, San Pellegrino, or La Croix on hand for friends that are alcohol-free.
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April 2017
are a girl's best friend
Bring your partner to the ballpark for some pitching, catching and people watching at beautiful Busch Stadium. After the game, check out the action in Soulard, the Grove and the CWE. And raise a glass to the ‘Lou -- the city that The Advocate called “…the LGBT beacon of the Midwest.” Check out our impressive packages at explorestlouis.com/LGBT