There's a sign up announcing a new development coming soon on this long-time underperforming corner. I assume it's gonna be residential.

Good news! Can't wait to hear and see more on this important corner.

The Preservation Board sent the design back to the drawing board yesterday evening because they felt the modern addition overwhelmed the character of the extant historic building. It is in the works though and should be a great project.

^

Are you thinking of the project at 18th and Park - next to Square One Brewery? I think Framer is talking about the small corner lot just east of Lafayette Park.

1717 Park, maybe I'm confused.

Was this lot once a drycleaners or gas station?

I'm very curious to see what is planned- the signage suggests residential. Our old house was in the 1200 block of Mississippi and we used to let our dogs run there. The site was always "rumored" to be over an old gas station. Not sure if that is true.

^ My father nearly purchased this lot several years ago, but backed away because it needed epa cleanup.

I remember there were always barrels and other junk stored on this lot.



Also, I'm not sure if plans include the actual corner of Mississippi and Park. There's currently some kind of small paved park area there. It looks like a pleasant enough spot, but with the new park/fountain just to the East, they could probably do away with this tiny area and bring the new building all the way to the corner.

Good news.

bpe235 wrote:^ My father nearly purchased this lot several years ago, but backed away because it needed epa cleanup.

This spot was once a gas station, right? If so, it illustrates why I'm somewhat upset by the aggressive expansion in the city by QuikTrip. If gas stations ever fold, they wind up sitting as vacant eyesores for years. How long has that Amoco been closed at Hampton and Gravois? Or that what I presume was a Phillips 66 on Vandeventer?

if you are referring to the sign put up by piper properties i would suggest you look at their present project at 1419 dolman. i ll refrain from profanities but it is the worst infill i have ever seen for the price this guy's trying to get. bad construction, mexican labor, project exposed to the weather for months during construction. now can we talk about bad taste. if the dolman property doesn't disgust you go look at his previous work at 2005 & 2007 victor in benton park. unfortunately as much as the historic code tries you just can't outlaw bad taste.

alphalfa wrote:mexican labor

Exactly what's the problem with "mexican labor"?

I believe he meant illegal Mexican labor, though I wonder how you guys find out whose illegal aliens and what waiters are snorting coke and so forth.

Here's a run-down from the Preservation Board's agenda:



Link

Shimmy wrote:I believe he meant illegal what waiters are snorting coke and so forth.

Alot of them.





Hey, I like that proposed building btw.

that looks fantastic

alphalfa wrote:if you are referring to the sign put up by piper properties i would suggest you look at their present project at 1419 dolman. i ll refrain from profanities but it is the worst infill i have ever seen for the price this guy's trying to get. bad construction, mexican labor, project exposed to the weather for months during construction. now can we talk about bad taste. if the dolman property doesn't disgust you go look at his previous work at 2005 & 2007 victor in benton park. unfortunately as much as the historic code tries you just can't outlaw bad taste.

No need for the "Mexicans" bashing, as the embarrassing designs & execution speak volumes all by themselves. If you live in Lafayette Square, you'd be well advised to take a drive through the Benton Park neighborhood before lending support to the 1412 Mississippi proposal. Take note of: 2005 Victor, 2007 Victor, 2115 Victor, 2014 Senate, 3327 Indiana & 3329 Indiana. Each developed by Piper Properties prior to the BP neighborhood becoming a local historic district - the first 3 with the shameless support of Alderwoman Young. The Lawrence Group wasn't a party to these disgraces back then, but still - disheartening precursors to the proposed development of Mississippi & Park. IMHO.

^

2005 Victor is really bad. Horribly, horribly, bad.



2007 Victor and 2014 Senate don't look all that bad.



www.piperproperties.net

DeBaliviere wrote:^

2005 Victor is really bad. Horribly, horribly, bad.



2007 Victor and 2014 Senate don't look all that bad.



www.piperproperties.net

Piper's website, to which your post included a link, has a picture of the building at 2014 Senate posted under both the 2014 Senate and the 2007 Victor buttons. In other words, the building actually in place at 2007 Victor is not pictured. Regarding 2014 Senate itself, you'll need to view it in person to appreciate the lack of quality of the exterior, as the photo is very forgiving. If you go by, pay particular attention to the cornice, the brickwork in general, the front door, the brick window & door arches, the transition from foundation to brick veneer and the window sills - then let us know if you stand by your statement above.

FFGump wrote:then let us know if you stand by your statement above.

Ok. Kind of an arrogant response, but sure, I'll check them out.

Wow. This is a much larger project than I expected. Just what that corner needed. I prefer the original, slightly taller version, though. I feel that corner sites should have major visual anchors.



I'm glad they're at least using "artificial slate" on the roof. I can't believe Lafayette Square even allows asphalt shingles. This is becoming a real pet-peave of mine. Nothing kills an otherwise handsome design than a flat, two-dimensional roof (see City Hospital and Union Club).

DeBaliviere wrote:

FFGump wrote:then let us know if you stand by your statement above.

Ok. Kind of an arrogant response, but sure, I'll check them out.

Not arrogant at all, friendo. Just an invitation to see if you alter your photo-based judgement ("not bad at all"), once you've seen this crap in person.

ditto ffgump's comments re piper. check out the 14xx dolman project. practically every detail says afterthought. i ll admit the park ave project looks enticing but i really doubt this guy's ability to execute. i used to think he just had chesterfield sensibilities, now i thinks its more arnold. what really pisses you off is all lafayette square is concerned about is the playground colors. wake up.