Poll: Does Retailing Have a Future at St. Louis Union Station?

When St. Louis Union Station reopened in 1985 the festival marketplace retail concept was all the rage.

But early optimism about retail at St. Louis Union Station faded as national chains gave way to smaller and smaller retailers, now many of those have left as well:

Visitors to St. Louis Union Station can still get a caricature drawn of their likeness, buy various Arch-themed tchotchkes and get a free sample of fudge and a song to go along with it.

But two longtime fixtures in the historic landmark — Houlihan’s and Key West Cafe — recently left the station. And the Bud Shop, which peddles an assortment of Budweiser-related mugs and memorabilia, is on its way out, too.

[snip]

The departures add to the uncertainty about the future of the venue — most notably the question of who will own it. The current owner, Union Station Holdings LLC, is seeking to sell the property. Bids are due Nov. 10.

“There’s no question it has fallen on harder times,” said St. Louis-based consultant Richard Ward with Zimmer Real Estate Services. “I think it’s in for some serious change, but I don’t know what the change might be.” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Union Station’s retail has been continuously falling on “hard times” the entire twenty-one years I’ve been in St. Louis! I missed the first five years, likely the best years.

I have to wonder the future of such retail venues. The Marriott Hotel is doing well though — expanding into the midway space. The Grand Hall is a stunning space.

I’ve made Union Station the poll topic this week, see right sidebar.

– Steve Patterson

Midtown Warehouse “Improved” With Blank Walls

If we had decent codes in St. Louis the owner of this 1923 building wouldn’t have been permitted to make all the window openings into big yellow rectangles.

Yes, the owner invested in the building. Let’s just hope they don’t invest in others.

 – Steve Patterson

Service Stations: They Don’t Design Them Like They Used To

I’m continually repulsed by generic gas stations that are commonplace today yet I find those from an earlier time so appealing.

Look at the solid masonry construction, nicely varied. Yes, the building is pushed back on the lot but at least the lot isn’t huge.

With all the cars on the road it would take a ton of these sized stations to meet demand. Still it seems odd that our 1940 population was over 816,000 people and we managed with fewer gas pumps than today with half a million less residents.

 – Steve Patterson

BWorks Moves Worthy Programs to New Soulard Location

Since 1988, BWorks has worked with youth in St. Louis.

The organization recently moved from a cramped storefront in the Shaw neighborhood to a much larger space in Soulard:

St. Louis BWorks was built on the idea that everyone deserves the chance to be more and to gain the skills they need to pursue their dreams. We believe that “at-risk” children — or any young people for that matter — can thrive when they have the opportunity to challenge their abilities in a safe, supportive environment. (full mission & history)

Originally the only program was St. Louis Bicycle Works where kids could learn to repair and maintain a bike. Later St. Louis Byte Works was added where kids learned computer skills and they could earn a reconditioned computer.

St. Louis Book Works was founded in 2011 to promote verbal, visual and cultural literacy through creative expression. Young people in the program work with volunteer editors to write and and illustrate their own books.

As the programs offered grew, so did their space requirements. BWorks outgrew their old space long ago.

Each year St. Louis Bicycle Works sponsors Cranksgiving in St. Louis:

“Want to be a part of the biggest food collection ride in the country? Join us at Schlafly Bottleworks on 11/6 for a bike ride at 10 A.M. (5, 10 or 25 mile courses) and get some food for Food Outreach.

 2010 had over 650 riders collecting over 6000 food items for Food Outreach making it the largest Cranksgiving in the country. Lets keep this record in St.louis! Join us this year at a even better event.”

BWorks is looking for volunteers and contributions. Click here to learn how to get involved. The reuse of the building is extraordinary.

– Steve Patterson

Readers Supportive of Lyda Krewson’s Pet Bill, Disagree on Specifics

Last week readers were supportive of a proposed bill:

Q: Should St. Louis require pet owners to spay, neuter & microchip their pets?

1. Yes on spay/neuter & microchip 40 [42.11%]
2. No! 18 [18.95%]
3. Yes on spay/neuter but no on microchip 16 [16.84%]
4. Yes on microchip but no on spay/neuter 13 [13.68%]
5. unsure/no opinion 4 [4.21%]
6. Other: 4 [4.21%]

Readers weren’t in agreement on the requirements as the above show. The following are the four other answers:

1. How about the strict regulations on rampant dog breeders?…Oh wait
2. Microchip or collar required, spay/neuter any pet that goes outdoors.
3. yes, spay/neuter & microchip however, spay/neuter waiver for licensed breeders
4. I support the requirment and the fee option.

Yesterday I began the process of getting a cat, the last time was 23 years ago. I’ve been without Felix now for 6-7 years and much has changed. Last time I got a young kitten from a vet — he was neutered but not microchipped. Did they even have microchips in the 1980s?

My next cat will be from The Animal House Fund and for $125 will be spayed/neutered and will be microchipped. I will spend the rest of 2011 getting all the supplies I need to have the proper conditions for a cat before I make a final decision on a cat to adopt in early 2012.

Twenty-three years ago I just took a kitten home without any prep.  Now AHF will actually  make a visit to my home before the adoption is finalized, a very good practice.

– Steve Patterson