Really sorry to read about this. This is indeed a tragedy. I don't think anyone has shared the P-D article yet, so here is that, along with a few of my thoughts and ramblings for whatever they're worth:
Apparently, it was a five-alarm fire. I am dubious that this originated from a homeless bonfire, even though there were individuals in the buildings who were rescued. Seems like much too large of a fire that spread too quickly to be only an accident. We're talking about 6-8 buildings, albeit interconnected, completely engulfed in flames. I'm not directly accusing GDC of foul play, but it does seem kind of suspicious that the project was scaled back a month ago, then the tilt-up warehouse was announced with no mention of Crunden-Martin, and now the fire destroys the CM complex. The complex probably would have ended up being one of the more difficult and expensive things to rehabilitate, and I'm sure they had an insurance policy on the properties. Regardless of the circumstances, there needs to be a follow-up investigation, which I assume will happen in a week or so once the fire is completely dead.
Along the lines of homelessness, someone above mentioned Railway Exchange. Under absolutely no circumstances can that structure be allowed to burn down! Hopefully seeing Crunden-Martin will show some of those dissenting aldermen the importance of properly securing your buildings. Same goes for Chemical and 909 Chestnut. Property owners and the city need to get a grip on this issue before we lose more irreplaceable architecture.
I really would prefer not to see more tilt-up warehouses here, but I suppose it's better than nothing for now. Hopefully some future developer with deep pockets will be willing to complete the redevelopment of the area. Right now, as symphonicpoet and others said, GDC needs to prove their commitment to the region by making sure that Gateway South does not end up being another Bottle District.
Lastly, the loss of the Crunden-Martin complex is significant not just for the shattered future promises, but also for its corporate history, design, and position on the St. Louis riverfront. The design of the complex in particular was really interesting. I liked that 4-story skybridge with the signage going over 2nd Street. The curved courtyard/air shaft thing in the middle of the main 6 buildings could have been a really interesting indoor-outdoor retail mall concept with boutique offices or lofts above. Oh well, best not to linger on what could have been and instead figure out what can be done now.
For anyone who made it down this far, thanks for taking the time to read my long-winded comments. While this news is saddening, I look forward to seeing the next chapter for Chouteau's Landing.
Apparently, it was a five-alarm fire. I am dubious that this originated from a homeless bonfire, even though there were individuals in the buildings who were rescued. Seems like much too large of a fire that spread too quickly to be only an accident. We're talking about 6-8 buildings, albeit interconnected, completely engulfed in flames. I'm not directly accusing GDC of foul play, but it does seem kind of suspicious that the project was scaled back a month ago, then the tilt-up warehouse was announced with no mention of Crunden-Martin, and now the fire destroys the CM complex. The complex probably would have ended up being one of the more difficult and expensive things to rehabilitate, and I'm sure they had an insurance policy on the properties. Regardless of the circumstances, there needs to be a follow-up investigation, which I assume will happen in a week or so once the fire is completely dead.
Along the lines of homelessness, someone above mentioned Railway Exchange. Under absolutely no circumstances can that structure be allowed to burn down! Hopefully seeing Crunden-Martin will show some of those dissenting aldermen the importance of properly securing your buildings. Same goes for Chemical and 909 Chestnut. Property owners and the city need to get a grip on this issue before we lose more irreplaceable architecture.
I really would prefer not to see more tilt-up warehouses here, but I suppose it's better than nothing for now. Hopefully some future developer with deep pockets will be willing to complete the redevelopment of the area. Right now, as symphonicpoet and others said, GDC needs to prove their commitment to the region by making sure that Gateway South does not end up being another Bottle District.
Lastly, the loss of the Crunden-Martin complex is significant not just for the shattered future promises, but also for its corporate history, design, and position on the St. Louis riverfront. The design of the complex in particular was really interesting. I liked that 4-story skybridge with the signage going over 2nd Street. The curved courtyard/air shaft thing in the middle of the main 6 buildings could have been a really interesting indoor-outdoor retail mall concept with boutique offices or lofts above. Oh well, best not to linger on what could have been and instead figure out what can be done now.
For anyone who made it down this far, thanks for taking the time to read my long-winded comments. While this news is saddening, I look forward to seeing the next chapter for Chouteau's Landing.
