I will print up the code and make copies.
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I'll call the Park East sales office to get an update on the new rendering.
FYI, I will be at the CRD meeting on Friday morning with alderwoman Krewson. I won't tell you guys where it is at because I don't think we want to invade their first meeting with Alderwoman Krewson, like we did to their website.
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Friday morning? My theory that CRD is made of angry housewives might be proven right there.
Okay I will try to be nice to those people.
Okay I will try to be nice to those people.
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It doesn't surprise me that the CRD meetings are invitation-only. It's consistent with the mentality that "we don't want new buildings blocking our views.
I was just interviewed by Paul Schankman from Fox 2 News. The segment will air sometime next week TBD. I'll let you know when I find out. I made a lot of key points, but I felt I was much choppier than I should have been. hopefully they'll edit out the lame parts.
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You know I used to belong to Metropolis - I'm not even sure if they're a viable organization anymore ( i know there was a vote taken on disbanding a while back) ... and I can't help but think that THIS is what that group should have been about. THIS is what I wanted to do .. instead I found myself going to innumerbale functions that we're nothing more than meat markets for 40 year olds (no offense to the 40 year olds - but its not really in my age range for dating). .. I think i stopped attending after a "member" at one of those functions told me that they wouldn't live anywhere but Chesterfield. I don;t think she even knew what the hell the group was supposed to be about - she just tagged along because someone told her that it was a good place to meet guys.
JivecitySTL was president of Metropolis in 2003. I agree with you 100%.
I would like to discuss our possible action towards the So. Grand McDonalds at our next meeting.
Like the Opus Project and JiveCity, this McDonalds is in my neighborhood, and I would like to get active in getting this current proposal shut down. McDonalds needs to build something that is urban, or get out. I know that this meeting is going to focus on the Opus project, but we need to organize quickly on the So. Grand before the plans get too solidified.
Like the Opus Project and JiveCity, this McDonalds is in my neighborhood, and I would like to get active in getting this current proposal shut down. McDonalds needs to build something that is urban, or get out. I know that this meeting is going to focus on the Opus project, but we need to organize quickly on the So. Grand before the plans get too solidified.
I took over 2 pages of notes at the CRD meeting this morning. I will have an overview to present at the meeting. I will type up the notes and make copies, and I will go over the key points of their opposition and some ridiculous statements made by some of the people at the meeting. I will also make sure that Lyda Krewson knows about the meeting. Rollin Stanley and Kate Shea of the Cultural Resources office were also there today.
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Matt-- how many people were there?
trent-- I absolutely agree that we need to involve ourselves in the issue of McDonald's on Grand. I think we should focus on the CWE issue during the meeting and make plans for a meeting about that issue.
trent-- I absolutely agree that we need to involve ourselves in the issue of McDonald's on Grand. I think we should focus on the CWE issue during the meeting and make plans for a meeting about that issue.
To tell you the truth, I completely forgot to count, but I will estimate. I want to say 13-14 members of CRD which were invited to the meeting because they wanted to keep it small and focused on the core people in CRD. There was also Lyda Krewson, Kate Shea, Rollin Stanley, and of course me. It was in the Forsyth room in the Chase Park Plaza conference center. Very nice room, first time I've been down to those rooms. It felt very exclusive to me, although they kept mentioning that they speak for everyone in the neighborhood. I understand why they had only a few people though, this was there first meeting with Lyda. I think we scored first there by inviting her to our first meeting. They say they have 600 signatures, but they had a lot, and I mean a lot of mis-infomation.
You guys will laugh hard at some of the comments made by people there. I did get some exact quotes, but I don't know exactly who the people were. One lady kept grumbling that same things over and over like a broken record, and everything she said, or I really should say repeated what other people said, went completely against good urban planning principles. One end of the table seemed to really have a lot of questions and wanted to get some more understanding, the other side was completely against the project in any way shape or form. There was also a very basic lack of understanding of how variances work in regard to Historic Districts. The best part of the whole meeting was the opening statement by one of the men there. I will save that for our meeting on Sunday.
