urbanSTL

So does anyone know what became of that operating-room observation dome? Is it now part of a two-story unit, or did they have to rip it out? I can't think of what I'd do with it, but it's too cool to lose.

Is there any change in the staus of this development? Out building still look abandoned. Is there ANY plan to rehab?



Pity the poor folks that bought there and have to look at that!



All the grounds and lighting speak under construction. I wonder if the developers front yard look the same?

Framer wrote:So does anyone know what became of that operating-room observation dome? Is it now part of a two-story unit, or did they have to rip it out? I can't think of what I'd do with it, but it's too cool to lose.

The operating room dome and all operating rooms were in the "Tower" building that was demolished. I think that Bob Casilly removed the dome, though.

^Sorry to hear the first part, glad about the second.

As this was touted as an upscale development, going by there last night it appears drab and unimpressive. Nothing pops.

Aren't they ever going to do anything with those buildings in back. It looks like London during the blitz of WWII.

Agreed, If anything the abondoned look of the buildings on the back side of the complex would turn away potential buyers. If they could finish the rest of the buildings I think that this project would sell out no problem.

Some dramatic exterior lighting would be welcome too. It does look very forlorn at night.

They just need to realize that the hospital isn't one building, its the entire complex. The backside is a gi-normous vacant lot. It needs more life.



I also think that it doesn't help that King Louis Square is often dead. The only vibrancy in that 'hood is across Truman in Lafayette Square.

Does anyone know if they have begun building the pool yet? My wife and I will be moving to St. Louis hopefully next year after my last year of Law School is over and the Georgian intrigued us b/c the prices are VERY reasonable considering you get wood floors and stainless appliances. When we were there, a salesperson assured us the pool would be done by the end of the summer. Does anybody have a report on this? ALso, when are they going to break ground on the Georgian Square commerical complex and Phase II of the Georgian itself. Thanks Alot

I have friends that moved into the Georgian last summer. They were one of the first residents there. They like their place, but have become frustrated with the slow pace for amenities like the pool and workout facilities.

Also, while the costs are fairly low compared to other developments the association fees at The Georgian are quite a bit higher.

All in all I love what they have done to the place, but I could see how living there would be frustrating when the sales agents promised stuff that hasn't materialized yet.

southsidepride wrote:I have friends that moved into the Georgian last summer. They were one of the first residents there. They like their place, but have become frustrated with the slow pace for amenities like the pool and workout facilities.

Also, while the costs are fairly low compared to other developments the association fees at The Georgian are quite a bit higher.

All in all I love what they have done to the place, but I could see how living there would be frustrating when the sales agents promised stuff that hasn't materialized yet.

I currently live in the Georgian and am under the impression that Phase II (pool, fitness room, extra storage, etc.) is supposed to commence this fall, slightly after they begin work on Georgian Square, which is scheduled to break ground at the end of August. I really hope they live up to that promise. I love living in the Georgian. Sales have increased and the building is finally filling up with residents, but I think once construction on Phase II and the Georgian Square commence, demand for a Unit will increase substantially.

And for the reasons stated, I can't help but imagine that your investment will easily double or triple in the next couple of years. The prices at the Georgian are very reasonable.

Article on upcoming construction/rehab/tenants in Phase II. Apparently the "Butler's Pantry" catering (exclusive caterer for the Piper Palm House etc) will be moving into the Laundry Building, and they plan on having a large banquet facility:

Link

Matt wrote:And for the reasons stated, I can't help but imagine that your investment will easily double or triple in the next couple of years. The prices at the Georgian are very reasonable.

I don't know about doubling or tripling. Not with the way the current real estate market and economy.

^ A neighbor of mine, a block or so away from the Georgian, just sold her condo in 4 days in this market with this economy.

dweebe wrote:

Matt wrote:And for the reasons stated, I can't help but imagine that your investment will easily double or triple in the next couple of years. The prices at the Georgian are very reasonable.

I don't know about doubling or tripling. Not with the way the current real estate market and economy.

True. And not in St. Louis. From what I've seen, a 20% gain (with 0 rehabbing) should be considered outstanding.

TGE-ATW wrote:Article on upcoming construction/rehab/tenants in Phase II. Apparently the "Butler's Pantry" catering (exclusive caterer for the Piper Palm House etc) will be moving into the Laundry Building, and they plan on having a large banquet facility:

Link

Just a minor clarification: The Butler's Pantry will be in a newly constructed, stand alone building, near the Laundry Building rehab.

I'm very optimistic about real estate in cities like St. Louis. Not only about appreciation but market corrections (coming back to viability and growth). The areas around downtown have been below value for nearly 40 years.



What's going on now on in Lafayette Square is nothing short of amazing but it makes perfect sense.



Condos and homes selling this week for up to $600K. The Georgian has an ideal location (location, location) and coupled with what is planned, I could see condos there reselling for $500K in the next 3-5 years (original sale price of about $150K, right?).



It's fun to watch. My home in Soulard has doubled in 6 years and I'm confident that it will almost double in maybe 5. My opinion is contingent on the major pockets in downtown and between the neighborhoods and downtown are filled by the development that has been announced.

Exactly who will benefit from Butler's Pantry. Aren['t they a catering company? Or will they use the buildings as a venue for events? I am unfamilar with this company or their history.



Will it ultimatley benefitr the owners of the Georgian or the developers?

Butler's Pantry is a very well-respected catering company. They will use their new building for kitchen work, as well as an event venue (the linked story explains it all).



I think their move will benefit all those involved. The Butler's Pantry gets a new, larger facility, the City gains another party venue, the Georgian Condo owners gain a stable, productive business on otherwise vaccant neighboring land, and the developers get a little more return on their investment (and hopefully incentive to continue with the revitalization of this important St. Louis landmark).

Windows on Washington was for many suburbanites their first introduction to Washington Ave and urban style. Perhaps the Butler's Pantry facility will have the same effect on Bohemian Hill. As an aside I recently heard that Tom Klein catering was opening a Windows facility in K.C. supposedly in a emerging warehouse district area near downtown.

Any idea exactly how full the Georgian is? What percentage of phase I is being lived in right now?



-RBB

When you compare the condo fees, you need to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. The condo fees range from $170 to $360. Unlike other developments, this includes your gas, HVAC electric, water, sewer, trash, insurance, common area maintenance and professional management. The HVAC electric alone at some condos is $200 so the condo fees seem more reasonable than other developments.

Here is what Trace Shaugnessy of Gilded Age said today in an email about the plans for Phase II of the Georgian Condos and Georgian Square:



"As you might have read recently in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, we have signed the Butler’s Pantry as part of the second phase of the Georgian. They will be occupying the Laundry Building and will use this facility as a venue space. We will also be building a new food preparation and offices facility for them immediately to the north of the Power Plant. The Power Plant has been designed to house a restaurant and office space. And the remaining buildings (Commissioner’ s, Clinic, and Kitchen buildings) will be additional residential units. We plan to begin construction for this phase within the next 60 days. The northwest gravel lot is still in the design stages. We anticipate this to be a mixed-use development that will complement the rest of the Georgian.



The third phase of the Georgian, Georgian Square , will be comprised of City Market, Walgreens, Starbucks, and several other tenants. Site work should begin on this portion of the project in October of this year with a target completion date of October of 2008."