Having went by this building today, I'm hoping someone can save it soon. The roof is falling into disrepair and it just looks sad overall. I'm fearful it will collapse. As-is, I could see it being a smaller version of the successful redevelopment of 3600 Texas by Blackline. Some apartments plus a first floor café space would probably do nice here, especially since Lafayette Avenue has quite a nice variation in architectural styles.

In my opinion, there has never been a better time to renovate this building than now. However, Vin Ko on Twitter says that the owners think it is worth three times what it really is, which is shameful. So much potential, but greed could take it down and seriously damage the connected house next door. 

I get that the Gate is a vast neighborhood with many other development opportunities, but this should be one of the priorities. Anyone know what steps can be taken?

chriss752 wrote:Having went by this building today, I'm hoping someone can save it soon. The roof is falling into disrepair and it just looks sad overall. I'm fearful it will collapse. As-is, I could see it being a smaller version of the successful redevelopment of 3600 Texas by Blackline. Some apartments plus a first floor café space would probably do nice here, especially since Lafayette Avenue has quite a nice variation in architectural styles.

In my opinion, there has never been a better time to renovate this building than now. However, Vin Ko on Twitter says that the owners think it is worth three times what it really is, which is shameful. So much potential, but greed could take it down and seriously damage the connected house next door. 

I get that the Gate is a vast neighborhood with many other development opportunities, but this should be one of the priorities. Anyone know what steps can be taken?

Code violations? Owner outreach? Civic pride? Redevelopment partnership?

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Write Ald Ingrassia.

quincunx wrote:Write Ald Ingrassia.

She probably has my email addresses set to go straight to the trash since she doesn’t like me much.

^ do it, Chris! i think it's clear at this point that the owners, even if they might *want* to rehab it, are not capable of doing so. let's get this place saved by whatever means.

chriss752 wrote: ↑

Mar 02, 2021

Although, if anyone was up for it, I could try and swing some things like I did on 744 and 750 South 4th Street, which was successful in acquiring those buildings. 

Sorry for the threadjack, but this is great news.  Can't wait to hear more about them in the Chouteau's Landing thread.

urban_dilettante wrote: ↑

Mar 02, 2021

^ do it, Chris! i think it's clear at this point that the owners, even if they might *want* to rehab it, are not capable of doing so. let's get this place saved by whatever means.

I'd need a developer waiting for me to start pursuing the "dirty" and "any means necessary" path. Because if I don't have that, it's almost certainly dead the moment the push begins. I'll contact some people and see if they're interested to redevelop the building. If they are, then I'll start researching ordinances and codes and see what can be applied here. I doubt it's much.

Regarding 744 and 750, the ordinances there were in regards to graffiti, nuisance properties, and parking lots (Ordinance #66934 and Ordinance #67600 in addition to Building Commissioners Order #1001). BC Order #1001 is the reason why the parking lot at 800 South 4th Street has been closed for months now. I have my letter to the City on my computer, which lit a fire under Terry McDonald to move to sell the properties or face the City coming in to remove graffiti, board up the Graffiti Garage (happened) and do other things and bill him for it. The letter I wrote is found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jdq ... sp=sharing

Since posting about the Garavaglia building on Twitter and my Facebook Group, many have said that the Garavaglia family is split on what to do with it. Some want to sell it. Others want to keep it as a family memento. But they all realize that the clock is ticking. Because of the disputes, any one who makes an offer is turned away or they want three times what the building is actually worth. They need a wake up call before it's too late. I wonder if the owner of the house next door has ever complained about it since if the building comes down, there's a chance that his property is damaged. 

Is this the same family that ran the various delis that popped up then disappeared? 

Good luck with this Chris, I am hoping you can get something done.

I live at this intersection and would really like to see this building become more productive.  It is such a shame as in the 11 years I have been here Lafayette has really transformed.  This one is an eye sore.

Chris, I've had some luck working with the good folks at the Vacancy Collaborative on long vacant properties in Fox Park. I can't lay out the details here because there could be some litigation, but would be happy to share what I've learned. I will share my cell # via DM. Thanks for caring and doing something about it.

Sometimes recalcitrant property owners do need a push, but remember; It's easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar. 

^ but it's easiest to smear the honey on a fly swatter.

chriss752 wrote: ↑

Mar 02, 2021

urban_dilettante wrote: ↑

Mar 02, 2021

^ do it, Chris! i think it's clear at this point that the owners, even if they might *want* to rehab it, are not capable of doing so. let's get this place saved by whatever means.

