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PostApr 12, 2007#51

Your request has been granted, Framer. I walked by yesterday and saw a huge banner advertising condos from the 400s.



They have a website, but it doesn't have a lot of information. www.thefordstl.com
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PostApr 12, 2007#52

This is going to be nice. Two units per floor, each with park view, private elevator access, private terraces, infinity pool, etc. I can imagine the views from this building are tremendous.
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PostApr 12, 2007#53

Two exclusive residences per floor starting in the $400's?! That's a big change from what originally started off as 100-plus condos starting below $100k. Add the Skyhouse and Pacific on the Park, and Larry Rice is quickly becoming surrounded by Downtown's most expensive residences.
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PostApr 12, 2007#54

Rice's property is becoming increasingly valuable. I wonder if he has a price. At some point, it will become so valuable that not selling it will be downright stupid or defiant. He could take the money and build a much better facility in a new location.



Anyway, we should be careful not to turn this into a another homeless thread. Not fair to the Ford and a homeless thread already exists.



Besides Rice, this neighborhood has the potential to be very high-end. It is sprinkled with some of the most beautiful structures in St. Louis. The library, the momuments, the Park Pacific, Shell Building, Christ Church Cathedral, City Hall, the Loft District, and the list goes on.



People are going to wake up one day and realize that an elegant neighborhood has been just under the surface the whole time.



One more thing, I find it interesting that they decided to keep the name, the Ford.
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PostApr 12, 2007#55

Expat wrote:Rice's property is becoming increasingly valuable. I wonder if he has a price. At some point, it will become so valuable that not selling it will be downright stupid or defiant. He could take the money and build a much better facility in a new location.


Which is exactly what he is. Defiant anyway. But yeah, we should keep this about the Ford. I couldn't resist.



It would be nice for this area if Rice left. Maybe we could regain a bit of Lucas Place's elegance.
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PostApr 12, 2007#56

Expat wrote:Besides Rice, this neighborhood has the potential to be very high-end. It is sprinkled with some of the most beautiful structures in St. Louis. The library, the momuments, the Park Pacific, Shell Building, Christ Church Cathedral, City Hall, the Loft District, and the list goes on.



People are going to wake up one day and realize that an elegant neighborhood has been just under the surface the whole time.
True, this neighborhood has tons of potential... It will be interesting to see how things transpire. Below are some more projects in the neighborhood.



1. "Planned" Tucker Streetscape Project

2. Movie Theater in Jefferson Arms

3. Flamingo Bowl in Lucas Lofts

4. Rest of your list above...
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PostApr 12, 2007#57

As more and more people move into these buildings, it puts more and more pressure on the city to do something.



I would encourage anyone who buys in these buildings to call the police every time they see some piece of trash using the park as a toilet. Then call the mayor's office. If the police and mayor start getting 200 phone calls a day, believe me, something will be done.



As to the Ford, hopefully it is successful. Is that pizza place still on the first floor? And is it any good?
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PostApr 12, 2007#58

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:As more and more people move into these buildings, it puts more and more pressure on the city to do something.



I would encourage anyone who buys in these buildings to call the police every time they see some piece of trash using the park as a toilet. Then call the mayor's office. If the police and mayor start getting 200 phone calls a day, believe me, something will be done.


That's the right approach...and the best way to get things done.



I think this part of downtown will soon reach a tipping point (if it hasn't already), where the investment surrounding Rice's place and the residents that will follow are going to make a significant difference in the ongoing efforts to clean up Lucas Park and the general area surrounding the NLEC.



At first, I was disappointed to see the focus shift away from entry-level buyers at the Ford, but given the condition of the building and the problems that plague the area, I think a more upscale approach will work better for this particular building.
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PostApr 12, 2007#59

I would expect a condemnation action at some point against NLEC, the building cannot possibly be up to code and I would imagine that the money it would take to get it there would be outrageous...



if this all happens, Rice would be smart to take some amount of money and buya property elsewhere...



