SkyscraperPage Forum

SkyscraperPage Forum (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/index.php)
-   City Compilations (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=87)
-   -   ST. LOUIS & CLAYTON | Project Rundown (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76120)

Suburban Lou May 15, 2005 6:10 AM

ST. LOUIS & CLAYTON | Project Rundown
 
List of projects going on within the City of St. Louis

New Busch Stadium

website
Ballpark Construction
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb...03/1202/02.jpg
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb...03/1202/13.jpg
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb...03/1202/14.jpg
http://scottspage.freewebpage.org/images/DSC05669.JPG
http://scottspage.freewebpage.org/images/DSC05678.JPG

Bottle District
website

The Bottle District features:

Construction will begin on Phase I September 27 2005 and the redevelopment project will continue over the next several years. Scheduled for completion in phases, the Bottle District will include approximately 250,000 square feet of entertainment retail. Daytime attractions will offer fun, food and shopping for the whole family. At night, the district will transform into a unique evening experience with restaurants, shops, clubs and live entertainment. Ample secure parking will be provided and up to 150,000 square feet of historic buildings will be redeveloped into loft residential and office space with retail located at the street level. In addition, 300-500 new condominium units with spectacular 360-degree views are planned, providing downtown St Louis’ first newly constructed high-rise homes

http://www.pbase.com/stlouis_314/image/49153623.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/stlouis_314/image/49153624.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/stlouis_314/image/49153627.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/stlouis_314/image/49153625.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/stlouis_314/image/49154192.jpg


To see the full plan go to: The Ghazi Company

Pinnacle Casino Hotel and Spa Map it
25 stories 200 hotel rooms
http://www.ksdk.com/assetpool/images...%20CASINO1.jpg
http://www.ksdk.com/assetpool/images...E%20CASINO.jpg

Kiel Opera House 1400 Market
website

Total investment for the Kiel project is over $100-million dollars and includes renovation of four theaters (total 5,000 seats), new seating, sound systems, and other external projects around the venue.
http://www.pbase.com/stlouis_314/image/36062736.jpg

Powell Square building 223 Cedar
Before
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...5Image0089.jpg
After
http://images7.fotki.com/v158/photos...lSquare-vi.jpg
http://images7.fotki.com/v157/photos...Square2-vi.jpg
http://images7.fotki.com/v158/photos...Square3-vi.jpg

Park East Tower 4919 Laclede
Website
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...5Image0067.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/citylover/image/42265630/large.jpg

4545 Lindell 4545 Lindell
4545Living.com
http://www.pbase.com/citylover/image/42265631.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/citylover/image/42265632.jpg

Compton Gate Condos 2201 South Grand
Compton Gate condos
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/images/r...tongate002.jpg
This is going to fill up a really big hole
http://www.pbase.com/citylover/image/42265633/large.jpg

Lofts at the Highlands 1031 W Highlands Plaza
Lofts at the Highlands

Webcam
http://www.pbase.com/stlouis_314/image/26379412.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/stlouis_314/image/26379685.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/citylover/image/42265634.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/citylover/image/42265636.jpg

Marquette Building 300 North Broadway
Website
82 condos
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9Image0160.jpg

Majestic Stove Lofts 2004 Delmar Blvd
Website
120 units
http://stlcin.missouri.org/images/de...ic Stove 2.jpg

Adler Frame Lofts 2035 Washington Ave
Website
32 units
http://www.pbase.com/jivecity/image/25995753.jpg
http://www.stephenschenkenberg.com/p...adlersign1.jpg
http://www.stephenschenkenberg.com/p...adlersign2.jpg

Bankers Lofts 901 Washington ave
Website
68 units
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4Image0015.jpg

The Paul Brown 818 Olive st
Website
222 units
http://www.paulbrownlofts.com/images/PBB-night.jpg-
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4Image0111.jpg

Syndicate Trust Building 915 Olive
91 condominiums
84 apartment
http://builtstlouis.net/images/syndicate.jpg

Moon Brothers Carriage Lofts 1706 Delmar
43 units
http://www.pbase.com/citylover/image/42996089.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/citylover/image/42996090.jpg

Motor Parts building 2201 Washington
80 units
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...toparts000.jpg
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...toparts001.jpg

Pet Building 400 S 4th
118 apartments
http://www.michael.leland.name/images/stl006.jpg

Westgate Lofts 2323 Locust
website
48 units
http://www.westgatelofts.com/images/pic_elevation.jpg

Packard Lofts 2201 Locust
45 units
http://images2.fotki.com/v21/photos/...3230012-vi.jpg

Arts and Crafts Building1635 Washington
96 units
http://builtstlouis.net/washington/i...35-overall.jpg

Soulard Market Apartments 1535 S 8th
132 units
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...mktapt002a.jpg
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...dmktapt001.jpg
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...dmktapt003.jpg

Lafayette Walk Mississippi At Chouteau
website
37 townhomes
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/images/r...issippi001.jpg

Bottle District Residential Towers
Twin 15 story buildings will house 100 units each.
http://www.thebottledistrict.com/ima...s-Eye-View.gif

Dorsa Lofts 1007 Washington
http://builtstlouis.net/washington/i...07-overall.jpg

Curlee Building 1001 Washington
http://builtstlouis.net/washington/i...01-overall.jpg


Bee Hat Apartments 1021 Washington
36 units
http://images2.fotki.com/v22/photos/...4200036-vi.jpg

Ely Walker Lofts 1520 Washington
180 condos
http://builtstlouis.net/washington/i...15-overall.jpg

Cheerful House 1127 Washington
100 units
http://builtstlouis.net/washington/i...5-overall2.jpg

AD Brown Building 1136 Washington
website
100 units
http://www.friedmangroup.com/adbrownsale1.jpg

The Annex Lofts
1511 Locust
website
77 units
http://theannexlofts.com/images/ext.jpg

North Market Place 1401 North Market
37 new homes
http://stlouis.missouri.org/oldnorth...mphousepic.jpg

Vail Place Townhomes and Condos Park at 18th
website
Five Townhomes and three condos
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/images/r...ilplace001.jpg
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/images/r...ilplace002.jpg

Southside National Bank3611 S. Grand
13 condominiums
http://builtstlouis.net/images/ssnb-full.jpg

1710 Carroll Street Condominiums 1710 Carroll
24 condos
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...Carroll001.jpg
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...Carroll002.jpg

Grant School Apartments3009 Pennsylvania
8 townhomes 22 apartments
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...009Penn002.jpg
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/photos/u...009Penn003.jpg

Eden Lofts 1712 Chouteau
website
40 condos
http://pbase.com/image/26091966.jpg

The Georgian (Old City Hospital) 1515 Lafayette
website
102 condos
http://www.thegeorgiancondominiums.com/Ext800.jpg

Fleurs-de-Lis at Benton Park 3109 South Jefferson
30 condominium units
http://stlouis.missouri.org/bentonpa...um-Project.jpg







dnast May 15, 2005 2:44 PM

Re: St. Louis Project Rundown
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Citylover

:haha: I got a good laugh out of that.

Anyway, STL has a LOT of nice, smaller projects that, as a whole, are going to make a big difference in the city. Impressive.

