Actually, my understanding is that Patty Tepper et al did NOT stop the Lindell project. Rather, Opus fiddled while the land was bought-out from under them.
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Maybe we (or I) could use some clarification here. I thought that Patty(i?) Tepper and the local neighborhood association protested the tower on the basis of it violating the current zoning regulations that are in place for the "historic district," and when the project went up for approval it was not granted due to these objections. I am aware that Heartland ended up with control of the site, but for I while I believe Opus was trying to work with Heartland to build the Tower until the zoning issues came up. (resulting in me being pissed off for a few weeks)
If this is wrong please feel free to correct Framer.
If this is wrong please feel free to correct Framer.
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Well this site has Park East Tower on it (Pulling a CS 
).
The site on which Lindell Tower was going to be built still has the American Heart Association (I believe) building on it, and aparently is it going to become a branch of Heartland Bank.
).The site on which Lindell Tower was going to be built still has the American Heart Association (I believe) building on it, and aparently is it going to become a branch of Heartland Bank.
this site, that site... whatever. you answered my question.
Is there a separate thread talking about the Heartland plans?
Is there a separate thread talking about the Heartland plans?
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Yeah, I believe it's under Lindell Condiminiums in this same sub-forum. Although I'm not sure it's still here, as that plan is effectively dead.
newstl2020 wrote:Yeah, I believe it's under Lindell Condiminiums in this same sub-forum. Although I'm not sure it's still here, as that plan is effectively dead.
So there is no active discussion on this message board about what is currently planned/going on on the corner of Lindell and Euclid? That strikes me as odd.
newstl2020 wrote: I thought that Patty(i?) Tepper and the local neighborhood association protested the tower on the basis of it violating the current zoning regulations that are in place for the "historic district," and when the project went up for approval it was not granted due to these objections.
If this is wrong please feel free to correct Framer.
The neighborhood association did hold up the project, but Opus still had options and appeals it could have pursued. It was never officially killed by the city. But then Heartland came along and was able to buy the land. I don't know all details, but I got this info from someone who knows.
Sorry to sidetrack the thread.
^Well, this thread's namesake has been complete for the better part of a year, so what is there to sidetrack? 
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Like many developers, Opus had an accepted offer on the property with the option to buy pending all other approvals. Just a way to "reserve" the property without a cash outlay. That way if the project does not move forward, you don't have the property and the expense.
In this instance the issues with the Tepper Brigade slowed the project down enough that it eventually died by market forces as opposed to any specific action. Were they catalysts...IMO opinion, yes.
Heartland Bank has already stated that they would be willing to work with Opus or any other developer on the site, just so long as the plans included one of their banks.
In this instance the issues with the Tepper Brigade slowed the project down enough that it eventually died by market forces as opposed to any specific action. Were they catalysts...IMO opinion, yes.
Heartland Bank has already stated that they would be willing to work with Opus or any other developer on the site, just so long as the plans included one of their banks.
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Jeff707 wrote:newstl2020 wrote:Yeah, I believe it's under Lindell Condiminiums in this same sub-forum. Although I'm not sure it's still here, as that plan is effectively dead.
So there is no active discussion on this message board about what is currently planned/going on on the corner of Lindell and Euclid? That strikes me as odd.
http://www.urbanstl.com/viewtopic.php?t=210&start=510
Key word from above being active. There hasn't been anything going on there in a long time.
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Hey everyone,
Just a quick question for the residents of the Park East Tower. How has your experience been so far?
Thanks!
Just a quick question for the residents of the Park East Tower. How has your experience been so far?
Thanks!
I have been there since the building opened and I love it. I looked at the usual suspects of the Chase, 4545 Lindell etc and felt the Park East Tower was the best choice. Now that I've seen the finished product at 4545 I am convinced the PET was the better location and finished product, not to mention much better views. The other residents are very friendly and quiet, the quality is exceptional and friends (or strangers) are always very excited to see it/talk about it.
Is there anything more specific you would like to know?
Is there anything more specific you would like to know?
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That is great information! I have heard nothing but good things; however, I wanted to ask a few questions on the negative end:
1. Has construction caused any problems from next door?
2. I understand the pool has been closed since October. Any update on that?
Those are the only negatives I've heard (annoying construction, no pool).
Anyway, I'm seriously considering purchasing in the building and wanted to find out more (anything) from the residents.
Thanks!
1. Has construction caused any problems from next door?
2. I understand the pool has been closed since October. Any update on that?
Those are the only negatives I've heard (annoying construction, no pool).
