The empty lot - while I absolutely don't think we need another QT or gas station - fine. Whatever. I get that SLU is going to push through whatever they want here. But purchasing that multifamily and alley access? Why??? That really grinds my gears.
It looks like an investor bought it, for a rehab and/or rental income. The LLC was just registered in February.quincunx wrote: ↑Mar 21, 2021There's a daily date of 3/3/21 for 3619 Lafayette. Could be that QT or SLU has bought it.
1635 S Grand Aerial QT Marked With 3616 Lafayette.png
3619 LAFAYETTE INVESTMENT LLC,
Registered Agent: JASON MORGAN,
Owner Address: 2401 N BALLAS RD,
ST LOUIS, MO 63136
The house at 3616 McRee is owned by QuikTrip though, as of 11/30/20
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If they want to build something on the empty lot that's one thing. But the demos need to end. They cannot be permitted to tear down another productive, stable, and historic property for more mediocre donuts and stale corn dogs. (Or even good donuts and dogs.)
Word is that QT has acquired the Aida 3619 Lafayette, but has hired a management co to manage it and lease it to tenants. I guess if a tenant complains about noise, benzene, exhaust, crime, traffic due to the gas station they can kick them out. So it's safe for now, but we should consider it threatened and keep an eye on it.
Nextstl - Demo Alert: QuikTrip Plans To Occupy Grand From Lafayette To McRee
https://nextstl.com/2021/03/demo-alert- ... -to-mcree/
Nextstl - Demo Alert: QuikTrip Plans To Occupy Grand From Lafayette To McRee
https://nextstl.com/2021/03/demo-alert- ... -to-mcree/
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It's insane to me that SLU, when given the opportunity to dictate development in an entire 395 acre area in the heart of a major American city, would choose to squander away its potential vibrancy with gas stations and stupid demolitions. Especially considering the success WashU has seen through its real estate dealings.
^SLU/SSM have always wanted a large suburban regional hospital campus, along with all the "amenities" that accumulate around them.
But rather then move their whole operation out to Manchester or Chesterfield (as Biondi threatened), they decided it was easier just to bring the suburbs to them.
But rather then move their whole operation out to Manchester or Chesterfield (as Biondi threatened), they decided it was easier just to bring the suburbs to them.
I sent another email to Davis. I expect nothing substantive in the response, sadly.
Edit: Surprisingly, got back to me quickly. "Tiffany Neighborhood Association will resume their discussions next month for community input SLU nor myself have the same position it's up to the neighborhood.
As you know the discussion got off track and will be resumed."
I mean, this should be a city-wide concern seeing how we have carbon neutral goals for 2035. And well, more gas stations is quite the opposite of progress toward that goal.
Edit: Surprisingly, got back to me quickly. "Tiffany Neighborhood Association will resume their discussions next month for community input SLU nor myself have the same position it's up to the neighborhood.
As you know the discussion got off track and will be resumed."
I mean, this should be a city-wide concern seeing how we have carbon neutral goals for 2035. And well, more gas stations is quite the opposite of progress toward that goal.
I get the sense that the boomer generation in positions of power at many levels are continuing to push suburban ideals onto the City. For some people, it’s all they know when they think of progress.
( I know there’s a lot more at play here but can’t wait for that generation’s consumptive impact on our world to be a part of history)
( I know there’s a lot more at play here but can’t wait for that generation’s consumptive impact on our world to be a part of history)
Sounds like some in the Tiffany Community Association are desperate for the several thousand dollars QuikTrip has offered to contribute to the group annually:
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/gov ... -top-story
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/gov ... -top-story
Few people wanted to discuss the status of the project. A QuikTrip representative declined to comment. A SLU spokesman said QuikTrip was working with the Tiffany Community Association on the project and referred questions to the company.
Alderman Marlene Davis, who represents the area, said she had no opinion on the project and it would be up to the Tiffany Community Association. “As I understand it, no decision has been made,” Davis said.
