urbanSTL

There is now a Facebook page dedicated to the cause:

Save the AAA Building

"Like" it!

urbanpioneer wrote:Here is an exploration into saving the AAA building while creating a big box store that actually contributes to the Lindell Blvd modernism corridor and the urban context in general.

http://whatshouldbestl.com/2011/08/20/aaacvs/

amazing. Hopefully the alderman sees this.

Nice solution, Pioneer.

I wish developers would spend more time playing Tangoes, so they could learn that there's more than one way to put the pieces together.

Beacon article: AAA takes first steps toward demolishing its mid-century modern home
You should read the whole article (the AAA spokesman doesn't seem like much of an architectural enthusiast), but here's the gist:

A preliminary review to demolish the AAA building, owned by Automobile Club of Missouri, is on the city Preservation Board’s June 25 agenda for a preliminary hearing.

Mike Right, vice president of public affairs for the Auto Club, said Tuesday that AAA and CVS have worked out an agreement and plan to tear down the existing AAA building and the building that houses an Enterprise Leasing office if their newest design proposal is approved by the city's Preservation Board.

Alderman Kennedy says he's still opposed to the demolition but can't do anything to stop it if the Preservation Board gives the OK. You can contact the Cultural Resources Office here.

rbeedee wrote: Alderman Kennedy says he's still opposed to the demolition but can't do anything to stop it if the Preservation Board gives the OK.

wait, what? isn't the common knowledge that an alderman basically controls what gets built in his/her ward? he has the power to withhold permits, doesn't he? this sounds like he just doesn't want to admit to allowing demo and the construction of yet another generic box pharmacy.

Would there be any way to incorporate the building into a CVS? It would be the coolest CVS EVAR.

PreservationBoard says NO DEMO!

http://www.stltoday.com/business/column ... 0f31a.html

Alex Ihnen wrote:So what should the AAA building become? AAA wants to move out. What should go in?

Uhh...

Pi Burger?

Any chance this could be a repeat of the Pevely Dairy complex? Don't get me wrong, I'm as excited as everyone else about the Preservation Board's decision. But I also know that when someone desperately wants a demolition to happen in this city, sometimes nothing will stop them. At least Fr. Biondi doesn't appear to have any skin in this game despite the proximity of this site to Saint Louis University, because we all know whatever Fr. Biondi wants, Fr. Biondi gets.

Why does everyone think the AAA building is worth saving so much?

It is a unique building. I'll give you that. But I agree with Steve Patterson that it doesn't really fit into the CWE's zoning plan...
http://urbanreviewstl.com/2012/06/poll/

What does that building really add to the area besides something to look at? I don't think it should be replaced with just a CVS and a parking lot. But if its a CVS in conjuction with some apartments or other urban infill, I think that would be better than saving the building.

An interesting note: The same architect, Sarmiento, also designed the Carpenters Hall & the current Salvation Army hq on Hampton, and the IBEW building on Elizabeth. Those are some of the best buildings on that northern stretch of Hampton. Its interesting to have a group of buildings spanning 20 years of his career.

Also, CVS has occupied much, much better mixed use buildings in other cities.

Scott Ogilvie
24th Ward Ald.

threeonefour wrote:Any chance this could be a repeat of the Pevely Dairy complex? Don't get me wrong, I'm as excited as everyone else about the Preservation Board's decision. But I also know that when someone desperately wants a demolition to happen in this city, sometimes nothing will stop them. At least Fr. Biondi doesn't appear to have any skin in this game despite the proximity of this site to Saint Louis University, because we all know whatever Fr. Biondi wants, Fr. Biondi gets.

I said it then that that whole process -- initial demolition denial for all parcels, concessions to preserve the smokestack then, ultimately, destroy that too (since it no longer had any "context") -- was a dangerous (and disappointing) saga. And it sets a rocky precedent for future demolition requests too.

If nothing else, CVS has the option of blurting out that it might move its medical school...err, pharmacy to West County...

Seems the Mayor tweeted that the CVS is thinking about incorporating the AAA building in their design...

http://www.stltoday.com/business/column ... f6878.html

Sounds promising.

That is great news!

stlgasm wrote:According to Michael Allen, the revised CVS building will be a 2-story urban scale structure that is built up to the sidewalk. Sounds like a win for all parties.

Built up to the sidewalk, you say? But how ever will I know where to park if there's not a lot immediately and visually connecting the road to the front door?!