I thought about that as well.
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^ reference to Zink's comment re: Peabody Energy. They're the largest private-sector coal company in the world. Several other huge coal companies are located in St. Louis as well. And no matter how green you may be, coal is going to provide energy for this country for centuries to come...so, we should all know more about its history, its presence in the region, etc. etc. etc.
I do like the proposal in terms of pushing something that builds upon some of the expanding and new businesses downtown. Was also hoping that Twitter co-founder would take space at Railway Exchange for his Square D at some point. Maybe wishful thinking - but a mini technology hub downtown and a bioscience hub in CWE are within reach for St Louis.
Also, on the political front the historic tax credit might be scaled back but their was a push for data center tax credits during the special session. A tax credit is a tax credit if it gets a development moving forward and jobs happening.
Also, on the political front the historic tax credit might be scaled back but their was a push for data center tax credits during the special session. A tax credit is a tax credit if it gets a development moving forward and jobs happening.
Anyone know what's going on at the Arcade? I rode by today, and they have taken out the old, crappy looking boards from the first floor. The sidewalk is closed off, and there are workers framing stud walls in all the entrances and windows. Are they just making the building more permanently boarded up?
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Iceburg, here is some information on the new boards around the building.iceburg wrote:Anyone know what's going on at the Arcade? I rode by today, and they have taken out the old, crappy looking boards from the first floor. The sidewalk is closed off, and there are workers framing stud walls in all the entrances and windows. Are they just making the building more permanently boarded up?
http://www.stltoday.com/business/column ... 2bc8b.html
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You summed up my thoughts exactly. I would really prefer to see residential in this building and retail on the ground floor and in the arcade. The lone proposal submitted doesn't seem ideal for the building, and honestly, I think I'd prefer to see it mothballed until better ideas and proposals come along.Downtown2007 wrote:Wow. I am very disappointed that there was only 1 proposal submitted for the Arcade. Its also disappointing that the only proposal was for $1. I think the potential developer is greedy but what do you expect when you are the only one that has submitted a proposal. You set your own price.
I think the China Trade offices are interesting and am all for it but what if we don’t get the China Hub. What is the new primary use and is there a backup plan.
In regards to the data center, I am not sure if I am on board with a data center occupying such an important building like this. I would be interested in knowing how much of the building would be used for the data center. Some will say that they bring in jobs, which is true, however is it enough jobs for the amount of square footage it occupies? Do we really want the storage of data taking up space in such a beautiful and important building? I think not. I would much rather see residential take the place of the data center.
Where are the heavy hitters in the region? Does the region really have any idea or care how important this building is? Why can’t we create an interest in the business community to have companies relocate their operation in this building. Build a Bear just relocated to Sunset Hills. Why couldn’t we have attracted them to move into the Arcade.
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Along with the Alexa, this could/should be a vibrant residential corner (Roberts Tower too). With the OPO Plaza and Culinaria so close it would seem to be a great place to live - oh yeah, not to mention it's right on top of a Metrolink station.
Does anyone know how large the interior retail space of the Arcade is? The building is absolutely amazing and would be a flattering home for just about anything...I just cant imagine, though, another stab at an indoor mall downtown...but maybe the space is not that large and a few shops could find a home? The building itself seems to be pretty big to me though...
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The A/W building just screams mixed use. The lobby area is IDEAL for a 5 star hotel as I don't see how the small retail bays fit current retial demands.RobbyD wrote:Does anyone know how large the interior retail space of the Arcade is? The building is absolutely amazing and would be a flattering home for just about anything...I just cant imagine, though, another stab at an indoor mall downtown...but maybe the space is not that large and a few shops could find a home? The building itself seems to be pretty big to me though...
I invision a restaraunt, hotel gift shop or retail clothing store, hotel front desk/lobby and a night club/lounge as the best use of the space. The retail bays, especially on the mezzanine are not very deep. The W City Center in Chicago has a very similar set up. See link below.
The south end of the Arcade mezzanine with the giant window bays would be perfect for a cyber cafe.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/p ... tion_1Link
I'm usually all for mixed use, but I actually like the proposal put forth by the California firm (excluding the sale price and the financing requirements). We already have more than enough residential space downtown. While the rental market is doing fine, there are still too many vacant condos. Especially once the Robert Tower opens, I don't think the market will be able to support more residential.
What really intrigues me about the proposal is that it would bring JOBS to downtown. I should clarify: it would bring JOBS from outside the region, state, and even the nation to downtown. I have absolutely no idea why/how this firm thinks they can attract international business to the AW building, but if they can demonstrate proven ability, I like it.
What really intrigues me about the proposal is that it would bring JOBS to downtown. I should clarify: it would bring JOBS from outside the region, state, and even the nation to downtown. I have absolutely no idea why/how this firm thinks they can attract international business to the AW building, but if they can demonstrate proven ability, I like it.
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Mixed use doesn't have to include residential - It could be hotel and office. I don't see how anyone at this point could take the current proposal seriously.
I don't see a market for a 5 star hotel downtown either. And to be clear, I'm not taking the current proposal seriously by any means. I'm simply saying that I like the idea of bringing jobs to St. Louis. (Re)development is great, but not economically sustainable on its own. We need businesses to fill these developments.
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Has anyone seen the new graphics put up in the archways around the ground floor? The picture looked okay...Anything beats plywood and "Keep out" signs...
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... eover.html
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... eover.html
It looks okay. Better than the boarded up look before.
However, driving by in person, the graphics appear to be a plastic wrap.
However, driving by in person, the graphics appear to be a plastic wrap.
I wont be surprised if this proposal comes back.rbb wrote:Developer wants to buy Arcade Building for $1, then rehab it
^ Full story at the link.ST. LOUIS • A developer is proposing a nearly $80 million rehab of the vacant Arcade Building for companies doing business through the proposed Midwest China Cargo Hub at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
The plan made public Tuesday also calls for using parts of the downtown building as data centers, lab space and final assembly of 'small high-value electronic devices." But the primary use proposed by Global Facilities Development, of Encinitas, Calif., would be as a sales and office center for the planned cargo hub.
Bruce DeBolt, the company's chief executive, said he sees potential for the Arcade as an international trade center.
-RBB
Interior retail space is 45k sqft (according to the old pyramid plans).RobbyD wrote:Does anyone know how large the interior retail space of the Arcade is? The building is absolutely amazing and would be a flattering home for just about anything...I just cant imagine, though, another stab at an indoor mall downtown...but maybe the space is not that large and a few shops could find a home? The building itself seems to be pretty big to me though...