Few possessions are more important than your house. Much more than just a structure of walls and windows, it’s where you relax, host get-togethers, raise your family and spend time with those you love. It’s an extension of your personality and an embodiment of your lifestyle.
Doug Cohen of Douglas Properties, a luxury home developer, says the company began creating uniquely beautiful living spaces in 1986, and he enjoys working with individuals and families through all stages of their lives. “We can serve clients from their days as young renters to the time when they are empty nesters and everything in between,” says Cohen, who owns the business with his wife, Esther. She uses her interior design experience to help people personalize and customize their rooms. Currently, new Douglas homes are going up in neighborhoods like Olivette, Creve Coeur and University City, and the company also handles luxury multifamily properties and major interior renovation projects.
According to Cohen, a consistent, time-tested reputation is one of the reasons the business has continued to grow. “My family has lived in St. Louis for three generations, so we understand the area and its real estate needs well,” he notes. “That definitely gives us an edge. Because we’ve been building here so long, clients and municipalities alike know they can trust us to produce high-quality properties.”
Cohen says his company thoroughly grasps the evolving dynamics of local neighborhoods, which means clients receive a high level of value for their money. “For example, decades ago, areas like Olivette didn’t always attract the best homebuilders,” he explains. “Now, however, new home stock is being built by quality companies. It’s a target-rich environment for people seeking beautiful properties. Because we understand the region, we can counsel clients that a home they might build for $1.8 million in Clayton probably would cost about $1.3 million in Creve Coeur and $1.1 million in Olivette for the same size and similar features.”
According to Cohen, many of the company’s clients have children, so they want to work with a developer who understands proximity to good school districts, major employers and other important considerations. “Being a family business means we have a good idea of families’ needs,” he says. “It’s no coincidence that many of my closest friends are people whose homes we have built.”
Cohen adds that the company is highly skilled at keeping multiple projects flourishing without missing a beat. “I wear a lot of hats and am present for all of our clients,” he says. “Everyone receives the same level of service whether their home costs $700,000 or $4 million. Our motto is, ‘When you are ready to live well, call Douglas Properties.’ Whatever clients’ luxury home needs are, we have many different ways to make them happy.”
Douglas Properties provides luxury residential building and remodeling services. Pictured on the cover: Owners Esther and Doug Cohen; Douglas homes at 50 Morwood Lane, 9644 Old Bonhomme Road and 32 Forsythia Lane. For more information, call 314.725.9911 or visit douglasproperties.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured at top: Owners Doug and Esther Cohen
Photo: Bill Barrett
