The Crescent (Clayton)

tb1000 · PostJun 05, 2007#762007-06-05T17:26+00:00

Here is a list of the tenants:

Kaldi's - 2000 sq ft

Pulaski Bank - 4000 sq ft

Araka Restaurant - 7000 sq ft

Extra Virgin (olive oil retailer) - 1200 sq ft

Two women's boutique and a children's boutique have submitted letters of intent to occupy. Three other restaurants are looking into occupying space.

http://www.ci.clayton.mo.us/FileSystem/ ... 707min.pdf

jlblues · PostJun 05, 2007#772007-06-05T22:28+00:00

St.Louis UAB alumni wrote:Extra Virgin (olive oil retailer) - 1200 sq ft

Damn, I was hoping this was a different kind of retailer...

moorlander · PostJun 05, 2007#782007-06-05T22:35+00:00

Anyone know anything about Araka?

arch city · PostJun 06, 2007#792007-06-06T02:36+00:00

^Here ya' go.

Araka Restaurant, a Southern European Restaurant and wine lounge

"Successful owner of the restaurant Miso on Meramec, St. Louis's premier sushi restaurant and lounge, located in downtown Clayton (the business district in St. Louis, Missouri) is opening a second concept. Araka Restaurant, a Southern European Restaurant and wine lounge, is going to be on the street level of a nine story mult-million dollar condominium/mixed retail complex, The Crescent, located next to the Ritz Carlton hotel. The Crescent development is the second of four major projects that are scheduled for construction before 2009.

St. Louis has made great strides over the last couple of years and finally has a place on the culinary map with the recent introduction of edgy restaurant concepts and well-known chefs and restaurant groups entering the market. Araka will raise the bar for upscale casual dining with a modern chic atomosphere designed by New York architects Schefer Design, formerly of the Rockwell Group, who have designed several of Steven Starr's concepts in Philly as well as numerous New York restaurants."

Source

When in doubt, just Google.

jlblues · PostJun 06, 2007#802007-06-06T06:24+00:00

Arch City wrote:"Successful owner of the restaurant Miso on Meramec, St. Louis's premier sushi restaurant and lounge, located in downtown Clayton (the business district in St. Louis, Missouri) is opening a second concept.

:-s #-o

They are looking for someone with "effective communication skills". After reading the help wanted ad they placed, I can see why.

Alex Ihnen · PostJun 06, 2007#812007-06-06T15:39+00:00

^ A$$holes.

moorlander · PostJun 26, 2007#822007-06-26T21:48+00:00

Crescent

The $73 million Crescent mixed-use development is about 80 percent leased for retail space and just less than 70 percent leased for residential units, according to Josh Corson, a principal at Mark S. Mehlman Realty, the developer of the project.

Retailers that have signed on for retail space at the development at 155 Carondelet Plaza include Araka, a restaurant and wine lounge; Kaldi's Coffeehouse; Pulaski Bank; Lusso, a home accessories store; Extra Virgin, an Olive Ovation, a gourmet olive store; Elements of Denim, a designer denim boutique; and Sweet Petunia, a children's clothing store.

Corson said retail units, which are currently being built out, should begin opening in September, and the first residential units also will be available in the fall. Brinkmann Constructors is the general contractor.

The nine-story development, which is located across from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, will include 72 condos and 26,000 square feet of retail space. The remaining residential units are priced between $900,000 and $2 million.

Mehlman Realty also is planning a second phase to the project, to be known as Carondelet Village. Plans for the development include 100,000 square feet of retail space, 100,000 square feet of office space, a 125-room boutique hotel and a 755-car parking garage.

"Right now we are continuing to tweak the plans and speaking to retailers," said Blair Mehlman, principal. Mehlman hopes to break ground within the next year, with an expected 2010 opening.

Plans for Carondelet Village's retail component include 20,000 square feet for a movie theater.

"We're looking to attract a lot of the destination retail that Clayton has longed for for so long," Mehlman said.

http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/ ... tml?page=2

smsplanstu · PostJun 27, 2007#832007-06-27T15:40+00:00

Its TOD! Continue to build more condos and apartments as well as retail near the Forsyth station! One wonders if Clayton could add significant amounts of retail to become more popular than the Galleria?

dweebe · PostAug 06, 2007#842007-08-06T00:35+00:00

The people that run Miso are opening a new restaurant in The Crescent development. Got this email today.

