Steelcote Development

dredger · PostNov 03, 2018#262018-11-03T04:31+00:00

Contractor picked and timeline given in Post Dispatch article.

https://www.stltoday.com/business/local ... b98c1.html

Pinnacle Contracting Inc. was tapped to renovate a historic midtown factory complex into lofts.

Pinnacle was selected by developer Pier Property Group to transform the former Steelcote Manufacturing Co. paint factory, which dates to 1922. The 42,000-square-foot, $9 million conversion will create 31 units in the five-story building. An adjoining structure will house the leasing office and bike storage, with two additional units in a third building.

The Steelcote Lofts, expected to be completed in spring 2019, will include traditional loft floor plans with 10- to 12-foot ceilings as well as two-story units with rooftop terraces.

chriss752 · PostDec 08, 2018#272018-12-08T03:09+00:00

Current status as of December 2nd. This project will be great for this area and I can see it spurring more development as those old warehouses go empty. There are tons of buildings nearby that would make great retail buildings. Personally, I believe this area could be like Kansas City's Crossroads area, especially near Union Station KC, but smaller.

sc4mayor · PostJan 15, 2019#282019-01-15T01:52+00:00

This one seemed to move very quickly. Main Steelcote building is to be open by May with the Columbia Oil building to be open by Fall. New apartment building going up on Theresa to break ground this summer. Looks pretty good. Might be a good idea to reopen (and rebuild) a crossing for Theresa over the railroad tracks. Would provide easy access over to Spruce and Compton as well and create another connection to the Armory District and the Grand station.

https://www.stltoday.com/business/local ... 3f06e.html

chriss752 · PostJan 15, 2019#292019-01-15T01:55+00:00

The Mayor wrote: ↑
Jan 15, 2019
This one seemed to move very quickly. Main Steelcote building is to be open by May with the Columbia Oil building to be open by Fall. New apartment building going up on Theresa to break ground this summer. Looks pretty good. Might be a good idea to reopen (and rebuild) a crossing for Theresa over the railroad tracks. Would provide easy access over to Spruce and Compton as well and create another connection to the Armory District and the Grand station.

https://www.stltoday.com/business/local ... 3f06e.html

I was considering creating a new thread for the new construction project but I opted not to. Here are the renderings. Seems to me a mashup of 4220 Duncan and Grand Flats. The corrugated metal worries me though but I guess it matches the surroundings.

newstl2020 · PostJan 15, 2019#302019-01-15T03:33+00:00

.............. holy s%^t.

chriss752 · PostJan 15, 2019#312019-01-15T04:35+00:00

The more I look at the renderings for this, the more it grows on me. I also like the fact the Gratiot is connected to Steelcote Square. Maybe Pier Property Group is going to buy more nearby properties and continue the redevelopment process for this part of Midtown

. Depending on how leasing goes on the Steelcote Lofts and Crossing buildings, which equates to 48 apartments, maybe we will see other developers step up and but industrial property down here to demolish and build new. I see this as being our own version of KC's crossroads bounded by Southwest, 20th, Main, Railroad and Broadway.

symphonicpoet · PostJan 15, 2019#322019-01-15T06:23+00:00

The Mayor wrote: ↑
Jan 15, 2019
This one seemed to move very quickly. Main Steelcote building is to be open by May with the Columbia Oil building to be open by Fall. New apartment building going up on Theresa to break ground this summer. Looks pretty good. Might be a good idea to reopen (and rebuild) a crossing for Theresa over the railroad tracks. Would provide easy access over to Spruce and Compton as well and create another connection to the Armory District and the Grand station.

https://www.stltoday.com/business/local ... 3f06e.html

I fear that an automotive grade crossing there would be a killer and that neither the railroads nor BiState would consent to such a thing willingly. And when you really get right down to it, Compton has poor access to anything between Chouteau and Olive because of street closures anyway.Now, a pedestrian overpass/underpass might work, but even that wouldn't be cheap, and there's a pretty good bit of industry and a hellscape of a highway interchange before you get to anything worth getting to the north anyway. (Of course, if the industry slowly moves elsewhere anyway it'd be ripe for conversion and connection. If you can fix the spaghetti ramps. In which case I accede to your point.) But I think what you really want is access to Grand. I don't see a cheap or easy way to do it for cars, but for pedestrians it might be as simple as a stair or elevator at Grand and Gratiot, similar to what's at the Metrolink station. (But shorter.) That would give you good pedestrian access to Grand and points north. There's already good access to points south and west via Chouteau. You can easily get to the Grove and to the SLU south campus. And honestly, if you're driving it'd be no big deal to swing around a block to Grand or Compton. And if the Spring Avenue viaduct goes back in as planned in a sensible way, you're golden. Straight to the Armory and the SLU north campus.

