That would be nice, but I'm quite happy with the height, as is. This is a very attractive building, that adds density and class to a growing section of downtown. And it's new construction. The size of the building is really immaterial to me.
^I agree. Although it would've been nice to have a taller structure. I feel the sleek design compensates for that. Downtown - particularly the northern half - is in desperate need of a modern upgrade. This design, I think, helps.
I don't think a building has to be tall to make a great impact. Chemical, Syndicate, Arcade...none of those are present on the skyline.
And it's building density, which can be more important than height.
- 7
innov8ion wrote:Ahh, thanks. I hadn't looked that closely. A sister of the Robert's Brothers. Damn, bet she feels left out. They could have at least called it "Robert's Siblings."
Arch City wrote:^I agree. Although it would've been nice to have a taller structure. I feel the sleek design compensates for that. Downtown - particularly the northern half - is in desperate need of a modern upgrade. This design, I think, helps.
Interesting point. If done right, the rebuilding of St. Louis Center should go a long way to help add some contemporary architecture to the northern side of downtown as well.
- 291
I walked past this site today at lunch and noticed they're starting to dig the whole for the new foundation, so it looks like this project is finally a go!
Sure it's not for the plaza? Was it right up against the existing Mayfair?
- 2,386
Yeah it's the plaza. Went by the site 10 minutes ago and there is still nothing. The site for this building is literally RIGHT NEXT to the mayfair hotel where the land is fenced off, nothing else. It's only like 40 feet wide.
- 291
MattnSTL wrote:Sure it's not for the plaza? Was it right up against the existing Mayfair?
Sorry! You're right and I should have known better. Interesting, though, how they've found all kinds of old iron I-bars while digging. Does anyone know what building was on that site prior to the parking lot? It must have been torn down at least 25 years ago.
Not surprising. Ever walk over that parking lot? Very uneven. Clear to me that they demolished the building and then dumped the fill from the demo in the basement.
Downtown STL Fan wrote: Does anyone know what building was on that site prior to the parking lot? It must have been torn down at least 25 years ago.
The St. Nicholas Hotel used to stand on this corner (Adler & Sullivan, 1893). Realy cool, lots of terra cotta, steeply pitched roof, etc. It was later transformed into the Victoria Building by Eames & Young. It was torn down in 1973.
- 11K
^ Well, at least they didn't tear down a landmark at one point. 
But seriously, I wish they would put up a nice marker/poster-size photo of what was there previously. We need to start educated people about the architectural history of our city if we expect people to care.
But seriously, I wish they would put up a nice marker/poster-size photo of what was there previously. We need to start educated people about the architectural history of our city if we expect people to care.
Gawd what an awesome building.
Sometimes, seeing all the great architecture that we've lost makes me want to punch somebody in the face.
Sometimes, seeing all the great architecture that we've lost makes me want to punch somebody in the face.
Thanks for posting those pics, Jambo.
As sad as it is to look back on some of the great architecture we've lost, the fact is the St. Nicholas/Victoria was lost a long time ago. Water under the bridge, at this point. I'm very excited that we're finally getting a replacement tower that just might be worthy of becoming a great new architectural landmark, something for future generations to treasure.
As sad as it is to look back on some of the great architecture we've lost, the fact is the St. Nicholas/Victoria was lost a long time ago. Water under the bridge, at this point. I'm very excited that we're finally getting a replacement tower that just might be worthy of becoming a great new architectural landmark, something for future generations to treasure.
Grover wrote:^ Well, at least they didn't tear down a landmark at one point.
But seriously, I wish they would put up a nice marker/poster-size photo of what was there previously. We need to start educated people about the architectural history of our city if we expect people to care.
Sounds like an excellent project for urban activism.
The original building was designed by Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright's mentor. Yes, it's always painful to see what this city has lost. Obviously, we still have a lot, but I still think people are too quick to allow demolition to continue in this city. Is it lack of education or are people just idiots?
- 291
Thanks for the pics, Jambo! I wonder what architectural style that was that Sullivan used. I can't say I've seen anything like it before, especially the roof and it's interesting that it didn't survive in that form. I guess the closest I can come up with is Gothic Revival At least we still have one Sullivan building downtown.
As for St. Louis being too quick to demolish buildings, I keep thinking of a converation I heard a few years ago when a team of architects from Chicago came down to look at our old warehouses and unused buildings. They couldn't believe the treasure trove we had here and almost all similar buildings in Chicago were torn down, which is why they have few old lofts in that city.
As a whole America hasn't done enough to preserve its buildings, but I think we're getting better and I think St. Louis is actually better than most cities in preserving its past.
As for St. Louis being too quick to demolish buildings, I keep thinking of a converation I heard a few years ago when a team of architects from Chicago came down to look at our old warehouses and unused buildings. They couldn't believe the treasure trove we had here and almost all similar buildings in Chicago were torn down, which is why they have few old lofts in that city.
As a whole America hasn't done enough to preserve its buildings, but I think we're getting better and I think St. Louis is actually better than most cities in preserving its past.
- 623
From the Downtown St. Louis Partnership Weekly Update E-Mail...
As noted previously, 8th Street is scheduled to be closed curb to curb from Locust to St. Charles, possibly beginning as early as next Monday. The east-side sidewalk, next to US Bank, will remain open. The closure is necessitated by the impending start of construction on the Roberts Tower.
Do they really need the whole street? But it's good to see they are going to be starting very soon.
I wonder if they are going to transfer the area along 8th to reserved parking for the construction workers. Right now, the footprint of the Roberts Tower is filled with the trucks that the guys working on the Mayfair own. I CAN'T WAIT to see this thing start. Show Me.
JCity wrote:The original building was designed by Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright's mentor. Yes, it's always painful to see what this city has lost. Obviously, we still have a lot, but I still think people are too quick to allow demolition to continue in this city. Is it lack of education or are people just idiots?
I don't know if it's either. There really are people out there that don't really see much difference between ^those buildings and cheap "modern" concrete monstrosities. It just isn't somethign a lot of people care about, in the same way that I'm sure there are plenty of people on this Board don't care about fashion... there are people in the fashion industry that wonder if those of us that don't appreciate "high" fashion are uneducated or just idiots.
Same thing with Beer drinkers and wine drinkers.
It's also how I feel about people who like crap music.
^ But then again, those of us that don't follow fashion aren't (and shouldn't be) choosing what goes on the store shelves (expcepting the fine StlStyle kids, of course), just as people that don't care about architecture shouldn't be choosing what gets torn down.
- 11K
^ But "the masses" do choose what's on store shelves. This is the frustration of designers. In every niche there are passionate people who feel ownership of their interest. Yet there is no definitive answer to what is most important to a fulfilling life? The urban environment? Quality food? Music? . . .