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PostMay 30, 2015#1076

^ Great question, vollum. I think it is great that they are trying to boost the attention on downtown but the priorities may be the wrong ones. This Biz Journal article on Amos Harris's frustration with the City govt's falling on the job is an interesting one as well and further reveals some of the internal schisms between stakeholders alluded to in the Post-Dispatch...

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/prin ... reach.html

I also know Amos shares Waldrop's concerns about this new focus on the North Riverfront. I share this concern as well and strongly feel the focus should be on the actual downtown rather than North Riverfront Plan A/B, which essentially would be a competitor mixed-use district. As for me, I have major concerns as well. The A Number 1 focus needs to be on getting back to the basics of helping get high-impact mixed-use projects like the Laurel/M/X renovation get off the ground, attract more businesses and generally focus on making downtown work well for residents and workers. Creating a good retail mix, quality streetscapes and better lighting and security are critical and I think may have been lost a bit with this focus on the Grand with things like the massive Arch project and essentially visitor-oriented projects.

Anyway, we oddly lost momentum in the past few years but there are some good things to build off of and hopefully we'll get back on track.
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PostMay 30, 2015#1077

The thoughts of the north riverfront being a "competitor" type district is why I'm ultimately ok with the general idea of a stadium there. I agree that the footprint needs some tweaking like RW has discussed and as much care as possible should be taken to preserve the buildings that are there. However, if we build up all around that site and strengthen the residential, corporate, and retail sector of the core of downtown (including the Landing), then the "sea of parking" may not be so bad. No one seems to blink an eye at the space around Solider Field. We'll never have that kind of density, but a smaller scale setup to me can be viable and not necessarily a death blow to urban health. Granted, my desires to keep the team outweigh a perfect design.
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PostMay 30, 2015#1078

roger wyoming II,

Thanks for the link to the bizjournal article. We seem to think a lot alike. I too think this group/these groups lack geographic focus. They also seem to be very much "in" to contriving and promoting expensive "silver bullet" solutions to improve The State of Downtown. Finally, my perception is that the overhead of this group/these groups, in terms of executive salaries/compensation, is way out of line with the size of the organization(s) staffs and budget(s). And, I'm convinced these three deficiencies together significantly inhibit the ability of the organization(s) to play a meaningful role in improving The State of Downtown.

Sad!
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PostMay 30, 2015#1079

^ I'm glad we only think a lot alike instead of exactly alike otherwise you'd be pretty weird like me! As for compensation, etc., I'm not sure how they compare to similar cities but I do know they are not producing nearly the data or results of peer organizations. A good thing though is I believe they finally will be coming out with a State of Downtown annual report (currently none is available online) later this summer.

^^ A couple more thoughts on the riverfront... it looks like Laclede's Landing will become part of the downtown CID, which will bring some more $$ to enhance the district, but I'm not sure how far north it will go.

In general, I think riverfront efforts should be focused on executing the Laclede's Landing TOD plan and letting GRG do its thing along the trail. North of Biddle of course things will be dictated by whether there is a stadium or not; if we get it, I'd certainly hope the site is planned for long-term redevelopment in a manner similar to Cincy's Banks project but aside from initial rehab of a few of the warehouses for mixed-use I think it would/should be a long-term initiative rather than a priority.
(One thing I thing could be very cool is fans passing between the two warehouses to the west and east of the current railroad tracks and the Laclede Power and warehouse on either side of Lewis and as they proceed through a stunning modern stadium opens up before them... our history transitioning into the modern.)

blz, just a note on Soldier's... I believe some of that parking has been selected for the new George Lucas museum but I think there still may be some issues on whether the project actually gets done in Chicago.
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PostMay 30, 2015#1080

Here is a link to the Downtown StL website that shows the Financial Report for 2013 and 2014.
http://www.downtownstl.org/wp-content/u ... Report.pdf Not a ton of detail.

Before I knew the financial info could be found on the Downtown StL website, I called a Downtown StL staff member to ask about getting copies of the financial info. I was sent a half page report that listed the two income lines (CID revenue and interest) and four expense lines (Security/Maintenance, Econ Dev/Mktg/Special Events, Administration, Opportunity Fund). Not a whole lot of detail. Then I learned later that this staff person was wondering who I was and why I wanted the info. I would hope being a condo owner that pays into the CID would be sufficient.