Suburban Lou May 15, 2005 2:54 PM

fixed;)

chrizow May 15, 2005 3:15 PM

nice projects! what's up with the Lofts at the Highlands? it looks suburban. i hate it when developers play up "urban living!" then put a moat of asphalt around the project. there are a couple in KC like that, and probably every other city too.

"abortion kills babies?" is that part of a loft development? ;)

very impressive list though. st. louis is coming back in a big way.

Dr Nevergold May 15, 2005 4:31 PM

Lots of good going on in the Lou'.

JivecitySTL May 15, 2005 6:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrizow
nice projects! what's up with the Lofts at the Highlands? it looks suburban. i hate it when developers play up "urban living!" then put a moat of asphalt around the project. there are a couple in KC like that, and probably every other city too.

"abortion kills babies?" is that part of a loft development? ;)

very impressive list though. st. louis is coming back in a big way.

That bugs me so much. There is another sign on the other side of the building that reads: "Keep your laws off my body" It's a strange place to see these signs, but they have been up forever.

I also am not a fan of the Highlands development. Who would want to live in an office park.

matguy7070 May 15, 2005 10:04 PM

The amount of projects that have been completed in just the last year is unreal... and today the projects are too numerous to list here.

Here are some
Your may add to that list:

Pinnacle Casino and Four Seasons Hotel and Condo Tower, Laclede's Landing Downtown

http://www.pbase.com/image/31944539.jpg

St. Louis University Biomedical Research Lab-Midtown

http://www.slu.edu/pr/images/research_bldg_200.jpg

BioMed 21 Lab, Washington University-Central West End

http://www.pbase.com/image/37432964.jpg
http://www.hok.com/Projects/Selected...es/full1_6.jpg
http://www.urbanstlouis.com/images/r...jc2ndtower.jpg

Cortex (The Center of Research, Technology, and Entrepreneurial Expertise) Building One-Central West End

http://www.pbase.com/image/42006137.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/image/42006225.jpg

Downtown West Marriott Residence Inn

http://www.stlcity.com/photo/ezboard/residenceinna.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...5Image0073.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...5Image0080.jpg

Farrell Learning and Teaching Center, Washington University School of Medicine- Central West End

http://outlook.wustl.edu/fall2003/im...eature/ltc.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...5Image0042.jpg

Hampton Inn and Suites Central West End @ The Highlands

http://www.litma.org/Graphics%5CHamptonInn.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...5Image0041.jpg

SLU Arena in Midtown

http://www.slu.edu/pr/images/arena_sign_slide.jpg
http://www.slu.edu/pr/images/exterior.jpg

CornerStone Gas Light Square Condos-Midtown West

http://www.cornerstone-stl.com/image...ight_large.jpg

4011 DELMAR CONDOS-Central West End

http://www.pbase.com/image/42004765.jpg

Robert's Wyndam MayFair Hotel Tower, Downtown

http://www.pbase.com/image/31837183.jpg


Not sure what this project is (in the Central West End):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...5Image0051.jpg

The Arcade Building, Downtown
Loft, Apts and Condos

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4Image0121.jpg
http://www.builtstlouis.net/opos/arcade-upangle.jpg

The Old Post Office District, Downtown

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4Image0106.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4Image0116.jpg
http://www.stlcommercemagazine.com/a...brief_pic1.jpg

Annex Lofts - Washington Avenue, Downtown

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4Image0073.jpg

Dorsa Lofts - Washington Avenue, Downtown

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4Image0023.jpg

The Alexander Lofts - CBD Downtown
www.alexanderlofts.com

http://www.alexanderlofts.com/images/Banner.JPG
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9Image0221.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9Image0223.jpg

The Bankers Lofts, Downtown

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9Image0190.jpg





Others Throughout the CITY & METRO;

St. Louis City

-Park East (26-stories), Opus Northwest
-Four Seasons Hotel (25-stories), downtown STL, Pinnacle Entertainment
-Pinnacle Condominiums (22-stories), downtown STL, Pinnacle Entertainment
-Roberts Mayfair (addition) (19-stories), downtown STL, Roberts Properties
-Forest Park condominiums (15-stories), Central West End, Cornerstone Properties
-The Bottle District condos #1 (14-15-stories), Downtown St. Louis
-The Bottle District condos #2 (14-15-stories), Downtown St. Louis
-Opera House condominiums (12-stories, est.*), downtown STL, Breckenridge
-Euclid & West Pine (12 & 5 stories), Central West End, Mill Properties
-4545 Lindell (10-stories), Central West End, Conrad Properties
-SLU Biomedical Research Lab (10-stories), Midtown STL
-Washington University Medical Center Southwest Tower (10-stories), CWE
-Washington University BioMed 21 Lab (10-stories), Central West End
-Residence Inn by Marriott (8-stories), Midtown STL
-Grand Center mixed-use (8-stories)

Clayton

-Plaza North I (18-stories), THF Realty
-Plaza North II (18-stories), THF Realty
-Maryland Walk (17-stories), Conrad Properties
-Enterprise Rent-a-Car (10-stories), Enterprise
-The Crescent (9-stories), Manlin-Mehlman Development

Richmond Heights

-Draper & Kramer Condo Tower (15-stories),
-Boulevard Saint Louis I (10-stories), Pace Properties
-Boulevard Saint Louis II (10-stories), Pace Properties
-Westin Saint Louis Galleria (10 to 12 stories), Mullenix Cos.
-Draper & Kramer (Chicago) Condo Tower (9-stories)
-Draper & Kramer (Chicago) Condos (2 7-story buildings)
-Draper & Kramer (Chicago) Condos (2 6-story buildings)

Other 'Burbs

-Meridian at Brentwood (14-stories), Brentwood, DCM Management
-Harrah's Hotel (12-stories), Maryland Heights, Harrah's Casinos (COMPLETE)
-Embassy Suites Convention Center (12-stories), St. Charles, John Q. Hammonds
-Drury Plaza (10-stories), Chesterfield, Drury Development
-CityPlace VI (10-stories), Creve Coeur, Koman Properties
-CityPlace (9-stories), Creve Coeur, Koman Properties

courtland May 16, 2005 1:59 AM

I went to the Top of the Riverfront (Millennium Hotel) on Saturday. This restaurant revolves 360 degrees, providing spectacular, panoramic views of Downtown. You can really see the renovations and improvements that are happening downtown. A really unique experience. Check it out the next time you are in STL.



NearNorth May 16, 2005 3:14 AM

It makes me very excited to see so many quality developments going on in St. Louis.

A couple of questions:

1) Is the Highlands development the one off Highway 40 near the Science Center? I believe I saw that going up last time I was there (late January). The location struck me as a very poor place to put up "loft style living" because it seemed very isolated from anything resembling an urban environment.

2) What is the latest on the SLU arena? I inquired when I was back in January (I am a SLU grad) and I was told that there was a snag in the financing and that they still have not broken ground on this. When the plans were announced, I got a mailing from the school (asking for money) with the dog and pony show about the arena. It looked awesome inside and out. Exactly what is needed in SLU and in midtown. SLU is the key to revitalizing midtown...I would assume the city and the school could work together to make sure whatever needs to get done gets done. So WTF is the holdup, and is this project in danger of not getting off the ground?

