^Interesting. Thanks for the info.
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Well the Eads bridge has been closed all weekend because the Switzer building has been swaying. I hope the developers stabilize the building or else there won't be anything left to rehab.
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It looks like one lane is still closed on the Eads next to the Switzer building. I assume that the building has been stabilized or there is no danger of collapse if engineers will allow cars on the bridge considering the Eads was covered in bricks when it partially collapsed after the storm.
It can be done and is common. I wasn't in St. Louis in the 1970s when much of the urban pioneering began. I've been told that many of the houses in Lafayette Square were completely reconstructed, sometimes from a single wall. Most of the buildings on the Landing had to be gutted and rebuilt using steel. Anyone recall the photos of the White House rebuild during Truman? Pretty cool.
I just drove over the MLK into downtown and this building is such an eyesore. Is there any word on redevelopment?
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Drive by it all the time (many times a week), and nothing. Just sitting there with big supports holding up the walls.
I can't imagine this type of job is easy, and all design and engineering probably are a redo. Being winter probably doesn't help either.
I can't imagine this type of job is easy, and all design and engineering probably are a redo. Being winter probably doesn't help either.
^ Wow, looks like toothpicks are holding it up. Isn't demolition the only solution here?
Nah, I've seen buildings in far worse condition renovated. It'll take a lot of money, but it can be done. Basically have to build brand new building inside, and relay the brick as a veneer.
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and they get historic tax credits for it. I just hope they can restore the painted Switzer sign on the side of the building so it can be clearly read from a distance.
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I've seen buildings in far worse shape rescued, but I wonder how urgent the situation may be. In other words, I wonder how long the supports will last while reconstruction is delayed for whatever reason (engineering, financial, etc.).
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I believe Rothschild owns this one and if past history gives a glimpse he is waiting until neglect allows him to demolish. He ran that great building on the corner of Grand and Lindell into the ground, tore it down and sold the empty lot to SLU where it still sits barren today.
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I think Rothschild likes to develop properties himself and, IMO, this slows things down a lot. Didn't he sell the building that will be the Grind on Lindell? One of the few he's let go of. Unfortunately this particular project seems somewhat time sensitive - to say the least.
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Grover wrote:I think Rothschild likes to develop properties himself and, IMO, this slows things down a lot. Didn't he sell the building that will be the Grind on Lindell? One of the few he's let go of. Unfortunately this particular project seems somewhat time sensitive - to say the least.
Yikes. I didn't know Rothschild owned this one. Nothing against him by any means, but like you said, this strikes me as a time sensitive project.
Also, it's an important part of the Laclede's Landing and riverfront built environment, and I'd love to see the building restored with the east wall taking on a more modern look to offer residents even better views of the Mississippi. At this point though, I'll just be happy if it can be saved.
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Grover wrote:I think Rothschild likes to develop properties himself and, IMO, this slows things down a lot. Didn't he sell the building that will be the Grind on Lindell? One of the few he's let go of. Unfortunately this particular project seems somewhat time sensitive - to say the least.
He let go of the Ford Apartments Building...and look at it go! Almost all the windows have already been removed.
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apickett wrote:We had representatives on site from our office as early as this morning. I will try to get the pictures from them to share w/ you guys. The brick damage was pretty extensive (obviously!), however, a lot of that facade and brick was to be repaired/ replaced anyway. So, the challenge now is to see what brick can be re-used from the collapse. But, I do not think this is a complete tragedy. Work is already being done to stabalize the remaining structure.
I will give another update as soon as I hear something. I will try to get the pictures on here in the next few days.
Thanks,
Adam
Adam,
Do you still read this site? If so, could you post an update?
Adam Pickett posted his e-mail address upthread, too, if anyone is interested in contacting him directly: apickett@rosemann.com
-RBB
There was a great building with tons of potential on the Landing. The Bronson Hide Company building was loaded with potential but was demolished after a wall caved in. I wonder who the owner was through all those years of neglect?
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Matt wrote:There was a great building with tons of potential on the Landing. The Bronson Hide Company building was loaded with potential but was demolished after a wall caved in. I wonder who the owner was through all those years of neglect?
That was a great building. And the lot where it once stood is still vacant! I wish they could have at least preserved the cast iron facade and built a new building behind it.
^It's a good bet that Larry Giles salvaged the cast iron facade from Bronson Hide. He's got lots of 'em, you know, and that was a very important one. Who knows, maybe someday it will be reborn.
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Hmmm, if only... Larry, meet Pete. And so a new eastern facade was found for the Switzer building!