Lately, I've been internally questioning the organization and how much good they're doing for downtown in relationship to the money they receive. If Doug Woodruff make's $230,000 annually like Maggie Campbell did, that is 7.9% of total annual revenue. I have nothing to base this on, but that seems like a pretty high % for one employee, even if he is the one running the organization. Besides the normal (and important) stuff that is done weekly (cleaning, trash, events, guides, etc.), what has Downtown StL done in the last five years. I do know that they're helping to pay for some new camera's. I really can't think of anything dramatic.
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PostMay 31, 2015#1081

I would guess that Woodruff's compensation package is considerably higher than Maggie Campbell's $230,000. As I recall, Maggie's predecessor, Jim Cloar, was being paid $295,000. (Not sure if this included club memberships and other good old boy types of perks). I think a number of condo owners/property owners in the CID were raising concerns about the size of his compensation package. I know I was. Jim Cloar resigned and Maggie was hired at what I recall was initially a salary of $140,000 per year. Not sure what precipitated the $90,000 increase in Maggie's compensation over the span of a few years. She did successfully shepard the vote to approve extension of the CID for ten more years. Shortly after that she suddenly resigned. She was replaced by Woodruff. My hunch is his salary is in the neighborhood of what Cloar's was. In addition the group/groups seem to have created a new executive position since Woodruff came on board, Chief Operating Officer. I have no idea what that position pays. For an organization with a total staff of 30 and an annual budget of about $3,000,000; things seem out of line.
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PostMay 31, 2015#1082

mattonarsenal wrote:Here is what Pittsburgh is doing with their shrinking Downtown Macy's...
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8400 ... z3bYxjFaLM

See what you can do if your average downtown studio unit is renting for almost $1,200.

Here is a local Pitt story on how restaurants are dominating the downtown retail scene and efforts and challenges to get more clothing and other retail in...

http://www.post-gazette.com/business/de ... 1505310120

We face a similar issue, although the article does point out that downtown Pittsburgh, "unlike some other urban markets, is still fortunate to have a Downtown department store in Macy’s; a major discount retailer in Burlington Coat Factory; and clothing stores such as Brooks Brothers, Larrimor’s, and Jos. A. Bank. If the residential population continues to grow and Downtown becomes more of a destination, more stores may eventually arrive. “It’s coming, not in droves, but it’s coming,” Mr. Glickman said."

As Tony Bommarito said in the Post-Dispatch article, we shouldn't have to send folks out of downtown to get a selection of shirts, etc... My question is how much residential & demographic growth are we going to need before we can expect such essentials? Somehow, Cleveland and Detroit seem to be figuring out how to get this type of retail in; I think a lot of it goes back to not only the number of people moving into downtown but also the amount of purchasing power. Anyway, I just hope it is around the corner for us. I

PostMay 31, 2015#1083

roger wyoming II wrote:Olive and Broadway. Completely vacant now.



with the exception of the Millennium Building, the entire square block that also was the site of the old Mercantile Library, is vacant.
Very interesting development on this square block as Brandonview (owner of the Millennium) quietly picked up almost the entire block, including the Mercantile Library. It now owns everything on the square block except the old Paradowski Design building, which was picked up by Bank of America, and the LaSalle Building, which remains in the same hands.

Brandonview seems to get things done so I look forward to what he may have in mind.

(Also, P & F, which has done a few projects downtown including Bride's House, recently picked up the old McMurphey's Grill spot on Lucas & 11th.)
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PostJun 01, 2015#1084

I live in the Marquette, so it would be great to see something happen with any of the buildings across the street. I thought I read/heard somewhere that the LaSalle Building might be on the market in the future. I believe the the Paradowski Design building is listed for $495,000.

I did hear that the first meeting for the economical development committee that was formed by the Mayor went well, even better then expected. As for DT StL, I did read the Management Plan for the CID. I'm trying to understand how the organization works. I know I contributed $37 to the CID as part of my real estate taxes. The presentation at the last DNA meeting showed 1,600 owned units in downtown (That number surprised me for being so low). If each of those units paid $60, that is only $96,000 into the CID. That isn't much influence. I'm assuming those that pay the most into the CID have the most influence. But it's the citizens that approved the CID. Is any of that correct?
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PostJun 01, 2015#1085

^ Good to hear the econ. devo meeting seemed to go well.... unfortunately I don't know too much specifics about how the CID operates and DT StL so hopefully somebody else can shed some light, but I do agree it seems residents are at the bottom of the food chain.