Arch City May 16, 2005 9:58 PM

Thanks for posting the pictures of the Moon Brothers Carriage Lofts. Now I know what they look like.

matguy7070 May 16, 2005 11:49 PM

Quote:

1) Is the Highlands development the one off Highway 40 near the Science Center? I believe I saw that going up last time I was there (late January). The location struck me as a very poor place to put up "loft style living" because it seemed very isolated from anything resembling an urban environment.
YES, it is. The Highlands consist of three Loft Buildings a new Hampton Hotel and one office building. All buildings are 5-8 stories total each. Strange area - but if you live in STL - traffic and commute wise this is a great place to live on the south cusp of Forest Park and The Central West End. Easy Metro Bus and link to METRO Trains/station at Forest Park.

Quote:

2) What is the latest on the SLU arena? I inquired when I was back in January (I am a SLU grad) and I was told that there was a snag in the financing and that they still have not broken ground on this. When the plans were announced, I got a mailing from the school (asking for money) with the dog and pony show about the arena. It looked awesome inside and out. Exactly what is needed in SLU and in midtown. SLU is the key to revitalizing midtown...I would assume the city and the school could work together to make sure whatever needs to get done gets done. So WTF is the holdup, and is this project in danger of not getting off the ground?
Not a snag in "financing" as much as TIF money from the city. The project is happening, just taking some "political" manuevering - ya know what I mean???!!!

ComandanteCero May 17, 2005 2:42 AM

thanks a ton Citylover! It's always nice to step back and see an overview of all the development activity happening, I can't help but think that St. Louis City will have a different vibe (for the better) in 5 years once these projects are up and running.

I agree it's a shame about the Highland's design, but that project has been in the development tubes for a couple of years (thus the complete cluelessness in urban design). The location itself is pretty good, the site plan is a different story. I can't help but wonder what could have been if the old arena had been saved for some other purpose (that's what this site used to house).
http://hockey.ballparks.com/NHL/St.L...s/oldfront.jpg

anywho.

I have a question, for all the stuff happening on Wash U's Medical Campus, are they tearing buildings down for the new development? If so any pics of what's being torn down? (some of the buildings i could care less about, but others look really nice, even as part of the Wash U Med Borg).

DeBaliviere May 17, 2005 1:52 PM

Quote:


Quote by chrizow
nice projects! what's up with the Lofts at the Highlands? it looks suburban. i hate it when developers play up "urban living!" then put a moat of asphalt around the project. there are a couple in KC like that, and probably every other city too.

"abortion kills babies?" is that part of a loft development?

very impressive list though. st. louis is coming back in a big way.



That bugs me so much. There is another sign on the other side of the building that reads: "Keep your laws off my body" It's a strange place to see these signs, but they have been up forever.
The anti-abortion sign sits in a church parking lot - free advertising for their cause.

DeBaliviere May 17, 2005 2:00 PM

Quote:

2) What is the latest on the SLU arena? I inquired when I was back in January (I am a SLU grad) and I was told that there was a snag in the financing and that they still have not broken ground on this. When the plans were announced, I got a mailing from the school (asking for money) with the dog and pony show about the arena. It looked awesome inside and out. Exactly what is needed in SLU and in midtown. SLU is the key to revitalizing midtown...I would assume the city and the school could work together to make sure whatever needs to get done gets done. So WTF is the holdup, and is this project in danger of not getting off the ground?
Fellow Billiken,

The university is still raising funds - once they hit a certain target amount (I think it's $30-$35 million) they will start construction. I believe that they are about halfway to reaching that figure, but things seem to be heating up.

They have been making progress lately - an anonymous donor has stepped up with a matching gift of up to $2 million (and possibly more), and the university has been selling bricks that from what I've head have been bringing in approx. $100k a week. Once they get the naming rights sold, I think we'll really see some progress.

This thing will happen, it's just a matter of when, not if. The university's first priority has been the new research building on the med campus, with the arena as a secondary concern.

GatewayPizza May 17, 2005 6:28 PM

Kiel Opera House
 
Any idea when the Kiel Opera House will re-open or what the status is on this project? I have seen no visual improvements from the exterior.

DeBaliviere May 18, 2005 4:38 PM

Larry Rice's bid to acquire the adjacent building for a homeless shelter has been shot down, so I would guess that we'll start to see work being done soon.

Unless Rice appeals...

Suburban Lou Jun 1, 2005 5:56 AM

New downtown lofts stay 'true'
By Tavia Evans
Of the Post-Dispatch
05/31/2005

http://images.stltoday.com/stltoday/.../loft01big.jpg
Building at 1635 Washington Ave.

Developer Andy Hillin says "true loft spaces" - spacious floor plans, high ceilings and open ductwork - are in the works for his newest property, 1635 Washington Avenue.

Hillin bought the building Tuesday from developer David Jump, who owns a handful of properties along the street. Hillin declined to say how much he paid.

At 1635 Washington, 96 residential condominiums are planned; units will range from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet. Upgrades will offer buyers the option of creating an office or an extra bedroom from parts of a larger living space.

"It's a slightly different approach, as the cost of buildings and acquisitions goes up," said Vince Ebersoldt, project architect for Rosemann & Associates, which will design the units.

"It allows the buyer to really personalize it, so if people want a true loft or want to have several bedrooms, they can have it," he said. "Developers are saying, 'Let's leave the upgrades up to the owner and let them buy it,' to keep base costs down."

Paric Construction will build the units. U.S. Bank will provide financing for the $25 million development, including a $14.5 million construction loan and a bridge loan until the project is approved for state historic tax credits. Hillin said he has applied for $4.2 million in state historic tax credits as well as tax increment financing from the city.

Built in 1918, the building once housed Central Shoe Co.

Units will list from $150,000 for one bedroom to $225,000 for larger, corner condos. Most units will include balconies; a rooftop pool and clubhouse will be added. The building also will have 99 parking spaces in the basement, ground floor and mezzanine levels.

"This new building complements other projects (Hillin is) doing on the street, and he's been on the forefront of getting stuff done on Washington Avenue," said Walker Gaffney, assistant vice president at U.S. Bank Community Development Corp.

Hillin partnered with developer John Carroll and McGowan Brothers Development to renovate the Rudman Building, 1228 Washington. He also completed the Garment Row Lofts, 1312 Washington, and is working on the Window Lofts, 1601 Washington.

Farther west beyond the loft district, Hillin is partnering with McGowan & Walsh LLC to turn the former Guth Lighting complex of five buildings into 60 rental apartments.

Apartments will vary from 800 to 1,200 square feet. Inside, a full-size gym is planned.

Hillin's firm, Jacob Development, and McGowan & Walsh co-own the property. For now, the building is being called the George E. Walsh Building, named for the father of Nat Walsh, a partner in the firm.

Financing for the renovation, projected at $20 million, has yet to be worked out, Hillin said.

The apartments will be aimed toward young professionals and students, because of the proximity to St. Louis University.

