^ Was going to bring that up. May have to do another round of RFP if Alterra's timetable is really 5 years. That's no better than the previous owners 7 year squat on the property.
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I truly do love the book market idea. There's a book street in Saigon adjacent to their historic post office and I love it. This is a perfect spot for something like that. Draw in tourists. Get pedestrians out on the streets. I'm a bit nervous about this, but Alterra Mike is proving he can get things done, so I'm on board with this.delmar2debaliviere2downtown wrote: ↑Mar 18, 2025Easy decision for City here. The Alterra proposal is superior - more rooms (more taxes), more engaging with the public, a unique book market that exists very few places (thinking outside the box which we need more of), and most of all, more evidence that it will actually get done.
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5 year timeline of completing the project is much different than 7 years of not even lifting a finger on the site.TheWayoftheArch_V2.0 wrote: ↑Mar 19, 2025^ Was going to bring that up. May have to do another round of RFP if Alterra's timetable is really 5 years. That's no better than the previous owners 7 year squat on the property.
They literally never started any work on the building in 7 years.
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Thank you for your encouraging words. Much appreciated.delmar2debaliviere2downtown wrote: ↑Mar 18, 2025The framing of blaming the city officials for being a road block in Shoreder’s development plan by going a different direction last year after Shroeder sitting on it since 2017 is a choice…
No confidence his proposal will get done. You cannot sit on something for 7 years without a single step in the right direction then all of a sudden act like you were going to get to it eventually. St. Louis needs action now. City is completely right here.
Easy decision for City here. The Alterra proposal is superior - more rooms (more taxes), more engaging with the public, a unique book market that exists very few places (thinking outside the box which we need more of), and most of all, more evidence that it will actually get done.
Ideally bookstore would be run by a separate entity that Alterra can be part of. We really need expert curators for such an endeavor. Ideally WashU, SLU with strong architecture design and engineering programs. SOM & HOK amongst many influential world known architectural firms are natural collaboration opportunities. I am sure I missed a few.GoHarvOrGoHome wrote: ↑Mar 19, 2025Missed this thread at its inception, I love the vision.
I'm curious Mike, would the bookstore be run by the hotel itself or an independent operator?
Finally, in regard to the book market, fantastic idea. Perhaps consider converting it into a Christkindlmarket during the holidays? (of course still with plenty of books)
Chriskindlmarket is a great idea. The one in Munich is a look alike surrounding with City building on the back drop. It could be located in between buildings and parking lot.
- Munich market
![IMG_1546.jpeg (126.69KiB)]()
I would rather be honest than paint a rosy picture. Here is Alterra thought process.dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑Mar 19, 2025I think the City will definitely push for a quicker timeline, 5 year is a non-starter for them
1 year for plans and engineering docs, community involvement, concept development
2nd year city approval, historic approvals, financing, bids.
3rd year abetment and demolition interiors (historic demo)
4th&5th year Construction.
On a good note our lenders for Jefferson Arms would come in to Arkitektura project with us.
I feel sympathy for the previous developer it was very hard time to get financing around Covid time. Solid proven track record might not be even enough. It takes a whole village to get a project like this one done.TheWayoftheArch_V2.0 wrote: ↑Mar 19, 2025^ Was going to bring that up. May have to do another round of RFP if Alterra's timetable is really 5 years. That's no better than the previous owners 7 year squat on the property.
I have outlined timeline on my previous answer.
Thank you so much for your trust in us. Your ideas are all shared by us.symphonicpoet wrote: ↑Mar 19, 2025I truly do love the book market idea. There's a book street in Saigon adjacent to their historic post office and I love it. This is a perfect spot for something like that. Draw in tourists. Get pedestrians out on the streets. I'm a bit nervous about this, but Alterra Mike is proving he can get things done, so I'm on board with this.delmar2debaliviere2downtown wrote: ↑Mar 18, 2025Easy decision for City here. The Alterra proposal is superior - more rooms (more taxes), more engaging with the public, a unique book market that exists very few places (thinking outside the box which we need more of), and most of all, more evidence that it will actually get done.
Performance mile stones needs to be established. No performance you are out. This is true for Alterra as well.delmar2debaliviere2downtown wrote: ↑Mar 19, 20255 year timeline of completing the project is much different than 7 years of not even lifting a finger on the site.TheWayoftheArch_V2.0 wrote: ↑Mar 19, 2025^ Was going to bring that up. May have to do another round of RFP if Alterra's timetable is really 5 years. That's no better than the previous owners 7 year squat on the property.
They literally never started any work on the building in 7 years.
If no financing is found during the said period that could be the only exception with proper documentation. But no bank will provide financing without fully approved plans. So upfront at risk $$$ needs to be spend.
The Jefferson Arms project improves my confidence in Alterra's ability to redevelop this building.
I think a longish timeline is alright so long as there are strict milestones to ensure they stay on track.
