urbanSTL

ThreeOneFour wrote:^ That's also the impression I got of the places that occupied that space in the Sheraton. I also agree with you about the pedestrian-hostile environment there. It's something you'd think the powers-that-be would want to correct since the multimodal transportation center is nearby.

Oooh, yeah, the p-t-b are really cognizant of pedestrian safety! That's why there are no pedestrian crossing signals on Market on the far side of the Kieltrade some 10 years after it was built.



But let's throw a few tens of millions at the Ed while we're at it. We see how much ancillary development it's spurred in the past decade!

They (that's just for you CS ), really need to find a way to cover the Metro tracks and do something about the I-64 on-ramp as well.

bonwich wrote:Oooh, yeah, the p-t-b are really cognizant of pedestrian safety! That's why there are no pedestrian crossing signals on Market on the far side of the Kieltrade some 10 years after it was built.

Don't let my previous statement mislead you- I've about given up on TPTB getting a clue about pedestrian safety.

^And it is not like the solution is all that expensive either. It really is sad. And, not to confuse threads, but isn't this part of Rollin Stanley's job?

I realize that this is a stretch, but could it be that the space in question, not to mention the entire Sheraton, is just an unpleasant space to be in? I may be in the minority, but that building redo was a MAJOR disappointment and a giant missed opportunity to build a cool, landmark hotel. Talk about dated! The lobby says funeral parlor, circa 1989 and don't get me started on the rooms...



On my first visit, I peeked into "Jacques" ( for the name) and couldn't believe that a supposed higher end hotel was sporting a low grade sports bar. I mean, a Kriegers is more attractive! I didn't see it after the name change, though. Don't get me wrong, a sports bar definitely has its' place, especially near a giant venue like that, but the word cheesy comes to mind.



I agree about the difficulty in access though.

^ I never saw the rooms, but I agree about the lobby and the generally schlocky appearance of Jacques. I was never in Federko's, but save for a few more Blues sweaters and memorabilia on the wall, I can't imagine it was that much different. Combined with the poor pedestrian access and visibility and the lack of promotion, I guess that's why it may have failed despite its proximity to Scottrade Center.

TheWayoftheArch wrote:Federko's was Waaay nicer, better lit, better atmospshere than Jacques...Made Ozzies look like a complete *hole, not just a regular ol' *hole.

I heard a lot about it when it first opened, but it seemed like the buzz faded away not long after, unlike other restaurants that have opened downtown.



It had a lot of factors working against it, but I just assumed things were going okay because of its proximity to Scottrade Center and the connection to a popular Blues player (even if it was in name and decor only- I'm not sure how much or little Bernie Federko was involved in the venture, perhaps one of you may know).



But if has indeed closed, it's really a shame Federko's couldn't make a go of it.

Part of the problem with Federkos was you couldn't tell what was going on inside. You'd walk up and couldn't tell if it was dead or crazy busy.



The poor signage outside didn't help either.

I always thought it was interesting that Bernie Federko's had baseball bats for door handles - they really should have switched them over to hockey sticks.



The location is a little weird - and not at all pedestrian friendly. When you combine lots of traffic, few pedestrian crossings, the looming highway ramp right next to it, and the fact that there really isn't anything around it, it doesn't seem all that inviting.



I remember there used to be a small bar - I think it was called the Jury Box, or something legal-ish - where the MetroLink park/plaza is now. Now that was a much better spot for a bar!



Let's hope Dave Checketts has something in the works for the area around the Scottrade Center as he had indicated a few months ago. An office building with first floor retail on the parking lot at 14th and Clark would be a nice start.

^I agree with that. The only time I visited Federko's was after a hockey game and had to be persuaded by my friend that it was worth a visit. It was actually quite nice inside, but you'd never know that from walking by. Not that walking by was easy. Also they never advertised that I know of, just seemed to think that folks would stop by after a game.

I tried to review Federko's on two different occasions and walked out both times. First time we came in the 14th Street door, got no greeting, asked the bartender where to go to get seated for dinner, went to the host's station, and stood there unacknowledged for at least five minutes before walking out. Second time we went right to the host's station, actually got seated quickly, and then didn't even see a waiter for 10 minutes before again walking out.



I guess they could always rip out the interior and put in some more parking.

Check out their website: quite funny.



http://www.b-federkos.com/

TheWayoftheArch wrote:

DeBaliviere wrote:I always thought it was interesting that Bernie Federko's had baseball bats for door handles - they really should have switched them over to hockey sticks.

They did

Ah. The last time I was there, it was bats.

I was told that it has partially closed but they are thinking about reopening it maybe with new management or design.

TB1000 wrote:...reopening it maybe with new management or design.

Based on what I've read here, and after looking at that, uh, 'website', it seems like the former is much more of a problem than the latter.

bonwich wrote:The total inability of the Sheraton to sustain a restaurant (this is the third one to close) should put to rest any illusions about the "ancillary" development supported by sporting arenas.

bonwich wrote:I tried to review Federko's on two different occasions and walked out both times. First time we came in the 14th Street door, got no greeting, asked the bartender where to go to get seated for dinner, went to the host's station, and stood there unacknowledged for at least five minutes before walking out. Second time we went right to the host's station, actually got seated quickly, and then didn't even see a waiter for 10 minutes before again walking out.

Umm, Joe, doesn't your experience sort of negate your conclusion?

I'm not seeing your point.