Seriously? Richmond Heights is considering putting one of these hideous things right next to the Galleria? 

https://www.kmov.com/news/car-vending-m ... dQbWO2JAIM

Next to the CORTEX grain silos.   

Letter to the Editor in last weeks PD:

"The online car retailer Carvana is at it again, but this time they are partnering with the Galleria. Chesterfield successfully blocked the construction of one of their unsightly “car vending machine,” but Richmond Heights is contemplating placing one on the south end of the Galleria parking lot, even though the city’s planning and zoning review board voted it down almost unanimously.

Carvana has appealed. Neighbors are dismayed to say the least. The city stands not to benefit from a tax standpoint. Many code variances would be required, yet the developers persist despite vocal protest from citizens."

Sandy Elfrink • Richmond Heights

Hi. Not sure you could find someone who hates cars more than I do. I think these look kind of cool. 
Yes, it shouldn't be taking up land otherwise ripe for urban development. And I want apartments and offices lining Brentwood Blvd in front of the Galleria more than any one but that's not happening any time soon. If you think they're ugly then oppose it, be my guest, but not everyone thinks they're ugly. I even think they have some cool potential. 

Carvana wants these to be in high visibility locations that can bee seen from the highway so from Carvana's perspective the Galleria lot makes a lot of sense. Also when it comes to car dealerships you can do a lot worse than a vertical tower. 

I've driven by the one in Nashville several times. I always liked it, but I get why some don't. I don't think this is an awful spot for it. Doesn't take up a ton of room. I am sure there are better places but I don't hate it there. 

sc4mayor wrote: ↑

Jan 21, 2020

^ I actually agree about the look.  There is one right off 35 highway just outside downtown KC in a light industrial area.  It does look pretty cool.

Honestly, dredger’s idea isn’t terrible maybe around some light industrial area in the central corridor.  Maybe take some of Ameren’s overflow space around 18th and Gratiot.  The Galleria just seems like an odd place for something like this.

I standby my suggestion.   It's vertical design would compliment the CORTEX silos and thus not stick out like a sore thumb, won't take up much of a foot print as sc4mayor noted, high visiblity from freeway with plenty of workers and growing workforce nearby.  Gives the perception that space is at premium so it has to sell cars on vertical structure in an areas that wants to become more dense not less versus another big surburban St. Louis car lot.  On top of that, it pays some respects to the area's past light and heavy industrial development and might be a nice tax revenue generator for the city.  Heck, Cortex has an Ikea of all things.  So why not? 

I think y'all have been drinkin' the Kool-Aid. 

I don't hate the design at all. I hope they find an area in St. Louis to build. 

Aesthetically it isn't the worst thing in the world, but in ten years we'll probably be driving down 40 shaking our head as we look at a rusted out 8-story empty glass tube because the gimmick of a "car vending machine" ran its course.

^Exactly! 

Good strategy by Richmond Heights, although I'd wager against the tenant actually setting money aside in a separate fund or escrow. They'll probably just put language into writing and then when Carvana goes bankrupt the cost of demo will immediately go to the back of the collections line.