Big City Bob Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 The following is from Linda Tucci's article in today's PD: GRAND STAND: The urban pioneers who live on or around Locust Street are mounting a grassroots effort to put their own stamp on the blocks just east of Grand Center. Jason Evans, who lives in a renovated firehouse on Locust, is lining up investors and working with Urban Design Forum's Frederick Medler and David Laslie on a master plan for "an upscale , mixed-use development of residential lofts and street-level retail." THE MAIN AIM SEEMS TO BE TO KEEP THE NEIGHBORHOOD SAFE FROM THE INSTITUTIONAL DESIGNS OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY. Once a no-man's land of auto dealers and body shops, the area is hot property. SLU, of course, has targeted the blocks between Leonard Theresa, Washington and Olive as a potential site for its new arena. Developers like Erich Thollinger and Jassen Johnson have been converting the buildings into lofts. "This is a neighborhood, not an arena wating to happen," said Evans. Unlike the area to the north, where many buildings have been razed, the streetscape is largely intact and scaled for residential living, he argues. Locust is the "real spine" connecting Grand Center and downtown, he says. "This is the first I've heard of any master plan," said SLU's Kathleen Brady. As of this reading, the university controls about 30 percent of the property, and a final offer went out today. She says a decision on whether to build an arena there will be made by the end of the month. Even if SLU decides not to build there, Evans says the threat to the neigborhood fabric remains. "We're just afraid that they (SLU) will take their buildings and tear them all down for nasty in-fill housing." Brady says the university had no intentions of doing student housing in the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lobo Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 Maybe this is why there hasn't been any recent news re: the new arena. However, today I received an alumni e-bulletin stating that on Oct. 11 (Homecoming) an initial plan for the arena would be made available to the public. At a time when many universities are struggling to maintain, SLU seem to be advancing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billiken_roy Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 the arena plans have been shown to small groups a few times already. i got to see it last week at a small reception in belleville. i will say this, father biondi as usual did not skimp on the design and flavor. it will be spectacular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillikenButch Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 Just kidding!! Biondi does a terrific job at raising expectations and results though the developing the surroundings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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