You guys will laugh hard at some of the comments made by people there. I did get some exact quotes, but I don't know exactly who the people were. One lady kept grumbling that same things over and over like a broken record, and everything she said, or I really should say repeated what other people said, went completely against good urban planning principles. One end of the table seemed to really have a lot of questions and wanted to get some more understanding, the other side was completely against the project in any way shape or form. There was also a very basic lack of understanding of how variances work in regard to Historic Districts. The best part of the whole meeting was the opening statement by one of the men there. I will save that for our meeting on Sunday.
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MattnSTL- I'm looking forward to your recap of that meeting!
Trent and Jive- A separate meeting to discuss the proposed McDonalds @ Grand and Winnebago sounds good. Count me in.
Trent and Jive- A separate meeting to discuss the proposed McDonalds @ Grand and Winnebago sounds good. Count me in.
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AGENDA
I. Introduction
Background of the issue, main themes of arguments for and against it, introduction of major players, status of the project, etc.
II. Matt's recap of the CRD meeting
If members of CRD are present, they can share their views (we must be respectful here)
III. STL-UP's response to major objections
Cite similar success stories, why historic district standards should be challenged in certain cases, why having 200 new units of homeowners in that high-profile location is a positive addition to the neighborhood, etc.
IV. Action to be taken
Preservation Board meetings, City Hall hearings, enlisting the support of CWE business/homeowners, goals
V. Closing comments/open discussion
Please add or change as you see fit!
I. Introduction
Background of the issue, main themes of arguments for and against it, introduction of major players, status of the project, etc.
II. Matt's recap of the CRD meeting
If members of CRD are present, they can share their views (we must be respectful here)
III. STL-UP's response to major objections
Cite similar success stories, why historic district standards should be challenged in certain cases, why having 200 new units of homeowners in that high-profile location is a positive addition to the neighborhood, etc.
IV. Action to be taken
Preservation Board meetings, City Hall hearings, enlisting the support of CWE business/homeowners, goals
V. Closing comments/open discussion
Please add or change as you see fit!
I guess no one was at the Parade on Friday? I was actually in the parade, and I worked too.
I am printing the codes as we speek. How many copies?
I think we should ensure this development is going forward before we switch to another project, like the McDonalds on South Grand.
I am printing the codes as we speek. How many copies?
I think we should ensure this development is going forward before we switch to another project, like the McDonalds on South Grand.
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pc,
I honestly don't think we need to worry about this project. It's going to get done. It's got the political backing, which (in this city) is very important. The McDonalds has the political backing, which is why it makes it imparative that we get involved. Besides, I don't think it's asking too much for our group to get involved wherever it's necessary.
I honestly don't think we need to worry about this project. It's going to get done. It's got the political backing, which (in this city) is very important. The McDonalds has the political backing, which is why it makes it imparative that we get involved. Besides, I don't think it's asking too much for our group to get involved wherever it's necessary.
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trent is absolutely right. The McDonald's thing is an abomination. We must get involved. But due to media coverage and momentum, we can't abandon the issue of the proposed Opus tower. Today's meeting needs to stay focused. We can discuss other issues the city faces at the end, and if people are interested they can stay. I have a feeling that there will be a lot of people at the meeting today who are only interested in CWE happenings.
Jive,
That's a good idea. I do think it would be an appropriate forum to bring up the topic, and since we're all gathering, it saves the day for another meeting...I didn't want to make it a 50-50 sort of deal, just a small discussion at the end of the meeting, for STLUP members who are interested in progressing on the McDonalds topic.
That's a good idea. I do think it would be an appropriate forum to bring up the topic, and since we're all gathering, it saves the day for another meeting...I didn't want to make it a 50-50 sort of deal, just a small discussion at the end of the meeting, for STLUP members who are interested in progressing on the McDonalds topic.
I am not going to be able to make it to the meeting. Today is my girlfriends birthday, and the party is at the exact same time. I am planning on asking her to get married, so I really shouldn't miss her birthday. I apologize for the late announcement, but I was hoping that I could still make the meeting.
I already printed 20 copies of the damn code... you can find it here:
My life is really crazy this time of the year, and something has to give, I wish it was not this meeting...
I already printed 20 copies of the damn code... you can find it here:
The prime objective in the proposed Central West End Historic District is to maintain the distinctive character, quality of construction and individual architectural integrity of structures within the district. While there is neither one prevalent architectural style nor a dominant building material, there is a sense of scale, richness of detail and quality of construction, which creates a strong overall image within this district.
