urbanSTL

For additional information contact:

Pam Borusiewich 314.298.1448



Rosemann & Associates, PC Receives Chemical Building Contract



4/27/2006 ? St. Louis ? Rosemann & Associates, P.C. receives architectural design services contract for the Chemical Building renovation located at 721 Olive Street in Downtown St. Louis. The 16 story, turn of the century building represents one of the last historic building rehabilitation in the Post Office Square District. Excited to work on the structure's design, Rosemann expects the finished product to highlight St. Louis' architectural restoration. "The Chemical Building is one of the many architectural jewels in downtown," says Project Architect Vince Ebersoldt. "The continuing involvement with the revitalization of downtown St. Louis brings me great pride." Chemical Building Acquisition, LLC is the development team in joint venture with Heismann Properties and Crossland Capital Partners. "We believe in the downtown St. Louis residential market and are confident the desire to live in the area will only continue to grow," remarks Heisman Properties principal, Curt Schroeder. From an office building to luxury residences and apartments, Rosemann's design gives the building fresh, upgraded interiors while restoring the structure's historic fa?ade. The $22 million rehab provides the city with subtle elegance and classic features. "When complete, it will be the only doorman building in St. Louis," says Jeff Adkinson a partner with Heisman Properties. The Chemical Building was built in the "Golden Age" as the city's progress resumed at a greatly accelerated pace following the end of the Civil War and remains to this day one of St. Louis' best know landmark buildings. This structure's skeleton utilizes steel frame construction, first used extensively in the late 19th century. The use of tiers, bay windows, and fenestration marks this distinct red brick building's famous fa?ade. The structure was originally designed in 1896 by architect Henry Ives Cobb and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Noted across the state as a leader and innovator in architectural design, Rosemann's unique expertise on the financial structure of state and federal tax credit developments separates the firm from the competition. Current projects Rosemann is involved with include the Bogen Lofts, Bee Hat Building, Lucas Lofts, 18th and Vine Jazz District, Cupples Station, Des Peres Office Building, Motor Lofts, Stratford Commons, Near Southside Redevelopment and London Square Apartments.

bhardy wrote:For additional information contact:

Pam Borusiewich 314.298.1448



Rosemann & Associates, PC Receives Chemical Building Contract



4/27/2006 ? St. Louis ? Rosemann & Associates, P.C. receives ..."When complete, it will be the only doorman building in St. Louis," says Jeff Adkinson a partner with Heisman Properties. .

What is Jeff talking about? I have been in tons of doorman buildings in Saint Louis, especially in the Central West End. Is there something I'm missing?

Hmm first the qoute from them in a previous article saying "we think St. Louis is ready for that."....and now this comment about being the only doorman building in STL. I think these developers better do some research and stop lobbing shells at STL if they are wise.....

I love the idea of this being a doorman building. It will bring a little uptown to downtown. Like everyone else, I am not crazy about the name Alexa. Somehow it doesn't seem appropriate for a venerable old building. Calling it The Chemical wouldn't work either. But, I don't want to get hung up on that point for now.



They need to be careful about making remarks that are perceived as condescending. Perhaps they meant this is the only doorman condo building currently being developed downtown Or they were not quoted correctly. In any case, wouldn't it be safe to say that they are offering a new product for downtown? No harm in bringing a little Central West End/Clayton to downtown.

doormen always weirded me out for some reason. I feel guilty having some guy in a suit open the door for me ... its just a bit much. I mean how hard is it to open the door?

markofucity wrote:doormen always weirded me out for some reason. I feel guilty having some guy in a suit open the door for me ... its just a bit much. I mean how hard is it to open the door?

I feel exactly the same way, not only do I feel pressure to tip, etc but I also don't like having to explain my visit to them. I specifically did not want to live in a doorman building but I have plenty of girlfriends who prefer it as an added security measure, etc.

markofucity wrote:doormen always weirded me out for some reason.

Of course, the creepiest of them all was Larry Miller!

I think we need to relax here people. This can only be a good thing as it will certainly attract a different demographic into considering livign downtown. For a lot of people, the safety thing is a huge hump that must be dealt with when considering moving to an urban environment.

In regard to a doorman, I am thinking more of someone who sits at a desk and plays on a computer and waits for visitors. When they arrive they call whomever they are visiting to make sure it's a welcome guest. One isn't required to tip this person as they won't be handling your baggage or holding the door, etc. All kinds of the highrise apartment buildings in Chicago have them and it's definitely a perk.

From the Post Dispatch on May 4th 2006:

The Chemical Building is about to be dubbed the Alexa by its new owner, Heisman Properties of Los Angeles. The developer is planning to turn the 17-story building at Olive and 8th streets, familiar for its bay windows, into a 91-unit condominium building with a round-the-clock concierge and valet.



"We think St. Louis is ready for that," said Heisman partner Rob McRitchie. The developer is planning to build a park, complete with grass and trees, atop the second floor, at the elbow of the L-shaped building.

Urban Elitist wrote:Hmm first the qoute from them in a previous article saying "we think St. Louis is ready for that."....and now this comment about being the only doorman building in STL. I think these developers better do some research and stop lobbing shells at STL if they are wise.....

This "first doorman building in St. Louis" line struck me as typical news release hyperbole. I'm sure it was written by whatever PR firm the developer hired. Really, it's just a poorly written release, and the developer probably only glanced over it. The PR firm should know better than to market this type of building in that way. Downtown / loft / urban buyers are more sophisticated, and the announcement shouldn't read like one for a new Applebee's.

