Agreed. Union Station needs a bold and unique concept.goat314 wrote:I just feel that a renovated retail mall will fail. St. Louis has malls out the ass! We need a mixed use project. A unique regional destination and possible residential and office space or else we will be back at point A in less than 10 years. I even like the rumors of a super Wal-Mart!
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This should provide the potential developer with more incentive
"Tax credits for Union Station approved"
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... roved.html
"Tax credits for Union Station approved"
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news ... roved.html
Union Station would be a way more accessible location for the Soulard Farmers Market. Even though that is probably blasphemy. Because Union Station is accessible by MetroLink, super easy to get to even for people who never get outside the "safe" areas like downtown, etc. The train shed would rock that function, and have so much space for many more vendors, better shade, nice performance area, etc. A reason for folks to be downtown every weekend. The rest of Union Station could be some pretty sweet kickstarter space, office space. Outfit it with superfast internet, you've got a magnet for tech startups.
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^Definitely blasphemy, but....I like the idea. Actually I really like the idea.
A new urban infil building on the current farmers market site with apartments above a *Whole Foods* (I know, I know, but think of how phenomenal this would be for Soulard) and a sustainable re-use for union station.
(Alright, back to reality
)
A new urban infil building on the current farmers market site with apartments above a *Whole Foods* (I know, I know, but think of how phenomenal this would be for Soulard) and a sustainable re-use for union station.
(Alright, back to reality
)If the Soo Line ever ran thru STL, you could call it the "Soo Yard Farmers Market."
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FYI LegoLand was scouting the Metro East for their theme park (similar to San Diego and Orlando area), not a Discovery Center which is like a huge store on steroids. Why the STL area? Tons more people within a days drive than Kansas City (think Chicago, Indy, Memphis, Louisville, etc. areas), but a hell of lot cheaper land than Chicago.
And if you are matching up attractions to KC, they have one of those Great Wolf Lodge water park/hotel AND a Schlitterbahn which is also similar.
Not that I would frequent it, but it sounds much more appealing than a cheesy wax museum or Ripley's Believe It or Not museum.
And if you are matching up attractions to KC, they have one of those Great Wolf Lodge water park/hotel AND a Schlitterbahn which is also similar.
Not that I would frequent it, but it sounds much more appealing than a cheesy wax museum or Ripley's Believe It or Not museum.
I was just throwing out possible attractions. Personally, I look at a water park at Union Station as "cheesy" considering the historical significance of the building. But I can tell you that what we may consider "cheesy", could be a draw for tourists.mattonarsenal wrote:FYI LegoLand was scouting the Metro East for their theme park (similar to San Diego and Orlando area), not a Discovery Center which is like a huge store on steroids. Why the STL area? Tons more people within a days drive than Kansas City (think Chicago, Indy, Memphis, Louisville, etc. areas), but a hell of lot cheaper land than Chicago.
And if you are matching up attractions to KC, they have one of those Great Wolf Lodge water park/hotel AND a Schlitterbahn which is also similar.
Not that I would frequent it, but it sounds much more appealing than a cheesy wax museum or Ripley's Believe It or Not museum.
As I see it, St. Louis has a big water park out at Six Flags. Plus tons of municipalities around St. Louis have some of the best civic aquatic centers in the country that are just a step or two below Schlitterbahn.
The City of St. Louis is improving it's aquatic centers too.
In regards to Legoland, I hope Merlin Entertainment is still considering the St. Louis area for an amusement park.
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^ Ideally an attraction could be developed that was unique.... a second City Museum, if you will. Perhaps a waterpark with creative minds behind it could fit the bill, but I can understand the hesitance of a run-of-the mill park.
I think you can be hope full of Union Station's future with comments from O'Loughlin as per the pd building blocks article. I definitely think introducing residential/mixed use is a good idea for the Union station and downtown/metrolink. Retail will follow when you continue to build residents and jobs.
http://www.stltoday.com/business/column ... 0f31a.html
O'Loughlin open to new ideas for Union Station
In the meantime, LHM officials have been talking with commercial real estate developers, including Mike Staenberg, president of THF Realty, O'Loughlin said. He added that he has no deal with any developer but said a variety of uses, even residential, would be considered for parts of Union Station.
http://www.stltoday.com/business/column ... 0f31a.html
O'Loughlin open to new ideas for Union Station
In the meantime, LHM officials have been talking with commercial real estate developers, including Mike Staenberg, president of THF Realty, O'Loughlin said. He added that he has no deal with any developer but said a variety of uses, even residential, would be considered for parts of Union Station.
The coveted IKEA should go in Union Station.
If IKEA comes to the metro area, I would imagine the store would do quite well. Generate high traffic and sales. Happy developers, happy municipal tax coffers, happy IKEA.
But, where would it go? We’ve heard Hadley a lot. Chesterfield Valley?
Why not Union Station?
