urbanSTL

Moorlander wrote:^I assume he was adding in the 110,000 desired by Polsinelli as well as some additional space other tenants.

Of course. But it certainly sounds to me like Stifel will have their own building, which would pretty much preclude "a 400,000 - 500,000 sq. ft. tower in Phase I", unless another major tenant besides Polsinelli signs on, or Polsinelli goes into a mixed-use tower with a fairly large hotel.



Of course it's possible that the BJ just screwed up and they were just referring to the space. Again:

Stifel is working on a building design for between 150,000 and 175,000 square feet of space, which will house its headquarters.

jlblues wrote:

metzgda wrote:This also fills approximately 250,000 - 300,000 sq. ft. of space which I would think means we'll get at least a 400,000 - 500,000 sq. ft. tower in Phase I. That should be in the 20 story range.

You didn't read the article very closely did you?

Stifel is working on a building design for between 150,000 and 175,000 square feet of space, which will house its headquarters.

Well I assumed they really meant a buildout design for their headquarters. I suppose you could be correct and they will just have their own small headquarters building - that seems more STL-like.

metzgda wrote:I suppose you could be correct and they will just have their own small headquarters building - that seems more STL-like.

Yes, it does.

jlblues wrote:

metzgda wrote:I suppose you could be correct and they will just have their own small headquarters building - that seems more STL-like.

Yes, it does.

Companies like the opportunity to put their name on their own building, but, they like saving cash-ola even more. Building one building allowing multiple signage on it would be the cheaper route.

Here's what the wrapping on the fence looks like. There is one rendering in there that I have not seen before. These pics are from August 28th. The sites is pretty much graded now.

^Running out of time for what?

Shimmy wrote:...Did you guys read the second sentence? Seriously, why is there always the need to make a smart remark on this board?

Even assuming he or she was referring to concern about whether there would be some place near the stadium to hold All-Star Game-related events, I still don't understand what time is "running out"? It is about 10 months until the All-Star Game. That should be plenty of time to prep and grade the site, put down sub-grade material, run temporary utility access, lay asphalt for the parking and event areas of Ballpark Village, lay sod in the other areas, and erect tents. Most of the necessary fencing and screening is already up.



Even if the Ballpark Village site were still unusable by July '09, there are plenty of parking lots, plus Kiener Plaza/Gateway Mall nearby where events could be held.

Shimmy wrote:Well, considering that the All Star game will be when the eyes of millions of Americans (which is millions more than watch the World Cup) are on St. Louis and that that was the date given for completion (and then considerable construction) what doesn't it have to do with it?

#-o Those ships sailed a long time ago.

I'm disappointed that nothing will be completed by July of next year.



But a construction zone looks better than a pond and some dirt.



And overall, considering how Downtown St. Louis is more lively than in years past, I think fans that have never been to St. Louis will go home with a better impression of Downtown than what they see on TV and read on the internet.

Article:



Monday, September 15, 2008 - 2:04 PM CDT

Polsinelli seeks new lease in downtown St. Louis



Kansas City Business Journal



Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan Suelthaus PC is in negotiations to lease 90,000 to 110,000 square feet of new space at Ballpark Village in St. Louis.



The Kansas City-based law firm leases space in downtown St. Louis and Clayton, Mo., and would consolidate those offices into the Ballpark Village space in downtown St. Louis.



Polsinelli’s downtown St. Louis lease expires in late 2010, and its Clayton lease expires in the spring of 2011. The firm has about 100 licensed attorneys and 60 support staff at the two offices.



Russell Welsh, the firm’s chairman and CEO, said last week that the firm is “in serious discussions” with Ballpark Village’s developers and that the firm is “trying to get comfortable with the terms and the timing.”



The Cordish Co., Baltimore-based developer of the Kansas City Power & Light District, and the St. Louis Cardinals are Ballpark Village’s developers. The project calls for 225,000 to 360,000 square feet of entertainment, retail and restaurant space and 100,000 to 750,000 square feet of office space, based on demand.



The developers are seeking $115 million to $188 million in city subsidies and additional subsidies through the Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act. Modesa, passed by the Missouri Legislature in 2003, allows as much as half a project’s state sales and withholding taxes to be used for infrastructure improvements. Money generated through taxes within a redevelopment area are collected by the state, and a portion is diverted back to the city to pay for public improvements.



CONTINUE READING / FULL STORY HERE:http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/s ... aily3.html

STLCardsBlues1989 wrote:I'm disappointed that nothing will be completed by July of next year.



But a construction zone looks better than a pond and some dirt.

You are assuming there will be a construction zone.

STLCardsBlues1989 wrote:And overall, considering how Downtown St. Louis is more lively than in years past, I think fans that have never been to St. Louis will go home with a better impression of Downtown than what they see on TV and read on the internet.

Agreed.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:Do you honestly think Mert & Gert, sitting in their living room in Salina, KS are going to decide not to come to St. Louis for a visit because Ballpark Village isn't done?

Shimmy wrote:And perhaps that impression will inspire Mert & Gert to visit St. Louis or convince them to visit elsewhere.

Frankly, I hope Mert & Gert stay in Salina. Doesn't anyone remember what happened last time they visited? Al Hrabosky's will never be the same.

It seemed like there was some activity on the site yesterday. Trucks and other construction equipment were kicking up a lot of dust during the afternoon rush. I don't know if they're still grading it or what.

^Maybe it was just practice for an upcoming Monster Truck show.

Still grading.

jlblues wrote:^Maybe it was just practice for an upcoming Monster Truck show.

way too funny

I don't like the fact that they're grading the site. I think it means it will be a great little grass block for the all star game. Don't they need to dig out tons of ground for the subterranean parking garage? Whey spend all the money to fill it in? maybe i don't know what I'm talking about; i hope that's the case.

I don't like this concept of "getting mad" at Cordish though. CLEARLY, the office space demand downtown is so weak, someone could go to one of the current vacant buildings for $18-20/ FT vs. spending $30 +/ FT for new construction downtown. Things seem to be positive with Stifel and Polsinelli, I really hope this deal happens.

Outside of Busch Stadium II, it's too bad this ENTIRE side of downtown was pretty much leveled in the 60's...I only bring this up for people to understand how important it is to keep the city's "urban fabric"

JCity wrote:I don't like this concept of "getting mad" at Cordish though. CLEARLY, the office space demand downtown is so weak.

I still think there's enough blame to go around to all parties, as there was ample time to get a deal in place and construction underway before the markets became fubar.



FWIW, here's my Ballpark Village Blame Game, in order of least blame to most blame. Your mileage may vary.



City of St. Louis

Cordish

Centene

St. Louis Cardinals



The ultimate responsibility lies with the Cardinals IMHO- did they ever want to get this deal done, or was it a pretty mirage to get their new stadium built? I'm afraid we may not know for sure for some time now.