Loughborough Commons will be Common indeed!

Desco’s proposed Loughborough Commons is a case study in thinking only about the box and certainly not outside the box. Tonight’s public meeting had some pretense of a public input forum but in reality it was a ‘here is the generic strip center we are giving you let us know what color flowers you want planted under the monument sign’ type of meeting.

Prior to the meeting I had a chance to speak with Alderman Matt Villa as well as an representative from the engineering firm and Desco. First let me say that I like Matt. We are close in age and I’m personal friends with his wife’s sister and her husband. But, any association with someone on a personal level can’t an excuse for keeping silent on a bad proposal. To Villa and the engineer I raised concerns about connecting the public sidewalks to the development. The woman, I believe her name was Denise Coleman (she didn’t offer a card), said at this scale they couldn’t show sidewalks but they be there. Hmmm… [Note 8/31/06: Her name is Dennice Kowelman]

At right is the overall site plan for the proposed project. Loughborough is on the far right and is the Northern boundary of the project. To the bottom (East) is the railroad line and I-55. The top of the picture is Grand. For those of you that know the Grand Blvd which goes all the way from North St. Louis to Carondelet Park this Grand is much different – it is residential street. The part of the site on the left is the old Nordyne site.

Apparently in the last year Nordyne just closed up shop and moved out of the area – not bothering to tell the city they were leaving. Nice. Villa says it was a call from Desco that alerted him to the fact Nordyne was selling the property.

The upper right corner of the site plan – marked Outparcel A is where 18 single family homes now sit. With room enough for three out parcels, 50,000sf of additional retail and more parking than is required by the city I just don’t get why they need to take the existing homes. Two answers are most apparent. One is the home owners, if left, would hate backing up to such a boring big box development and second developer wants maximum exposure. Houses along Loughborough will block the view of the side of the Schnuck’s store. With the houses gone and some sort of typical fast food establishment on the corner people passing by will quickly realize this isn’t a pleasant residential neighborhood but a boring strip center.

… Continue Reading

Arch City Chronicle Hot Off the Presses

The January 26-February 8, 2005 issue of the Arch City Chronicle is hitting newstands tonight. On the cover is a picture of me with my volunteer Michael Kime and former Presidential candidate Howard Dean. Mr. Dean was very supportive of my candidacy – he likes to see young progressives seek office.

On page 7 I’m pictured again – this time with 17th Ward Candidate Rodney Burchfield and political operative “Kenny Murdock”. Burchfield was great to talk to – I look forward to working with him on the Board of Aldermen.

Dave Drebes has a nice write up on me and my campaign on the same page. Drebes writes of me:

What I liked best were Drebes’ words on the editorial page in his column titled, “My Thoughts Exactly.”

Dave – I could not agree more! To volunteer on my campaign send me an email and I’ll put you to work.

– Steve

New 25th Ward Housing Delivered on Trailer

Just down the street from me three new houses are being built. Two are marginally acceptable and one is completely inappropriate.

One house was delivered by tractor trailer last Friday. As a designer I know the difference between prefab housing and a trailer. Unfortunately, this prefab house looks like a trailer. In fact, I’ve seem some trailers that would look better. Prefab construction can be very high quality and can result in a very modern exterior.

It is my understanding this house is to be “accessible.” In other words, designed for a wheelchair bound occupant. It is being built on a speculative basis. Don’t misunderstand me – I’m not opposed to accessible housing – I’ve designed numerous spaces for disabled people over the years. My objection is how the house looks completely out of place with the neighboring housing.

The 47xx block of Minnesota is a very eclectic – with both brick and frame houses. Most are quite modest in size. What the block lacks in pretense it makes up for in rhythm – very consistent lot & house widths. One and two story houses seem to work well next to each other. Until that trailer pulled up…

Just look at this house. It is wide – taking up the width of at least two or three houses. Due to the accessible design requirements it is low to the ground – that I accept. What I don’t accept is the short height, the plain roof and overall lack of detailing. The old houses on the street with asbestos siding have more curb appeal.

The worst part is the blank space you see here will have a front facing single-car garage. Yes, a brand new front facing garage in the city – on a lot with an alley at the rear of the property. Why should we be subjected to a front facing garage?

My understanding is this project was rejected for tax abatement due to the front garage. But, why is it here in the first place? Why weren’t neighborhood leaders consulted on the design – at least given a chance to suggest alternatives?

As Alderman I would do everything I could to convince a developer to make the design work with the neighboring houses, get area leaders involved and stop any front facing garage where an alley is available. My vision of new housing for the ward is certainly better than this…

– Steve

New 25th Ward Housing Delivered on Trailer

Just down the street from me three new houses are being built. Two are marginally acceptable and one is completely inappropriate.

One house was delivered by tractor trailer last Friday. As a designer I know the difference between prefab housing and a trailer. Unfortunately, this prefab house looks like a trailer. In fact, I’ve seem some trailers that would look better. Prefab construction can be very high quality and can result in a very modern exterior.

It is my understanding this house is to be “accessible.” In other words, designed for a wheelchair bound occupant. It is being built on a speculative basis. Don’t misunderstand me – I’m not opposed to accessible housing – I’ve designed numerous spaces for disabled people over the years. My objection is how the house looks completely out of place with the neighboring housing.

The 47xx block of Minnesota is a very eclectic – with both brick and frame houses. Most are quite modest in size. What the block lacks in pretense it makes up for in rhythm – very consistent lot & house widths. One and two story houses seem to work well next to each other. Until that trailer pulled up…

Just look at this house. It is wide – taking up the width of at least two or three houses. Due to the accessible design requirements it is low to the ground – that I accept. What I don’t accept is the short height, the plain roof and overall lack of detailing. The old houses on the street with asbestos siding have more curb appeal.

The worst part is the blank space you see here will have a front facing single-car garage. Yes, a brand new front facing garage in the city – on a lot with an alley at the rear of the property. Why should we be subjected to a front facing garage?

My understanding is this project was rejected for tax abatement due to the front garage. But, why is it here in the first place? Why weren’t neighborhood leaders consulted on the design – at least given a chance to suggest alternatives?

As Alderman I would do everything I could to convince a developer to make the design work with the neighboring houses, get area leaders involved and stop any front facing garage where an alley is available. My vision of new housing for the ward is certainly better than this…

– Steve

Shopping without the Mall

When you need some new Levi’s where do you go? The Galleria? One of those stupid “Shopping Towns?” Not me.

If you want to take a trip back in time and support a local business then I suggest you head down Broadway to Kleb’s Clothing & Shoes, 8529 S. Broadway. Sorry, no web link. You can call them at (314) 638-9291.

It is nice to park on the street and walk into a corner store. No parking lot. No remembering I’m in section A4 between a mini van and an SUV. No walking past the really tempting pretzel stand.

Rick was able to help me select just the right Levi’s (we won’t discuss the size). The price was what I would have paid at the mall. They don’t stock all the various styles but they can order anything from the Levi’s catalog. They also have work clothing, shoes, painters pants/shorts.

So if you are tired of driving out to the mall take a stroll down Broadway.

– Steve