Framer wrote:Do they have any power over this, or is it just a formality?
As someone who has grown up in the city and still works here I share your love of St. Louis and its architecture. I have similar concerns about the loss of our rich building heritage that has occurred in the urban environment. Please know that I appreciate your concern and your love for the Central West End neighborhood.
The decision of the Archdiocese to put parking spaces in place of the San Luis apartments was not done arbitrarily; sensitivity to the impact on the neighborhood was a criterion in the decision-making process. The final decision was reached after literally several years of studying alternatives. Studies showed that restoration of the building is highly cost-prohibitive. Both Rosati-Kain high school and the Cathedral Basilica need more parking. Relieving the strained parking situation during events is a service to visitors and to the high school students; more parking on our property also helps to relieve the pressure on residents who need street parking.
The concept of urban density is a vital one in city living, but it cannot be a “one-size-fits-all” concept. There has to be a balance between preservation and the ongoing needs of the residents who daily contribute to the life of an urban neighborhood, thereby making it the attractive place that it is. The Cathedral Basilica has been a key factor in holding the neighborhood together over the years—especially before the re-vitalization that began in the late 1970’s. Its real-life needs should be considered. Similarly, Rosati-Kain high school has chosen to stay in the city; it needs more parking in order to expand its facility and continue as a competitive choice for students.
The architectural significance of the San Luis apartments has, to my knowledge, never been documented in any textbook or similar resource. We believe that the design for the parking area will improve the space by making it much more “green-friendly” than it is now. It will not be the usual caricature of black asphalt in place of a building. Our representative for the project, Mr. Dan Jay, can show how the plans will greatly benefit the neighborhood. Mr. Jay is a resident of the Central West End and can be reached at his firm, Christner, 7711 Bonhomme Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63105.
As someone who has grown up in the city and still works here I share your love of St. Louis and its architecture. I have similar concerns about the loss of our rich building heritage that has occurred in the urban environment. Please know that I appreciate your concern and your love for the Central West End neighborhood.
The decision of the Archdiocese to put parking spaces in place of the San Luis apartments was not done arbitrarily; sensitivity to the impact on the neighborhood was a criterion in the decision-making process. The final decision was reached after literally several years of studying alternatives. Studies showed that restoration of the building is highly cost-prohibitive. Both Rosati-Kain high school and the Cathedral Basilica need more parking. Relieving the strained parking situation during events is a service to visitors and to the high school students; more parking on our property also helps to relieve the pressure on residents who need street parking.
The concept of urban density is a vital one in city living, but it cannot be a “one-size-fits-all” concept. There has to be a balance between preservation and the ongoing needs of the residents who daily contribute to the life of an urban neighborhood, thereby making it the attractive place that it is. The Cathedral Basilica has been a key factor in holding the neighborhood together over the years—especially before the re-vitalization that began in the late 1970’s. Its real-life needs should be considered. Similarly, Rosati-Kain high school has chosen to stay in the city; it needs more parking in order to expand its facility and continue as a competitive choice for students.
The architectural significance of the San Luis apartments has, to my knowledge, never been documented in any textbook or similar resource. We believe that the design for the parking area will improve the space by making it much more “green-friendly” than it is now. It will not be the usual caricature of black asphalt in place of a building. Our representative for the project, Mr. Dan Jay, can show how the plans will greatly benefit the neighborhood. Mr. Jay is a resident of the Central West End and can be reached at his firm, Christner, 7711 Bonhomme Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63105.
