urbanSTL

urbanitas wrote: ^As are their architecture, design, and urban planning track records.  

On the plus side, SLU is second-to-none in terms of stimulating the demolition, asphalt laying, and grass cutting industries in our fair city.

 
What is the visual demonstration suggesting that SLU is turning over a new leaf?  Proof positive that it has not would be this building coming down for a parking lot, or for anything really.

There is no proof. I'm not convinced they have. But I've heard the rumors. And they've at least built some halfway interesting things lately, and planned others. There's been more rehab around them, for which they may or more likely may not deserve any credit. I'm just suggesting KansasCitian's surprise is defensible.

Eventually, I guess we can expect to see a continuous block-wide swath of grass along the east side of Grand, with a parallel swath of asphalt or parking garage, all the way from Doisy Research Center to the SALUS Center.

I know it’s a long shot but maybe, just maybe, a preservationist developer could come forward and talk SSM out of demolition. I’m sure if a developer gave them a decent amount of money to but it, SSM would accept the offer.

^I very much suspect buildings that are further gone have been brought back from the brink. I'd be quite surprised if that's in worse shape than the Sun, the Continental, or even the Medinah. I've no doubt it would take a significant investment, but that would surely be a desirable location for apartments and maybe a little bit of the right street level retail.

There was a wall collapse at the Continental, but it wasn't visible from the street. (Third or fourth floor, an large exterior wall in what I understand was a cafeteria had collapsed onto an adjoining rooftop terrace. Which causes me to think at a glance it was probably the sixth floor.) Literally half the proscenium in the Sun had fallen into the seats. There were stairs so chocked with plaster and debris they were impassable. And you had to step carefully on the stage to avoid falling into the basement. (Downstage left was perilous and we had it informally marked off for that reason. "Don't go past the door laying there.") Some of the structural engineers that did walkthroughs suggested that it was the weight of the facade that had helped to hold it in place. That all looks like bricks dropping from the parapet, right? I can't really see where they're coming from, so I'm kind of just guessing. I'll take your word for it that it's in rough shape, but if that's a steel frame structure, and I'd guess that it is, even if a portion of a brick wall had fallen down it wouldn't necessarily mean the building itself was compromised. All depends how the ironwork is holding up.

. . . anyway, I wish there were a way to help nudge SSM in a better direction.

***** slu and all their cronies for destroying the heart of our great city

FWIW, Superior Waterproofing is on that blocking permit, and they are not a demolition company. They do a lot of big masonry restoration and repair projects. That could be a good sign.

If only buildings could be moved affordably. I'm sure the Steelcote developer wouldn't mind adding this handsome 5-story building to his budding district over there.

This building is great there. So much potential for this strip of Grand but absolutely no vision.

^ I totally agree. I'm just saying that it would be fantastic if buildings worth saving (but that are instead going to be torn down by their irresponsible property owners) could be relocated to areas where they would actually be loved and cared for.

Some info I am regrettably privy to: Cardinal Glennon is apparently in rough shape financially, and is going through another round of cost cutting, eliminating a number of jobs and closing down several departments and terminating contracts. I sadly have a family member losing her job as confirmation of this. so I wouldn't expect them to be able to come up with money for much of anything at this point.

Maybe sell it then

quincunx wrote: Maybe sell it then

This is a hot take here.

Nah, let's spend the money on demo, paving, and painting.  That's how you save money.  -_-

quincunx wrote: Maybe sell it then

Unfortunately, if they were to sell it as is, SLU would likely be the buyer, as they own the property across Park Ave.  That would certainly seal this building's fate.

Also, Cardinal Glennon owns the rest of the property on this block along Park Ave.  They probably believe that demolishing this building and packaging it with the other properties will "add value".

Pathetic. Ya kinda figured this kind of sh*t would happen when they gave them full control.

^Note my comments elsewhere about the new (honorary) street address: 1500 South Fr. Biondi S J Way. Yeesh!

The administration president of CG said at one of the town meetings that they cannot find a buyer for this property because it is in terrible shape due to years of neglect of the previous owner.

So it Is not SSM (or SLU's) fault that this building is falling apart and will become yet another beautiful parking lot addition to Biondi Way.

dtwest wrote: The administration president of CG said at one of the town meetings that they cannot find a buyer for this property because it is in terrible shape due to years of neglect of the previous owner.

So it Is not SSM (or SLU's) fault that this building is falling apart and will become yet another beautiful parking lot addition to Biondi Way.

if the previous owner left it in such terrible shape, and CG/SSM/SLU/whoever knew that, then why did they buy it? that scenario makes no sense. buildings in MUCH worse shape have been rehabbed. my guess is the "administration president" is full of sh*t and it was always their intention to tear it down and land bank it. they're just hoping to avoid another Pevely situation.

Not just that, but how is it possible there is no one interested in buying this property? This IS one of the fastest growing neighborhoods, in the middle of the south campus, next to two hospitals, Iron Hill, etc., etc. I think the problem is that they actually don’t really want to sell it but just keep the parcel. I wonder if they announce anywhere that this property is on sale…