This could be HUGE for the Hill. I hope this happens. With the new bridge, this will eliminate a major and long-standing eyesore for Hill residents. I drove past it the other day and it sticks out like a sore thumb, with all of the graffiti all over it. I hope this happens!
^ that sure is one special opportunity.... the smaller parcel fronting Shaw alone has great potential. I'm sure questions on density, traffic and parking are going to be major issues in the neighborhood but if they can get 500 units and retail out of it that would be awesome. And with it being on the outer edge of the neighborhood, perhaps there is even enough space to offer a degree of public parking that could alleviate some of the traffic into the narrow streets deeper into the Hill and encourage more walking.
It'll be interesting to see how the neighborhood reacts to this; it's an awfully big project. Over on NextSTL they're already debating what roll the local Monsignor will have on what's acceptable.
I lived in the Hill for years; Bommarito married my wife and I. Like it or not the Hill is largely controlled through Ambrose, which is why it has remained a viable neighborhood through some of St Louis' darkest years.
Ok, this is a far fetched idea but I think about comments noted in PD's article on McKee's legal troubles and the fact that Schafly, or at least according Schafly, that they tried to engage McKee about a northside home, brewery location but didn't get very far and dropped the idea when NGA announced its intentions. At same time, I believe Geoff doesn't state or know who the $4 million offerer for the Old Owens-Illinois Glass plant. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. In addition, some good comments how Schafly first look at the hill before bottleworks landed in Maplewood.
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So my far fetched idea, Schafly is punting on the urban farm idea and going strictly with a brewery. This time, instead of trying to go through a McKee or developer, they have made an offer or at least entertaining the idea of putting a brewery at the Old Owen-Illinios Glass plant. Couple advantage is space, rail access for which I believe the UP line is still active, and rather easy freeway access. With relatively easy demo work they would have a significant chunk of property to work as well as great location for tasting rooms, expanded space.
Pure speculation on my part but I thought it would be an interesting idea to put out there. Of course, I think a north riverfront brewery not too far away from the new football station/Lacledes landing would be an awesome location (once again, they need to punt on the urban farm idea for right now). In additional, industrial rail and truck access would be there.
When Flynn pitched the idea of rehabbing this area circa pre 2010, he talked about housing and some retail. Haz mat abatement was a big deal, as well. I owned property right across from this development on Hereford, it will be interesting to see what happens with surrounding property value if this comes to fruition.
I remember a developer from North Carolina came in to the zoning office in the city with all kinds of pretty pictures and drawings for this site...his partners/investors were NBA stars Grant Hill and Christian laettner. this was sometimes in late 2011 or early 2012.
"The two got serious about Durham real estate in 1995 when they created Blue Devil Ventures with Tom Niemann, a 1991 graduate of Duke's business school and the son-in-law of a long-time Duke trustee. The partners spent several years amassing funding, permits and historic tax credits for West Village, their proposed refurbishment of abandoned tobacco warehouses.
Blue Devil Ventures broke ground in a March 1999 ceremony attended by then-Sen. John Edwards and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. West Village's first phase included a 313,000-square-foot, $36.5 million apartment complex that quickly filled with grad students and university workers."
I would read the comments post in PD. A representative for the family outrights blame the city and hill politics for this property sitting empty and not being redeveloped.
Any news from this since the summer? I know the developer was at some Hill meetings but basically was just getting input. I'm wondering if the developer backed off or what
^ good question.... I haven't heard anything lately. It is extremely interesting to go by there though with the Kingshighway Viaduct closed. I hope the project can move forward.