As for the buildings, presby said he heard a hotel project may be in the works for LaSalle; I guess we'll see. With Paradowski, it seems unusual for a bank to purchase a building like that unless it was the lender, but I don't know details at all. btw, do have any knowledge of the additional 10 condos planned to be crafted out of the old Marquette Y space? Has that work commenced do you know?

And with Brandonview, I hope he has something solid in mind with a good timeframe.... if he is able to knock off 720 Olive this year, the Alverne next year, and the Mercantile in '17-'18 that would be huge. I know he said a year or two ago that downtown can't build apartments quick enough so it looks like he may still have that confidence. I do believe the area is in a good location for redevelopment; perhaps the best there now that OPO and M/X area are getting polished off.
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PostJun 01, 2015#1086

The Paradowski Design building is a bank-owned foreclosure on the market for $459,000. Fifth Third Bank is the owner.

http://www.cbgundaker.com/property/deta ... 63102.aspx
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PostJun 01, 2015#1087

Thanks.... I can't quite remember who owned it before. I also suppose Brandonview hasn't quite got the right price on it yet or otherwise doesn't have an interest. He did pick up that little 5 story wedged between the Lasalle and Millennium along with the larger Mercantile property.
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PostJun 02, 2015#1088

Downtown Is Our Brand

by Joe Reagan | May 14, 2015
- See more at: http://www.stlregionalchamber.com/blog- ... Ocjvd.dpuf
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PostJun 02, 2015#1089

They're selling some of the existing rental units first, 4 are sold. After a certain number are sold, then other work will begin. A gym and more public space. I'm not sure how many units have to be sold for construction to start on the former Y space.
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PostJun 02, 2015#1090

arr1274

The CID tax is based on the square footage owned within buildings as well as the square footage of the land the building is on. All taxable property within the defined CID district. When people use the term "downtown" you always need to press them for a precise geographic definition. People/groups play with the definition to promote whatever it is they are trying to sell.

Our condo is about 1500 square feet and our CID assessment is about $95 per year. You may also be paying some additional CID assessments indirectly. For example, the three floors in our parking garage are assessed an additional $6700 per year for the CID. The 102 condo owners in our building pay that jointly thru our HOA fees.
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PostJun 03, 2015#1091

vollum

Thanks for the info. The part that still surprises me is how few owner occupied units there are downtown. Per Downtown StL there are only 1,691, see link below. Even at $150 per unit, that is only $253,650, still a drop in the bucket of the $2.9 million in revenue each year from the CID. I'm equating the small amount of CID revenue by homeowners, to the small amount of input we have on Downtown StL. At least that is how I see it. I mean Downtown StL tried to create a $3 million dollar Transportation Development District and from the little I know never had much, if any input from residents. I know we would have the final vote, but I would think it's a good idea to include residents early. Just one persons thoughts.

http://www.downtownstl.org/wp-content/u ... t-2015.pdf
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PostJun 04, 2015#1092

Interesting thought. I think they (the CID and Inc etc.) probably do pay some attention. The residential owners "show up" and "participate/provide input" in venues/opportunities provided by the groups. The CID is required to hold open meetings for property owners within the CID twice per year. I've attended a number of them over the past seven years. Jim Cloar always started out the meeting with some verbiage about them being "required" by their charter to have the meeting. His tone and body language seemed to convey a distaste for being required to have the meeting. At least Maggie Campbell and Jeff Woodruff seem to have a more open attitude.

Inc now has a survey of downtown residents up on its web site. The survey area is at least three or four times the area of the CID. For comparison according to the handout at the April 27 property owner meeting:

1. The population of the Downtown and Downtown West neighborhoods is 8,286. Those two neighborhoods together appear to be about twice the geographic size of the CID.

