SkyHouse - Washington Avenue

arch city · PostFeb 23, 2007#462007-02-23T23:28+00:00

Although I am surprised to see that a new residential tower could line Washington Avenue, I am not surprised that new residential towers are being planned for downtown.

I knew that new development was coming. Lawrence Group, The Roberts Brothers and Pinnacle - among others - sent that signal awhile ago. Most of downtown's old and historic buildings are either under rehab or rehabbed. There's still some untouched, but not many.

Also, I believe if the TIF, which I believe is appropriate, passes, this project will break ground within weeks. The Chicago-boys don't appear to play around.

BTW, SShoes is reporting that Lawrence Group's project will start at the end of month.

moorlander · PostFeb 23, 2007#472007-02-23T23:51+00:00

break ground within weeks??? no pre-sales?

I guess I don't understand how this could be weeks from construction already.

arch city · PostFeb 24, 2007#482007-02-24T00:00+00:00

I said "weeks" because I don't think it will take "months" like so many other projects proposed for downtown.

Sure there will be a pre-sales period, but I don't think there'll be any problems meeting a 40-50% requirement for a new project along Washington Avenue unless it doesn't get marketed appropriately.

moorlander · PostFeb 24, 2007#492007-02-24T00:03+00:00

http://www.metropolitan-us.com/index.html

doesn't appear they have any similar developments. What do we know about metropolitan?

arch city · PostFeb 24, 2007#502007-02-24T00:22+00:00

bpe235 wrote:http://www.metropolitan-us.com/index.html

doesn't appear they have any similar developments. What do we know about metropolitan?

Does it matter? It appears they have some quality developments.

Did we know about Pinnacle, Orchard Development, Silverstone when they marched into downtown? Yet, all of them and other out-of-towners have developed quality projects downtown.

smsplanstu · PostFeb 24, 2007#512007-02-24T03:18+00:00

If and when we build the North & South Metrolink extension, this building is well places at two short blocks from the station at 14th and Delmar.

TOD!

janit0r · PostFeb 24, 2007#522007-02-24T03:40+00:00

irocktheparty2000 wrote:Speaking of views, only bummer could be for those who bought units on the NE side of Ely Walker. They may end up losing their arch views but hard to tell.

Here's a recent shot east from the 6th floor of Ely Walker:

Looks like Sky House will be about the width of the Monkey Building (with the hole in the roof). As for the height, I don't think the framing of this photo captures 22 floors at that location. I look forward to a future Ely Walker resident taking the "after" shot.

Certainly a shame for those on Ely's east side who were banking on that view, but it's going to be great to have even more residents and retail rooted west of 14th; hopefully that's a fair trade.

MattnSTL · PostFeb 24, 2007#532007-02-24T05:04+00:00

I really like the design of this building. Great to come home and see this proposal appear out of the blue.

framer · PostFeb 24, 2007#542007-02-24T05:05+00:00

That shot looking down Washington makes me think of one of the great urban-living cities, like Seattle or something. I sure hope this happens!

xing · PostFeb 24, 2007#552007-02-24T05:07+00:00

I like it from the front, but the base and back end look horrible. Im also not one to typically criticize projects. It reminds me of a 1983 hippie.

tb1000 · PostFeb 24, 2007#562007-02-24T17:30+00:00

That is a sexy building.

The cutout is so the Arch views aren't blocked. Pretty cool.

markinlondon · PostFeb 24, 2007#572007-02-24T17:59+00:00

When this gets built, it will be interesting to see how it mixes with Larry Rice's shelter.

Great looking building!

jcity · PostFeb 24, 2007#582007-02-24T18:34+00:00

I think I like this building more than the Park East. With its location, adjacent to all the retail and "life" of Washington Avenue, I think this project will be a total success. I also think this will open the door to people who would not have considered living downtown before.

swuss · PostFeb 25, 2007#592007-02-25T00:27+00:00

Wow. Wow. Wow.

For once, I really feel no skepticism toward the design. It probably won't end up being any architecural marvel, but still; talk about all-around, quality design. Even for those that don't like the base, it covers the parking efficiently and isn't overly blocky and, for one reason or another, it doesn't look "dead" like the parking floors of Park East. Fingers are crossed.

trent · PostFeb 26, 2007#602007-02-26T15:35+00:00

Damn, SLUAB...you took the words right out of my mouth. It is a sexy building.

Oh, and I will say that I will be a little sad to see my favorite sign go away. Hopefully they can save it somehow.

There's nothing like a 4 hour laundry service that offers your stuff in by 9, done by 3.

rustedhinge · PostFeb 28, 2007#612007-02-28T22:40+00:00

This is a beautiful building!