We have a second location on the way! ARAKA Restaurant, a Southern European Restaurant and Wine Lounge, will be located in the new Crescent development next to the Ritz Carlton in Clayton and is slated to open in October. Executive Chef Mark Curran, formerly of Larkspur Restaurant in Vail Colorado, will be at the helm at ARAKA and has created an outstanding menu that has influence from France, Spain, Italy, and Greece. The restaurant consists of a wine lounge, café, main dining room, a very spacious patio, and four private dining areas split between the main floor and the mezzanine level. If you would like to hear more about the concept, updates on our progress, and information about our opening festivities, go to www.ARAKA.com and sign up!

stlgasm · PostAug 06, 2007#852007-08-06T03:08+00:00

At the risk of sounding like a hoosier, how the hell is an olive oil store going to make enough to pay rent each month? Is there really a market to support such a niche store?

b777stl · PostAug 06, 2007#862007-08-06T18:32+00:00

STLgasm wrote:At the risk of sounding like a hoosier, how the hell is an olive oil store going to make enough to pay rent each month? Is there really a market to support such a niche store?

Someone that paid $1.3mm for a 1200 square foot 2 bedroom condo. Also, I'd have to think they'll sell other kitchen items, or maybe have a few bottles of wine. People in a development like that are willing to pay a premium for convenience, as they probably will have groceries delivered to them.

tb1000 · PostOct 14, 2007#872007-10-14T17:19+00:00

Araka is now open, as is Extra Virgin and a women's clothing store. Look for Finale to possibly move into this development.

b777stl · PostOct 14, 2007#882007-10-14T18:11+00:00

TB1000 wrote:Araka is now open, as is Extra Virgin and a women's clothing store. Look for Finale to possibly move into this development.

That's interesting that Finale would move to a development of this character. Clayton on the Park is being converted to senior living and therefore this restaurant would likely not be welcomed by the residents. However, I imagine many (if not all) the residents in this building will be empty nesters or senior citizen, and probably a few young professionals.

tb1000 · PostOct 18, 2007#892007-10-18T14:20+00:00

I went to Araka last night...very cool place. Only had appetizers but their menu for just appetizers was about two pages long.

They have a mezz level which gives the place a very open feeling. Big booths similar to those at Cafe Eau but they are recessed into the walls.

ginbudjim · PostOct 23, 2007#902007-10-23T21:01+00:00

I've been to Araka four times now counting their "soft" opening. Would have to say, if not already, I think it's soon to be the hottest place in town. The interior design is a very casual cool chic with a friendly atmosphere and excellent spacing. It is very comfortable for moving around visiting, socializing, and people watching at most of the dining tables. Best of all the food is fresh, interesting, exciting, and delicious. My only knock is that they need to improve their staff training and spruce up their waiters and service; but I'm sure that will come with a little more time and experience. Also, the hostess reception desk is way to close to the front door and people tend to jam up there blocking the entry. The outdoor patio is very friendly with excellent overhead patio heaters to ward off the chill. I pass there several times each week and weekends and it seems to be full of people on any given night. It has quickly become a very popular place with good reason.

dweebe · PostOct 23, 2007#912007-10-23T21:06+00:00

ginbudjim wrote:I've been to Araka four times now counting their "soft" opening. Would have to say, if not already, I think it's soon to be the hottest place in town. The interior design is a very casual cool chic with a friendly atmosphere and excellent spacing. It is very comfortable for moving around visiting, socializing, and people watching at most of the dining tables. Best of all the food is fresh, interesting, exciting, and delicious. My only knock is that they need to improve their staff training and spruce up their waiters and service; but I'm sure that will come with a little more time and experience. Also, the hostess reception desk is way to close to the front door and people tend to jam up there blocking the entry. The outdoor patio is very friendly with excellent overhead patio heaters to ward off the chill. I pass there several times each week and weekends and it seems to be full of people on any given night. It has quickly become a very popular place with good reason.

