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PostMar 21, 2017#1076

Snow Factory (Thai ice cream) will open a spot at the M/X... $100K building permit issued.

PostMar 27, 2017#1077

^ "Kinn by Fork & Stix" also will be coming to the M/X... to the old Trova spot on the 7th Street side. (not exactly sure where Snow Factory will be).

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PostMar 31, 2017#1078

Walked by Hotel Majestic yesterday (former Omni). It's looking pretty rough, half of the awnings are damaged or missing, the corner lounge / restaurant looked rough as well. They may still be using the restaurant in the mornings but it looked a lot better in there even 2 or 3 months ago. Just wondering if anyone has any guesses for how much longer it has. With three new boutique hotels planned, I'd say its day are numbered. Although I will say I've been very surprised how well the City Center Hotel has been doing after ditching the Sheraton brand.
Should the Hotel Majestic close, that could end of being a very sleepy pocket of downtown, even with Bailey's Range being just a block away.

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PostMar 31, 2017#1079

aprice wrote:
Mar 31, 2017
Walked by Hotel Majestic yesterday (former Omni). It's looking pretty rough, half of the awnings are damaged or missing, the corner lounge / restaurant looked rough as well. They may still be using the restaurant in the mornings but it looked a lot better in there even 2 or 3 months ago. Just wondering if anyone has any guesses for how much longer it has. With three new boutique hotels planned, I'd say its day are numbered. Although I will say I've been very surprised how well the City Center Hotel has been doing after ditching the Sheraton brand.
Should the Hotel Majestic close, that could end of being a very sleepy pocket of downtown, even with Bailey's Range being just a block away.
I thought I heard that it was recently purchased by a new owner, but I could be confusing it with some other hotel.

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PostMar 31, 2017#1080

The hotel was recently undergoing renovations. I don't think it's in danger of closing.


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PostApr 03, 2017#1081

downtown2007 wrote:
Mar 31, 2017
The hotel was recently undergoing renovations. I don't think it's in danger of closing.


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Very good to hear. Would be nice to get another unique brand such as Omni back in the building. Maybe a 21c since Railway Exchange is no longer discussing a hotel option.

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PostApr 05, 2017#1082

Pickles Deli moving to old Monty's space at 200 N Broadway


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PostApr 24, 2017#1083

The Central West End is merely the beginning of 'ZZA's expansion. Sommers, who co-founded and operates the Pi Pizzeria chain, tells Off the Menu that he has settled on a location near St. Louis University (he declines to reveal the exact address at this time), and he continues to look for a location downtown.
http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/d ... 98c93.html

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PostMay 31, 2017#1084

Bobby's Place on Wash Ave is closing. Not a lot left on Wash Ave outside of the MX.
Outside of the MX; Rosalita's, Mizu, Wasabi, Flamingo Bowl, Sliced Pint, Mango, 314, Copia.

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... ekend.html

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PostMay 31, 2017#1085

STLhistoryBuff wrote:
May 31, 2017
Bobby's Place on Wash Ave is closing. Not a lot left on Wash Ave outside of the MX.
Outside of the MX; Rosalita's, Mizu, Wasabi, Flamingo Bowl, Sliced Pint, Mango, 314, Copia.

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... ekend.html
Im not surprised. I went to bobbys place to watch a game once. I was not impressed. Pretty dirty and rundown feeling and it wasn't all that old yet.

Did Flannerys, Over/Under, Lucas Park, Blondies, and Hair of the Dog close? or did you just not list those?

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PostMay 31, 2017#1086

jshank83 wrote:
May 31, 2017
Did Flannerys, Over/Under, Lucas Park, Blondies, and Hair of the Dog close? or did you just not list those?
Brain fart. Sorry, didn't list them for some reason. Yes, they're still open. I actually go to Hair of the Dog and Blondies often too.

Let's rephrase...
Outside of the MX; Rosalita's, Mizu, Wasabi, Flamingo Bowl, Sliced Pint, Mango, 314, Copia, Flannery's, Over/Under, Lucas Park, Blondies, Hair of the Dog.

Point still stands. Wash Ave used to be such a fun place. I don't know how you can turn it around. Rumors on this board state that businesses don't want to come in either because they feel they won't make a return on their investment with rent prices the way they are.