I reminise of the club-going days along Washington - before it was called "Wash Ave." Deep Blue, Galaxy, Lo, Monkey Bar and all the drinks and drugs (!). I never thought this area would be so expensive and trendy. I like "Wash Ave" and I can't wait to see more new buildings in StL.

Also, I can't find the phone number and address for the Developer. I find it odd that it's not posted. Are they legit?

Anyway, a sweet building in a sweet area.

moorlander · PostFeb 28, 2007#622007-02-28T23:13+00:00

rustedhinge wrote:This is a beautiful building!

Also, I can't find the phone number and address for the Developer. I find it odd that it's not posted. Are they legit?

I asked the same thing. They have worked on some large apt/condo projects in Chicago, but no highrises. Anyone else find that strange.

Metropolitan Development Enterprises

http://www.metropolitan-us.com/index.html

migueltejada · PostFeb 28, 2007#632007-02-28T23:22+00:00

DeBaliviere wrote:
Grover wrote:All that AND a dog run! Now everyone should be happy

Everyone but migueltejada. He hates dogs.

Quite the contrary - I love dogs. I hate dog parks.

arch city · PostFeb 28, 2007#642007-02-28T23:28+00:00

bpe235 wrote:
I asked the same thing. They have worked on some large apt/condo projects in Chicago, but no highrises. Anyone else find that strange.

Metropolitan Development Enterprises

http://www.metropolitan-us.com/index.html

^Dude, I don't know whether or not they have built a tower or not, but you cannot always tell all of the projects a firm has done by looking at its website.

Also, THF Realty had no high-rises until they built The Plaza in Clayton. Conrad Properties had no high-rises until the built Clayton on the Park. Firms grow. Would it be an insult if St. Louis happened to be the first city Metropolitan Development developed a high-rise? Would that be so bad?

Ask yourselves, why would they go through the effort to develop a website, ask for TIF assistance, and purchase land if their intentions were not good? Yes, there are sleazeball developers, but sleazeballs usually don't go through this much trouble.

moorlander · PostMar 01, 2007#652007-03-01T00:58+00:00

^DUDE!

good points with Conrad and THF.

I concur!

framer · PostMar 01, 2007#662007-03-01T05:14+00:00

^Dudes, sometimes "developers" will develop nothing but a pretty rendering and a "concept" for what could be built on a desirable chunk of land, hoping to then sell-out to somebody else who can actually build the darn thing. I'm not saying that's what these guys are up to, just that that's what some developers do.

toastedravioli · PostMar 01, 2007#672007-03-01T05:46+00:00

Dudes,

It's hard to doubt them 'right off the bat', especially when they have completed some nice projects and have a nice website, although none were highrises. Nevertheless, speculation is a good way to make money, and that's what they are here for; so everbody needs to keep pressing them.

wheelscomp · PostMar 01, 2007#682007-03-01T05:52+00:00

This has been said before, but it reminds me of Seattle or Vancouver type condo towers, just half the size. Maybe someday we'll have 50 story condo towers too. For now, Im happy to see this.

threeonefour · PostMar 01, 2007#692007-03-01T05:55+00:00

I agree with what bpe said earlier. February in Saint Louis started off with plenty of bad news, so it's nice to end the month on a positive note with an unexpected and surprisingly good development proposal!

I love the building, and the location cannot be beat. For those skeptical of downtown's renaissance, I'd like to think that new construction will force them to revisit their perception of our downtown. Of course, it's one of several proposed new developments in downtown (Ballpark Village, the Roberts Bros. tower, new construction at Park Pacific, etc.).

I don't blame those that are still skeptical since none of these projects has made it past the drawing boards so far. In the meantime, however, I'll hope for the best because this looks like the right time and right location for this type of construction!

irocktheparty2000 · PostMar 01, 2007#702007-03-01T07:41+00:00

Framer wrote:^Dudes, sometimes "developers" will develop nothing but a pretty rendering and a "concept" for what could be built on a desirable chunk of land, hoping to then sell-out to somebody else who can actually build the darn thing. I'm not saying that's what these guys are up to, just that that's what some developers do.

And the guys teaming up on this project are local development group RileyWaldrop LLC. Riley Waldrop consists of developer Ben Riley; his father, Philip Riley; and Brad Waldrop. Aren't these guys the same guys who were mentored by Sam Glasser who has made millions in selling out to others who actually develop the buildings after aqcuisition? This is a cool looking building and I would love to see it get done....But Framer does have a point.

SkyHouse - Washington Avenue

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