Does anybody see Drury Inn dropping their pursuit of the Kingshighway/FPSE site in order to be part of a loftier development deal at this site? The site is big enough for multiple tenants and fits everything that a hotel will look for from easy off and on access to a very busy freeway with considerable number of attractions in the immediate area not too mention the huge BJC/Wash U medical complex nearby.
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No. I see your point, and it's a good one, but I believe the FSPE Drury Hotel is moving forward.dredger wrote:Does anybody see Drury Inn dropping their pursuit of the Kingshighway/FPSE site in order to be part of a loftier development deal at this site?
But are there investors able to come forward? And is there enough demand in this still struggling economy?zun1026 wrote:Just to clarify, I meant the buildings, not the site. The site has limitless possibilities IMO.moorlander wrote:^ I could see residential as a possible reuse. My guess, it sits for a while and is eventually torn down for new construction. It's a fantastic location. New construction here, and at the old Fox 2 location across Hampton, along with a re-use of Gratiot School would do dogtown well.
Though a hotel the looks literally at the Zoo and is within easy walking distance should be a smashing success.
dweebe wrote:But are there investors able to come forward? And is there enough demand in this still struggling economy?zun1026 wrote:Just to clarify, I meant the buildings, not the site. The site has limitless possibilities IMO.moorlander wrote:^ I could see residential as a possible reuse. My guess, it sits for a while and is eventually torn down for new construction. It's a fantastic location. New construction here, and at the old Fox 2 location across Hampton, along with a re-use of Gratiot School would do dogtown well.
Though a hotel the looks literally at the Zoo and is within easy walking distance should be a smashing success.
Probably not, but its not likely that something would happen tomorrow. I am pretty sure the Highlands took over 5-years from site acquisition to completion of the first building. A hotel would probably work, but there is already on right down the street. So, is there room for another? I have no clue to be honest. Personally I would like to see some Class A-B commercial and some residential. I would think it is some prime commercial area considering its proximity to downtown and its high degree of accessibility with 40 & 44 so close. Not to mention the traffic from Hampton. If a hotel was involved then thats all good too. Either way the site, as well as some of the adjoining properties could go a long way to catalyze growth in the area.
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I just hope that they break up the site, maybe put in a couple north-south streets.
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Good riddance, FP. When I was young and stupid (2 years ago) I went there when I had a peritonsillar abscess. My sister was concerned as a Physician's Assistant when I explained my symptoms and urged me to go to the hospital when I live in Dogtown. I went there, was told I had a sore throat, and sent home. I went to a real doctor who immediately put me in to surgery as it can be life threatening.
Note: I explained to the doctor I was in agony and there was no way this was a sore throat. I fought the charges, and lost.
Note: I explained to the doctor I was in agony and there was no way this was a sore throat. I fought the charges, and lost.
I don't disagree, but its not like there is much of a grid to connect to. That area has some funky alignments as well. It will likely need some good internal circulation, I just hope that it isn't the building/island/parking lot format.Alex Ihnen wrote:I just hope that they break up the site, maybe put in a couple north-south streets.
Looks like the zoo plans to buy the old Forest Park Hospital site. I look forward to this area of Dogtown being active again.
"According to Dr. Bonner, the zoo will increase available parking and use some buildings at the Forest Park Hospital site for as possible office, conference and lab space."
"According to Dr. Bonner, the zoo will increase available parking and use some buildings at the Forest Park Hospital site for as possible office, conference and lab space."
Could the area sustain another hotel? Something with presence and using the people mover to connect it to zoo/FP.
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I like what I see so far, including the potential for a small residential building south of Clayton. Also, they get rid of that awful parking garage on the corner. "Potential retail" is shown built to the corner, with parking behind - another plus.mmreid wrote:Looks like the zoo plans to buy the old Forest Park Hospital site. I look forward to this area of Dogtown being active again.
"According to Dr. Bonner, the zoo will increase available parking and use some buildings at the Forest Park Hospital site for as possible office, conference and lab space."
I hope they don't waste money on that people mover in the picture. A pedestrian bridge is the most that is needed, and I'd even argue that would be overkill. Are people really so fat and lazy that they can't walk 200 yards across the highway?shadrach wrote:Could the area sustain another hotel? Something with presence and using the people mover to connect it to zoo/FP.
Way too much parking in the rendering, but there is some potential with the site if it can be integrated into the neighborhood. This should be considered a high demand area for people who want to live a minute or two walk from Forest Park. Hopefully the alderman can put a cap on parking. Dogtown shouldn't become car storage for county people who visit the Zoo. I do not understand why they want to keep that ugly garage and these lots.
