I am printing out 2 copies, don't have time for more. If I would have woken up earlier, I could have come by your place to pick up your copies.
can anyone provide a short recap of the meeting for those of us who weren't there? Did anyone from CRD or the media show up? were any other issues discussed?
Thanks
Thanks
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Short summary:
About 20-25 people in attendance of all ages.
I. We summarized the controversial issue of the proposed 28-story condo tower at Euclid & Lindell and expressed our idealistic pro-urban perspective about why we feel such a development is good for the neighborhood. We were sure to note that we do not specifically endorse the Opus tower per se, at least the design which was initially presented. We merely support a dense highrise development on that key parcel of land on which now sits the American Heart Assn building.
II. A member of the opposition and resident of Pershing Place offered his views on the topic, which digressed a great deal as he spoke. He somehow made an analogy between CWE development and the harmful effects that mammals had on the evolution of the Earth (???). We steered back to the topic and did our best to hear out his concerns, which included all the usual objections: out of sync with neighborhood character, too tall for the block, a disruption of the "quaint" atmosphere of Euclid Avenue and Maryland Plaza, increased congestion, etc. He appeared to be very defensive about his stance, indicating that the rest of us "don't understand the charm of the neighborhood" and so on. He went on to say that he feared that new highrises would follow if this one were allowed to be built and that there would be people wanting to build tall buildings on all the corners of Euclid & Lindell (which we were hopeful would be the case). We concluded that he really just didn't want anything or anyone to come in and change his neighborhood. We did our best to respond with our arguments in favor of a highrise there, but to no avail. He left shortly after he said his peace.
III. We discussed the need for a quality development, not just anything better than what's currently on that site. There were some problems with the initial design of the Opus tower and everyone was anxious to see the revised renderings for the building. We brainstormed about how we can support changes to the Historic District guidelines, pointing their flaws: They didn't consider changes in market conditions which might demand buildings to be taller than when the guidelines were created. In the mid-1970s, nobody could have predicted a nationwide back-to-the-city building boom, a result of which new highrises would be in demand.
IV. In conclusion, we felt that it was necessary to both preserve the past as well as embrace the future. We feel that more homeowning residents on that high-profile corner would have countless positive effects on the CWE, and therefore the city at large. We want keep the charm that the past has afforded us, but look to the future to create great new landmarks for future generations to enjoy. The CWE is the most diverse neighborhood in St. Louis and its physical development should reflect that quality.
About 20-25 people in attendance of all ages.
I. We summarized the controversial issue of the proposed 28-story condo tower at Euclid & Lindell and expressed our idealistic pro-urban perspective about why we feel such a development is good for the neighborhood. We were sure to note that we do not specifically endorse the Opus tower per se, at least the design which was initially presented. We merely support a dense highrise development on that key parcel of land on which now sits the American Heart Assn building.
II. A member of the opposition and resident of Pershing Place offered his views on the topic, which digressed a great deal as he spoke. He somehow made an analogy between CWE development and the harmful effects that mammals had on the evolution of the Earth (???). We steered back to the topic and did our best to hear out his concerns, which included all the usual objections: out of sync with neighborhood character, too tall for the block, a disruption of the "quaint" atmosphere of Euclid Avenue and Maryland Plaza, increased congestion, etc. He appeared to be very defensive about his stance, indicating that the rest of us "don't understand the charm of the neighborhood" and so on. He went on to say that he feared that new highrises would follow if this one were allowed to be built and that there would be people wanting to build tall buildings on all the corners of Euclid & Lindell (which we were hopeful would be the case). We concluded that he really just didn't want anything or anyone to come in and change his neighborhood. We did our best to respond with our arguments in favor of a highrise there, but to no avail. He left shortly after he said his peace.
III. We discussed the need for a quality development, not just anything better than what's currently on that site. There were some problems with the initial design of the Opus tower and everyone was anxious to see the revised renderings for the building. We brainstormed about how we can support changes to the Historic District guidelines, pointing their flaws: They didn't consider changes in market conditions which might demand buildings to be taller than when the guidelines were created. In the mid-1970s, nobody could have predicted a nationwide back-to-the-city building boom, a result of which new highrises would be in demand.
IV. In conclusion, we felt that it was necessary to both preserve the past as well as embrace the future. We feel that more homeowning residents on that high-profile corner would have countless positive effects on the CWE, and therefore the city at large. We want keep the charm that the past has afforded us, but look to the future to create great new landmarks for future generations to enjoy. The CWE is the most diverse neighborhood in St. Louis and its physical development should reflect that quality.
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I don't think the Historic District guidelines are flawed per se, they are set up to achieve a set of predescribed historic and aesthetic goals (they generally don't take market concerns into account). A much more valid argument would be if you explored the intended effect of the 15 story height limit at that corner and determined whether the 28 story tower would conflict with that goal.
The codes need to either increase the percentage of leeway for average height, or they need to increase the area in which this 15 percent is evaluated. This could be amended by the preservation board I believe.
What is interesting is that the Park Plaza is only 29 stories... I called to confirm this as fact.
What is interesting is that the Park Plaza is only 29 stories... I called to confirm this as fact.
- 1,768
MattnSTL, can you tell us what the opening statement by the CRD guy was? You made it sound like it was really something to hear...
I have to get some homework finished and leave for class right now, but I will post it tonight sometime. I'll put up a few more quotes too.
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And how about the that connection between the mammals and destruction of the earth? Sounds like his guy is wrestling with some bigger issues than the high rise. Doesn't he realize that storing 200 mammals vertically is less desrtructive and wasteful than 200 suburban homes with pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer laden yards? Does he want to kill humanity? What is his end goal?
I hope when my mind goes, my body goes with it.
I hope when my mind goes, my body goes with it.
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I don't think the old guy was even involved with CRD, he was just angry and he wanted to let everyone know about it.
It was Sunday at 1:00 pm. There will definitely be future meetings though. Stay tuned to the STL-UP threads in the Urban Living section.
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We need to set up another meeting too. Any suggestions? I will be out of town for several weekends in April and May, but I'm usually available during the week. I do want to attend some Preservation Board meetings.
I keep missing out. I hope to make it to one eventually. For now, I can only sit back and read. 
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trent wrote:Tuesday and Thursday nights work for me.
Same here! Should we try to meet again on one of those nights next week?
As long as it is no earlier than about 7:00pm. I have class untill about 6:50pm.
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^ Pick a place and I'll be there! Coffee Cartel, perhaps?