The city cannot afford to let the current situation around NLEC and specifically in Lucas Park continue as it is...
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PostApr 13, 2007#60

The city could always take it by emminent domain - there is certainly a higher economic/tax producing use for it. That's not to say that there isn't a need for a shelter and similar places. You can be sure that anyone putting down $400,000 for a condo won't put up with panhandling and pissing in the park. This will change the neighborhood.
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PostApr 13, 2007#61

This building has got to have some of the best views in town. Does anyone on the forum have access to get in and shoot a couple of photos? Any old photos floating around the web anywhere?



BTW, Scrutinizer, I think everything is now out of the building. No more pizza place (no bail bonds, either).
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PostApr 13, 2007#62

Framer wrote:(no bail bonds, either).


That's not good news. :oops:
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PostApr 16, 2007#63

A few details from the developer:





Construction and Delivery:



Interior building demolition is half way complete

Models are targeted for completion this Fall

Estimated move-in time frame is Spring 2008

We are currently compiling an early interest list in order to keep you informed of progress and updates.

A temporary sales center will be ready in just a few weeks

Pre-construction pricing will be available by June 2





Features and Benefits of The Ford



26 exclusive direct elevator entry luxury condominiums

Two condominiums per floor with minimal common wall area

Two bedrooms, two bathrooms approximately 1800 sf.

270 degree panoramic view from inside your condominium

Extra large private balconies

Incredible rooftop amenities including swim spa, hot tub, and sauna

On site fitness center

High end retail on first floor





Prices start in the low $400’s. If you have any further questions please call or email me using the contact information below. Thanks again for your inquiry and be ready for more information coming your way soon.
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PostApr 16, 2007#64

I like "high end retail on first floor."
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PostApr 16, 2007#65

The signage on the building really grabbed my attention as I drove by just a bit ago. The whole ground floor is wrapped with a really nice sign with the skyline as it looks from the Ford, and there is a big banner covering several floors higher up. I'll have to get a pic some day.
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PostApr 16, 2007#66

I walk past there everyday, I'll try to remember my camera the next time I go. It's been fun watching the transformation so far -- from shoddy looking apartments with junk in the windows to watching them break out all of the windows, now the windows are boarded up and the signs look great.



It's such a great location - I'd love to have a view of the library and Christ Church Cathedral.



I should be taking pics anyway. I have a feeling that next year this time and two years from now all of the buildings I pass on a daily basis will be transformed. This is such an exciting time to be living downtown!
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PostApr 16, 2007#67

THis is a key location and this project has really exceeded my expectations as this was an ugly building that is being transformed into what will be a very attractive property.



When you can take the ugliest and tansform it into somehting great it has a huge impact. Renovating buidlings in better shape is good also, but not nearly as dramatic of a transformation
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PostApr 16, 2007#68

The only downside is the view to the west and that horrible building that used to house the St. Louis City courts.
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PostApr 16, 2007#69

it still houses the City municipal courts...and yes, it is a dump
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PostApr 16, 2007#70

Yeah that building where the city leases space for their courts is a piece of crap.



I realize there's no money, but I think it would be best for the city to renovate the Muni Courts Bldg, move the city courts, city counselor's office, and consolidate the rest of the scattered city offices that aren't in City Hall to that building. It's a shame it won't happen, b/c it's a cool building, and I can't see it used for anything else, really. But perhaps that's because I lack imagination.



OT, the Ford will be a great property.
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PostApr 16, 2007#71

that was the plan, but the asbestos abatement costs were too high, forcing the muni courts to stay where they are and forcing the municapal courts building to basically sit unoccupied
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PostJun 27, 2007#72

I drove by this and noticed yesterday that the banner is down on the south side and their sales office seems to be near/complete. Looked good at a glance.
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PostJun 27, 2007#73

I imaging this building will have some of the best views in the city. Looking out over all the wonderful buildings that surround Memorial Plaza and Christ Church Cathedral, this is one of the more unique areas of downtown.
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PostJun 28, 2007#74

I'd love to have the top floor facing East. I can't imagine a better view.
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PostJul 17, 2007#75

I like this building, but it seems so plain.

They better be real nice besides good views for the starting price they are asking..







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