If it turns out anywhere near as nice as the Aquinas building, I think we'll all be thrilled.
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Update from Mayor Slay:
Forest Park at Spring: Some of the several McGowan brothers (of Washington Avenue Loft District success) are expanding their efforts west to the property on the northeast corner of Forest Park Boulevard and Spring Avenue. For some months, passersby have watched as the “modern” façade has been removed from the building, revealing its original historic character. The McGowans removed the façade — even though they do not yet own the building — to enhance its eligibility for listing on the National Register. The building has now been listed. The McGowans plan to develop the property as rental residential loft apartments and retail, and are discussing occupancy of the retail space with one of the City’s successful minority entrepreneurs.
DeBaliviere wrote:Update from Mayor Slay:
Forest Park at Spring: Some of the several McGowan brothers (of Washington Avenue Loft District success) are expanding their efforts west to the property on the northeast corner of Forest Park Boulevard and Spring Avenue. For some months, passersby have watched as the “modern” façade has been removed from the building, revealing its original historic character. The McGowans removed the façade — even though they do not yet own the building — to enhance its eligibility for listing on the National Register. The building has now been listed. The McGowans plan to develop the property as rental residential loft apartments and retail, and are discussing occupancy of the retail space with one of the City’s successful minority entrepreneurs.
That's great news! I'd love to see more lofts around the University. Some of those warehouses are (or have the potential to be) beautiful!
I also love that Council Plaza will be getting some love. It's a great area for business with awesome visibility. Such a shame that it (and the apartments) has been in such disrepair. I really hope the right things are done with this.
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They are still working on the building, albeit very slowly...Victoria Products is moving from it, to another location off Hampton and West Park I believe...
Here are some pictures from today
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Wow, looks like a lot of damage to the brick on the upper floors.
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In this pre-renovation shot, you can see how bad the Aquinas Building looked... Let's hope they can fix this one up too...
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That is what happens to brick over the long term in a humid environment when you place a material on it that absorbs and traps moisture, and you don't maintain it.DeBaliviere wrote:Wow, looks like a lot of damage to the brick on the upper floors.
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Looks like it was a beautiful building. Hopefully it can be again.
It would be nice to see what the building originally looked like. Anybody know where I can find a pic online? Thanks.
It would be nice to see what the building originally looked like. Anybody know where I can find a pic online? Thanks.
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Little blurb from the Business Journal:
Good to hear that the former owner/tenant is staying in the city.
Tim McGowan’s McGowan Brothers Development bought a 75,837-square-foot warehouse at 3693 Forest Park Ave. in St. Louis for $2.15 million that it plans to convert to apartments. The owner and tenant in the building, Victoria Products Inc., a custom screen printing and embroidery business, is relocating to 5727 W. Park Ave. Hilliker Corp. represented both sides in the deal.
Good to hear that the former owner/tenant is staying in the city.
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There is a appeal posting up in front of the building, it mentions an interior/exterior renovation along with a parking garage.
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As part of the strong rental trend, McGowan Brothers is turning a building on Forest Park Avenue into 48 loft apartments. The building, which McGowan Brothers has had under contract for two years, housed a custom screen printing business and is next to St. Louis University.
Link
They've cleaned up the brick on the east half of the building, so far. Zipped by too quick to take a picture, but the difference is like night and day.
Disclaimer: I am part of McGowan Brothers Development, the developer on this project, and wanted to give a little bit of info on the building.
We are developing the 2nd and 3rd floors into 48units, 1,2,3 and 4 BR market rate apartments geared towards students and young proffessionals. The first floor will consist of parking and almost 10,000 square feet of commercial/retail space The project is called Spring Street Lofts; http://www.springstreetlofts.com. Our site is still being worked on, but should be able to provide a bit of information to those interested in the project. We are opening in late July of 2009 for the Fall semester.
We are developing the 2nd and 3rd floors into 48units, 1,2,3 and 4 BR market rate apartments geared towards students and young proffessionals. The first floor will consist of parking and almost 10,000 square feet of commercial/retail space The project is called Spring Street Lofts; http://www.springstreetlofts.com. Our site is still being worked on, but should be able to provide a bit of information to those interested in the project. We are opening in late July of 2009 for the Fall semester.
Thanks for the update. We always appreciate any info straight from the developer. The building already looks better than it did with the old facade.
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IMO - it's another great step forward for the area between Midtown and the CWE. IF a serious shopping center (think the long rumored Target, etc.) were to pop up on FPP anytime in the next few years this area is really going to BOOM!
By the way, I'm constantly impressed by the rents people are getting for apartments - granted these aren't rented yet, but they're very similar numbers to other successful projects.
By the way, I'm constantly impressed by the rents people are getting for apartments - granted these aren't rented yet, but they're very similar numbers to other successful projects.
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^ True - despite the address I was picturing this building in the circa 41XX block . . . 
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The building looks better already with the brick exposed. I can't wait to see the finished product!
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Spring Street Lofts sign is up and a ton of brick replacement/restoration has been going on... I think is going to be a neat looking place... Hopefully I can get some pics up shortly...
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A SLU prof on the Billiken board says there's a brewpub going in across the street from the Spring Street Lofts, by the Jimmy John's. Anyone know anything about it?
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DeBaliviere wrote:A SLU prof on the Billiken board says there's a brewpub going in across the street from the Spring Street Lofts, by the Jimmy John's. Anyone know anything about it?
Does that JJ's get any business? It seems like the worst possible location.