Bank-owned properties are, well, a dime a dozen.
That's certainly not the case for 899 Front Av. in St. Paul, on the market for $325,000.
The former warehouse has been converted to be more like a regular house, except it kept its industrial feel. Garage doors grace the upstairs living room. And if you go downstairs, there's a heated garage big enough to fit 10 cars.
The ultimate man cave? Perhaps. For sure, it's a bang-up workspace for someone who's into collecting cars -- or just needs to stretch out in a colossal indoor workout room.
The two-story, concrete-block structure was built in 1971. It was used for a time, according to neighbors, as a warehouse/distribution center by a fireplace company. During the past decade, part of it was converted into a living space that includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The listing agent, Jesse Olson of Coldwell Banker Burnet, said that the building has been renovated top-to-bottom and has a kitchen with turquoise metal cabinets that resemble those from a science laboratory.
Property records say the bank-owned house is assessed at about $250,000 and that it last sold in 2003 for $297,000.
JIM BUCHTA