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PostMay 31, 2017#1087

STLhistoryBuff wrote:
May 31, 2017
jshank83 wrote:
May 31, 2017
Did Flannerys, Over/Under, Lucas Park, Blondies, and Hair of the Dog close? or did you just not list those?
Brain fart. Sorry, didn't list them for some reason. Yes, they're still open. I actually go to Hair of the Dog and Blondies often too.

Let's rephrase...
Outside of the MX; Rosalita's, Mizu, Wasabi, Flamingo Bowl, Sliced Pint, Mango, 314, Copia, Flannery's, Over/Under, Lucas Park, Blondies, Hair of the Dog.

Point still stands. Wash Ave used to be such a fun place. I don't know how you can turn it around. Rumors on this board state that businesses don't want to come in either because they feel they won't make a return on their investment with rent prices the way they are.
I lived on Washington Avenue for 2+ years. I think it was from June 2010- August 2012. Right after I moved in was when Rosalitas and a bunch of new places opened. MX opened right after I moved out. It was pretty lively down there at that time. To me it seems like the better places all have held on and some of the not so great have moved out. It was a shame to see Dubliner and the original Sidebar go but besides that I can't think of any that really broke my heart to see them move out. I wish MX was around when I had lived down there. I don't know what the night life is like anymore, but maybe if it has calmed down a little it isn't the worst thing.

Anyways, I am not down there as much as I used to be, but to me, it seems like there is more than there used to be. Everyone talks about it going downhill but it seems like there more places than there were during my time there. The MX in general, a couple breweries, Sauce on the side moved up closer, the kitchen sink, I think I saw a new convience store last time I was over there, and it seems like there is more on the other side of 14th than there used to be. Those of you who are down there more than me might know better though.

Has it really gone downhill or do we just hear about things closing and not the openings as much?

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PostMay 31, 2017#1088

jshank83 wrote:
May 31, 2017
I lived on Washington Avenue for 2+ years. I think it was from June 2010- August 2012. Right after I moved in was when Rosalitas and a bunch of new places opened. MX opened right after I moved out. It was pretty lively down there at that time. To me it seems like the better places all have held on and some of the not so great have moved out. It was a shame to see Dubliner and the original Sidebar go but besides that I can't think of any that really broke my heart to see them move out. I wish MX was around when I had lived down there. I don't know what the night life is like anymore, but maybe if it has calmed down a little it isn't the worst thing.

Anyways, I am not down there as much as I used to be, but to me, it seems like there is more than there used to be. Everyone talks about it going downhill but it seems like there more places than there were during my time there. The MX in general, a couple breweries, Sauce on the side moved up closer, the kitchen sink, I think I saw a new convience store last time I was over there, and it seems like there is more on the other side of 14th than there used to be. Those of you who are down there more than me might know better though.

Has it really gone downhill or do we just hear about things closing and not the openings as much?
I've lived on Wash Ave for 3 years now and I can tell you first hand that it's nothing like it was when I first moved here. It was already on the down slope for liveliness, but still it was an option for going out. Not nearly the crowds it had, but still a good time. It's not even on my radar now and I live on the street. I'm not the only one that thinks of it that way either. I remember it being absolutely packed. I turned 21 in 2011, so I've seen the change and it's definitely going downhill.

In regards to your comments about the MX, yeah it's a nice addition to have, but the crowds disappear after dinner. It's mainly a day time spot for workers. I hope the Kitchen Sink is doing alright, but I've never been and people I know that went said the service was horrible; I've heard the food's good though. I'm not sure what breweries you're talking about. There's a wine bar there. There's also Alpha Brewing, but that's down by the City Museum.

Basically we've lost more than we've gained. It's nice to have a movie theater, a grocery just off Washington, some take out places, but there's nothing for nightlife. If I stop into Flannery's on a week night to catch a game (talking 8pm-10:30pm), there's a high chance of myself being one of 3-5 people there. If there's a Cardinals or Blues game in town, it's different though. Not great, but better.

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PostMay 31, 2017#1089

BPV and The Grove come to mind as places that have absorbed the post-recession Wash Ave nightlife disappearance.

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PostMay 31, 2017#1090

STLhistoryBuff wrote:
May 31, 2017
jshank83 wrote:
May 31, 2017
I lived on Washington Avenue for 2+ years. I think it was from June 2010- August 2012. Right after I moved in was when Rosalitas and a bunch of new places opened. MX opened right after I moved out. It was pretty lively down there at that time. To me it seems like the better places all have held on and some of the not so great have moved out. It was a shame to see Dubliner and the original Sidebar go but besides that I can't think of any that really broke my heart to see them move out. I wish MX was around when I had lived down there. I don't know what the night life is like anymore, but maybe if it has calmed down a little it isn't the worst thing.