The space/floor layout would be tough to work with, but why not view the architecture/design as an asset. A modern store like IKEA in an old rail station. In the 1940s, Union Station moved 100,000 passengers a day. How much harder is moving furniture?
Centrally located in the region. Close to 2 universities, 3 interstates.
There’s plenty of parking. Lot access seems somewhat limited, but there are entrances on two sides. 18th to the east and 20th to the west. It has a metro stop. (Although, using public transit doesn’t seem conducive to buying/transporting furniture.)
It’d be a huge win for the city. Big time ego boost.
I think…
See, I’ve never been into an IKEA, I don’t think I own anything from IKEA. Why do I want an IKEA so damn bad?
If IKEA comes to the metro area, I would imagine the store would do quite well. Generate high traffic and sales. Happy developers, happy municipal tax coffers, happy IKEA.
But, where would it go? We’ve heard Hadley a lot. Chesterfield Valley?
Why not Union Station?
The space/floor layout would be tough to work with, but why not view the architecture/design as an asset. A modern store like IKEA in an old rail station. In the 1940s, Union Station moved 100,000 passengers a day. How much harder is moving furniture?
Centrally located in the region. Close to 2 universities, 3 interstates.
There’s plenty of parking. Lot access seems somewhat limited, but there are entrances on two sides. 18th to the east and 20th to the west. It has a metro stop. (Although, using public transit doesn’t seem conducive to buying/transporting furniture.)
It’d be a huge win for the city. Big time ego boost.
I think…
See, I’ve never been into an IKEA, I don’t think I own anything from IKEA. Why do I want an IKEA so damn bad?
^ Unfortunately, IKEA's biz model isn't much different than any other box store even though I think it is good idea
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^ While I really don't like the idea of an IKEA "in" Union Station, I always figured it would be alright next to US in the area of the 21st Street interchange.
I agree.Alex Ihnen wrote:^ While I really don't like the idea of an IKEA "in" Union Station, I always figured it would be alright next to US in the area of the 21st Street interchange.
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Looking at foot prints, and Ikea fits nicely under the shed, but need to do something about parking.
On the other hand, the Boulevard on Brentwood (including the originally planned two phases) fits very well.
On the other hand, the Boulevard on Brentwood (including the originally planned two phases) fits very well.
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I'd put IKEA at Northwest Plaza and leave Hanley as is until a viable mixed-use, tod with high standards gets its day. As for US shed, I'd go with, WWBCD? (what would bob cassily do?)
I think this waterpark idea is dumb. This is about as classy as an above-ground pool.
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I kind of like the idea of the waterpark. It's definitely a more classy use than some of the retail that's in there now and I'd argue at least just as classy as the "festival marketplace" full of chinzy chain restaurants that was envisioned in 1985. Union Station is an awesome historic building, but that doesn't mean it can only be re-used for stodgy things.erina wrote:I think this waterpark idea is dumb. This is about as classy as an above-ground pool.
Union Station should once again be a transportation hub. Everything, (Metrolink, Metro bus, Laclede Cab, all passenger trains, possible future commuter lines, even Gateway Greenway trails) should be centered around Union Station. (Disclaimer: I realize the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center just opened in 2008)
Sure, it may not be the most realistic option by any means but it is the best. Just look at what Denver is doing. According to their grand plan, the station will serve three light rail lines, eight heavy rail lines, and underground bus station.
Honestly, Union Station is so vastly underused for its original purpose its not even funny. In Denver, the city is rerouting the Amtrak line so it runs to the station. In St. Louis, we spend millions to build the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center right next door.
Did the city even propose rerouting Amtrak & Metrolink back into the station itself? If commuter lines ever happen, it should be the place the lines go. Instead of having Megabus pick up outside Union Station, have it drive all the way in. Lease out some of the vacant space to Laclede Cab or rental car companies. Heck, if Chouteau Lake is ever constructed, Union Station would be ideally situated.
I know the space is too big right now and there is too little demand but it at least gets people back inside and walking around. Currently, the biggest problem is that nobody goes there. This at least gives some incentive.
Sure, it may not be the most realistic option by any means but it is the best. Just look at what Denver is doing. According to their grand plan, the station will serve three light rail lines, eight heavy rail lines, and underground bus station.
Honestly, Union Station is so vastly underused for its original purpose its not even funny. In Denver, the city is rerouting the Amtrak line so it runs to the station. In St. Louis, we spend millions to build the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center right next door.
Did the city even propose rerouting Amtrak & Metrolink back into the station itself? If commuter lines ever happen, it should be the place the lines go. Instead of having Megabus pick up outside Union Station, have it drive all the way in. Lease out some of the vacant space to Laclede Cab or rental car companies. Heck, if Chouteau Lake is ever constructed, Union Station would be ideally situated.