"We're pushing the area with one of the first projects on the other side of Jefferson (Avenue), and it lays out perfect for rental units," he said. "It's farther west and not in the core of loft development. I think we can create a community for the old Guth buildings."

Reporter Tavia Evans
E-mail: tevans@post-dispatch.com
Phone: 314-340-8159

Suburban Lou Aug 7, 2005 6:23 AM

The Fleurs-de-Lis at Benton Park project at 3109 South Jefferson has been Completely changed.

New Rendering.
http://stlouis.missouri.org/bentonpa...um-Project.jpg

randella Aug 7, 2005 1:23 PM

love the design of the new baseball stadium... especially how they respect the city grid and make it feel really solid. beats victory field in indianapolis handsdown!

2taall Aug 7, 2005 3:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeBaliviere
The anti-abortion sign sits in a church parking lot - free advertising for their cause.

SO?

JivecitySTL Aug 7, 2005 5:11 PM

^It's such a tasteless sign, 2taall. They didn't put something positive like "Respect Life" or something like that. Instead they had to put an obnoxious "Abortion Kills Babies" sign where everyone passing by can see it. I hate those anti-abortion fanatics.

Xing Aug 7, 2005 6:42 PM

Let's get back to the focus of the thread.

ComandanteCero Aug 7, 2005 7:47 PM

one thing i don't like about the Fleurs-de-Lis project is the sizable surface lot they have adjacent. It's a great project other than that.

Suburban Lou Aug 7, 2005 8:34 PM

According to the Mayor Slay blog there will be underground parking.

ComandanteCero Aug 8, 2005 1:57 AM

well, i don't doubt the residential portion is getting underground parking, but it looks like the commercial portion required that surface parking..... in the picture, adjacent to the southwest......

STLgasm Aug 8, 2005 12:50 PM

MOst of the new infill developments suck. Why are we still stuck on building historic replicas? They just end up looking cheap. It's time for some contemporary designs. We could take a few lessons from Cleveland.

Cincinnatis Aug 8, 2005 3:07 PM

Quote:

Why are we still stuck on building historic replicas? They just end up looking cheap.
I completely agree Stlgasm. This is how I feel personally for Busch Stadium. Sure, Riverfront Stadium and Busch Stadium were cookie cutter designs, but Busch Stadium is one of the few that is still standing with this design, plus, it has a lot of history. As a baseball fan, I am a little bothered with the idea of "trying" to make it look old. This only makes it look cheap, in my opinion.

http://www.missouri.gov/mo/mophotos/..._012005_lg.jpg
http://www.cincy.com/photos/images/n...adium_1989.jpg

Xing Aug 8, 2005 8:47 PM

Yeah, I agree Gasm , but to balance out the bad with the good... How about that Park East Tower? 4 possible high rises for the Central West End? It gives me goosebumps.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...5Image0067.jpg

STLtrent Aug 10, 2005 12:58 AM

Don't forget the New Mississppi River Bridge and the new Grand Ave Bridge.

DeBaliviere Aug 10, 2005 3:00 PM

Quote:


Quote by DeBaliviere
The anti-abortion sign sits in a church parking lot - free advertising for their cause.


SO?
A little snippy, eh? Someone asked why there is an anti-abortion sign next to a loft development, and I explained why.

Fire&Ice79 Aug 10, 2005 7:15 PM

Unfortunately, I do not have any renderings, but a main development for the new Busch Stadium area is the Ballpark Village. There is vague information available at the Cardinals website under the 'New Ballpark" section (http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NAS...=.jsp&c_id=stl), but does anyone know if anything significant has happened since the developer was named? The rumors/plans that I have heard/read include a 3 phase program that will begin with office space and residential units (apts and condos) with first floor retail/restaurant. Subsequent phases have not been described, but a main feature that is continually thrown around is the idea of an aquarium. Too bad they couldn't utilize the old Arena for that end, as was proposed, and keep those hideous Highland condos from being built.

Also, the remaining three Cupples Station warehouses were recently purchased and should be set for renovation within 6-12 months from now. Not to mention the "under construction" Cupples Station (#6?) at 11th and Clark.

And in my opinion, one of the best things the city has invested their money in is a repainting of all of the elevated sections of I-64/Hwy 40. While I would not have picked the brown color they are now, it is a hell of a lot better than the rusted '60s green that it has been for so long.

In response to many, I feel that the new Busch stadium is very dramatic now that the first phase is nearing exterior completion and certainly does not look cheap. Maybe contrived, but not cheap. Even though it attempts to be retro (quite the rage in new stadium design), it fits in very well with the urban fabric, espcially the aforementioned Cupples Station warehouses. With that said, I do agree that it is time for some transitional architecture to emerge. There are many opportunities for that to happen, especially with Libeskind designing the new Bottleworks condos. New, crisp somewhat modern designs might help accentuate and also set apart the derth of soon to be developed historic buildings in the cities downtown and now midtown areas. Of course, too modern and the suburbanites will avoid the city even more and have something new to bitch about with regards to downtown STL.

Oh, and I love the Park East Tower...wish I could afford to live in that one...although it is nearing 80% sold. You should check out the views that they give for some of the higher floors...they are quite impressive. www.parkeasttower.com (in case it hasn't been listed before)

Xing Aug 10, 2005 11:57 PM

I'm telling you, A Sea World Aquarium would make sense, being that Busch owns Sea World Theme Parks.

Suburban Lou Aug 11, 2005 12:10 AM

I know Cordish wants to build between 500 and 1,000 residential units for Ballpark Village.

Suburban Lou Aug 17, 2005 5:11 AM

Interior renderings For The Park East Tower
http://www.parkeasttower.com/img/ren...tlindell/e.jpg
Link

Dr Nevergold Aug 17, 2005 5:22 AM

yow, lots going on in STL. nice

Suburban Lou Aug 17, 2005 7:39 PM

Aldermen, developers request TIF for three new East Loop projects
By Tim Woodcock
Posted Wednesday, August 17, 2005

E-mail this page Printer-friendly page

Lyda Krewson is heading up an effort to establish a multi-million dollar tax increment financing district for the eastern portion of the Delmar Loop. Krewson, 28th Ward Alderman, said the funding is necessary for three major projects that will help revive the area.

Part of the proposed TIF district is also in Frank Williamson’s 26th Ward.

The projects that would fall under the proposed TIF plan include a 120-room hotel, a small shopping center that may include restaurants and new-build condos.

Neal Shapiro, owner of The Original Cast Lighting at 6120 Delmar Blvd., bought the vacant buildings directly across the street from his business about 18 months ago. The buildings were last used by Yellow Cab Company. He plans to demolish them and replace them with a 33,600-square-foot retail center that he wants to fill with small and medium-sized businesses.

He and his son, Josh, working under the name Metroscapes, have been working on plans since the land changed hands and they now have architectural drawings showing a brick two-story building with metalwork archways and balconies on the second floor. The Lawrence Group drew up the plans, and it would be a $7 million project, Neal Shapiro said. The project would eliminate an “eyesore” and complete that block of Delmar, he said.

It would be a “very historical looking building” that will be compatible with the neighborhood, said Josh Shapiro, project manager.

