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3000-06 St. Joseph Avenue
the Elfred Drug Store
Asking Price: $20,000 or Best Offer

The southern portion of this asymmetrical, two-story, wooden frame commercial structure was built in 1898 by a local druggist named Frank S. Elfred. In 1912 Mr. Elfred expanded the business by building an addition to the north of the original structure. Perhaps its most notable historic use was to house the Gardner Drug Store. The structure sports a low hipped roof and a unique angular floor-plan. The exterior is clad in wood clapboard siding and the windows are 1/1 with wood frames and large plate glass store fronts with boarded up transoms. Some of the other windows have been boarded up as well. Internally, the building still has the original drug store cabinets and post office front of the original structure. The antique price value of these items could approach or exceed the value of the property itself.

This structure could be a wonderful restoration project. The property includes lots 21–25 in block 2 of Walker’s First Addition and lots 21–23 are a large paved parking area with a private drive way with access from a paved alley in the rear of the structure. The upper floor is a three bedroom apartment with a large bathroom, living room and kitchen. The property is zoned R-3, Garden Apartment Residential District. The owner has the original abstracts which will be available to the purchaser upon transfer. If you are interested in purchasing this structure, or have any questions regarding its condition please contact the owner Peter Cagg at (816) 752-2517 or e-mail him at cagg_peter@yahoo.com.

The Elfred Drug Store will require an extensive restoration. According to City records the following items require attention:

1. Sections of the roof, soffits, facia and guttering need to be repaired or replaced, and
2. Exterior siding has deteriorated and needs repair and painting.
3. Porches need restored/rebuilt.

Please check with City permit clerks to see if a permit is needed before starting any restoration (816)271-4645.

The commercial/residential structure at 3000-06 St. Joseph Avenue meets Sec.7-351 Dangerous Building criteria and is currently listed as a dangerous building by the City of St. Joseph. Anyone interested in purchasing this structure would be required to meet with the City’s Property Maintenance Staff to establish a repair schedule. The perspective owner must obtain an affidavit confirming they are aware of the structures dangerous building status from the current owner and sign and notarize the document in order to comply with the 2000 IPMC - Sec. 107.5 Transfer of Ownership.