urbanSTL

Downtown2007 wrote:I like the ghost sign on the sign of that bldg as it adds personality. As a matter of fact its one of my favs and they should preserve it at all costs.

I really hope that they don't. It would make the building look like a giant pack of gum.

Frankly, if ALL things in DT come to fruition, don't be surprised if the parking lot next to the King Bee loft gets built upon (parking garage perhaps). If they do that, some of the signs would disappear anyway.



I think these signs are a good reminder of the history of some STL companies. There was a whole story covered by Channel 9 program (called Living St. Louis) about these signs. They covered a lot of North and South STL and some buildings DT.



NOW.... as a loft owner in the Ventana, "personally", some sprucing up of that front would be nice. My fear is if they try to power wash that building front, it will ruin those signs. I agree with BLUsky7 that cool lightning on that block and west will go a long way in making it look good.

I noticed the other day that the ground floor level of the King Bee Building is all boarded up. What's up with that?

bsharmastl wrote:NOW.... as a loft owner in the Ventana, "personally", some sprucing up of that front would be nice.

What do you mean by "sprucing up"? The faded look is the desired look. This theatre in New Jersey paid an expensive artist to paint a ghost sign. Are you one of those people who wants to repair the crack in the Liberty Bell?

Sprucing up would be to keep the ghost signs, but not make the building look like it is held together by dirt. It could be as simple as power washing the bricks around the signs. If you really think that the side should be left "as is", then what was the point of repairing all the buildings in the loft district in the first place? The Ghost signs are an indicator of the past and should be preserved, but that does not mean you leave the whole side looking like crap.

Reality is to save what is important, while beautifying things around it. That is the essence (and I guess balance) of renovation and rejuvination.



As for repairing the crack in the Liberty bell, I think there is a difference in national heritage and local history. I would not mix heritage and history in this argument.

bsharmastl wrote:Sprucing up would be to keep the ghost signs, but not make the building look like it is held together by dirt. It could be as simple as power washing the bricks around the signs. If you really think that the side should be left "as is", then what was the point of repairing all the buildings in the loft district in the first place? The Ghost signs are an indicator of the past and should be preserved, but that does not mean you leave the whole side looking like crap.

Reality is to save what is important, while beautifying things around it. That is the essence (and I guess balance) of renovation and rejuvination.



As for repairing the crack in the Liberty bell, I think there is a difference in national heritage and local history. I would not mix heritage and history in this argument.

Touché bsharmastl. You da man with the master plan!

bsharmastl wrote:Sprucing up would be to keep the ghost signs, but not make the building look like it is held together by dirt.

Okay, for a moment there I thought that you were one of those people who wants to repaint the ghost signs. Also, I don't want to sound like I'm making a huge deal out of it since it's not the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Obviously if the mortar is crumbling, then that has precedence.

np



Received a mail from Civitas Real Estate Services. They are going to be the management company for Ventana. Anyone have any comments about them?

bsharmastl wrote:np



Received a mail from Civitas Real Estate Services. They are going to be the management company for Ventana. Anyone have any comments about them?

I received an email as well. It looks like they are going to schedule the final walk through appointments on Wednesday the 17th in anticipation of the walk through being the week of the 22nd, and closings the week following. Maybe we will hear something by Thursday.



Almost there! Hopefully in time for a super bowl party.

That would be nice. I am out of town next week, so will close early in Feb. Will STILL be in time for Mardi Gras

bsharmastl wrote:That would be nice. I am out of town next week, so will close early in Feb. Will STILL be in time for Mardi Gras

Got a phone call today. I am closing on Thursday, February 1st.

Feb 5

blipic wrote:

bsharmastl wrote:That would be nice. I am out of town next week, so will close early in Feb. Will STILL be in time for Mardi Gras

Got a phone call today. I am closing on Thursday, February 1st.

I am also closing on the 1st of February as well! I'm really excited! Can't wait!

bsharmastl wrote:np



Received a mail from Civitas Real Estate Services. They are going to be the management company for Ventana. Anyone have any comments about them?

I believe they also manage the University Lofts next door to the Ventana.

Thanks Framer.



Anyone from U lofts or other lofts under Civitas Mgmt have any comments about them?

^Oops, sorry. Turns out Civitas does NOT manage the University Lofts. I got them confused with another company with a vaguely similar name.

Received my appraisal for my unit, Unit E, and it appraised for a couple of thousands of dollars over what I bought it for. Sounds good to me.

blipic wrote:Received my appraisal for my unit, Unit E, and it appraised for a couple of thousands of dollars over what I bought it for. Sounds good to me.

Funny how that works. Just about every appraisal down here comes back at or just above purchase price.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

blipic wrote:Received my appraisal for my unit, Unit E, and it appraised for a couple of thousands of dollars over what I bought it for. Sounds good to me.

Do you think Civitas deserves credit for that?

I am fairly ignorant on how all these components of the purchasing process integrates. So I ask, why would they deserve credit? I am not disagreeing, just uninformed and curious to why you say that.

Appraisals mean next to nothing - a thousand over, right at or right under. They meet the number they need to meet for the deal to get done. There is way to much assumption to use for any real value in terms of investment. Its just a way for a bank to cover its ASSets.



-Brent

What are some of the better places to workout? I definitely do not mind walking/running to my workout facility (I do NOT want to have to drive). I will be living at 17 & Washington. I am familar with the YMCA at 1500 Locust. Are there other viable options withing walking distance? Thanks for any info.

blipic wrote:What are some of the better places to workout? I definitely do not mind walking/running to my workout facility (I do NOT want to have to drive). I will be living at 17 & Washington. I am familar with the YMCA at 1500 Locust. Are there other viable options withing walking distance? Thanks for any info.

Fitness Factory will be open in early March. That place will be perfect. It's going to be around 1300 Washington. Until then, YMCA it is.