Pace Properties has been hired to scout for tenants. The company is looking for several smaller tenants rather than one big one, Josh Shapiro said. There would be 65 parking spots available behind the building, he said.

Bundling the three projects together makes sense because the projects will feed off each other, Joe Edwards said. Edwards said he is particularly keen on the Shapiros’ proposed retail center. “I’m really excited by that even though it’s not my project,” he said.
“The area could use some more diverse restaurants,” Shapiro said, citing Mexican and Italian as obvious omissions in the mix of the cuisines offered in the Loop.

Joe Edwards, who owns a number of properties along Delmar east of Skinker Boulevard and whose Pageant music venue opened in 2000 and was the first major investment in the area in decades, has said he feels the area is saturated with restaurants and doesn’t need any more for the moment.

The building would also have second-floor offices that the company is hoping will be filled up by “creative types.” The Shapiros have developed space further east of Delmar and one of those offices was taken by a web development firm. “These people are very interested in this area,” Neal Shapiro said.

“If we get the TIF, then it’s a project,” Josh Shapiro said.

Krewson said she is having preliminary meetings with the city’s TIF Commission, which has the power to approve a plan — specifically dollar amounts and other terms — and then forward it to the Board of Aldermen to sign off on. A formal presentation could be made to the TIF Commission as early as Aug. 24. For the moment, Krewson said, she doesn’t want to talk exact dollar amounts.

TIFs are sometimes described as tax-linked loans. A portion of taxes generated by a new development — in this case three separate developments — is put into a special fund used to pay back TIF bonds issued at the start of the project. TIF bonds can only be used for infrastructure improvements and they typically cover 10 to 20 percent of a project’s total cost. Technically TIFs are loans rather than direct subsidies but they do reduce the amount of tax revenue going toward the city’s general fund and its school district.

Although what is proposed is a district TIF like the one in place in Grand Center, this one will have a “very different structure,” Krewson said.

That project has been hobbled by a lawsuit claiming that, as a religious institution, St. Louis University should not receive public funds, and in making this claim the lawsuit has halted other developments in the district unrelated to the university. Initially the idea of a TIF district was sold as being one that would create synergy between various elements and allow a greater flexibility in terms of the order in which sites are developed.

Krewson said she has studied different options for TIFs in great detail and feels that a structure that links the projects together is the best choice.

Edwards said he is hoping the TIF will allow him to put in a hotel at 6177 Delmar Blvd., the site of Ronald Jones’ funeral home.

“It is difficult to get financing for a hotel to start with,” but the TIF will help bridge that gap, he said. It would be a $15 million project — “that’s the closest estimate at this moment,” Edwards said — but many components still need to fall into place and that figure may go up or down.

Edwards said it would be a “sleek-looking” 10-story hotel designed by Kiku Obata & Co., the company responsible for the look of The Pageant and Regional Arts Commission’s new offices. In both look and function it would comple-ment The Pageant and Pin-Up Bowl, properties he owns on either side, Edwards said.

The historic funeral home building would not be torn down but built around, with additions above and behind the funeral home, Edwards said. Plans have not progressed much beyond the conceptual stage, he said.

Edwards said he has always thought the Loop needed a boutique hotel — “something unique to the Loop” — and he had a hotel in mind when he first bought the property. Edwards said he was open minded about other uses, but after investigation it became clear that it would be “almost impossible to adapt it for something else,” he said.

Those most likely to stay at the hotel and be particularly attracted by its location would be people coming from out of town for a concert at The Pageant and visitors to Washington University, he said.

Like the Shapiros, he said, “Without the TIF, it would not be possible.”
Bundling the three projects together makes sense because the projects will feed off each other, he said. Edwards said he is particularly keen on the Shapiros’ proposed retail center. “I’m really excited by that even though it’s not my project,” he said.

Two blocks farther east, at 5819 Delmar Blvd., Saaman Development is proposing building a 36-unit condo on land it owns. Currently the north side of that block houses a car wash and a vacant strip mall, just west of Saaman’s site. Along this section of Delmar much of the south side of the street is taken up by buildings owned by transit agency Metro.

The condos would be aimed at young professionals rather than empty nesters, said Mark Rubin, president of the company. Prices for the units in this project have not been calculated, but at Westgate and Vernon avenues in University City, another marginal area that has improved recently, the company is preparing to break ground; those units will sell for between $199,000 and $250,000.

Although not an established market as far as condos are concerned, areas immediately to the north have seen significant investment recently, and it is the kind of area that should be next in line for a renaissance after the Loop and the Central West End, Rubin said.

This project is further behind the other two and a tentative groundbreaking date would be late 2006, Rubin said.

The company could build without a TIF subsidy, but it would mean cheaper products and having to sell each unit at a higher price, he said. The district TIF makes sense because it allows the area to be developed “holistically rather than piece by piece,” he said.

There would be a small amount of streetscape improvements as part of the project, mainly lighting and landscaping in front of the new building, he said.

No total dollar amount for the project is available yet, he said.

Source

STLgasm Aug 17, 2005 7:57 PM

Why build a "historical looking building" rather than a cool, modern looking building? Delmar has tons of historical looking buildings, but very few contemporary ones. The mentality that "urban = old" is 10 years behind the times. Joe Edwards gets it, I'm not sure that the Shapiros do. Although I do applaud their investments in the district. Honestly, though, the Loop needs more restaurants like a hole in the head. How about a good convenience store!

Expat Aug 17, 2005 8:10 PM

I am really excited about the condos east of the station and looking forward to seeing that area move forward. I am glad they are building on the old cab location, but I can understand what you mean about "historical". Yet, I am glad they are investing in the neighborhood.

courtland Aug 17, 2005 9:26 PM

it's about linkage. continue building eastward and soon you will connect with the CWE, along with a trolley system, I can't wait to see the loop...say within 5 to 7 years!

Suburban Lou Aug 19, 2005 5:12 AM

Condos are key to revival of South Side Bank building
By Charlene Prost
Of the Post-Dispatch
08/18/2005

http://images.stltoday.com/stltoday/.../real19big.jpg
Front side of the South Side National Bank facing Gravois

The limestone, Art Deco landmark also could feature ground-level stores and a restaurant in the two-story banking hall.

After surviving a demolition threat and years of controversy about its fate, the South Side National Bank building is making a comeback. But don't expect to find bank tellers and deposit slips there anymore.

What's coming inside the limestone, Art Deco building are 13 condominiums in the slender seven-story tower. And in the two-level base beneath: ground-floor retail stores, and perhaps a restaurant in the ornate, two-story banking hall on the second floor.

Developer Arjomand Kalayeh and the Lawrence Group plan to spend about $8 million to revive the landmark, built in 1928. But they're not stopping there.

Stephen Smith, president at Lawrence Group, said his firm and Kalayeh recently acquired an empty, deteriorated three-story building across the street with a rare, interior shopping arcade. They also have a contract to buy vacant land just west of the former bank.

Smith said they'll put apartments above retail in the arcade building and decide later what to do with the land.