Last week, Denisce Williams, president of the Tiffany Community Association, told the Post-Dispatch she had to talk with her fellow board members before discussing the project with the newspaper. She said Tuesday the organization would not comment on the proposal. “It’s not open for discussion,” she said.
Williams, the neighborhood group president, dismissed the concerns from neighbors, saying the ones the Post-Dispatch spoke with probably didn’t even have a vote in the Tiffany Community Association.
The neighborhood group could have a financial incentive to support the development. The notes say QuikTrip would contribute $5,000 to the neighborhood group. The gas station could generate another $3,000 in annual special assessments through the redevelopment corporation that the notes indicate could be used for extra security in the area. SLU, which has historically donated to the Tiffany Community Association, would continue to guarantee a $6,000 annual contribution to the group, according to the meeting notes.
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f*cking disgusting on every level. Denisce Williams sounds like a real assh*le/hat.
^Didn't realize until reading that article just now that they officially named that little stretch of Grand "Father Biondi Way". Made me laugh and cry at the same time.
SC, sssshhhhhhhhh!!!sc4mayor wrote: ↑May 05, 2021Sounds like some in the Tiffany Community Association are desperate for the several thousand dollars QuikTrip has offered to contribute to the group annually:
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/gov ... -top-story
Few people wanted to discuss the status of the project. A QuikTrip representative declined to comment. A SLU spokesman said QuikTrip was working with the Tiffany Community Association on the project and referred questions to the company.
Alderman Marlene Davis, who represents the area, said she had no opinion on the project and it would be up to the Tiffany Community Association. “As I understand it, no decision has been made,” Davis said.
Last week, Denisce Williams, president of the Tiffany Community Association, told the Post-Dispatch she had to talk with her fellow board members before discussing the project with the newspaper. She said Tuesday the organization would not comment on the proposal. “It’s not open for discussion,” she said.Williams, the neighborhood group president, dismissed the concerns from neighbors, saying the ones the Post-Dispatch spoke with probably didn’t even have a vote in the Tiffany Community Association.
The neighborhood group could have a financial incentive to support the development. The notes say QuikTrip would contribute $5,000 to the neighborhood group. The gas station could generate another $3,000 in annual special assessments through the redevelopment corporation that the notes indicate could be used for extra security in the area. SLU, which has historically donated to the Tiffany Community Association, would continue to guarantee a $6,000 annual contribution to the group, according to the meeting notes.
If you mention this matter, even acknowledge it in any way, you could jeopardize the payoff payout. The official stance is settled, there's "no opinion" and it's "not open for discussion." Please, everyone, especially elected officials and neighborhood representatives, keep your heads in the sand to avoid any risk of not getting some almighty gas station money. If it's participation or dialogue or leadership you're looking for, please, just go somewhere else - The Gate or Lafayette Square perhaps. From a 2016 SLU press release linked to earlier in this thread:
“We have been in St. Louis for nearly 200 years, and we are investing in the future of our city with our neighbors,” Heimburger said. “We want to help make St. Louis a better place to live, learn and work.”
SLU’s strategic plan calls for the University to become “a leader in just land use and responsible urban design.” To fulfill this objective, SLU is developing its first campus master plan in 27 years. The University recently held two open forums to update the SLU community about the master planning process and to field questions.
While working on the campus master plan, Heimburger said SLU saw a need to better connect its north and south campuses, which now are separated by the Grand Bridge and a swath of industrial or vacant properties. Heimburger said SLU hopes to spur new projects that will connect its campuses and attract services and venues that will benefit students, patients, faculty and staff, as well as local residents.
“Many portions of the redevelopment area are in tremendous need of investment, especially the areas that have been industrial for more than a century,” Heimburger said. “We’re looking forward to working with our neighbors and community partners to plan for the revitalization of the area.”
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“We have been in St. Louis for nearly 200 years, and we are investing in the future of our city with our neighbors,” Heimburger said. “We want to help make St. Louis a better place to live, learn and work.”