You must really like the place to dine there 4 times in a few weeks. (Plus have a very deep wallet.)

Any particular item(s) on the menu that are "must-haves"?

moorlander · PostOct 23, 2007#922007-10-23T21:11+00:00

^ is it expensive? I heard it was moderately priced...

dweebe · PostOct 23, 2007#932007-10-23T21:23+00:00

bpe235 wrote:^ is it expensive? I heard it was moderately priced...

Its looks pretty pricey.

http://araka.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objecti ... ED257F504E

The entrees are in the $20's and $30's and look to be a-la-carte.

As soon as I get off the diet I'm going to put the pounds back on right away and check their Sunday brunch out.

http://araka.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objecti ... 06554CBFAA

Brunch Menu

Adults $29

Kids $12

Omelet station

Belgian Waffles

Assorted breakfast pastries and bagels

Seasonal fruit platter with toast points

Imported and domestic cheese

Peel and eat shrimp

Oysters on the half shell

Crab Claws

Smoked salmon with capers, red onions, egg whites/yolks

Carving Station - New York Strip

Scrambled eggs

Poached eggs Florentine

Applewood smoked bacon

Breakfast sausage

Crispy potatoes

Belgian waffles - butter, fruit topping, whipped cream, syrup

Baked penne with tomato sauce and housemade sausage pan(cheese on side)

Biscuits and Gravy

Assortment of Desserts

moorlander · PostOct 23, 2007#942007-10-23T22:25+00:00

Thanks dweebe, I hadn't seen the website yet. It's more expensive than I thought it would be, but no surprise given it's location.

ginbudjim · PostOct 24, 2007#952007-10-24T17:16+00:00

For a great Araka meal that is not particulary expensive for the taste, quality, and atmosphere try this:

Simple Green Salad $7.00

Petaluma Chicken $20.00

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee $6.00

Ice water with Lemon slice - 0 -

Total: $33.00

(No, I have no vested interest in the place but I just really like it. And you WILL see some smashing women, friendly people, and interesting local personalities there having drinks or dining out). And no, it is not a meat market like some other well known places.

b777stl · PostNov 18, 2007#962007-11-18T17:13+00:00

Went in the Extra Virgin store earlier this week. I wasn't all that impressed with their products or the Crescent complex as a whole. I'm sure the units are simply amazing (and expensive), but the public areas of this project seem very dark and poorly laid out. They have the garage that is completely tucked back and there are several openings from the garage to the row of stores. Kaldi's appears to be opening there soon; and I really wonder if they'll make it or not. This project sits on the east end of the Clayton business district and two Starbucks are within walking distance of the project.

Alex Ihnen · PostNov 18, 2007#972007-11-18T17:24+00:00

I they'll be fine. If you consider what's being planned/built this will be a great complex. The Crescent itself isn't impressive, but it's also about 1/5 the project that's coming.

ginbudjim · PostNov 18, 2007#982007-11-18T21:00+00:00

I agree. They will be fine, and yes, we are only seeing the beginning of this entire planned project. Araka's is busy every night it seems and Luciano's across the street is picking up again as well. Kaldi's made a great move to this upscale location and will advance their local name and position greatly. Along with the coming Trianon and Carondelet Plaza projects I think we will soon see some big changes and improvements at the Ritz Carlton as well. In 3 - 4 years this entire Clayton area east of Hanley will be buzzing. The current real estate slump may slow some things around there for a year but will not stop it in the long run.

Alex Ihnen · PostNov 18, 2007#992007-11-18T21:48+00:00

I think it may take 5-10 years, but I'd guess that Clayton will see a lot of growth with the trend of people choosing an "urban" lifestyle. For those with $$ and a reluctance to move downtown Clayton is a fantastic option.

wabash · PostNov 19, 2007#1002007-11-19T03:48+00:00

Could one of you fine diners snap some pictures of The Crescent if you get a chance? I'd love to see what the finished product looks like. I can't picture how or where there is a Pulaski drive-thru in this development. ???

Hope this leads to increased ridership at the Forsyth Metro.

The Crescent (Clayton)

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