Thank you for your confidence in St. Louis!
I think a longish timeline is alright so long as there are strict milestones to ensure they stay on track.
Thank you for your confidence in St. Louis!
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Concept study.
Let me know if you like any feedback.
Let me know if you like any feedback.
- Arkitectura Hotel - 04-09-2025.pdf (16.29 MiB) 0
All very beautiful inspiration. Reminds me a lot of Brazilian or Argentinean culture, aesthetically. Love the outdoor activation with cafe seating and trellises and the idea of seasonal markets.
Something to consider, if you could find space for it. A neighborhood bodega and also perhaps public pickleball and volleyball courts? It's got a lot to offer...but to make it a neighborhood hive, a sprinkle of convenience and recreation could draw downtown residents over.
Also, have you considered co-curated series and talk programming in conjunction with the downtown Library?
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I would also love this concept at the Larry rice building(which is for sale) across the street from the library.
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I would also love this concept at the Larry rice building(which is for sale) across the street from the library.
Yes the facade of the former YWCA is beautiful
But I have been shot down on here for suggesting it be a boutique hotel
Yes the facade of the former YWCA is beautiful
But I have been shot down on here for suggesting it be a boutique hotel
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Thank you for your feedback.SRQ2STL wrote: ↑Apr 11, 2025All very beautiful inspiration. Reminds me a lot of Brazilian or Argentinean culture, aesthetically. Love the outdoor activation with cafe seating and trellises and the idea of seasonal markets.
Something to consider, if you could find space for it. A neighborhood bodega and also perhaps public pickleball and volleyball courts? It's got a lot to offer...but to make it a neighborhood hive, a sprinkle of convenience and recreation could draw downtown residents over.
Also, have you considered co-curated series and talk programming in conjunction with the downtown Library?
1-). Concept will house a coffee shop with light food.
2-). Beer garden concept.
3-). We are toying with the idea of
a-). Ice ring for Christmas New years.
b-). Pickle ball and volleyball are great ideas though no space on the property. Perhaps the city would accommodate that across the street in the park.
c-) Bocce Ball Court
d-) Giant Jenga
e-) Chess and Backgammon areas
3-). curated series and talk programming with multitude partners is a must.
Best
Unfortunately Larry Rice Building is way too small for this concept. It is almost 1/3 50,000 sqft total. Minimum 150,000 building is needed.dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑Apr 11, 2025I would also love this concept at the Larry rice building(which is for sale) across the street from the library.
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Is the idea all the public spaces in the basement and not the main floor? Would really love to see the public space expanded to the main floor and hotel on 2nd and 3rd, especially with the grand staircase coming off Market (how tourists are likely to approach). Could see a parking structure in back off 14th with a sky bridge that leads directly to 2nd/3rd floor rooms (Hotel people are more likely to park and enter). Lastly if we're rhetorically bringing a parking structure into the mix, nix the parkinglot between city hall and muni courts and reestablish a courtyard that would be a rad place for the meantioned book market and create a cool basement level east entrance off courtyard.
Stray thoughts: While I love pickleball--Pickleball and reading/chilling don't mix
Maybe I'm a snob but Giant Jenga does not fit the vibe, please don't make this another Armory.
Ice ring is a whole thing and already happens down at Kiener.
Your up next to city hall, opera house, 1520, soldiers memorial --You have the right idea making this a place for the grownups
Stray thoughts: While I love pickleball--Pickleball and reading/chilling don't mix
Maybe I'm a snob but Giant Jenga does not fit the vibe, please don't make this another Armory.
Ice ring is a whole thing and already happens down at Kiener.
Your up next to city hall, opera house, 1520, soldiers memorial --You have the right idea making this a place for the grownups
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There are 280 or so events a year between Enterprise and Stifel that bring in about 2,000,000 people to the venue
This area on the 14th should be a year route restaurant plaza with dozens of tables. In the winter it can be partially enclosed and supplemented with outdoor heaters.
This area on the 14th should be a year route restaurant plaza with dozens of tables. In the winter it can be partially enclosed and supplemented with outdoor heaters.
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St. Louis Patina has done a nice look at the building
https://stlouispatina.com/former-municipal-courts/
https://stlouispatina.com/former-municipal-courts/
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Great article
chris fuller wrote: ↑Jun 22, 2025St. Louis Patina has done a nice look at the building
https://stlouispatina.com/former-municipal-courts/
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Oof. Didn't even realize those other two beauiful buildings were there.
St. Louis’ Forgotten Courthouse Is Straight Out of a Horror Movie - 101TheEagle.com
Happy Halloween
Seriously though, this article does offer a good look at the state of things inside Muni Courts. More dilapidated than I thought. I wonder when these photos were taken.
Happy Halloween
Seriously though, this article does offer a good look at the state of things inside Muni Courts. More dilapidated than I thought. I wonder when these photos were taken.