Anyway . . . Great to see this moving forward! And the new apartment structure is really quite exciting.

pattimagee · PostJan 15, 2019#332019-01-15T16:22+00:00

I hope these apartment complexes keep filling up because I absolutely love seeing these type of projects (such a beautiful little block - regardless of what's around it). This is the same developer as the Woodford Lofts, so if they can be successful I wouldn't mind 4 or 5 more of these projects.

framer · PostJan 15, 2019#342019-01-15T18:01+00:00

Good stuff! Such a funky area; it's an island now, but in ten years who knows?

sc4mayor · PostJan 15, 2019#352019-01-15T18:30+00:00

symphonicpoet wrote: ↑
Jan 15, 2019

The Mayor wrote: ↑
Jan 15, 2019
This one seemed to move very quickly. Main Steelcote building is to be open by May with the Columbia Oil building to be open by Fall. New apartment building going up on Theresa to break ground this summer. Looks pretty good. Might be a good idea to reopen (and rebuild) a crossing for Theresa over the railroad tracks. Would provide easy access over to Spruce and Compton as well and create another connection to the Armory District and the Grand station.

https://www.stltoday.com/business/local ... 3f06e.html
I fear that an automotive grade crossing there would be a killer and that neither the railroads nor BiState would consent to such a thing willingly. And when you really get right down to it, Compton has poor access to anything between Chouteau and Olive because of street closures anyway.Now, a pedestrian overpass/underpass might work, but even that wouldn't be cheap, and there's a pretty good bit of industry and a hellscape of a highway interchange before you get to anything worth getting to the north anyway. (Of course, if the industry slowly moves elsewhere anyway it'd be ripe for conversion and connection. If you can fix the spaghetti ramps. In which case I accede to your point.) But I think what you really want is access to Grand. I don't see a cheap or easy way to do it for cars, but for pedestrians it might be as simple as a stair or elevator at Grand and Gratiot, similar to what's at the Metrolink station. (But shorter.) That would give you good pedestrian access to Grand and points north. There's already good access to points south and west via Chouteau. You can easily get to the Grove and to the SLU south campus. And honestly, if you're driving it'd be no big deal to swing around a block to Grand or Compton. And if the Spring Avenue viaduct goes back in as planned in a sensible way, you're golden. Straight to the Armory and the SLU north campus.

Anyway . . . Great to see this moving forward! And the new apartment structure is really quite exciting.

Good points, but I'm not sure I agree. There is already a crossing (albeit a very sh*tty one) over the freight tracks here and Metro could always be against building one over their tracks but I fail to see how a crossing here would be any different than the one at Taylor in the CWE from Metro's perspective. My guess is that their biggest objection would be who's going to pay for it. And this wasn't so much about connecting to Compton (or Grand for that matter), but to the Armory District, which isn't very easily accessible from the south at all. A connection over the tracks and a right turn on Scott and you're right in there. If the Armory District and this area south of the tracks really takes off, I think it would be nice to have an at grade crossing that doesn't require all this looping around to get places. If I'm hypothetically working at the Armory I would definitely consider living here and access between the two isn't very good and nearly impossible on foot. Using Grand would take roughly 10 minutes and two miles. Compton is about 6 minutes and 1.5 miles. A street crossing on Theresa would be about half a mile, much more walkable (huge plus for anyone who wants to live at Steelcote and walk to Metro) and could help really tie the two areas together instead of two separate islands.

Regarding Spring, I have heard no word of the viaduct reopening (that would be far more expensive than what I'm proposing here, and would also likely require significant negotiations with the railroad and Metro). I have heard about a pedestrian overpass that would run in the old Spring corridor from Cortex/Foundry to the Armory district, which doesn't do much for people coming from the other direction. I hope I'm wrong though, I'd love to see the Spring viaduct fully rebuilt.

chriss752 · PostJan 15, 2019#362019-01-15T22:29+00:00

framer wrote: ↑
Jan 15, 2019
Good stuff! Such a funky area; it's an island now, but in ten years who knows?

I contacted around today and know of some things. Development of this area isn't done yet but the people weren't specific as to who the developers were. I guess we will find out soon enough.

PostJan 16, 2019#372019-01-16T17:30+00:00

BellaVilla wrote: ↑
Jan 16, 2019
Now, let me be cynical. What does it say about the status of race relations in our city that Developers would rather invest in the poorly connected former industrial area that is completely cut off from the rest of the city by two interstates, a railroad, and a disgusting "creek" rather than developing the well connected areas just north of Delmar? Its sad imo.