"This will reinforce what we are doing at South Side Bank," Smith said. "We want to upgrade the whole environment at that intersection (of South Grand Boulevard and Gravois Avenue), and doing one building alone won't do it."

The fate of the bank building, a longtime anchor for the neighborhood, became uncertain six years ago when South Side officials announced a deal to replace it with a Walgreens drug store and build a smaller, more modern bank.

Preservationists and neighborhood leaders rallied to save the building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "one of St. Louis' best examples" of Art Deco architecture.

In 2001, South Side merged with the former Allegiant Bancorp, and Allegiant inherited the building. Allegiant - now merged into National City Corp. - later donated it to the Grand Oak Hill Community Corp.

After at least one other revival plan failed, the neighborhood group handed it over to the current owners after they paid off about $60,000 in back taxes.

Smith said construction will begin later this year, and the project should be finished by the end of next year.

The plan is to put two condos on each floor, except the top floor, which will have a penthouse. Prices will range from about $150,000 to $200,000 for 1,100-square-foot units. There's no price yet for the penthouse.

Views from the tower, much of it rented by the bank as office space over the years, will be one of the condo features.

"The building is on a high point, so from the upper floors you can see downtown, the Arch, office buildings in Clayton and, on a clear day, you can see the (Jefferson Barracks) Bridge," Smith said.

The most ornate area in the building is the banking hall, which still has the original teller windows, light fixtures, mezzanine level and a coffered ceiling with decorative plasterwork and beams 25 feet above the stone floor.

It's also on the second floor of the building, with stairs leading to it, an arrangement that might seem unusual today. But not when the building was designed, said Alderman Jennifer Florida, D-Ward 15, who worked for years to help save it.

"It was designed with steep steps to get to the lobby to discourage bank robbers," she said.

David Dwars, project architect at the Lawrence Group, said nearly all the original architectural and banking features in the hall remain and will be preserved, including a round, steel-and-brass bank vault door.

"If it becomes a restaurant, as we hope," he said, "we would create seating up against the teller windows and probably use the bank vault as a wine cellar."

Dwars said lobby areas on the first floor also will be restored. Drop ceilings were installed there, hiding original decorative plaster ceilings, and vinyl flooring covers parts of the original stone floor.

"We'll take out the drop ceilings and restore the plasterwork ... and we hope to be able to pull up the vinyl and restore the floor," Dwars said.

Smith said financing for the project will include a loan from Missouri State Bank, $1.4 million in city tax increment financing, and state and federal historic tax credits.

One reason for taking the project on, he said, is to try to expand on other redevelopment activity along South Grand Boulevard.

"At the bank building, you are only a mile (south) of Tower Grove Park, and eight blocks or so from the South Grand neighborhood," Smith said.


Reporter Charlene Prost
E-mail: cprost@post-dispatch.com
Phone: 314-340-8140

MattnSTL Aug 19, 2005 5:47 AM

New Park East pics can be found here.

Suburban Lou Aug 23, 2005 1:52 PM

By Martin Van Der Werf
Of the Post-Dispatch
08/23/2005

Spurred by the sales success of the high-rise Park East Tower, now coming out of the ground on Euclid Avenue in the Central West End, developer Opus Corp. is going ahead with plans for a second high-rise condo complex about three blocks to the north.

The building would be at the northeast corner of Euclid and Lindell Boulevard, where the now-vacant former local headquarters of the American Heart Association stands. Opus, a Minneapolis-based company, is asking the city for $9.5 million in tax-increment financing toward the $92.6 million project.

"We have a concept, we think it will come together financially," said John Pitcher, the director of real estate development for Opus Development Northwest LLC. "It's a go so far, until we hit a roadblock."

The company is still drawing up plans, but the building likely will be 26 stories, the same height as Park East. But it would have 200 units, more than twice as many as Park East's 89. Translated, that means smaller units at lower prices. The target range for most units: $275,000 to $450,000. Retail space would face Euclid. Opus is going ahead with plans for second high-rise

If the project gets the city's nod, Pitcher says a marketing office would likely open in February. For construction to begin, about half of the units would have to be sold.

And Opus may not be done. It would like to add one or two new projects in the Central West End, Pitcher says. At Park East, fewer than 20 units remain.

Suburban Lou Aug 30, 2005 3:25 AM

Pinnacle increases investment in St. Louis-area casinos
By Jim Salter
Associated Press
08/29/2005

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. plans to substantially increase its investment in two casinos planned for St. Louis and St. Louis County, the company said Monday.

The Missouri Gaming Commission in September approved plans for Pinnacle casinos along the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis and in Lemay in south St. Louis County. At the time, Pinnacle said it planned to spend at least $208 million on the downtown casino and $300 million on the one in Lemay.

Now, the Las Vegas-based company plans to spend about $400 million downtown and $375 million in the county.

The downtown casino will be on 18 acres in the Laclede's Landing area north of the Gateway Arch. Pinnacle's plans for the casino, scheduled to open in 2007, include 2,000 slot machines, about 40 table games and 200 luxury hotel rooms.

The additional commitment includes $45 million to purchase and refurbish the Embasssy Suites hotel. An additional $15 million is being spent to acquire more land around the casino site.

Pinnacle also has agreed to spend $50 million on residential development in the city, perhaps in the form of a condominium tower at Laclede's Landing. Pinnacle will pay a fine if it does not build the project within five years of opening the downtown casino.

"This level of investment makes Pinnacle a major force in the renewal of downtown St. Louis, and it will further strengthen our market position," said Daniel Lee, Pinnacle's chairman and chief executive officer.

"After examining the growth of the market and the status of the competition, we've decided to build a facility that is significant in both scope and quality. We intend to lead the currently underserved downtown gaming and entertainment market and today's announcement reflects that commitment."

The only other gambling boat in the city of St. Louis is the President, also at Laclede's Landing, which has struggled financially. Other St. Louis-area casinos include Harrah's Maryland Heights in northwest St. Louis County, Ameristar St. Charles in St. Charles, and two casinos on the Illinois side of the Mississippi -- the Casino Queen in East St. Louis and the Argosy Alton Belle in Alton.

In Lemay, Pinnacle plans to open a casino in late 2007 on a former industrial site. The company will build a four-lane road and a bridge over railroad tracks to the site, and create a county park on 24 acres of the 80-acre site.

The complex is expected to feature a 90,000-square-foot casino, 100-room hotel, retail space, movie theater and bowling alley. Lee said the company expects the Lemay casino to become a travel destination for the region.

"We have great confidence in the St. Louis County market," Lee said.

Pinnacle also operates casinos in Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana and Argentina, and receives lease income from two card club casinos in Los Angeles. The company opened casinos in Lake Charles, La., in May, and in Neuquen, Argentina, in July.

------

On the Net:

http://www.pinnacle-entertainment-inc.com

Suburban Lou Sep 5, 2005 4:27 AM

Curtain's up: Breckenridge signs Kiel deal
From the September 2, 2005 print edition
Christopher Tritto


Developer Don Breckenridge got the green light to move forward on his $45 million redevelopment of Kiel Opera House and an adjacent garage.

The go-ahead appears to indicate a local buyer is in the wings for the St. Louis Blues.