Anyways, I am not down there as much as I used to be, but to me, it seems like there is more than there used to be. Everyone talks about it going downhill but it seems like there more places than there were during my time there. The MX in general, a couple breweries, Sauce on the side moved up closer, the kitchen sink, I think I saw a new convience store last time I was over there, and it seems like there is more on the other side of 14th than there used to be. Those of you who are down there more than me might know better though.

Has it really gone downhill or do we just hear about things closing and not the openings as much?
I've lived on Wash Ave for 3 years now and I can tell you first hand that it's nothing like it was when I first moved here. It was already on the down slope for liveliness, but still it was an option for going out. Not nearly the crowds it had, but still a good time. It's not even on my radar now and I live on the street. I'm not the only one that thinks of it that way either. I remember it being absolutely packed. I turned 21 in 2011, so I've seen the change and it's definitely going downhill.

In regards to your comments about the MX, yeah it's a nice addition to have, but the crowds disappear after dinner. It's mainly a day time spot for workers. I hope the Kitchen Sink is doing alright, but I've never been and people I know that went said the service was horrible; I've heard the food's good though. I'm not sure what breweries you're talking about. There's a wine bar there. There's also Alpha Brewing, but that's down by the City Museum.

Basically we've lost more than we've gained. It's nice to have a movie theater, a grocery just off Washington, some take out places, but there's nothing for nightlife. If I stop into Flannery's on a week night to catch a game (talking 8pm-10:30pm), there's a high chance of myself being one of 3-5 people there. If there's a Cardinals or Blues game in town, it's different though. Not great, but better.
Thanks for the updates. Seeing you have been there for awhile now you sound like a good person to get the perspective of things from.

Yes, I was counting Alpha and I thought Sliced Pint was a brewery/pizza place also but now I see it is not. So I take that one back. Kitchen sink I have been to and I agree the food is good the service was so so. It is just in a weird location, in my opinion. Is there anything where the piano bar used to be by Rosalita's or is it empty now? Hopefully Jefferson Arms ends up getting rehabed. I haven't seen a status update on it lately. That would be a nice add to the area.

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PostJun 01, 2017#1091

jshank83 wrote:
May 31, 2017
Thanks for the updates. Seeing you have been there for awhile now you sound like a good person to get the perspective of things from.

Yes, I was counting Alpha and I thought Sliced Pint was a brewery/pizza place also but now I see it is not. So I take that one back. Kitchen sink I have been to and I agree the food is good the service was so so. It is just in a weird location, in my opinion. Is there anything where the piano bar used to be by Rosalita's or is it empty now? Hopefully Jefferson Arms ends up getting rehabed. I haven't seen a status update on it lately. That would be a nice add to the area.
Piano Bar (Jive and Wail, then Lucky's) is still empty. It has paper over the windows. They have private events there from time to time. I feel that Jefferson Arms will be a much needed shot to the arm. I've heard late 2018 to late 2019 as the completion date, but wouldn't be shocked if that changed. The Jeff Arms owner was also looking at Butler Brothers and the now old YMCA building. Fingers crossed this guy sticks around! We also have that boutique hotel opening up at 15th and Washington sometime soon.

Residents don't seem to be an issue as when I was apartment hunting this year, it was pretty hard to find a place before it got snatched up. I'm not really sure what the number has to be before businesses start opening up, but people are still moving in. I see moving trucks taking furniture into buildings at least once every week or two weeks.

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PostJun 01, 2017#1092

STLhistoryBuff wrote:
Jun 01, 2017


Residents don't seem to be an issue as when I was apartment hunting this year, it was pretty hard to find a place before it got snatched up. I'm not really sure what the number has to be before businesses start opening up, but people are still moving in. I see moving trucks taking furniture into buildings at least once every week or two weeks.
I was thinking about this on the way to work today. What is the threshold for businesses to start opening up? Something like a City Target I would think wouldn't even be close to opening but what about a full size CVS and other things on that level? It seems like residential keeps going in and at least the ones for rent get rented pretty easily. (Sales might be a different story)

Also, is there somwhere that lists how many vacant buildings are left? With all the ones being redone, is it pretty much just the really big ones left?

