Opus Group is returning to the St. louis market.
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... louis.html
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... louis.html
That is indeed great news. Opus did an incredible job on the Parkeast Tower!
Maybe another new Opus tower in the city is in the works too.
Like to see Opus develop a new skyscraper downtown. A mix use - corporate and residential mix.
Maybe another new Opus tower in the city is in the works too.
Like to see Opus develop a new skyscraper downtown. A mix use - corporate and residential mix.
- 11K
^ I'd bet they're looking at the CWE first. The success of the Park East Tower and the adjacent lofts bode well. With CORTEX/BJC/Children's/Shriners/WU expansion and the Whole Foods project, this is going to be a hot area.
- 2,386
PLEASE buy Lindell and kingshighway, begging for a signature high rise.
- 35
^ I'd like to see them build a highrise at Euclid and Lindell. They could knock down that ugly little building on the northeast corner or put something over the giant parking lot on the southwest corner. I think anything at Lindell and Kingshighway would obscure the Chase.
Both sites are begging for development. Obscuring the Chase is not a reason to keep a giant surface parking lot on what should be the most desirable location in the city. I think a new building (assuming it's attractive) would complement and enhance the Chase. A surface parking lot is an eyesore and a terrible waste of space.JPCosgrove wrote:^ I'd like to see them build a highrise at Euclid and Lindell. They could knock down that ugly little building on the northeast corner or put something over the giant parking lot on the southwest corner. I think anything at Lindell and Kingshighway would obscure the Chase.
The Buckingham (aka Ambassador Hotel and Hotel Kingshway) was a huge loss for the dramatic urban streetscape along Kingshighway. It was destroyed by fire in the '70s:
(photo courtesy of http://www.VanishingSTL.com)
Here's an incredible history (with photos!) of that great building on VanishingSTL:
http://vanishingstl.blogspot.com/2009/0 ... or-36.html
- 2,386
^Thanks for the info! I never knew that existed until your post. Although I should have assumed there was something there. Most lots in the city now had urban buildings on them.
I agree about the comments on the Chase. I have always been amazed that Kingshighway along this stretch (as well as streets to the West and North of the park) have not turned into our version of the towers that line the streets surrounding Central Park in NY.
One would think these lots would have been developed by now. Maybe it is just me but I think this is the single best neighborhood in the entire metro. It always astounds me there are not towers constantly going up in the CWE.
I agree about the comments on the Chase. I have always been amazed that Kingshighway along this stretch (as well as streets to the West and North of the park) have not turned into our version of the towers that line the streets surrounding Central Park in NY.
One would think these lots would have been developed by now. Maybe it is just me but I think this is the single best neighborhood in the entire metro. It always astounds me there are not towers constantly going up in the CWE.
It's interesting that Opus is reopening a St. Louis office. They seemed pretty committed to building a high-rise on the NE corner of Lindell & Euclid (28 floors, 200 units). The Biz Journal reported that they bought the lot in 2005. They then went through a few rounds of proposals that were fought by a great deal of NIMBYism. HERE is the NextSTL page on the development. And here is a rendering of the final proposal:
![]()
Heartland Bank gained control of the property in Summer 2007, but apparently was willing to work with Opus to see the project happen. Opus even had TIF financing lined up for the project. Obviously the Credit/Economic Crisis cancelled everything.
Perhaps since they have been through a lengthy process with the neighborhood and powers that be they will bring this back to life since they're already familiar with all of the elements, and what needs to happen to get it done. The main difference would be that the trend now seems to be toward rental apartments as opposed to condos.
Heartland Bank gained control of the property in Summer 2007, but apparently was willing to work with Opus to see the project happen. Opus even had TIF financing lined up for the project. Obviously the Credit/Economic Crisis cancelled everything.
Perhaps since they have been through a lengthy process with the neighborhood and powers that be they will bring this back to life since they're already familiar with all of the elements, and what needs to happen to get it done. The main difference would be that the trend now seems to be toward rental apartments as opposed to condos.
I am still pissed that the NIMBYs chased Opus out of the neighborhood. As a resident of the Central West End historic district, I fully supported the new tower, which would've brought much needed activity, lights and density to what should be the most vibrant intersection in the city. I hope the crybabies are happy-- now we're stuck with a vacant, one story building that adds nothing to the neighborhood for what will probably be years. Cool, thanks for that, neighbors.
