I'm not a fan of that park either. At least, if we have to live with the park, the city should allow new construction on its eastern edge (just south of the Valley Building) facing the Stadium West garage. The park isn't even symmetrical right now.
Was that park the city's idea, or was it some sort of stipulation for building the federal courthouse?
MattnSTL wrote:It was a federal program for art in their buildings.
Yes, you are right, the Filippine Garden was part of the General Services Administration's "Art in Architecture" Program and was designed by Valerie Jaudon. The GSA program commissions fine art for Federal buildings nationwide. I hadn't heard the speculation about landbanking, but I guess anything is possible. Here is an image of the plaza/garden from a satelite photo.
I hope they build on it. From high up the design looks like it would make a nice armband tattoo, but I don't think it would make an interesting place to be at street level. Especially since it appears to be surrounded by nothing.
Well, Daley Plaza, in Chicago, is a gathering point for protests, cultural events and so forth. . It would be nice if they used that space, in front of the Eagleton, for similar things.
The problem is that we already have TOO many urban plazas downtown. What a total waste of space.. This entire block, except for the one building, is a total vacant/ waste of space. How much better served would tenants in 1010 Market, BOA Plaza, and the Courts building if there was street level retail around this block. Greenspace is definitely a good addition at times, such as Kiener Plaza and the Arch grounds, but the entire mall west to Union Station and this new addition are total wastes.
JCity wrote:The problem is that we already have TOO many urban plazas downtown. What a total waste of space.. This entire block, except for the one building, is a total vacant/ waste of space. How much better served would tenants in 1010 Market, BOA Plaza, and the Courts building if there was street level retail around this block. Greenspace is definitely a good addition at times, such as Kiener Plaza and the Arch grounds, but the entire mall west to Union Station and this new addition are total wastes.
Agreed it doesn't even feel like a park. I always seem to notice people looking over at it with blank stares trying to figure it out, it looks like a maze. It's nothing but some sidewalks with a few benches set around it. Too much wasted space in that area, considering all the development going on around there with cupples and the village coming up.
It's going to be apartments, and it's located at 11th and Clark (I think). If you get off the highway on the ramp that lets you off right near the Cupples development, you'll see it immediately on your right.
I made a delivery to the Cupples Loft Apartments today. Its really very nice inside, including an atrium through the center of the builidng, revealing the original, massive wooden structure. Nice finishes throughout...The Lawrence Group did another fine job.
Some of the units only have windows facing the atrium, though. And with prices starting at $685 for a one bedroom unit, I don't really consider it all that "affordable".
I didn't realize you meant the term "affordable" literally.
I called yesterday, and they informed me that the one-bedroom units are indeed $689, but they are only available to residents who earn less than $27,660/year. She said they are an "affordable housing" outfit. Parking is also $125/mo., or $65/mo. in the nearby Cupples garage.
So, I'm new to this affordable housing concept. Are rents going to be subsidized by the federal government or something? Otherwise, it seems few people who actually qualify could afford to pay the rent!
kujay wrote:So, I'm new to this affordable housing concept. Are rents going to be subsidized by the federal government or something? Otherwise, it seems few people who actually qualify could afford to pay the rent!
Not sure, but I think it has something to do with tax credit eligibility i.e. a certain percentage of units have to be below market rent in order for tax credits to apply. But I could be wrong . . .
I was told there is special federal financing available for construction/rehabs that make rental housing available to low income populations. For this reason many of these projects begin as rentals even though they ultimately have plans to convert to condos.
When I was going to school as UMSL, I knew several full-time students who took advantage of the "affordable" low income units at Merchandise Mart. Although the purpose of affordable housing is to provide blue-collar workers affordable housing options, it wouldn't necessarily hurt St. Louis to have flocks of college students moving downtown.
Honestly, though, how awesome would it be to have subsidized rent two blocks from the new Busch?
I dont know much about the economics of the situation, but I agree whole heartedly that an increase in the college age demographic downtown and especially in the stadium area is a good thing. If, in fact, we are on the verge of molding or own version of 'Wrigleyville' (as some have coined), I would think it is this age group that would help support more bar/entertainment venues. A younger population would probably be more prone to regularly frequent bars, pubs, and clubs on non game nights which would keep these businesses thriving. I think it basically boils down to energy. An energetic atmosphere is attractive for any downtown.
I already got a place, but I recommended it to a friend of mine, who has been living at Lindell Towers. When I told him about the affordable stuff and the website he couldn't believe it (prior to Lindell Towrs he lived in...Lake St. Louis). So he just signed in over there...I'm stoked, gives me an excuse to go check out Mercury.
Interesting photos with some cool angles. What a great neighborhood once all these places are completed and filled. Those shots really bring out the potential of the Spruce corridor.
Xing wrote:Well, Daley Plaza, in Chicago, is a gathering point for protests, cultural events and so forth. . It would be nice if they used that space, in front of the Eagleton, for similar things.
A gathering point for protests...Ummm, I cringe at the thought of this...
Does HRI put internal windows in all their projects? One thing I certainly was not a fan of was the apartments that looked oput into the lobby at Merchandise Mart. However, it appears like this building gets some good natural light in there, so it may not be so...unappealing.
I checked it out today as part of the loft tour, and I was smitten by this place. It had more to offer than some rental units over on Washington at twice the price. The common room and gym are huge, and the display unit was amazing. Can't believe there's an income restriction here. There was a retired guy and his wife there (in their mid 60s) signing a lease, and he had a big grin on his face like had had just won the lottery!!