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PostJun 01, 2017#1093

STLhistoryBuff wrote:
May 31, 2017
Let's rephrase...
Outside of the MX; Rosalita's, Mizu, Wasabi, Flamingo Bowl, Sliced Pint, Mango, 314, Copia, Flannery's, Over/Under, Lucas Park, Blondies, Hair of the Dog.
Hiro, Caruso's, Stanley's, Nara Hookah, I'll throw Wash Ave Post in there.

I will say, Mizu has been doing pretty well recently, lots of people inside and on the sidewalk. With Mango and Caruso's also on that block, Flamingo nearby, it's shaping up to be one of the better spots downtown. People should definitely keep an eye on the remaining half of Prime 1000. Now to fill the Dubliner spot and do something with the Dorsa showroom.

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PostJun 01, 2017#1094

Bobby's was a badly managed place. No reason a sports bar like that shouldn't make it longer than 3 years on Wash Ave.


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PostJun 01, 2017#1095

Brick River Cider also plans to open this fall in the old firehouse at 20th & Wash. And the upcoming residents in the two conversion projects on Wash Ave with a total of 200 units will help add some population momentum down that way. .

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PostJun 01, 2017#1096

Wash Ave. needs some live music venues or DJ clubs to get people to come. Those types of venues bring people due to them following a particular act. I know the majority of residents may not want massive crowds and craziness, but that is what made Wash Ave. so awesome. Live music and DJ lounge-type clubs made it unique. The Galaxy, Velvet and those clubs provided the momentum that built up Wash Ave. I think it is a matter of Wash. Ave businesses thinking out of the box and providing amenities that BPV does not have. A run of the mill sports bar like Bobby's will struggle because they are not providing a unique experience. Keeping crime down, whether it be major crimes that make the news or property crimes, would help. Even if the crime is not that bad, the perception is there, that crime is bad around there. That may be fueled by some of the high-profile shootings over the past few years. Just my 2 cents.

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PostJun 01, 2017#1097

they've tried the live music thing before and it failed.

Wash Ave doesnt offer anything special, and we have some many places from Loop, CWE, S. Grand, Grove, Soulard, cherokee, and even other small neighborhood streets like Macklind ect. that people go to before even considering Wash Ave/downtown...

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PostJun 01, 2017#1098

DogtownBnR wrote:
Jun 01, 2017
Wash Ave. needs some live music venues or DJ clubs to get people to come. Those types of venues bring people due to them following a particular act. I know the majority of residents may not want massive crowds and craziness, but that is what made Wash Ave. so awesome. Live music and DJ lounge-type clubs made it unique. The Galaxy, Velvet and those clubs provided the momentum that built up Wash Ave. I think it is a matter of Wash. Ave businesses thinking out of the box and providing amenities that BPV does not have. A run of the mill sports bar like Bobby's will struggle because they are not providing a unique experience. Keeping crime down, whether it be major crimes that make the news or property crimes, would help. Even if the crime is not that bad, the perception is there, that crime is bad around there. That may be fueled by some of the high-profile shootings over the past few years. Just my 2 cents.
Live music was one of the main reasons I loved Wash Ave. Yes, there's Beale on Broadway, Broadway Oyster Bar, and BB's, but having a street full of bars that had live music was awesome and were some of my of favorite times. I enjoyed the clubs when I was younger too and I would welcome them back, but that may be gone due to Wheelhouse, BPV, and the Grove becoming very popular. I hope the days of live music on Wash Ave aren't gone though. I think that would be a big draw.

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PostJun 01, 2017#1099

For WashAve loft district I think what it needs the most is more residents and workers in the surrounding area instead of trying to recapture the dominant market share it once had on nightlife before all the competition blew up across town, Build up the fundamentals of a real downtown neighborhood and you'll get more retail and services and have a perfectly fine but livable nightlife... that late-nite, harder leading edge it once had really shouldn't be the function of a mature WashAve but hopefully that environment can take root elsewhere like lower Midtown or maybe even North Broadway.

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PostJun 01, 2017#1100

STLrainbow wrote:
Jun 01, 2017
Brick River Cider also plans to open this fall in the old firehouse at 20th & Wash. And the upcoming residents in the two conversion projects on Wash Ave with a total of 200 units will help add some population momentum down that way. .
I'd really like to see infill development OFF Washington, particularly on the vacant blocks to the north. Washington itself is nice, but needs to be part of a cohesive neighborhood instead of essentially a standalone street.

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