urbanSTL

ahh another guy on USL on V day .. refreshing.



I can't share as the identity of the Marketing firm is not public just yet!



The building for those that can't seem to picture it is @ Locust and Cardinal with a 2-3 acre open lot across the street. currently they are finishing up the exterior so a orange safety fence is across the front..



It's ONE block NORTH of the new Santo- Bento restaurant so stop for lunch and make a left on Cardinal go 150 feet .. ur lookin at it.

Is Ford and Cardinal correct? I've been noticing a major job going on at Locust and Garrison (1 block to the east of Cardinal) for over a month now. Brick building on the northwest corner. It says "Ford" something or other on the sign. They have been doing a lot of tuck pointing and now are working on the interiors. Lot so plywood over the windows. The building looks like it could have been an early 20th century car dealership to me.

You're correct .. I gave the wrong street .. it's at Garrison.



The building is 90% leased with a cigar/sushi bar and a restaurant

along with some offices. next up will be 3141 Locust 3010 locust and 3016 locust .. all starting in 30 days.

I couldn't be more pleased to hear that. I drive Locust every day and it feels like a post-apocolyptic U-City Loop. Its like the Loop with no people. Very disconcerting. I have said it in other threads, but the stretch of locust from basically Grand Center east at least through Garrison can and should be as busy and popular as the Loop.

Thanks for the updates, Mark. Who's the developer?

migueltejada wrote:Can't anyone gentrify an area without going all (please don't ban me) - "metrosexual"?

No. So what?

I'm part of each LLC but depending on the project the ownership group changes slightly..



We have a vision of the Olive and Locust area (east of Compton) will grow into a Restaurant/shop destination point in the very near future ..



Right now we have:



1. Santo Bento open on Olive

2. B's BBQ opening in 90 days in Linen Loft building

3. Crusty Pete's pizza in Linen loft has signed a letter of intent.

4. LUSH a Restaurant and nightclub will open in July

5. 3131 Olive has a 6,000 sf rooftop grill planned to open late summer

6. We are going to the city next week to get the Garage/Mississippi Nights/ Condo project approved right next door to LUSH ..

7. The old Ford Building will house both a fine dining Restaurant and a sushi bar ..

8. We are having discussions with other restaurants and shops as well for the last space in the linen loft project and the space on Locust.



I think you'll really notince a huge change by the time the arena opens!



The one thing we really like is that ALL these establishments are local .. just like the LOOP used to be! It should be a great addition to the SLU campus life and the city..

Go get em Mark. THis is great news. I think that the area also has large potential for draw from the near south side especially TGE, Fox Park, Benton Park, and LF Square. For all of us it is just a quick shot up Compton (especially) or Jefferson and we are there. I will definately patronize the area from Tower Grove East. I think that with time, we will have another U-City Loop on our hands, and you guys will have been some of the most important pioneers. I also like that there is a bunch of things going in at once. I have always thought that the area was too empty for an individual bar or restaurant to do really well. I sincerely hope that the additions you mentioned in your previous prime the pump enough for others to start to jump on the other available spaces.

This is great news. And very important for STL.

Metrosexual is such a stupid term anyway.



What does sexuality have to do with any of it. I love having a good burger and pint as much as I love sushi and sake. I love a good pub, and a good wine bar. I like to dress well, and take a large interest in fashion and design.



I guess it just doesn't make sense to me to be called a metrosexual. When really I think I've just got a diverse and pronounced taste.

Shouldn't this thread be retitled to something about "West End Lofts"?

The windows are really coming along nicely. It is amazing what removing glass brick can to to a facade. IMO it looks SOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo much nicer with those bays opened up. Anybody know what the incredibly ornate building on the south side of Olive, just east of Compton is/was I see some sign on it indicating it is a laundry of some sort, but the building is COVERED in amazing terra cotta. Are there plans for that thing? It is such an asset for the neighborhood.

You're refering to the Linen loft project I mentioned above..



the building consists of 10 lofts ..2 currently for rent..

AND ..once again..



Santo Bento stir fry.. is open

JAzz Loft .. is open

B's BBQ opening soon..

Crusty Petes Pizza on the way and

Jambo .. Coffee roasting operation/coffee shop..opening in 2 or so months.



currently in discussions with a 24 hr diner .. which would fill the building.



your support for any of the above would be great !!

You're correct that Integration started the project but RDA to their credit

finished the deal and the product is quality driven. We are actually

15% less then other leased properties near SLU and everything in our units are NEW! .. 2 of the 10 are currently available so come check them out again!



G-Dick micro was working hard to get a deal done but things just didn't work out..We now have Jambo coffee starting their buildout Monday and we hope things go well for them.. they are buying Kenya AA directly form one of the owners plantations ..should be interesting!



We have alot of interest with the arena going up and everything elso going well for Midtown..

Slu's new basketball coach is apparently causing season tickets to fly off the shelves. Also good news for the area. If that strip can become ingrained as a game day destination its future will be secure. Nothing better than walking from a bar/dinner to a stadium.