Some blocks within the district, however, exhibit a continuity of design with uniform building heights, materials, window size, spacing and landscape treatment. These elements help to create an unusually strong "streetscape" which must receive special attention during the design review process. Particularly when new construction is proposed, consideration of the "streetscape" and the relationship of the new structures to existing ones are of utmost importance.
Developers, therefore, shall demonstrate compliance with exiting scale, size and proportion by providing, along with other construction documents, a street elevation and plan of the proposed project showing adjacent properties. Visual compliance shall be judged on massing and detail in addition to size and scale.
It is not the intention of these regulations to in any way discourage contemporary design, which through careful attention to scale, materials, siting and landscaping is harmonious with the historic, existing structure. Distinctive older buildings are not enhanced when new construction, which resorts to "fakery and imitation", is used to fill gaps in the streetscape.
The following are specific standards to control the use of structures and establish criteria by which alterations to existing structures as well as new construction can be reviewed. Some of the guidelines are precise whereas others are, by necessity, more general, allowing a range of alternative solutions all of, which are compatible with the existing neighborhood. In order for these criteria to best become working tools for the developer, architect, and client; they should be studied thoroughly before design work begins.
RESIDENTIAL (Proposed "A", "B", "C", "D" and "E" Zoning Districts)
1. USE: A building or premises shall be utilized only for the uses permitted in the zoning district within which the building or premises is located.
2. STRUCTURES: New Construction or Alterations to existing structures:
1. Height
New buildings including all appurtenances must be constructed within 15 percent of the average height of existing residential buildings on the block.
2. Location
New or moved structures shall be positioned on their lot so that any existing rhythm or recurrent building masses to spaces is continued as well as the pattern of setback from the street.
3. Exterior Materials
In the Central West End brick masonry, stone masonry or stucco are dominant with terra cotta and wood used for trim and other architectural features. All new building materials shall be compatible in type and texture with the dominant materials of adjacent buildings. Artificial masonry such as "Permastone" is not permitted. A submission of all building material samples including mortar shall be required prior to approval.
4. Details
Architectural details on existing structures shall be maintained in a similar size, detail and material. Where they are badly deteriorated, similar details salvaged from other buildings may be substituted. Both new and replacement window and doorframes shall be limited to wood or color finished aluminum. Raw or unfinished aluminum is not acceptable. Awnings of canvas only are acceptable.
5. Roof Shapes
When one roof shape is employed in a predominance of existing buildings in a block, any proposed new construction or alteration should be viewed with respect to its compatibility with the existing adjacent buildings.
6. Roof Materials
Roof materials shall be slate, tile, copper or asphalt shingles where the roof is visible from the street. Brightly colored asphalt shingles are not appropriate.
3. WALLS, FENCES AND ENCLOSURES
Walls and fences form an important part of the overall streetscape. These should be of brick, stone or stucco, wood, wrought iron or evergreen hedge when visible from the street, as is consistent with existing dominant materials.
4. LANDSCAPING
If there is a predominance of particular types or qualities of landscape materials, any new planting should be compatible by considering massing and continuity. The installation of street trees is encouraged and in some instances may be required.
5. PAVING OR GROUND COVER MATERIALS
Where there is a predominant use of a particular ground cover or paving material, any new or added material should be compatible with streetscape. Crushed rock is not acceptable for paving. Asphalt is not acceptable for walkways.
6. STREET FURNITURE AND UTILITITES
All freestanding light standards placed in the front yard of any structure or premises shall be either authentic period styling or high quality contemporary design. The design and location of all items of street furniture must be approved prior to placement. Special permits must be obtained if street furniture is to be located within public right-of-way. Where possible, all new utility lines shall be underground.
COMMERCIAL (Proposed "F" and "H")
1. USE
A building or premises shall be utilized only for the uses permitted in the zoning district within which the building or premises is located, except that none of the following shall be permitted:
Drive-in Restaurants
Service Stations
2. STRUCTURES
1. Height
New buildings must be constructed within 15 percent of the average height of existing commercial buildings on the block. In no case shall a commercial structure of less than two stories be permissible.