2. The Greater Downtown population is 17,719.

Only the property owners within the CID are footing the bills for this survey and all the other work being done by the groups. It seems to me there is a lack of geographic focus.
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PostJun 15, 2015#1093

Downtown STL will have its annual summit meeting this Thursday. I also assume the new report will be released as well. (I don't believe they had one last year, but did say they would this year.)
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PostJun 15, 2015#1094

I thought their was a separate thread somewhere but Biz Journals posted area New Market Tax credit awards including for St Louis Development Corp. State St. Louis entities total $300 million but not familiar with most of them.

Maybe that is what Gov Nixon in part is in town for...any ready made projects that would see New market tax credit closing the financing issue? Downtown or Grand Center garage/infill?

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... rkets.html
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PostJun 16, 2015#1095

^ MBS is McCormack Baron and while they are active across the nation hopefully its allocation will go to an STL project, most likely in Carr Square or maybe commercial with the North Sarah project. The US Bank and Enterprise funds have been good to the city. Heartland is a weird case of helping Metro East, Saint Louis County & St. Chuck's but not the city. I'm not sure where the Midwest Industrial fund targets.

Anyway, SLDC and all our friendly's were shut out last year so this time around looks a lot better, especially with the quite large allocation. There are numerous projects that these awards could go towards and it will be very competitive, but I could see an award for the Lawrence Group's Missouri Theater project; I'm not sure a parking garage would qualify though w/o an attached jobs component to it.
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PostJun 16, 2015#1096

This is hardly a scientific examination of supply and demand, however, regarding the question of retail and the example of buying a shirt downtown, my mind goes to this business:

http://dappergentsgrooming.com/

How is this place doing? Given their product and brand endorsements, membership costs, and general sartorial edge, this place should serve as some litmus test for future clothing retail. If there are enough customers using this place to keep it profitable, then it seems a small men's shop could survive. Granted not every customer or member of the grooming lounge likely lives downtown, but the same would be the case for a men's shop. It is shameful that a business traveler doesn't have an option to buy a dress shirt if in a pinch. That alone is symptomatic of the incredible dearth of corporate activity we have downtown.

There is a small business called East+West in downtown Kirkwood and I recently visited for the first time. It is a great example of the size and style of shop that I would love to see give downtown a shot; perhaps something catering to a more business/business casual crowd that will hopefully once again inhabit downtown regularly.

http://www.eastandweststl.com/pages/our-story
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PostJun 16, 2015#1097

^ good call on dappergents; actually they do have a limited selection of menswear including dress shirts but we really need more straightforward clothing stores. Somehow we need to figure it out.
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PostJun 16, 2015#1098

East+West has a kiosk in the Collective. I wonder how they did.
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PostJun 16, 2015#1099

^ I think you meant had a kiosk in the Collective? I've never been but from what I can see on the internet it looks pretty cool; something like that might go well near Star Clipper as part of a retail concentration between Tucker and 14th. Getting the Bogen retail space(s) in that stretch is also key.

PostJun 21, 2015#1100

Downtown Detroit companies are hosting more than 3,000 interns this summer, creating an army of urban-loving worker-bots:

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/busine ... /29023333/

To retain top young talent, these firms are boosting their investment in on-the-job training as well as tourism, after-work activities and over-the-top experiences, including scavenger hunts, extensive tours and volleyball tournaments...

“We don’t have to advertise this program; it’s all word of mouth,” Salvatore said. “It helps our company by bringing in a great talent pool. We look at it as also helping revitalize Detroit. These are folks that we know really want to be in an urban core. They want to work here. They want to play here. They want to explore.”

Quicken Loans provides a host of benefits to its participants, including subsidized housing for out-of-state students, guaranteed parking and shuttle buses to and from these spots as well as regular social events through programs such as After 5. Interns are treated to special events, whether it is a pass for the rides at Detroit River Days, an insider’s view of Comerica Park or a citywide scavenger hunt.

Having this millennial mass has unexpected benefits as well, Salvatore said. Quicken Loans observes where the interns tend to congregate and what they enjoy doing downtown.

That gives the company insights on what else needs to be done to make Detroit a desirable place for this age group, she added....

It would be interesting to know how many interns are in downtown STL this summer. Also, I know many of these Detroit companies also participate in a program that provides housing financial assistance for employees to purchase or rent in greater downtown neighborhoods.... does anyone know if any STL employers participate in a similar program?
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