My sister and Bro in law live in L Square, and they told me about this a couple of weeks ago. They were really excited, because it looks like a good project, but they laughed heartily, and wearily, because the proposed name for the new development was "Mary One and Roz Plaza" After Mary and her sister Roz...I don't think they'll be allowed to name it that. I thought it was funny that you would have these storied streets like whittemore, park, lafayette, dolman, Hickory, Missouri...and Mary One and Roz...It just fits right in!
Seriously, Mary one does great work, and has gone where others refuse to tread in the past. While I think she deserves all the credit in the world, lets save the self naming developments for TR Hughes, and the others in St. Chuck...
She's great, but I agree, that name is pretty tacky. I guess I wouldn't have a problem with her calling it "Mary One and Roz Plaza" as long as there's no signage indicating the name in front of the building. Actually, even Mary One Plaza is not that bad, but when you throw the "and Roz" into it, it sounds kind of ridiculous.
I've got some friends who own the string of townhouse apartments immediately west of the library. They are currently undergoing renovation to return them to large townhomes. Priced in the low to mid-$300K.
I think the redevelopment of the old National shopping strip is a done deal. I've heard that most of it will probably be torn down and something completely new built.
That's great news about the townhouses that your friend owns. That's a nice looking strip of apartments.
There's a lot of opportunity for infill construction near those townhouses - lots of vacant land still there. It would be nice to see similar townhouses built on those lots. I'm not big on the Vatterott Gate District homes, personally. Along Park near Jefferson, there are some fairly attractive Victorian replicas that were built in the 80's, maybe something similar would look good on Lafayette, west of Jefferson.
DeBaliviere wrote:On the northeast corner of Lafayette and Jefferson, Mary "One" Johnson plans to replace a former gas station with a new office building that will house her real estate and development operations as well as retail and other businesses. After discussion between Mary "One" and members of the TIF Review Committee, Mary "One" will proceed with the development using tax abatement and a below-market-rate-interest loan rather than TIF.
I saw a project sign on the site today with renderings. I guess it is moving forward. I can't tell if the chili place is open a block down though. yummaay
rustedhinge wrote:I saw a project sign on the site today with renderings. I guess it is moving forward. I can't tell if the chili place is open a block down though. yummaay
Good to see this moving forward. As for O.T. Hodge's Chile Parlor, that location closed a year or so ago. Their only location is in Ferguson, MO.
As much as people may clamor for new and sleek modern architecture it is important to build some historic like buildings to maintain a sense or timeless charm and mystery to the area as a whole. Savannah, Charleston, Boston, and other places not only preserve but replicate for tradition. Many of our suburban houses are water downed replicas or variations of their original styles from Tudor, Classical Revival, to Colonial.
The trick is whether post-modernist or whatever is the style of architecture can be blended in or have major features with historic roots.
Our brick and stone Art Deco houses/flat buildings fit in with other styles of brick with more historic features.
I'd love to see them use Spanish-style roofing tiles on the tower, or some nice, thick slate. You just don't see that anymore. Regular shingles are just too flat looking.
DeBaliviere wrote:Mary One Place Square? Will it eventually be changed to Mary One Place Square Plaza Crossing Station?
Come on, naming projects is not that hard.
No Kidding, the name is rediculous. Exciting fill for the intersection, but why would they even think about adding 'square' to an already over the top name.
My thoughts exactly. Why make a reasonably decent-looking project sound so idiotic. The name is tacky and cartoonish. She really should rethink the name. Otherwise, they might have to rename dignified LaFayette Square, LaFayette Square One Place Plaza Crossing Station, too. Where does it end?
Does any one have a clue as to what they plan on doing with this property? Or have done with similar properties? I am not exactly sure what their mission. Seems little ashame to lose a potential tax paying property even if it would have 10 year abatement.
I assume they will need it for parking. With the large auditorium in their new building next door they will need somewhere for the cars and spaceships.
Shocked wrote:Looks like this project is dead? What is the new plan for the site? Parking for the Scientologists?
Mary One sold it to the Scientologists.
That's a shame. While I thought Mary One's project had a ridiculous name, the design looked good, and it would have been a great addition to the neighborhood.
southcitygent wrote:I assume they will need it for parking. With the large auditorium in their new building next door they will need somewhere for the cars and spaceships.