I know the space is too big right now and there is too little demand but it at least gets people back inside and walking around. Currently, the biggest problem is that nobody goes there. This at least gives some incentive.
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They should turn the whole building into a giant fudgery. People love the fudgery.
I agree transportation would be its best use. But I don't think you need to have everything there. Everything may overcrowd it. I think leaving Amtrak and the interstate bus lines there would be fine. If a high speed rail line ever comes to fruition, I think Union station is ideal. Union station would be best as a transportation transfer/hub for business folk or for higher end travelers.kmurph42 wrote:
Union Station should once again be a transportation hub. Everything, (Metrolink, Metro bus, Laclede Cab, all passenger trains, possible future commuter lines, even Gateway Greenway trails) should be centered around Union Station. (Disclaimer: I realize the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center just opened in 2008)
Sure, it may not be the most realistic option by any means but it is the best. Just look at what Denver is doing. According to their grand plan, the station will serve three light rail lines, eight heavy rail lines, and underground bus station.
Honestly, Union Station is so vastly underused for its original purpose its not even funny. In Denver, the city is rerouting the Amtrak line so it runs to the station. In St. Louis, we spend millions to build the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center right next door.
Did the city even propose rerouting Amtrak & Metrolink back into the station itself? If commuter lines ever happen, it should be the place the lines go. Instead of having Megabus pick up outside Union Station, have it drive all the way in. Lease out some of the vacant space to Laclede Cab or rental car companies. Heck, if Chouteau Lake is ever constructed, Union Station would be ideally situated.
I know the space is too big right now and there is too little demand but it at least gets people back inside and walking around. Currently, the biggest problem is that nobody goes there. This at least gives some incentive.
I think it would also be cool if they put a WeCar lot in there or other self service type of transportation.
I think the WeCar idea is fantastic. There are number of other companies such as ZipCar which is also offered in KC. I don't think the station would take up much space but it would be a cool spot to open up the first one. For it to work well there would have to be multiple station's around the city and county but overall that's one really cool idea to take up some space in the Union Station.
Oh my gosh, if I hear one more person say U.S. should be used as a transportation hub - I am going to vomit.
Guess what folks, it's not going to happen. It is 2012. Train travel across the country is so limited it barely runs. Union Station is PRIVATELY OWNED. It is NOT a public station any longer. Gateway Transporation Center to the east is new and operating Metro rail/buses, Greyhound, Trailways and Amtrak service. At least Union Station is still served by Metro trains and buses.
Airports are the transporation hubs of America. Not rail stations.
The idea of a Indoor Water Park Hotel is a very classy and touristy idea. One that would bring tourist from afar and from STL to Union Station YEAR ROUND. That is what it needs YEAR ROUND tourists/locals.
I like the idea tremendously. I also like the idea of keeping a large food court (like now) and consolidating the shops to one level. Also adding some office space (how nice would that be to have a office addy at Union Station and the accessibility. Offices could also utilize the Marriott, Drury, Pear Tree Inn and possible new hotel for conference space. AND again, Year round activity and tourism.
Guess what folks, it's not going to happen. It is 2012. Train travel across the country is so limited it barely runs. Union Station is PRIVATELY OWNED. It is NOT a public station any longer. Gateway Transporation Center to the east is new and operating Metro rail/buses, Greyhound, Trailways and Amtrak service. At least Union Station is still served by Metro trains and buses.
Airports are the transporation hubs of America. Not rail stations.
The idea of a Indoor Water Park Hotel is a very classy and touristy idea. One that would bring tourist from afar and from STL to Union Station YEAR ROUND. That is what it needs YEAR ROUND tourists/locals.
I like the idea tremendously. I also like the idea of keeping a large food court (like now) and consolidating the shops to one level. Also adding some office space (how nice would that be to have a office addy at Union Station and the accessibility. Offices could also utilize the Marriott, Drury, Pear Tree Inn and possible new hotel for conference space. AND again, Year round activity and tourism.
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yeahmatguy70 wrote:Oh my gosh, if I hear one more person say U.S. should be used as a transportation hub - I am going to vomit.
There's already a lot of unoccupied office space (not in US, but nearby). I doubt new space here will generate demand.matguy70 wrote:Also adding some office space (how nice would that be to have a office addy at Union Station and the accessibility. Offices could also utilize the Marriott, Drury, Pear Tree Inn and possible new hotel for conference space. AND again, Year round activity and tourism.
According to the St. Louis Business Journal, Bob O'Loughlin's Lodging Hospitality Management is set to close on Union Station by early October. The deal includes the hotel, train shed, and parking lot. The acquisition and renovation project will total an estimated $50 million. The Marriott flag will come down in October and it will become a boutique hotel under Hilton's Doubletree brand. Very excited to see what O'Loughlin has planned.
More at the St. Louis Business Journal: http://goo.gl/wlPQM
More at the St. Louis Business Journal: http://goo.gl/wlPQM