Opportunity is knocking in Dogtown, St. Louis, Missouri. Located at 6704 Clayton Ave, this distinctive historic property offers investors a chance to restore a substantial building while potentially expanding their rental portfolio.
Listed at $300,000, the property dates to 1878 and contains approximately 4,080 square feet of space. Described as a four-family building, it offers an intriguing combination of historic character, income potential and renovation possibilities.
The property is being sold AS-IS, and the price reflects its current condition. For the right buyer, however, that condition could represent an opportunity rather than a drawback.
A Four-Family Building in Dogtown
Multi-family properties in established St. Louis neighborhoods can offer an attractive path toward investment ownership, and this building has an especially interesting setup.
The property is configured as a four-family building, giving an investor the possibility of creating multiple rental units within one historic structure. The existing owner’s unit is reportedly completely livable, creating an unusual opportunity for an owner-occupant to move in while working on the remaining portions of the building.
That arrangement could be particularly appealing to an investor who wants to live on-site during a renovation rather than immediately take on the cost of housing elsewhere.
Prospective buyers should independently verify the current unit configuration, zoning, rental requirements and income potential before purchasing.
Built in 1878 and Full of History
One of the most compelling aspects of this property is its age. Built in 1878, the building has been part of St. Louis history for nearly 150 years.
Older multi-family buildings often contain architectural details and construction features that are rarely found in modern properties. Rather than replacing that character, a thoughtful rehabilitation could give the building another chapter while preserving elements that make it distinctive.
For historic-home enthusiasts and investors alike, the property’s age adds another layer of interest to the renovation project.
Don’t Miss the Unusual Basement
Perhaps the most fascinating feature is hidden below the main living spaces.
The basement reportedly features a very unusual historic design that historians say created a cold, cellar-like environment suitable for storing food and fruit.
Before modern refrigeration became commonplace, cool underground spaces were an important part of everyday household life. Basements and cellars could provide relatively stable, cool conditions for preserving food through the seasons.
The basement at 6704 Clayton Ave appears to reflect that earlier way of life, making it one of the property’s most memorable historic features.
Be sure to look closely at the listing photographs of the basement. Its unusual construction offers a fascinating glimpse into how older St. Louis properties were designed and used.
A Two-Car Garage Adds Extra Value
The property also includes a two-car garage, adding valuable parking and storage space.
For a multi-family property, dedicated parking can be an important practical feature. The garage may also provide additional utility for residents or potential storage needs, subject to its condition and applicable regulations.
Combined with the building’s substantial square footage, the garage gives the property another useful feature for an investor considering its long-term potential.
A Live-In Renovation Opportunity
One of the most interesting possibilities is the chance for the new owner to occupy the current owner’s unit while renovating the rest of the building.
Because that unit is described as completely livable, an owner could potentially move in and take a gradual approach to the rehabilitation project.
Instead of renovating everything at once, the owner could work through the property over time, focusing on individual units and building systems according to their budget and plans.
This type of setup may appeal to investors who are comfortable taking on a substantial project and want the flexibility of living in the property during the transformation.
Sold AS-IS With Plenty of Work Ahead
There is no hiding the fact that this is a project.
The property is being sold in its current AS-IS condition, and buyers should expect that rehabilitation will be required. A thorough inspection and careful evaluation of the building’s structure, electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing and other major systems will be essential.
At the same time, the AS-IS condition is precisely what creates the opportunity. Buyers who can recognize the potential beneath the existing condition may be able to transform the building into a distinctive multi-family property.
Historic rehabilitation can require patience, planning and investment, but the result can be something far more interesting than a typical modern apartment building.
A Winter Project for an Investor
The listing describes the property as an ideal winter project for an investor looking to expand their portfolio.
For someone searching for a substantial renovation project in St. Louis, the combination of four-family potential, a livable unit, historic construction, basement character and a two-car garage makes this property particularly intriguing.
Rather than starting with an empty shell, the buyer is purchasing a building with a long history and an existing residential configuration.
The challenge will be bringing the property back to a condition that works for modern residents while respecting its historic character.
Restore This St. Louis Gem
Properties like this do not come along every day.
Behind the work that needs to be done is a 1878 building with nearly 4,100 square feet, four-family potential and a fascinating historic basement. The property has already survived generations of change in St. Louis, and now another owner has the opportunity to determine what its next chapter will look like.
For an investor with vision, patience and the resources to complete a substantial rehabilitation, 6704 Clayton Ave could be a remarkable project.
The goal isn’t simply to renovate an old building. It’s to restore a piece of St. Louis history and give it a useful future for generations to come.
Property Details
Address: 6704 Clayton Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63139
Price: $300,000
Year Built: 1878
Property Type: Four-family building
Reported Bedrooms: 3
Reported Bathrooms: 2
Building Size: 4,080 sq. ft.
Garage: Two-car
Condition: Sold AS-IS
The property is being marketed as an opportunity for investors and buyers willing to take on a major rehabilitation. The current owner’s unit is reportedly livable, while the remainder of the building offers substantial renovation potential.
Important: Buyers should verify all property details, zoning, unit counts, rental regulations, dimensions, condition and financial projections independently before making an offer.

Please check more at Zillow:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6704-Clayton-Ave-Saint-Louis-MO-63139/3009022_zpid/