- 2,386
^One of the worst decisions and completely misguided efforts in recent memory. How stupid can you be?
That alderwoman or whoever she was that led the campaign against it might be the worst person in the city.
That alderwoman or whoever she was that led the campaign against it might be the worst person in the city.
- 10K
Patty Tepper.newstl2020 wrote:That alderwoman or whoever she was that led the campaign against it might be the worst person in the city.
Ms. Tepper may have played a part, but I've heard from insiders that Opus was having second thoughts about the project anyway. Perhaps they saw the housing bust coming.
- 2,386
^May have very well been the case. And if it was, I am all the more excited to have them eyeing the market again as that can only be a good sign.
HOWEVER, F*CK Patti Tepper. The sh*t she instigated involving this proposal was nothing short of downright criminal and has NO PLACE in our city. If she wants to grow old and cynical with her harem of kittens in a suburb 40 miles away be my guest, but get your horribly misguided ass out of my city before you F*ck anything else up for the other 325K citizens who want to see this city thrive.
She's going to give me a damn heat attack if there is another high rise proposal in this area. Might have to launch a full on counter-assault if she tries that again.
Rant over. I am obviously traumatized by the last we have heard of her.
HOWEVER, F*CK Patti Tepper. The sh*t she instigated involving this proposal was nothing short of downright criminal and has NO PLACE in our city. If she wants to grow old and cynical with her harem of kittens in a suburb 40 miles away be my guest, but get your horribly misguided ass out of my city before you F*ck anything else up for the other 325K citizens who want to see this city thrive.
She's going to give me a damn heat attack if there is another high rise proposal in this area. Might have to launch a full on counter-assault if she tries that again.
Rant over. I am obviously traumatized by the last we have heard of her.
If she or others pull that obstructionist BS again, there WILL be a pro-urbanist counter-rising. I think we're all a lot wiser and emboldened since the saucer and AAA building victories, and I think we have a lot more sway in this city today.newstl2020 wrote:^May have very well been the case. And if it was, I am all the more excited to have them eyeing the market again as that can only be a good sign.
HOWEVER, F*CK Patti Tepper. The sh*t she instigated involving this proposal was nothing short of downright criminal and has NO PLACE in our city. If she wants to grow old and cynical with her harem of kittens in a suburb 40 miles away be my guest, but get your horribly misguided ass out of my city before you F*ck anything else up for the other 325K citizens who want to see this city thrive.
She's going to give me a damn heat attack if there is another high rise proposal in this area. Might have to launch a full on counter-assault if she tries that again.
Rant over. I am obviously traumatized by the last we have heard of her.
- 11K
^ That, and whatever the next proposal is for that corner won't be a 30-story tower. Something 10-20 stories with stepped back terraces to the north, giving a great view of the CWE (and sun to neighbor's back yards) would be awesome. It could be an urban mullet building - all business in the front and a softer garden party in back!
- 8,912
Not too many hotel options in the CWE.
Does anyone else think W hotel or another hip, upscale type hotel could work in the CWE? Maybe in conjunction with residential floors?
Does anyone else think W hotel or another hip, upscale type hotel could work in the CWE? Maybe in conjunction with residential floors?
- 11K
^ Yes. With Med Center growth and CORTEX, there's demand. That's why Drury was hoping for hotel in FPSE at Med Center - though that's apparently dead.
- 2,386
I like the sounds of the hotel/residential idea. If there is an area in the metro that can support it, it is the CWE. (Urban mullet is a hilarious categorization btw)
It seems as though this type of hotel/condo project has REALLY taken a hit since the downturn. Companies still appear to be extremely wary of this arrangement. I would kill to see a Shang-ri-la hotel/condo project. I really like what they have been doing lately and think it would fit in perfectly with the CWE.
Project in Toronto (from user Caltrane74 on SSP)
![]()
It seems as though this type of hotel/condo project has REALLY taken a hit since the downturn. Companies still appear to be extremely wary of this arrangement. I would kill to see a Shang-ri-la hotel/condo project. I really like what they have been doing lately and think it would fit in perfectly with the CWE.
Project in Toronto (from user Caltrane74 on SSP)
The Four Seasons also has an amazing project in Toronto as well, although their chances of doing something in the CWE have to have taken a hit with them building downtown at Lumiere. Has anyone heard what their occupancy rates are for the hotel/how business is going for the hotel? I would love to see them expand to the CWE.