SLU’s strategic plan calls for the University to become “a leader in just land use and responsible urban design.” To fulfill this objective, SLU is developing its first campus master plan in 27 years. The University recently held two open forums to update the SLU community about the master planning process and to field questions.
While working on the campus master plan, Heimburger said SLU saw a need to better connect its north and south campuses, which now are separated by the Grand Bridge and a swath of industrial or vacant properties. Heimburger said SLU hopes to spur new projects that will connect its campuses and attract services and venues that will benefit students, patients, faculty and staff, as well as local residents.
“Many portions of the redevelopment area are in tremendous need of investment, especially the areas that have been industrial for more than a century,” Heimburger said. “We’re looking forward to working with our neighbors and community partners to plan for the revitalization of the area.”
I occasionally report it as an error on Google Maps because they don't usually show honorary names. I've had no luck so far.OnTheEdge wrote: ↑May 05, 2021^Didn't realize until reading that article just now that they officially named that little stretch of Grand "Father Biondi Way". Made me laugh and cry at the same time.
^I mean, so far that promise is being fulfilled...
While the gas station isn't ideal, I don't see it as the end of the world and SLU walking back on it's promises. It's one hiccup that will occupy such a small parcel of land that it shouldn't bother anyone. In the grand scheme of things, a QT will not hinder additional projects and progress in the redevelopment area.. The biggest hinderance are the parking lots and green space for Cardinal Glennon and SLU Hospital. Other than those, the mission and goal are being fulfilled.
- City Foundry.
- Element Hotel.
- Armory District (planned).
- Steelcote Square Phases 1-3 and future phases.
- Infill homes in the Gate District West.
- 1500 South Grand redevelopment.
While the gas station isn't ideal, I don't see it as the end of the world and SLU walking back on it's promises. It's one hiccup that will occupy such a small parcel of land that it shouldn't bother anyone. In the grand scheme of things, a QT will not hinder additional projects and progress in the redevelopment area.. The biggest hinderance are the parking lots and green space for Cardinal Glennon and SLU Hospital. Other than those, the mission and goal are being fulfilled.
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Is SLU’s angle here just a hope that a fancy QT will run the junky BP just up the street out of business?
^^ Looking at the upper right hand corner/northeast corner of boundaries, I wonder if the boundaries should be expanded so it encompasses the Grand/FPP intersection as well as the transition from Market to FPP. My thoughts is the infrastructure fundamentally needs to change there as i think most on the thread would agree. One way to look at it or put a different spin on it is is that the existing infrastructure is blight as well. By putting in an at grade intersection and removing unnecessary highway infrastructure you free up more developable land within the expanded district.
Can this type of corporation do that sort of stuff? How would it get the money for that?
It's really irritating and disappointing to say things like this in your plan than do something so opposite of it.
Facilitate signature development and attractive streetscape features throughout the public realm along Grand Boulevard and at key entry locations to the Redevelopment Area to create an image that reflects a successful and progressive business, commercial, and development district. Key locations include Grand Boulevard at I-64, Chouteau Avenue at 39th Street and Compton Avenue, and Grand Boulevard at I-44.
Other than the Gate District residential infill, what role did SLU/SSM play in any of those? Many of these were already in the planning stages in some form when SLU achieved their 353 redevelopment area powers. So I'd say, like Grand Center, much of the Midtown development seems to have happened despite SLU's "leadership", not because of it.chriss752 wrote: ↑May 05, 2021^I mean, so far that promise is being fulfilled...Iron Hill would've been the biggest component of that, but Cullinan dropped it. 3 other developers are looking at the property, so something will show up there soon.
- City Foundry.
- Element Hotel.
- Armory District (planned).
- Steelcote Square Phases 1-3 and future phases.
- Infill homes in the Gate District West.
- 1500 South Grand redevelopment.