Mark Sauer, president of the Savvis Center and the Blues, agreed to lease the Kiel Opera House to Breckenridge and assured Breckenridge that he could proceed with his planned parking garage next door, Breckenridge said.

The Kiel Opera House, which includes a 3,500-seat main auditorium and four adjoining smaller theaters, was closed in 1991 when construction of Savvis Center began. Breckenridge's renovations will include constructing a sound-proof wall between Kiel and the Savvis Center and expanding loading docks.

Breckenridge has been trying for three years to redevelop Kiel as a venue for Broadway shows. The Savvis Center and the Opera House are physically connected, and Savvis Center holds the long-term lease on the building.

Sauer's move indicates team and building owners Bill and Nancy Laurie are confident they will find a new owner who will keep the Blues in St. Louis.

When the Lauries put the Blues and Savvis Center up for sale June 17, parking became an issue for Breckenridge, who plans to convert the former L. Douglas Abrams Federal Building at 15th and Market streets into an 800-space garage to serve Kiel.

"There's no need for two parking garages," he said. "It depended on whether the team would stay and use their garage or not. If it would, we'd build another parking garage (in the Abrams building). (The Lauries and Sauer) certainly have to know where they are going for them to give us the go-ahead."

Sauer and the Blues declined to comment for this story.

Breckenridge said several local parties remain interested in buying the Blues. The Business Journal reported Aug. 19 that local groups being assembled by Michael Shanahan Sr. and his son Michael Shanahan Jr., Shaun Hayes, Tony Sansone Jr., and Tony Novelly and his son P.A. Novelly II have emerged as potential buyers of the Blues.

Michael Shanahan Sr., chairman emeritus of Engineered Support Systems Inc., helped build the St. Louis Blues franchise in the 1990s until he was forced out by Civic Progress leaders. His son, Shanahan Jr., owns the Huntleigh/McGehee Inc. insurance agency and an area minor league hockey team, the Missouri River Otters. That team plays in the St. Charles Family Arena. When the Lauries announced they were selling the Blues, Shanahan Jr. was among the first to express an interest in buying the club.

Hayes is regional president of National City Bank. Tony Novelly is chairman of Apex Oil Co., while his son is an executive with Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Sansone is a principal in his family's commercial real estate firm, The Sansone Group.

Breckenridge also said Los Angeles-based AEG remains interested in buying the long-term lease on the arena. AEG owns and operates entertainment venues and sports teams around the country but would be prohibited from buying the Blues, because the company already owns the Los Angeles Kings hockey team.

Boston-based Game Plan LLC is managing the sale on behalf of the Lauries. Bob Caporale, Game Plan's chairman, said AEG is one of a few venue owner-operators that have expressed interest in the Savvis Center.

"We don't comment on any deals that are in negotiations," said AEG spokesman Michael Roth. "I can't even give you a gauge of our interest. But we own and operate venues as part of our core business."

Breckenridge said his architects were scheduled to arrive from Washington, D.C., and visit the building Sept. 1 to complete final measurements of the space and designate the formal division between Savvis Center and Kiel. "Once we do that, we can execute our leases with Central Parking and Clear Channel."

San Antonio, Texas-based Clear Channel Communications Inc. agreed in 2003 to sign a 20-year lease for an undisclosed amount to manage Kiel and bring Broadway shows and other cultural events to the historic building. Central Parking Corp., based in Nashville, Tenn., signed a letter of intent in 2003 to lease Breckenridge's planned parking garage for more than $1 million over 10 years, Breckenridge said.

ctritto@bizjournals.com

Suburban Lou Sep 6, 2005 6:40 PM

It's hats off to developer of Washington Avenue site
By Charlene Prost
Of the Post-Dispatch
09/05/2005
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/bus...4/STG23874.gif

It's been five years since the Bee Hat Co. closed up shop in its distinctive, seven-story building on Washington Avenue - the one with the stone-faced, bosomy, terra cotta women around the top.

But as things turned out, the company that sold and distributed hats there starting in the 1930s left something behind. The building was brimming with thousands and thousands of hats.

"When we bought the building, there were still 150,000 hats in there, perfectly maintained, many in boxes that were never opened," said developer Sam Glasser. "We were giving them away."

Now developer Matt Burghoff, who bought the building from Glasser and plans to revive it with apartments above retail, is dealing with the remaining inventory.

"The top floor is still basically full of hats," Burghoff said. "The bulk appear to be men's hats ... and all varieties, from baseball hats and straw hats to cowboy hats and fedoras.

"We've been trying to think of creative uses for them, and talking with charities," he said.

Regardless of what happens to the hats, Burghoff intends to start construction this month on the $11.5 million renovation project. The cost includes $2.3 million he paid for the ornate brick and terra cotta building, designed by noted architect Isaac Taylor and built in the late 1890s.

Montgomery Bank and Great Southern Bank are financing the project. Burghoff, managing partner of Mambo Development LLC and owner of an appraisal company, also is using city tax increment financing, state and federal historic tax credits and state brownfields tax credits.

What's coming, within a year, are 36 one- and two-bedroom apartments on the second through seventh floors. An Irish bistro owned by restaurateur Eddie Neill, a women's clothing store and another retail space will open on the first floor.

Above the first floor, on the building's exterior, Burghoff plans to turn 11 ornamental terra cotta lions' heads into a feature passersby won't miss.

"They were part of the building's gutter system," he said. "The gutters would drain into the lions' heads, and water would go out through the lions' mouths when it rained. We're going to replace the water with the steam system in the building and hook the steam up to a clock or timer, so that every half-hour or whatever, the lions' heads will 'roar,' shooting steam out of their mouths."

Apartments there, designed by Rosemann & Associates P.C., will range from 900 square feet to 1,350 square feet and rent from nearly $1,000 to $1,400 or so a month.

Gary Rogowski, Rosemann's project architect, said the floors were "completely wide open" and ideal for creative layouts.

The apartments will have restored wood beam and plank ceilings, wood or concrete interior support columns in some living areas and big windows.

One challenge, Rogowski said, was a windowless wall on the east side, where the building abuts one next door. The solution, he said, was reserving the east side for elevators, stairs, laundry rooms and "all the stuff that doesn't need windows, and focusing the apartments to face west and south."

Parking will be built into the basement; Burghoff owns a lot a block away if more is needed.

Burghoff's previous renovation projects include converting the Kirkwood Cinema building and a utility substation in downtown St. Louis for offices.

He said he envisions Bee Hat as "a boutique apartment building, small in scale with nice amenities." And he expects it to attract a mix, from young professionals to empty nesters.
"Not everybody wants to own in the loft district yet," he said. "Renting is a good way to test a living environment and see if you like it."

Neill, an ownership partner at Cafe Provencal in Kirkwood, said what attracted him to Bee Hat was the building, its location downtown and the 18-foot-tall hat display area where he plans to open his Irish bistro early next year.

He said he'll keep the wood floor and wood panels on the walls, although he'll change the color of the panels. "They're blond now, because they were installed in the'20s," he said, "but we'll warm the wood up with brown and red hues."

Neill said his menu will feature organically and locally grown meats, poultry and produce. He also plans an oyster and mussel bar and is lining up Celtic bands and other entertainment and activities.