I'd need a developer waiting for me to start pursuing the "dirty" and "any means necessary" path. Because if I don't have that, it's almost certainly dead the moment the push begins. I'll contact some people and see if they're interested to redevelop the building. If they are, then I'll start researching ordinances and codes and see what can be applied here. I doubt it's much.

...

Since posting about the Garavaglia building on Twitter and my Facebook Group, many have said that the Garavaglia family is split on what to do with it. Some want to sell it. Others want to keep it as a family memento. But they all realize that the clock is ticking. Because of the disputes, any one who makes an offer is turned away or they want three times what the building is actually worth. They need a wake up call before it's too late. I wonder if the owner of the house next door has ever complained about it since if the building comes down, there's a chance that his property is damaged. 

Went through my list of developers. Two were willing to do it, but wanted to go about it using the civilized path. One was prepared to make an offer then communication ceased between him and the property owner. So for now, the effort to save this building on my end is paused with the hopes of revisiting it in the future (before it's too late) or praise someone else for being able to buy it and renovate it.

Building is fenced off with signs saying it’s under renovation. It’s clear that work has started.

Nice commercial building across Lafayette is also undergoing some changes (not a huge fan of painting the brick black though).

JaneJacobsGhost wrote: ↑

Jan 06, 2025

Building is fenced off with signs saying it’s under renovation. It’s clear that work has started.

Nice commercial building across Lafayette is also undergoing some changes (not a huge fan of painting the brick black though).

Guy Slay is redeveloping it.  

I think I had almost given up on this building, so glad it's being saved. Truly a cornerstone retail building in a neighborhood where most of that is gone. Nearly as important as the derelict building on the NE end of Fountain Park.

I drive past it daily and get so excited. Although it seems to be slow going so far, I think I saw permits were pulled for the build out. Can't wait her back in all her glory.

That whole stretch of Lafayette between Jefferson and Grand is so interesting to me.  I know some don't' like the new builds but the variety on the stretch is cool to me.  Looking forward to all the new spaces being opened.  

Sad to see the big church down the street that I believe had plans by the Das Bevo folks seems to have fallen through.  I saw it's for sale again. 

Lots of sewer/underground digging so far. I know most hate painted brick, but the catering/events biz across the street is a positive. Anyone remember the prayer depot that was there for awhile. That woman was sweet, but this is a higher use. 

rheights wrote:I drive past it daily and get so excited. Although it seems to be slow going so far, I think I saw permits were pulled for the build out. Can't wait her back in all her glory.

That whole stretch of Lafayette between Jefferson and Grand is so interesting to me.  I know some don't' like the new builds but the variety on the stretch is cool to me.  Looking forward to all the new spaces being opened.  

Sad to see the big church down the street that I believe had plans by the Das Bevo folks seems to have fallen through.  I saw it's for sale again. 

I believe they are just trying to sell the rectory/home.

rheights wrote: ↑

Jan 07, 2025

I drive past it daily and get so excited. Although it seems to be slow going so far, I think I saw permits were pulled for the build out. Can't wait her back in all her glory.

That whole stretch of Lafayette between Jefferson and Grand is so interesting to me.  I know some don't' like the new builds but the variety on the stretch is cool to me.  Looking forward to all the new spaces being opened.  

Sad to see the big church down the street that I believe had plans by the Das Bevo folks seems to have fallen through.  I saw it's for sale again. 

Yea, Gate on Lafayette definitely is interesting. I’m a sucker for traditional StL brick but those new builds actually still kind of fit around them - it’s mostly honest infill. Except one I really don’t understand is a grey vinyl set back ranch home - it really makes zero sense, not sure how or when that happened (it’s something like 2840 Lafayette). It sticks out by how far it sits back - can’t miss it

The rest of Gate is a mixed bag - a little too suburban in design but some effort in making it faux StL style. It wouldn’t be the worst if this kind of development filled in some parts of North City - affordable homes that keep partial character of the neighborhoods but appeal to those who dont want the on top of each other feel.

I lived on Lafayette in the Gate from 2009 till 2023.  I saw all of this growth and loved almost ALL of it.  The ranch set back was the only new development that did not fit.  The paint job on the day care also made me go hmm ...

I have been waiting for this redevelopment for YEARS.

Welcome to STL.  I sincerely wish you the best!  I will watch for more info!