This post is related to a post in the Hudson/310 DeBaliviere thread. Overall, I feel like this project is just right for this parcel, especially after being told everything today and yesterday. Really looking forward to it being completed.
I had the chance to speak with Jeff Tegethoff and Trivers Principal Joel Fuoss about the Expo project. Below are what I find to be key quotes from my conservation with them.
First is Joel Fuoss...
"The main approach on Expo is two-fold.
One: This is a true TOD development incorporating rail (two lines), bus, auto (ride share, private, and commuter), bicycle/scooter, and of course pedestrian connections. The sub-grade and ground floor circulation takes all of these modes into account in how one interacts with both structures creating sensible, safe, active, and beautiful street level presence. It’s an appropriate site to be developed as it was the entry to Forest Park with rail for the World’s Fair. Even the angled pool deck and orientation is not only to give views to the southeast, but also giving a nod to the streetcar line that once cut across this site as it headed west.
Two: These structures are a part of a historic neighborhood and need to respond as such. Architectural massing is critical in making sure a building “fits”; I’d argue even more so than materiality or architectural style. The “stepping” you elude to is to achieve the monumental presence at the station edge, creating a “marker” for the station and gateway to the park then steps down to connect to the scale of the neighborhood. You see this in site planning between the two structures, elevating from 4 stories on the north edge along Waterman, to eight stories (technically seven as the top story is a mezzanine) to the southern edge. The south building steps down within its own footprint to connect down to DeGiverville while bringing the feeling of the Park “up” to the amenity deck and the private terraces where one can occupy the exterior of the building with elevated views. These moves in composite are intended to create a development that responds both to modern residential needs while being respectful and sensitive to the rich architectural history that surrounds."
Jeff on retail tenants and public amenities/safety measures...
"I'm excited to say that a grocery store has signed a letter of intent for 15,000sf of space in the North building. The grocery store will offer premium and healthy products for everyone in the neighborhood. Additionally, we have a letter of intent for a 3000sf fitness studio in the North building as well. A formal announcement on the grocery store operator is expected within 45 days."
Additional public amenities include safety improvements utilizing CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design). With CPTED, the public can expect the public spaces (sidewalks and plazas) to be designed with safety in mind. That means it will be well lit, generously landscaped, security cameras will be around, and storefronts will be generously sized to allow people to see out to the street.
On Walkability...
Both Alston and Tegethoff talked about that they hope that their developments will help improve the walkability and "the 15-minute neighborhood" factors in the neighborhood over the coming years by adding enough density to support new shops, restaurants and amenities that people can walk to instead of drive.
On the $12.6 Million TIF and Affordable Housing conversation...
"The TIF is justified due to the public infrastructure and safety improvements that we are bringing to the area as a result of the project. We came into the project assessing the conditions, which were blighted and highly underutilized. Additionally, an agreement with Bi-State, which owned the site the South building is rising on, was made to include parking for users of MetroLink. Without the TIF, or CID, the project may not have been feasible".
"I'm a firm believer in affordable housing and look at the opportunity every time we do a project. For the Expo, we conducted an internal analysis, and hired an outside consultant to do their own analysis, of the neighborhood and found that the neighborhood is sufficient with affordable housing. And while that’s not the thing all people want to hear, the numbers don’t lie. Sure, there's been several new luxury buildings that have gone up on Pershing, but there are still a lot of affordable options that help balance everything out".
What to expect next and other comments...
Jeff Tegethoff has said that public will see framing begin on the apartment floors in the coming weeks. Additional announcements regarding retail tenants will be made throughout the year. And when asked about when potential residents can insure about leasing, Jeff said, "Pre-leasing will begin in the 4th Quarter of 2021 with move-ins at the North building expected in January and move-ins at the South building expected at the end of March".
"We set the compass on DeBaliviere and so I was thrilled to learn that LuxLiving was going to build an apartment building, which we all know now as the Hudson. All of these projects help achieve a 15 minute and walkable lifestyle just North of one of the greatest civic assets in the country, Forest Park. I believe that as time goes on, and more developers get into the game here, the free market will reign supreme and will lead to better projects and products for the renters and residents of the immediate area alike."
"The DeBaliviere and Pershing intersection seemed like a natural junction for activity in the neighborhood as it bookends the dense Pershing Avenue. Now, we're seeing an anchor for additional developments taking shape right there at that intersection that will hopefully spread Northward up to Delmar and then East and West on Delmar".
More comments from others featured here:
https://www.cityscene-stl.com/post/the- ... iviere-tod
We also got a new rendering for the DeGiverville elevation of the South building. It shows the 5 walk-up style units.
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that market is very tight! 
