This was totally predictable. SLDC buying some of Downtown's white elephants on spec was just transferring the private burden of security and upkeep to the public without any promise of redevelopment, and losing any tax revenue on the property in the process. It's OK as a strategy if they have the money to hold the property long-term and be a steward for it's future or if there is an identified developer ready to step in, but if there was any concern about the redevelopment prospects then they jumped in with both feet without looking.
Pretty sure most people here already agree Otis is not very bright.whitherSTL wrote: ↑Nov 03, 2025I have an absolutely incredible Otis story but no one here will believe me. He’s not very bright.
I'm pretty sure SLDC does not own RWX, just the garage, and there's no excuse for not tearing down the garage since the vacant land probably has more value.TalkinDev wrote: ↑Nov 03, 2025This was totally predictable. SLDC buying some of Downtown's white elephants on spec was just transferring the private burden of security and upkeep to the public without any promise of redevelopment, and losing any tax revenue on the property in the process. It's OK as a strategy if they have the money to hold the property long-term and be a steward for it's future or if there is an identified developer ready to step in, but if there was any concern about the redevelopment prospects then they jumped in with both feet without looking.
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It’s been radio silence from them since this, which was over a year ago…dbInSouthCity wrote:GSL, again missing in action
“We’re Already Taking Bold Action”: GSL & SLDC Report to Mayor Jones Addresses the Future of Railway Exchange, Millennium Hotel, and More
https://greaterstlinc.com/news/downtown ... ses-future
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Please, share it!whitherSTL wrote: ↑Nov 03, 2025I have an absolutely incredible Otis story but no one here will believe me. He’s not very bright.
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Status of the railway exchange garage demo is that SLDC needs $3m to demolish it and it doesn’t have $3m
Is using Rams money or ARPA money for some reason off limits? I know it'd have to be BOA approved but they could at least ask.dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑Nov 22, 2025Status of the railway exchange garage demo is that SLDC needs $3m to demolish it and it doesn’t have $3m
Possibly part of the plan that Spencer is set to release soon about use of Rams funds.
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SLDC is trying to get a combo of rams and a repurpose of ARPA funds that cannot be spent by end of 2026STLAPTS wrote: ↑Nov 22, 2025Possibly part of the plan that Spencer is set to release soon about use of Rams funds.
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KSDK reporting demo of the actual RX building under consideration….
That is wild.
That is wild.
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^Is there anything out there stating that (Link) ? Everything I'm reading states that they are only demoing the old Gitto's & the parking garage.
Obvious typo. They didn't proofread.TheWayoftheArch_V2.0 wrote: ↑11:29 AM - Mar 24KSDK reporting demo of the actual RX building under consideration….
That is wild.
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Are they planning to preserve 224 N 7th? It's a shame Gitto's couldn't be saved, the interior was gorgeous.
Their onus for leaving was a pipe bursting during COVID, so unfortunately I doubt it's in good shape. Sad because there aren't many old school bars and restaurants left downtown
Their onus for leaving was a pipe bursting during COVID, so unfortunately I doubt it's in good shape. Sad because there aren't many old school bars and restaurants left downtown
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There's no indication the Gill Building is in any danger. It's owned separately from the rest of the block and was renovated in 2010 so should be in decent shape. It is also listed on the NRHP since 2009. Hopefully it is fully structurally independent of the parking garage which it abuts and there's not issues when it is removed.GoHarvOrGoHome wrote: ↑2:02 PM - Mar 24Are they planning to preserve 224 N 7th? It's a shame Gitto's couldn't be saved, the interior was gorgeous.
Their onus for leaving was a pipe bursting during COVID, so unfortunately I doubt it's in good shape. Sad because there aren't many old school bars and restaurants left downtown
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Railway isn’t getting demolished nor is it under consideration
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Got it. I was shocked when they did the segment. Watched the entire next hour to hear it again, and they repeated it again. The entire video package was the RX building proper for 75% and 25% Ghittos and garage. idiots.
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You made my heart drop. That might’ve been too much heartbreak for me to watch any more demo in this city, I would’ve had to leave
Agreed on Gittos - Need more of that old school StL culture downtown. Also wish we had more buildings like Gittos that show off more traditional StL architecture that visitors may not see if they don’t venture out of downtown
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Agreed on Gittos - Need more of that old school StL culture downtown. Also wish we had more buildings like Gittos that show off more traditional StL architecture that visitors may not see if they don’t venture out of downtown
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I loooooved and very much miss the Gitto's DT. The interior was unique and had that classic old school feel (very Chicago like). I'd like to see more, not less, of these.
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What to do with this big building? Someone with not only money but a vision for it needs to step up. I dont think the developer of the now stalled Jefferson Hotel is that person
If not, then it will sit empty for decades for to demolish for an empty rubble lot would be a wasted expenditure.
If not, then it will sit empty for decades for to demolish for an empty rubble lot would be a wasted expenditure.
While I definitely agree it's a shame to lose one of the few remaining pre-war small scale commercial buildings in DT like Gitto's, there's not much architecturally significant going on with the facade besides the couple square yards of green glazed brick and a bit of terracotta cornice. Most interesting feature is what appears to be a remaining cast iron pilaster that was likely part of a building that was previously to the south.
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KSDK posted it on youtube. They really make it sound like the RX was coming down.
100% they said Railway was targeted for demo by LCRA. KSDK attributes the source as the BJ. I don't subscribe to the BJ. Anybody see what they have to say?TheWayoftheArch_V2.0 wrote: ↑7:45 PM - Mar 24KSDK posted it on youtube. They really make it sound like the RX was coming down.