I was going to say - I don't think everyone here knows what a doorman is. They don't just open the door, they serve as a filter to make sure that people can't just waltz into the building...

stlmike wrote:I was going to say - I don't think everyone here knows what a doorman is. They don't just open the door, they serve as a filter to make sure that people can't just waltz into the building...

I'm not sure if you were referring to me or not but I certainly know what a doorman is which is why I have expressed the sentiments that I have. You may be correct in terms of a few but I think we all generally are on the same page. I feel uncomfortable with the doorman as a filter preventing me from gaining access to my friends' apartments even though they are fully desirous of my presence. When my friends have the forethought to call ahead so that the doorman is expecting me, it makes things go more smoothly but those moments when the doorman is calling to announce me and gain approval to permit me entrance are uncomfortable for me. That is not something I wish to put my guests through when I can simply have a buzzer system or whatever. I understand the security concerns but I am willing to sacrifice them to avoid these discomforts. I do tip the doorman when I leave packages for the residents or messages, etc. Granted, I would not have the luxury of doing so had the doorman not been there so it certainly has its conveniences. Furthermore, all of my friends with doormen have felt uncomfortable with the relationship of servant, etc as the lines get blurred over time. Knowing myself, I am sure I would be uncomfortable with that and have avoided doormen buildings. That being said, I'm sure that those who would be attracted to a luxury building like the Alexa, would want the prestige of a doorman along with the other amenities perceived as luxuries.



I think it is nice to offer such a service in a building billed as luxury but I also think that most people on this forum and in Saint Louis are well aware what a doorman is because most of us have had multiple repeated contact with buildings that have doormen. I am concerned about this second comment made by these developers in public statements about this project. I think they are already heavily scrutinized because they are from LA and I am worried people will be turned off. They have done an expert job with the Meridian and I have no doubts this project will be beautiful. I just want them to stray away from comments like these that have been dropped here and there as I think Saint Louisans will not generally take kindly to them.



I hope that it does not speak to a marketing strategy overall that misses the mark on the Saint Louis market. We are a sophisiticated group of buyers and we will be able to discern whether you have thrown a doorman and a couple other amenities in to wow us thinking we will be impressed with anything or if there is substantively a luxury offering here reflective of a quality building. I have no doubt this group will deliver the latter but I think their marketing in general could use some work. I have felt that the Meridian was under advertiseed in that most people did not realize what a good deal it was. Maybe once I decided to buy, I didn't have a good feel for their marketing but I really did not feel the buzz I thought it deserved and felt that even on this forum readers were generally not aware of the package being offered.

This "first doorman building in St. Louis" line struck me as typical news release hyperbole. I'm sure it was written by whatever PR firm the developer hired. Really, it's just a poorly written release, and the developer probably only glanced over it. The PR firm should know better than to market this type of building in that way. Downtown / loft / urban buyers are more sophisticated, and the announcement shouldn't read like one for a new Applebee's.

Just to clarify a little: The press release has nothing to do with the developer. It was written by Rosemann & Associates in-house marketing coordinator to announce the signing of an architectural services contract. I would consider this as having nothing to do with the developers marketing for the Chemical Building and everything to do with Rosemann's own business marketing.



Thanks,



-Brent

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:A guy is mistaken in something he says, and all of a sudden he's "lobbing shells"?

Nah, it's just a poorly-written unique selling proposition.



Since I haven't opined in this thread previously, and have little new to add, I'll keep it simple. Love the building- very distinctive, great location, a perfect addition to the ever-growing loft scene. Love the plans. Hate the name- it sounds more appropriate for lofts overlooking the Wal-Mart in the Chesterfield floodplain.

bhardy wrote:

This "first doorman building in St. Louis" line struck me as typical news release hyperbole. I'm sure it was written by whatever PR firm the developer hired. Really, it's just a poorly written release, and the developer probably only glanced over it. The PR firm should know better than to market this type of building in that way. Downtown / loft / urban buyers are more sophisticated, and the announcement shouldn't read like one for a new Applebee's.

Just to clarify a little: The press release has nothing to do with the developer. It was written by Rosemann & Associates in-house marketing coordinator to announce the signing of an architectural services contract. I would consider this as having nothing to do with the developers marketing for the Chemical Building and everything to do with Rosemann's own business marketing.





Thanks,



-Brent

The doorman line is a quote of Jeff who is a partner in the development team so I really think it is appropriate to attribute this statement to the developers. If it is a misquote then fine but that has not been asserted. I'm not sure it is, especially since Rob's earlier statement reflects the same sentiments.

Some images of the Facade. This is a very good looking building.



















-Brent

I was wrong about my impression of the doorman deal. I was totally thinking Chicago style apartment with a lobby with a doorman. Doesn't the Roberts Lofts have something like this?

Love this building, can't wait to see it finished.

Hopefully Dooley's will remain downstairs (that is this bldg, right?)

^

Yep, and I hope they stay there as well. They made a go of it when there was literally nothing else around, and I'd like to see them benefit from the influx of residents, students, workers, etc. (and hopefully expand their hours to stay open late!).

I think earlier reports had the first floor businesses staying along with the offices being consolidated on the lower floors. Don't know if that is still the plan, but hopefully at least the street level tenants are allowed to stay.

Man, those corner units are gonna be sweet!

trent wrote:Love this building, can't wait to see it finished.

The exterior doesn't look like it needs work at all. I can't imagine those windows needing replacement. Looking forward to seeing the floor plans.

That has always been one of my favorite buildings in downtown. Would consider buying something in there.