Anyway, I'm seriously considering purchasing in the building and wanted to find out more (anything) from the residents.
Thanks!
I see, a potential neighboor. There are a few PET units on the market, but not many. Good luck. I think there are a couple private garage spaces being sold too (private enclosed garages within the private enclosed garage).
I have not had any problems with the construction, I have slept right through it in the mornings and I personally don't think it's a problem. the residential units in the building start on the 7th floor, so we're elevated enough that it probably won't be an issue with the balcony door closed. The lofts (the building going up next door) is going to be completed this fall (per Opus, I cannot guarantee that) and then those facing north will have a view of their pool, deck and dog park.
The Park East Tower pool is being essentially redone. Unfortunately the original pool contractors did not do an adequate job. Fortunately Opus has been good about taking charge, finding a new (seemingly) top notch pool subcontractor and replacing a lot of the tubing, skimmers, coping and the 'fountain' area of the pool. They originally wanted it open by the 4th, but that will not happen. The last I heard I believe it is supposed to open in 2-3 weeks. It's too bad, but if that is the biggest problem we have I'll take it. We still use the deck, the grills, the pool furniture, just no pool yet.
Overall I'm very happy in the Tower and the other residents seem to be as well. The construction noise is not a big deal to me and will be over this fall. The pool will reopen soon. I walk to great restaurants and bars, walk to the metrolink, run in Forest Park and walk home safely. Our doormen are exceptionally helpful, the building quality is very high, the location is wonderful and the building is unique in this city. Check out 4545 Lindell as it is probably the most direct competitor, but I think you will find the Tower more desirable.
That is just my opinion. I hope some other residents will chime in.
I have not had any problems with the construction, I have slept right through it in the mornings and I personally don't think it's a problem. the residential units in the building start on the 7th floor, so we're elevated enough that it probably won't be an issue with the balcony door closed. The lofts (the building going up next door) is going to be completed this fall (per Opus, I cannot guarantee that) and then those facing north will have a view of their pool, deck and dog park.
The Park East Tower pool is being essentially redone. Unfortunately the original pool contractors did not do an adequate job. Fortunately Opus has been good about taking charge, finding a new (seemingly) top notch pool subcontractor and replacing a lot of the tubing, skimmers, coping and the 'fountain' area of the pool. They originally wanted it open by the 4th, but that will not happen. The last I heard I believe it is supposed to open in 2-3 weeks. It's too bad, but if that is the biggest problem we have I'll take it. We still use the deck, the grills, the pool furniture, just no pool yet.
Overall I'm very happy in the Tower and the other residents seem to be as well. The construction noise is not a big deal to me and will be over this fall. The pool will reopen soon. I walk to great restaurants and bars, walk to the metrolink, run in Forest Park and walk home safely. Our doormen are exceptionally helpful, the building quality is very high, the location is wonderful and the building is unique in this city. Check out 4545 Lindell as it is probably the most direct competitor, but I think you will find the Tower more desirable.
That is just my opinion. I hope some other residents will chime in.
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Great. Thank you for the explanation. I have a unit I really like in the building and hopefully will be taking action very soon on it.
I seem to have a rule: No matter where I live, it is always under construction. I'm used to it.
That being said, I agree if the broken pool is the worst thing, than you are in good shape.
I seem to have a rule: No matter where I live, it is always under construction. I'm used to it.
That being said, I agree if the broken pool is the worst thing, than you are in good shape.
Good luck. Please post your results here, hopefully by the time you move in the pool will be open.
May I make a humble suggestion? Make a good offer, don't low ball. These units have been selling well and will continue to do so in the future because they are unique and desirable. Perhaps I am biased.
We look forward to having you. Keep us informed!
May I make a humble suggestion? Make a good offer, don't low ball. These units have been selling well and will continue to do so in the future because they are unique and desirable. Perhaps I am biased.
We look forward to having you. Keep us informed!
Hi there, I live in the unit as well and have actually been out to dinner with that rascal mosl. I pretty much agree with everything he said. It's a shame about the pool but I'm very happy with Opus for sticking around and taking care of it rather than leaving the condo Board to deal with it. I think that says a lot about the developer. The building is top notch, I don't think you will find anything else like it in St. Louis right now. My uncle, who is in the construction business, came and took a look and he was pretty impressed with the quality of the "new construction" materials. Not that we didn't pay an arm and leg for it, but I was pleased to hear that in his opinion Opus didn't cut any corners. So at least we got exactly what we paid for. My favorite thing about the tower is the "wow" factor' I don't know how long it will last, but I love it when people come over, see the place and the views and just go "wow". Makes me feel like I made a good investment. And with the lofts going up next door and the Mills project going up a block north on Euclid, the Euclid corridor between Lindell and Laclede is really going to look great and hopefully draw traffic from Maryland. I'm really looking forward to see what happens over the next few years.