While the gas station isn't ideal, I don't see it as the end of the world and SLU walking back on it's promises. It's one hiccup that will occupy such a small parcel of land that it shouldn't bother anyone. In the grand scheme of things, a QT will not hinder additional projects and progress in the redevelopment area.. The biggest hinderance are the parking lots and green space for Cardinal Glennon and SLU Hospital. Other than those, the mission and goal are being fulfilled.
If SLU had their preference, the Federal Mogul and Byco buildings would have been demolished long ago and Pace's Midtown Station or something similar would be on the Foundry site now. And most of those other buildings would be gone, certainly Steelcote and 1500 S. Grand. Note that PPG's Steelcote development use isn't even shown in SLU's redevelopment master plan for that area. Their vision for all the parcels east of Theresa and north of Chouteau was noted "New construction" and "Non-residential mixed use".
You are reading that as an urbanist. Phrases like "signature development", "attractive streetscape", "successful, progressive commercial district", etc., are very subjective.quincunx wrote: ↑May 06, 2021It's really irritating and disappointing to say things like this in your plan than do something so opposite of it.
Facilitate signature development and attractive streetscape features throughout the public realm along Grand Boulevard and at key entry locations to the Redevelopment Area to create an image that reflects a successful and progressive business, commercial, and development district. Key locations include Grand Boulevard at I-64, Chouteau Avenue at 39th Street and Compton Avenue, and Grand Boulevard at I-44.
Removing dilapidated, graffiti-covered buildings, and replacing them with brand new "commercial buildings", with freshly-painted signs, and easily-accessible, freshly-paved parking lots, with a healthy dose of shiny new public "art", decorative fencing, floodlighting, and perfectly-manicured flower beds and lawnscaping... From a certain perspective, it isn't a contradiction.
And anyway, as much as SLU likes to repeat that narrative of tying their north and south campuses together, this 353 redevelopment plan was always first and foremost about gaining control of the properties around their huge hospital investment to protect it from the "blight". Most of the rest was just fluff.
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How the heck do we get that thing struck from existence? I wrote my Alder about it a few years ago and her response was "no one complained, everyone liked it. It's done. It's temporary." So . . . when the heck is it over? Does the fact that people are complaining now that they know about it, after you slipped it through by dark of night, make a difference?aprice wrote: ↑May 05, 2021I occasionally report it as an error on Google Maps because they don't usually show honorary names. I've had no luck so far.OnTheEdge wrote: ↑May 05, 2021^Didn't realize until reading that article just now that they officially named that little stretch of Grand "Father Biondi Way". Made me laugh and cry at the same time.
So, take it out of the public sphere and leave it up to a group that will potentially be getting kickbacks. I love the apathy. Sorry, comment on it. You're the alder. Bunch of do-nothing status-quo promotion. This 'redevelopment' is one of the laziest, least creative solutions to this piece of property. SLU should be issuing an RFP at the very least for this site and seeing what falls from the sky and then the neighborhood group can have a say. Then again SLU is either buying their graces, or I imagine in the end will essentially bribe them to shut up.Alderman Marlene Davis, who represents the area, said she had no opinion on the project and it would be up to the Tiffany Community Association.
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This area does not need another QT. There is literally a BP 400 feet away. Auto orientation begets more auto orientation. Auto orientation is what destroyed/continues to destroy St. Louis.chriss752 wrote: ↑May 05, 2021While the gas station isn't ideal, I don't see it as the end of the world and SLU walking back on it's promises. It's one hiccup that will occupy such a small parcel of land that it shouldn't bother anyone. In the grand scheme of things, a QT will not hinder additional projects and progress in the redevelopment area.. The biggest hinderance are the parking lots and green space for Cardinal Glennon and SLU Hospital. Other than those, the mission and goal are being fulfilled.
You allow them to build a QT and you bolster future arguments in favor of drive thru restaurants, carwashes, drive thru banks, etc. on this section of Grand. Allowing a QT is lazy development. Especially for a parcel that is walking distance from two parks and the SLU medical campus. Its excellent spot for a hotel or even an apartment building.