I guess the developer wanted to build here because its ?safer? and closer to the Metro stop than being North of Delmar. Plus, he is a new developer and is familiar with this area so he knows what can be done. In my opinion, I guess he sees more gold here than in North City and is playing a long run game to be the first to say "I helped start this area of development". But then, he could do that on the Northside which brings me back to the safety thing.

gopherlou · PostJan 16, 2019#382019-01-16T18:42+00:00

BellaVilla wrote: ↑
Jan 16, 2019
This is awesome!

Now, let me be cynical. What does it say about the statuts of race relations in our city that Developers would rather invest in the poorly connected former industrial area that is completely cut off from the rest of the city by two interstates, a railroad, and a disgusting "creek" rather than developing the well connected areas just north of Delmar? Its sad imo.

Or you could look at it being perfectly positioned between the two of the best hospitals in the region and downtown, as well as the three best parks in the city. Additionally, its right on both metro lines, and most importantly (for me anyway) its at the center of what is the Stl beer ring.

STLinCHI · PostJan 16, 2019#392019-01-16T19:00+00:00

This type of development is happening at this specific location because of what's already there. Industrial areas have been transformed into unique urban neighborhoods in many cities. STL is behind the curve here. Midtown/Grand Center has the perfect bones to bring it all together. This will be STL's most explosive residential neighborhood over the next 20 years.

Wish Chouteau's Landing would see a more dense version come to fruition.

sc4mayor · PostJan 16, 2019#402019-01-16T19:25+00:00

BellaVilla wrote: ↑
Jan 16, 2019
This is awesome!

Now, let me be cynical. What does it say about the statuts of race relations in our city that Developers would rather invest in the poorly connected former industrial area that is completely cut off from the rest of the city by two interstates, a railroad, and a disgusting "creek" rather than developing the well connected areas just north of Delmar? Its sad imo.

It's sad but, there is very little demand for this type of development on the North Side. I also think it's somewhat sad that many in St. Louis (I don't even live there anymore) don't know about all the development happening on the North Side. And no, I'm not just talking about the NGA and their $1.7 billion campus in St. Louis Place. UIC was recently granted a Chapter 99 redevelopment agreement for Hyde Park and has led to some new rehabs and other development. Their aim is to do something similar to what they did in McRee Town. Rise Community Development is just one group that has built hundreds of homes on the North Side in recent years, and are continuing to build more. http://www.risestl.org/what-we-do/real- ... elopments/

There is the North Sarah development as well. Dozens of new homes are being constructed and proposed in The Ville too. I could continue...the difference here is that these aren't large flashy projects (outside of the NGA), so they don't get as much attention, especially from us more urban minded folks who are too busy being enamored with big high-rises, soccer stadiums and large redevelopment projects. There's plenty of good things happening on the North Side, there needs to be more to be sure, but it's not totally dead up there either.

For this particular development though...SLU has a Chapter 353 redevelopment agreement that allows them to provide incentives and abatement in this general area. Outside of Hyde Park (and even then a Chapter 99 can't grant incentives) there aren't any other agreements like that up there. These kinds of things help grease the wheels a bit more so to speak. And like others have mentioned, this area is hot. The Armory, the Foundry, CORTEX, the continued growth of BJC and WUMC and SSM and SLU are going to continue to drive development in this area, regardless of race.

And one last general point relating to some other comments, while yes this is close to two light rail lines, unless you're illegally crossing those railroad and Metro tracks there is no way to walk to the Grand Station from Steelcote. Which is why an at grade crossing, at least for pedestrians, makes sense at Theresa.

Also worth mentioning that there hasn't been a creek down there in over a century.

chriss752 · PostJan 16, 2019#412019-01-16T19:28+00:00

This building, that will be demoed, looks horrible. It's demolition will make the area look much more inviting.

On another note, I hope the brick buildings at the end of Steelcote Square, near the railroad tracks, are redeveloped into more retail space or even creative office space.

Black02AltimaSE · PostJan 16, 2019#422019-01-16T19:57+00:00

Would it be possible to extend Papin as a walk/bike path west from where it currently ends to the sidewalk on Grand? That would at least give a more or less direct pedestrian route from this site to the Metrolink and bus stops on Grand without having to deal with walking across multiple train tracks.

John Coctostan · PostJan 16, 2019#432019-01-16T22:13+00:00

BellaVilla wrote: ↑
Jan 16, 2019
This is awesome!

Now, let me be cynical. What does it say about the statuts of race relations in our city that Developers would rather invest in the poorly connected former industrial area that is completely cut off from the rest of the city by two interstates, a railroad, and a disgusting "creek" rather than developing the well connected areas just north of Delmar? Its sad imo.

Cynical indeed.