We have been looking at Park East and at the Chase. They both seem to be very nice and we are looking at both. Someone posted a comment here that the parking spaces at park east is extremely tight. Any comments??
Each unit should come with one or two parking spaces. I also know someone who parks right across the street in the hospital parking lot for $60/month. The one thing I really miss about living at the Park Plaza is having all the amenities downstairs like the movie theater and the restaurants. It really was a treat having just about everything right downstairs. With regards to the actual apartments, I haven't seen the new Chase condos so I can't comment on that. Has anyone else seen them who wishes to compare the two building units? And are all the systems like HVAC and plumbing brand new?
I've seen the new Chase units as well as pre-renovation. The developers do state all the wiring, HVAC, windows are new and the quality of finishing appears very high. they were similarly priced to the Park East Tower when they were initially being sold and I was cross-shopping those two buildings as well as 4545 Lindell. I like the Chase units and the views, but I prefer modern design and the floor to ceiling windows of the Park East and Lindell are much more appealing to me than the small windows of the Chase. The technology was not available at the time, but the Chase's location with larger windows would give some great views. Also, the demographic of the Chase was a bit of a turn-off for me as well. I'm neither a spring-chicken nor ageist, but the Chase buyer demographics skewed heavily toward an older and retired crowd. This may be perfect for some buyers.
Is anyone aware if the Chase has altered the parking garage? It was not ideal either (pre-renovation), but both the Chase and the Park East parking I felt were very similar. Yes, the Park East has some tight parking spots, but some are also lavishly oversized, so I guess it is a bit of a lottery. We have several Range Rovers, Escalades and other ludicrously oversized vehicles which park in the tower every day and seem to function fine. Also, if one were so inclined, there are some private enclosed parking garages for sale within the Park East garage, these have separate remote doors like a household garage and fit two cars + cabinetry.
Is anyone aware if the Chase has altered the parking garage? It was not ideal either (pre-renovation), but both the Chase and the Park East parking I felt were very similar. Yes, the Park East has some tight parking spots, but some are also lavishly oversized, so I guess it is a bit of a lottery. We have several Range Rovers, Escalades and other ludicrously oversized vehicles which park in the tower every day and seem to function fine. Also, if one were so inclined, there are some private enclosed parking garages for sale within the Park East garage, these have separate remote doors like a household garage and fit two cars + cabinetry.
I've thought about it a bit more, and I think if I had to change one thing in the tower, it would probably be to make the parking spaces all larger. some are larger than others. at first i was also bothered by that 90 degree turn one makes when going to the exit ramp, but that doesn't even cross my mind anymore.
If I had to change a second thing, it would be to make a back entrance to starbucks so we would not even have to exit the building. That would probably compromise building security though.
If I had to change a third thing, I'd like to be allowed to abseil down the building.
If I had to change a second thing, it would be to make a back entrance to starbucks so we would not even have to exit the building. That would probably compromise building security though.
If I had to change a third thing, I'd like to be allowed to abseil down the building.
The one thing I would have changed is the exterior of the first 7 floors--obviously not as important as a secret back door entrace to Starbucks, but that's just me.
The one thing I don't like about the building is the lack of life on the first seven floors, not counting the might as well be lifeless bank retail operation on the first floor.
If you look at photos of the Park East Lofts, having windows and real life continuing up the sides of the building is so much more aesthetically appealing that the Tower's concrete. I realize that we needed to put a garage somewhere and it might have been too expensive to put one underground, but couldn't they have done a better fake exposure to make it look like those were apartments? I'm not an architecto or a designer but I think the exterior of the Lofts is going to look nicer than the Tower, certainly from ground level. I just hope when trees in front of the Tower will soften the exterior as they grown.
The one thing I don't like about the building is the lack of life on the first seven floors, not counting the might as well be lifeless bank retail operation on the first floor.
If you look at photos of the Park East Lofts, having windows and real life continuing up the sides of the building is so much more aesthetically appealing that the Tower's concrete. I realize that we needed to put a garage somewhere and it might have been too expensive to put one underground, but couldn't they have done a better fake exposure to make it look like those were apartments? I'm not an architecto or a designer but I think the exterior of the Lofts is going to look nicer than the Tower, certainly from ground level. I just hope when trees in front of the Tower will soften the exterior as they grown.