The end of an era. Reliance Automotive, long-time fixture at McPherson and Kingshighway has closed.
Great location; should be interesting to see what becomes of their site.
Great location; should be interesting to see what becomes of their site.
End of an era indeed! That was the family business of a close childhood friend. The building should be well-suited for lofts, huh?
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Lots of possibilities for this one.
I suppose demo/new construction could be an option too, given its great location.
http://www.romewestrealtyllc.com/490kingshighway.pdf
I suppose demo/new construction could be an option too, given its great location.
http://www.romewestrealtyllc.com/490kingshighway.pdf
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the potential for this site is huge and the existing structure isn't particularly noteworthy. this is one of the few cases where i'd rather see the current building replaced by a new high-rise.
I can't see a high-rise at this site; the neighbors would never allow it. Not sure what the zoning is, though. I think Gasm's got the right idea; the second floor would make some awesome lofts.
I'd say retail or a large restaurant would work on the first floor. I know there's a small parking lot on the side, and of course cars can park in the old service bays, but will that be enough?
I'd say retail or a large restaurant would work on the first floor. I know there's a small parking lot on the side, and of course cars can park in the old service bays, but will that be enough?
Pretty sure this building is located within the CWE North historic district, which definitely has limits on the height of new construction. Not to mention some extra bored NIMBYs nearby (see thread about the arcade bar controversy in the former Herbie's/Balaban's space) who would be quick to oppose a high-rise proposal. I envision a really cool rehab proposal for the existing building-- spacious lofts and a cool ass rooftop terrace, perhaps? Might as well take advantage of those historic tax credits before Greitens kills that program, after all.
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The real estate flyer says it has a ramp up to the roof for additional parking, but I suppose if it were converted to residential space, the roof would be better used for a deck, clubhouse, or even a penthouse.framer wrote: ↑Aug 03, 2017I can't see a high-rise at this site; the neighbors would never allow it. Not sure what the zoning is, though. I think Gasm's got the right idea; the second floor would make some awesome lofts.
I'd say retail or a large restaurant would work on the first floor. I know there's a small parking lot on the side, and of course cars can park in the old service bays, but will that be enough?
This site has been available for four years now. The CWE is booming, and this is a great location; why hasn't it sold? Too much toxic residue? Too many zoning restrictions? What's the deal?
Core sample being taken currently on the Reliance property.![]()
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Latest permit activity. Note this wasn't issued
| EPSTEIN FAMILY LP | Building | 04/27/2021 | URGENT CARE | $51,425.00 | INSTALL 6 WALL & 1 GROUND ILLUM SIGNS (PER PLANS) |
I have a general idea who the developer is as well as the size of this project, but I'm not going to provide many details since it's not 100% confirmed yet.
As I recalled, that building used to be an automobile dealership years ago. The lower part were full windows.
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I was bummed when they blocked the entrance to that parking lot in the rear, for a couple years it was my secret place to park in the CWE
On preliminary agenda March 28 Preservation Board meeting
Address: 490 NORTH KINGSHIGHWAY BOULEVARD Project Description: Construct 5-Story Tower above the Reliance Building Jurisdiction: Central West End Certified Local Historic District/Old Ward 28/New Ward 9 Neighborhood: Central West End Owner: Pier Property Group, Michael Hamburg Applicant: Arcturis, Tyson Pyle Assigned CRO Staff: Jan Cameron
Address: 490 NORTH KINGSHIGHWAY BOULEVARD Project Description: Construct 5-Story Tower above the Reliance Building Jurisdiction: Central West End Certified Local Historic District/Old Ward 28/New Ward 9 Neighborhood: Central West End Owner: Pier Property Group, Michael Hamburg Applicant: Arcturis, Tyson Pyle Assigned CRO Staff: Jan Cameron
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^Interesting. The five story tower "above the Reliance Building" is particularly interesting. I look forward to seeing the final agenda.
^ Chris mentioned that when he was discussing what was still in the pipeline after Koplar project was announced. Look forward to seeing that as well.
I'm excited to see some renderings, preserving low-rise historic facades while building mid/high rises above is common in east coast cities but seldom done in St. Louis. The Moonrise is the only one I can think of.
There's that building Blackline did over on Olive a little past Bowood. Moonrise might not technically count since that was reconstructed.PeterXCV wrote: ↑Mar 17, 2022I'm excited to see some renderings, preserving low-rise historic facades while building mid/high rises above is common in east coast cities but seldom done in St. Louis. The Moonrise is the only one I can think of.
Confused by description as the use of the word tower to me brings up thoughts of a cell phone tower, or some other communication appendage. Hope I'm completely off base but not the word I would use if a structural addition for more space.
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I like the massing a lot.
I hope we can see more creative uses of old buildings like this in St. Louis. If possible, there are several buildings on Gravois that are similar to this that I would put on a wishlist. The Gebken building at Gravois/Texas comes to mind (plus TitleMax, Lend Nation, and 7-Eleven across the street leveled for new use).
I'd like to see more street activation in that last photo, though.
I hope we can see more creative uses of old buildings like this in St. Louis. If possible, there are several buildings on Gravois that are similar to this that I would put on a wishlist. The Gebken building at Gravois/Texas comes to mind (plus TitleMax, Lend Nation, and 7-Eleven across the street leveled for new use).
I'd like to see more street activation in that last photo, though.
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what kind of frills would you like to see? the existing building isn't particularly detailed. would be weird to have a frilly addition on top of a rather plain base, IMO.framer wrote: ↑Mar 18, 2022Hmmm . . . I like the massing, but it's got a no-frills look about it.