2. Location
New or moved commercial structures shall be positioned on the lot to enhance the character of the commercial location.
3. Exterior Materials
In the Central West End brick masonry, stone masonry or stucco are dominant with terra cotta and wood used for trim and other architectural features. All new building materials shall be compatible in type and texture with the dominant materials of adjacent buildings. Artificial masonry such as "Permastone" is not permitted. A submission of all building material samples including mortar shall be required prior to approval.
4. Details
Architectural details on existing structures shall be maintained in a similar size, detail and material. Where they are badly deteriorated, similar details salvaged from other buildings may be substituted. Both new and replacement window and doorframes shall be limited to wood or color finished aluminum. Raw or unfinished aluminum is not accepted. Awnings of canvas only are acceptable.
5. Roof Shapes
When there is a strong dominant roof shape in a block, any proposed new construction or alteration should be viewed with respect to its compatibility with the existing adjacent buildings.
6. Roof Materials
Roof materials shall be slate, tile, copper or asphalt shingles where the roof is visible from the street. Brightly colored asphalt shingles are not appropriate.
7. Walls, Fences and Enclosures
Walls and fences form an important part of the overall streetscape. These should be of brick, stone or stucco, wood, wrought iron or evergreen hedge when visible from the street, as is consistent with existing dominant materials. Concrete walls are also acceptable when a part of the overall building design.
8. Parking
All off-street parking shall be located behind or to the side of commercial structures. Where visible from the street, screening with visually opaque landscaping or 5' minimum high masonry or concrete wall shall be necessary.
9. Paving Materials
The use of masonry units compatible with adjacent building materials is encouraged. Pedestrian walks, courts, sitting areas, etc. shall be surfaced by a permanent material including textured concrete, brick pavers, cobblestone or street pavers or any other material consistent with adjacent surfaces. Asphalt paving shall not be acceptable on any areas for pedestrian-use, exclusively, and acceptable on vehicular-use areas only.
10. Signs
Signs within the commercial district shall be in accordance with the zoning ordinance except that in no case will the following be allowed:
1. Non-appurtenant advertising signs.
2. Signs in excess of 25' in height.
3. Wall signs above the second floor window sill level.
Wall signs should be designed to complement the existing building and never cover windows or other architectural elements. Where more than one wall sign exists on a single structure or a series of related structures, all signs should be basically similar in character and placement. Office buildings without first floor retail establishments shall have no more than one wall sign per fa?ade located below the second floor window sill line designating only the name and address of the building.
4. Roof top signs.
5. Projecting signs are not acceptable if they obstruct the view of adjacent signs, obstruct windows or other architectural elements or extend above the second floor windowsill level. Only one projective sign is allowed per street frontage for each establishment.
6. Flashing or rotating elements.
7. Painted wall signs.
11. Landscaping
If there is a predominance of particular types or qualities of landscape materials, any new planting should be compatible by considering massing and continuity. The installation of street trees by request to the City is encouraged and in some instances may be required.
12. Street Furniture and Utilities
All freestanding light standards placed in the front yard of any structure or premises shall be either authentic period styling or high quality contemporary design.
The design and location of all items of street furniture must be approved prior to placement. Special permits must be obtained if street furniture is to be located within public right-of-way.
Where possible, all new utility lines shall be underground.
These standards shall not be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior feature n the Historic District which does not involve a change in design, material, color or outward appearance nor to prevent the demolition of any feature or structure which the building inspector shall certify is dangerous and unsafe.
All aspects of an application for excavation, construction, erection, demolition and/or alteration shall be considered as a whole by the Landmarks and Urban Design Commission and will not require separate applications or individual notices to proceed. The approval of a permit for new construction thus constitutes tacit approval of any demolition required by the new construction.
Willful attempts to undermine preservation by allowing buildings to deteriorate will place the property owner in immediate and continued danger of citation under the city's Minimum Housing Code or Non-Residential Standards Code.
In the event an element of these proposed uses, construction and restoration standards is not consistent with the zoning ordinance for the City of St. Louis, or other City codes or ordinances, the more restrictive shall apply.
My life is really crazy this time of the year, and something has to give, I wish it was not this meeting...