This is going to look great. They are using every inch of this lot. All of the glass is in and it's right up against the street facing that Imos. On the other side of the lot the steel framing and walls are up- again up to the sidewalk. I'm impressed so far.
The Imo's lot is about 11,000 sf. What might you all envision? It would be nice to have something taller with Imo's welcome to stay on the street level, but OMG what about parking?
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^ A tear-down with a giant sculpture called, "Saint Louis City gives Ellisville the Middle Finger" comprised of a middle finger and smiley face. 
Is IMO's in trouble? I feel like that is a popular location, but maybe I am mistaking popular for iconic.
I don't think so. We're just thinking something bigger could happen there. Kind of like the former blighting fast-food joint at the corner of Skinker and Delmar.
Two totally different situations.quincunx wrote:I don't think so. We're just thinking something bigger could happen there. Kind of like the former blighting fast-food joint at the corner of Skinker and Delmar.
And all of you eager to tear down Imos: what do you want to put in that spot?
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^^ that's a pretty awkward space–i doubt there's much else that could be done with it. also, i feel like that Imo's location is pretty iconic, though it could use some sprucing up.
Yeah, while the design might not be totally inspiring, it is kind of iconic. Mostly because of the sign on the corner. I wouldn't mind if they bumped that sign up a bit to compete with the Amoco sign down the road. That would be truly iconic:
From this:
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To something more like this:
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Or this (in L.A.)
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From this:
To something more like this:
Or this (in L.A.)
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^ it'd be nice if that Imo's sign had some good ole neon.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Mercedes people bought the Imos and tore it down, just to increase their visibility.
I feel like that Imo's sign actually does have neon on it somewhere, though I could be wrong. Maybe just on the pizza guy?
Also, that Hardee's over there confuses me. I'm not sure which came first, but there's one just down Hampton past 44. I mean, I get why being closer to an exit appeals, just surprises me that both do strong enough business.
EDIT: Upon further review, I think I'm right about the sign. The pizza guy is outlined in neon. I can't find complete visual proof of this, but looking at the daytime picture and using my memory, I'm pretty sure the IMO'S lettering lights up in red (not neon). So it's a pretty cool sign at night.
![]()
Daytime:
Also, that Hardee's over there confuses me. I'm not sure which came first, but there's one just down Hampton past 44. I mean, I get why being closer to an exit appeals, just surprises me that both do strong enough business.
EDIT: Upon further review, I think I'm right about the sign. The pizza guy is outlined in neon. I can't find complete visual proof of this, but looking at the daytime picture and using my memory, I'm pretty sure the IMO'S lettering lights up in red (not neon). So it's a pretty cool sign at night.
Daytime:
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Leaving the zoo, the Mercedes dealer's new building has Imo's blocking its visibility. I wouldn't be surprised to see a tear-down if Tri-Star has the funds.
If visibility was important they would have already bought the Imos and Hardees.Presbyterian wrote:Leaving the zoo, the Mercedes dealer's new building has Imo's blocking its visibility. I wouldn't be surprised to see a tear-down if Tri-Star has the funds.
I vote for an Amoco-sign-sized Tristar on top of the building if they're looking for visibility.Presbyterian wrote:Leaving the zoo, the Mercedes dealer's new building has Imo's blocking its visibility. I wouldn't be surprised to see a tear-down if Tri-Star has the funds.
-RBB
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I've refrained from paying much attention to this because I feel like a car dealership is just a waste of space that could otherwise be used for the ZOO or Highlands. I don't know much about cars (I don't even change my own oil or tires), but from what I can see, Mercedes is a big name to to have in the City, right? It would be a real boner killer if they tore down Imo's. That's an iconic Imo's overlooking one of the City's greatest attractions! That whole area is SO ST. LOUIS.
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Looks great! A lot of progress has been made since this photo was taken; it can't be much longer before this location is ready. Signage facing Clayton Avenue is up, and there's a new name: Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis. (Now that's better!)arch city wrote:An aerial of the site.
I wouldn't have minded a Highlands expansion all the way to Hampton. Yes it's semi-suburban bit is still a solid addition to the city density.Gateway City wrote:I've refrained from paying much attention to this because I feel like a car dealership is just a waste of space that could otherwise be used for the ZOO or Highlands. I don't know much about cars (I don't even change my own oil or tires), but from what I can see, Mercedes is a big name to to have in the City, right? It would be a real boner killer if they tore down Imo's. That's an iconic Imo's overlooking one of the City's greatest attractions! That whole area is SO ST. LOUIS.
But the fact a luxury car dealership left far West County in an area surrounded by $500,000+ houses on 3/4 acres to move to the edge of Dogtown in the city is a coup in my opinion.