I can think of several reasons why this developer would choose this area:

1) Proximity to his first project, Woodward Lofts.
2) Proximity to SLU hospital (once complete) - potential for short-term leasing for doctors who (in the past) mostly turned towards the CWE for short-term housing options and either biked, rented a car, or took Uber/cabs to the hospital. Now they simply walk across the street.
3) Proximity to all of the investment just west and NW in the Grove and Cortex area
4) Available financing tools - similar to Woodward Lofts, Steelcote, Columbia (most likely), will utilize historic tax credits. Without them, these types of buildings would be too expensive to redevelop.
5) Opportunity - There is a long-term strategy here. The goal is to turn this entire area, which as you said is industrial and desolate with a "disgusting creek" (although I don't think that still exists), into its own vibrant neighborhood. Some people prefer to be pioneers rather than piggybacking off the success of other developers in areas already seeing investment.

chriss752 · PostJan 17, 2019#442019-01-17T22:34+00:00

BellaVilla wrote: ↑
Jan 17, 2019
I was wrong to call it a "former industrial area." It is a current industrial area.

I don't think it will be industrial that much longer. Many of you don't seem to realize that sh*t is about to hit the fan at Grand and Chouteau which will make that and this two anchors for a new neighborhood. Other developers will come in and buy out other manufacturing businesses down here and transform it.

sc4mayor · PostJan 18, 2019#452019-01-18T05:13+00:00

Black02AltimaSE wrote: ↑
Jan 16, 2019
Would it be possible to extend Papin as a walk/bike path west from where it currently ends to the sidewalk on Grand? That would at least give a more or less direct pedestrian route from this site to the Metrolink and bus stops on Grand without having to deal with walking across multiple train tracks.

I don't see any reason not to do both. I'm all for restoring the grid where we can. I also think a vehicular connection between this area and the Armory District makes some sense too. Especially if this area is going to blow up as Chris describes.

rheights · PostJan 18, 2019#462019-01-18T16:42+00:00

chriss752 wrote: ↑
Jan 17, 2019

BellaVilla wrote: ↑
Jan 17, 2019
I was wrong to call it a "former industrial area." It is a current industrial area.
I don't think it will be industrial that much longer. Many of you don't seem to realize that sh*t is about to hit the fan at Grand and Chouteau which will make that and this two anchors for a new neighborhood.Other developers will come in and buy out other manufacturing businesses down here and transform it.

Sh*t hitting the fan in a good way, right? That RFP for the huge swatch of land went out? Any news?

John Coctostan · PostJan 18, 2019#472019-01-18T18:42+00:00

rheights wrote: ↑
Jan 18, 2019

chriss752 wrote: ↑
Jan 17, 2019

BellaVilla wrote: ↑
Jan 17, 2019
I was wrong to call it a "former industrial area." It is a current industrial area.
I don't think it will be industrial that much longer. Many of you don't seem to realize that sh*t is about to hit the fan at Grand and Chouteau which will make that and this two anchors for a new neighborhood.Other developers will come in and buy out other manufacturing businesses down here and transform it.
Sh*t hitting the fan in a good way, right? That RFP for the huge swatch of land went out? Any news?

SLU (Pestello) chose a developer. Should hear something soon.

chriss752 · PostJan 18, 2019#482019-01-18T22:09+00:00

rheights wrote: ↑
Jan 18, 2019

chriss752 wrote: ↑
Jan 17, 2019

BellaVilla wrote: ↑
Jan 17, 2019
I was wrong to call it a "former industrial area." It is a current industrial area.
I don't think it will be industrial that much longer. Many of you don't seem to realize that sh*t is about to hit the fan at Grand and Chouteau which will make that and this two anchors for a new neighborhood.Other developers will come in and buy out other manufacturing businesses down here and transform it.
Sh*t hitting the fan in a good way, right? That RFP for the huge swatch of land went out? Any news?

I would say in a good way. As John Cocostan said, SLU's President Pestello chose a proposal for this site and I was made aware of it. It seems like a good project, as it was described to me in words, but I swore to not reveal much beyond what I already said.

robertn42 · PostJan 19, 2019#492019-01-19T13:41+00:00

I would say in a good way. As John Cocostan said, SLU's President Pestello chose a proposal for this site and I was made aware of it. It seems like a good project, as it was described to me in words, but I swore to not reveal much beyond what I already said.
[/quote]

Chevy Chase's alias in Fletch is weighing in on this project?

southcitygent · PostJan 19, 2019#502019-01-19T17:19+00:00

This area needs a decent grocery store to support residential growth. I'm not talking Fields Foods, I mean an Aldi, Schnucks, Dierbergs or Trader Joe's. Hopefully one will be included in the development at Grand and Chouteau.

Steelcote Development

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