Kind of a pipe dream, but I'd like to see the Ace Hotel take over the Roberts' Comfort Inn. That building has such potential to be a great 50's style boutique, especially if some of the parking was reconfigured to incorporate a decent pool/patio (similar to the Chase). I think getting JetBlue and/or Virgin America flights could help this cause.
I'd also love to see the Plaza Dental Building replaced by a 12-18 story W or even a Drury Plaza, as long as it included retail/restaurant space along Euclid. A St. Regis would also be nice, but between the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Chase the very top of the market might not need any more supply.
If I remember correctly, I think the height restrictions are less stringent on the south side of Lindell than on the north. Hence the Park East @ 26 stories, 4545 Lindell @ 11 stories and the Patty Tepper chafing @ 28 stories.
I'd also love to see the Plaza Dental Building replaced by a 12-18 story W or even a Drury Plaza, as long as it included retail/restaurant space along Euclid. A St. Regis would also be nice, but between the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Chase the very top of the market might not need any more supply.
If I remember correctly, I think the height restrictions are less stringent on the south side of Lindell than on the north. Hence the Park East @ 26 stories, 4545 Lindell @ 11 stories and the Patty Tepper chafing @ 28 stories.
- 2,386
^One of the most dense neighborhoods in the city. CWE should not have any height restrictions.
The Central West End Sustainable Development Form Based Code (Link to PDF here), which I'm not sure was ever officially adopted by the City (does anyone know? Alex?), says that the corner of Lindell & Euclid should be limited to 16 stories or 250 feet (see pages 4-27 & 4-28). Both 4501 Lindell & 4615 Lindell are 15 full stories with penthouses (ie smaller 16th floors) assumedly for elevator and HVAC. So, basically the plan allows for no additional height from what currently exists. If Mayor Bloomberg saw this he would laugh, but if he was from the City of St. Louis and cared about it the way everyone on this forum does he would probably cry.
- 2,386
^No kidding ab Bloomberg. Thanks for the info.
These are the type of things the city cannot be doing. Why on earth would the city not want as much development as possible? Use form based codes for things like the building's relationship to the street, make sure they are built up to the sidewalk, design standards, etc. Why are would anyone even worry about height restrictions? I love this city as much as anyone but if there is one thing we most certainly do NOT have a problem with it is building heights.
These are the type of things the city cannot be doing. Why on earth would the city not want as much development as possible? Use form based codes for things like the building's relationship to the street, make sure they are built up to the sidewalk, design standards, etc. Why are would anyone even worry about height restrictions? I love this city as much as anyone but if there is one thing we most certainly do NOT have a problem with it is building heights.
- 11K
I do believe form-based code has been adopted.
I also think your both missing the point here. The 4600 blocks one lot off Euclid are unlimited height. Along Lindell is a max of 16 stories, but also requires a minimum of 3 stories - this is designed to increase the height of potential developments. This means that virtually any building demo'd for a new building, and obviously any development on vacant lots/parking lots, will add significant density. Just because a new building may not be taller than the existing tallest building doesn't mean that height isn't added to the neighborhood. Not to mention that in reality, the CWE would benefit much, much more by having vacant lots filled with 3-6 story buildings than having a 20 story building while 3 large lots remain empty. There's demand for housing and development in the CWE, but not enough to pack it with tall buildings.
In regards to Bloomberg - NYC has quite a few districts that impose height limits on buildings, including along the edges of Central Park. Some residential districts limit maximum new building height to 35ft.
I also think your both missing the point here. The 4600 blocks one lot off Euclid are unlimited height. Along Lindell is a max of 16 stories, but also requires a minimum of 3 stories - this is designed to increase the height of potential developments. This means that virtually any building demo'd for a new building, and obviously any development on vacant lots/parking lots, will add significant density. Just because a new building may not be taller than the existing tallest building doesn't mean that height isn't added to the neighborhood. Not to mention that in reality, the CWE would benefit much, much more by having vacant lots filled with 3-6 story buildings than having a 20 story building while 3 large lots remain empty. There's demand for housing and development in the CWE, but not enough to pack it with tall buildings.
In regards to Bloomberg - NYC has quite a few districts that impose height limits on buildings, including along the edges of Central Park. Some residential districts limit maximum new building height to 35ft.