"The market is there with all the condos and lofts going on," he said. "And the neat thing is that buildings (like Bee Hat) are being saved."

Reporter Charlene Prost
E-mail: cprost@post-dispatch.com
Phone: 314-340-8140

Xing Sep 6, 2005 10:36 PM

So, when are they going to put a cinema downtown? Don't you think a theater showcasing art and mainstream films is appropriate? The nearest indie theater to Illinois is in the Central West End.

Suburban Lou Sep 7, 2005 5:18 AM

Don't they show indie movies in that theater in Downtown Belleville?

Xing Sep 7, 2005 10:25 PM

No, they show mainstream films.^

Suburban Lou Sep 8, 2005 3:02 AM

Storm-tossed Pinnacle starts casino
BY ERIC HEISLER
Of the Post-Dispatch
09/06/2005

http://www.ksdk.com/assetpool/images...%20CASINO1.jpg
http://www.ksdk.com/assetpool/images...E%20CASINO.jpg

Its Mississippi casino was massively damaged last week, but Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. still will break ground today on a $400 million casino complex in downtown St. Louis.

Today's ceremony comes after Pinnacle's Casino Magic Biloxi was battered badly enough by Hurricane Katrina that it might not be salvageable, the company said Tuesday. Its New Orleans casino was banged up, too.

But company officials said construction will begin as planned on the Laclede's Landing complex and, in October, on a second casino, in south St. Louis County.

"In terms of our company, life does go on," said Dan Lee, chairman and chief executive of Las Vegas-based Pinnacle. "It will be somewhat of a subdued ceremony because of what's happened, but we are moving ahead."

McCarthy Building Cos. of Ladue will be the general contractor for the downtown project, Pinnacle announced Tuesday.

Along with a casino featuring 2,000 slot machines, the complex will include a new hotel and spa. It's expected to open in 2007.

Pinnacle also said it has closed on the $38 million acquisition of the Embassy Suites Hotel from FelCor Lodging Trust. The Embassy Suites will be connected to the downtown casino by a pedestrian walkway.

While Katrina likely damaged Pinnacle's properties to the tune of more than $100 million, the company still is in a good position to make major investments in St. Louis, analysts said. That's because the company is insured for up to $400 million on the New Orleans and Biloxi, Miss., complexes, company officials said.

"While those properties won't be generating cash, they're protected with insurance," said Andrew S. Zarnett, an analyst with Deutsche Bank Securities. At most, "there could be a short-term delay based on the clarity of the insurance and the clarity of the redevelopment in the Gulf Coast."

Last year, the Missouri Gaming Commission chose Pinnacle to build both St. Louis area casinos. The two will raise the number of casinos in the region to seven.

Besides its Gulf Coast properties, the company operates casinos in Indiana, Nevada and Argentina.

Last week, the Biloxi casino was lifted by a storm surge and moved several hundred feet, Pinnacle said. Katrina also punched holes in the exterior that leave slot machines and other equipment inside vulnerable. A hotel on-site might be a total loss, the company said.

One Pinnacle building in Biloxi "now looks like toothpicks," Lee said, but the company intends to rebuild the complex. Pinnacle sustained less damage in New Orleans, though that casino will be closed for an undetermined amount of time, Lee said.

"We're trying to assess the impact right now" on the two properties, Lee said, "but it's clear that it's large."

Suburban Lou Sep 9, 2005 6:41 AM

Empty Cupples warehouse gets owner with big plans
By Charlene Prost
Of the Post-Dispatch
09/08/2005

http://images.stltoday.com/stltoday/...pples09big.jpg

Workmen from Clayco proceed with the renovation of one the Cupples Station warehouses

Conrad Properties Corp. will start construction this fall on one of the last empty Cupples Station warehouses, planning to revive it with office space above what probably will be a restaurant.

The company is in an "advanced stage" of negotiations with a potential office tenant that would move from another downtown location and take up to four floors of the six-story, 108-year-old building at 1000 Clark Street, said Kevin Kloster, president and chief executive.

Kloster also has been talking with restaurateur Ted Geiger, who originated J. Bucks Restaurants and is Conrad's partner at the Finale Music and Dining nightclub in the Clayton on the Park hotel and residential building.

"We see the makings of a double play here," Geiger said in a statement, "drawing baseball fans and fans attending sporting events at (nearby) Savvis Center" to a J. Bucks Restaurant.

Conrad bought the building Thursday from Bank of America, backed with financing from Enterprise Bank & Trust and U.S. Bank. The sale price wasn't disclosed, but Kloster said it is rolled into the $15 million renovation cost.

As Conrad was moving forward with its project, the McGowan/Walsh development group was at work on an $80 million-plus plan to renovate the other three empty warehouses in the Cupples complex.

Built between 1894 and 1917, the nine former warehouses still standing were once part of a thriving railroad freight depot; the noted Eames & Young architecture firm designed most of it.

McGowan/Walsh has a contract to buy the three warehouses from Bank of America for a total of about $6 million and also is lining up tenants.

"We are talking with a number of restaurants who want to be there," said Kevin McGowan, a partner at McGowan/Walsh. "We have three law firms, all downtown now, talking about going there. I think the rest of the project will be residential."

He added: "In a couple of years, this is going to be a very exciting area."

McCormack Baron Salazar Inc. led the way at Cupples when it, and partners, recycled the first four warehouses into a $75 million Westin hotel that opened in 2001. More recently, HRI Properties bought a seven-story warehouse it is reviving, at a cost of $37 million, with 131 loft apartments and retail space at street level. HRI plans to finish the project early next year.

Kloster, at Conrad, said the location and the building itself attracted his company to what was once the Hammermill Paper warehouse.

"It has architectural character, a midsized floor plate ... and a superb location - within two blocks of the entrance to the new Busch Stadium, within three blocks of Savvis Center and two blocks of a MetroLink station."

Kloster said the building was "in decent shape" but would need "some minor structural work." He said renovation would take 14 months or so.

Conrad hired the Lawrence Group, which specializes in "green" or environmentally friendly architecture, to design a renovation that meets certification standards set by the U. S. Green Building Council.

Architect Tim Rowbottom at Lawrence Group said the firm intends to use recycled and environmentally friendly building materials, energy-efficient mechanical systems, light fixtures and other features. To bring in more natural light, he said, "we'll make openings on the west facade that now has no windows."

Lawrence Group also designed a two-level parking garage with 80 spaces that will be built into the slope of the land, giving it a low profile, Rowbottom said.

What's now Bank of America teamed up with McCormack Baron in 1998 to buy and save the once-threatened warehouses from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri.

Mary Campbell, a senior vice president at the bank, said officials there were "feeling very good" about progress since then.

"When we bought them, downtown was not ready for major development on the south side. The new stadium was not a certainty. The office market made it impossible to lease space, and the housing market was still being tested on Washington Avenue," Campbell said.

"Now fast-forward to today," she said. "We have a relatively mature housing market on Washington Avenue. We have a beautiful new stadium about half done. The time has finally arrived for Cupples Station."


All times are GMT. The time now is 5:51 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.