When will the RFP be issued for consultants?
When will the RFP be issued for consultants?
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nextSTL article here: http://bit.ly/wRDqN8
Ultimately, the zoo is likely to expand exhibit space into the south parking lot - making additional parking necessary. Obviously the devil's in the details, but this is a huge opportunity for the zoo. If contextual development can occur, Dogtown will be the place to eat/grab a drink before/after visiting the zoo and nearby residents will have another cool place to visit and play.
Ultimately, the zoo is likely to expand exhibit space into the south parking lot - making additional parking necessary. Obviously the devil's in the details, but this is a huge opportunity for the zoo. If contextual development can occur, Dogtown will be the place to eat/grab a drink before/after visiting the zoo and nearby residents will have another cool place to visit and play.
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This is great for Dogtown. I just hope that the signature building with the nice towers will survive. From the renderings, that does not appear to be the case.
It looks like only the office building on Oakland will survive, other than the parking garage. I think this will really invigorate the area and maybe assist in filling the vacant storefronts on Tamm, the old Forest Park Lumber site and Lehman Place.
Existing businesses will benefit. Let's not forget the addition of Heavy Riff
Brewing. I think Dogtown is on the up and up, again!
It looks like only the office building on Oakland will survive, other than the parking garage. I think this will really invigorate the area and maybe assist in filling the vacant storefronts on Tamm, the old Forest Park Lumber site and Lehman Place.
Existing businesses will benefit. Let's not forget the addition of Heavy Riff
Brewing. I think Dogtown is on the up and up, again!
Monorail! Forest Park Hospital to the Zoo! Then to the Art-Museum! Then to the Science Center! Then to BJC Medical Center! Then to CORTEX! Then to Cardinal Glennon! Monorail! (My planned April Fool's Day post just became real!)
add a hotel plus monorail, shops, residential—it could be like, dare I say, Ballpark Village for the zoo.
1) You clearly have no small children.the central scrutinizer wrote:I hope they don't waste money on that people mover in the picture. A pedestrian bridge is the most that is needed, and I'd even argue that would be overkill. Are people really so fat and lazy that they can't walk 200 yards across the highway?shadrach wrote:Could the area sustain another hotel? Something with presence and using the people mover to connect it to zoo/FP.
2) Even if the distance is only 200 yards and whoever it is doesn't have any children, ain't no way anyone's going to try to negotiate 4-5 lanes across a then-much-busier Clayton Road, then dash across two highway entrance/exit lanes, all the while walking next to 6-7 lanes of traffic on the Hampton Avenue bridge. (If you're talking about a pedestrian bridge where the people-mover bridge is shown, that's going to be a tad longer than 200 yards and will still mess with the minds of any parents with little kids.)
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I don't know, the Springfield Monorail didn't turn out so well.mill204 wrote:Monorail! Forest Park Hospital to the Zoo! Then to the Art-Museum! Then to the Science Center! Then to BJC Medical Center! Then to CORTEX! Then to Cardinal Glennon! Monorail! (My planned April Fool's Day post just became real!)
oh, but I have three. Not so small anymore but the days of strollers and carrying toddlers are still fresh.bonwich wrote:1) You clearly have no small children.
I ask since there's a hotel in the Highlands, Drury, Red Roof and Holiday Inns within close(ish) proximity not to mention the CWE and that long-proposed Drury at Kingshighway/44.
True one here would cater to families/tourists. I would love to see something cool and thematic here.
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^ There's room for it. A zoo hotel would be incredible. Sadly, Bob Cassily would clearly be the one to make a place like that unique.
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Joe Edwards, it's your turn at-bat.Alex Ihnen wrote:A zoo hotel would be incredible. Sadly, Bob Cassily would clearly be the one to make a place like that unique.
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I think the rendering is really disappointing, but I think we'll see a lot more information in the next couple months as the zoo develops a better and more comprehensive development plan. I don't know why they would release something like that (or why developers seem to always release awful renderings), but the public will have some input into this. That said, don't expect any of the existing buildings to be saved - other than the office building and parking garage.
This is great for the future of the Zoo. Obviously, they would never be allowed to expand in Forest Park, so this is the only direction they can go. This will ultimately free-up much needed space within the current boundaries for new exhibits.
I can't wait to see the current South Parking Lot torn up and replaced with, oh, I don't know, maybe an African Savanna or a Tropical Rainforest or something.
I can't wait to see the current South Parking Lot torn up and replaced with, oh, I don't know, maybe an African Savanna or a Tropical Rainforest or something.