SaveStAloysius.org Website Launched

The number of people advocating the adaptive reuse of the former St. Aloysius church, rectory and convent has been growing exponentially over the last month. To coordinate their efforts a new website domain has been registered — www.SaveStAloysius.org.

The new site has been set up with links to several sites including this one. Bookmark the site and look for more to come soon.

– Steve

Website Documents History of St. Boniface

Among the Catholic Churches closed in 2005 was St. Boniface in Carondelet. Today I learned of a website which documents some of the history of the church including photos and audio interviews. Sadly the author is also tracking former religious objects on eBay.

Check it out here

– Steve

Thoughts Following the Neighborhood Meeting on St. Aloysius

Tonight I attended a meeting at the Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association where people had the chance to say what they feel about the proposed demolition of the church and the proposed homes to be build. Many that spoke did not like the new home built by the developer at 2712 January. Many also spoke fondly of the church and adjacent buildings. However, they also have a negative view of condos. Basically, they seem to want a condo-free neighborhood.

I talked to a few people after the meeting and I get the impression they think single family is the only way to create a safe and stable neighborhood. Also, they fear lots of cars and traffic problems. However, the reality of this site is condos would create about the same number of units as single family houses so we’re talking about the same number of cars.

It was brought up a couple of times at the meeting was that nobody objected to the project until the Preservation Board meeting in December and that it was in the neighborhood’s October newsletter that went out to 3,000 households in the area. I had wondered numerous times why nobody responded. Tonight I was able to pick up a copy of the newsletter and I have a much better understanding after reading what was written. On page four of eight was a picture of the church and the headline, “St. Aloysius Gonzaga to become Magnolia Square.” Here is the text exactly as printed in the newsletter:

Wohlert Co. LLC was the successful bidder for the property fondly referred to as St. Al’s. After demolition of the existing structures Wohlert Co. plans to build Magnolia Square, a new development of 22 to 24 single family homes complete with detached garages and alley access. The lots are anticipated to measure 30 x 100′. Removal of the buildings will be according to the guidelines established by the St. Louis Archdiocese.

DiMartino Homes will build the homes to suit and will offer several floor plans and elevations. Lots will start at $75,000 and finished homes will start at $225,000. Demolition is to begin in November. Paul Fendler & Associates will provide architectural services, AMR will provide plumbing services, and Fielder Electric will handle electric.

Project Manager, Jim Wohlert will speak at our October 24th meeting

Could they have done anything else to say “this is a done deal so don’t even think about objecting?” If people made it to page four they probably glanced over it and thought there was nothing they could do to stop it now.

The demolition is just mentioned as a matter of fact. No mention is made of a public hearing before the Preservation Board. No mention is made of the Planning Commission looking at the proposed development at their December meeting. It is all ‘this is what is going to happen.’ Not a word of asking for input into what could happen. One woman that spoke tonight summed it up when she said she feels like it doesn’t matter what she says because it is going to happen anyway.

Our most vibrant neighborhoods include a mix of housing types including condos and for rent projects that take advantage of federal historic rehab tax credits. Without condo projects many areas seeing new residents would be stagnating. I remain convinced this complex is a major asset within the City of St. Louis and it would be a loss if it were razed.

– Steve

Mock-up of Possible Site Plan for St. Aloysius

Sometimes it takes a visual to help people see what is possible. To that end I asked a local architect to mock-up a possible site plan for new construction on part of the St. Aloysius site. We didn’t have an official survey so we used google maps to work from.

One possibility is to offer a variety of housing types including a few attached townhouses and single family homes. Thus, the total site can offer a nice mix of choices for people wishing to live in the area.

– Steve

Rothschild Development Bid on St. Aloysius

I spoke with Rothschild Development’s Chief Financial Officer, Michael Allen, by phone today regarding St. Aloysius. He confirmed they had submitted a bid to purchase the property. He didn’t have the contract in front of him but he said it was roughly for $1,000,000. You’ll note from prior posts that Wohlert purchased the property for $600,000.

Allen also confirmed their proposal indicated they would retain at least the church, rectory and convent buildings but they were uncertain about the parish hall and 1960s school. Their intended use on the site was residential.

Allen indicated they would have sought some sort of assistance such as Tax Abatement and/or TIF (Tax Increment Financing) for the project. Also, they would have wanted the property be listed on the National Register of Historic Places so the project would be eligible for historic tax credits.

Rothschild Development LTD is one of the more experienced developers in our region and they have recently taken on the former Lindenwood School and former St. Boniface church, both of which will be converted to residential uses.

A legitimate alternative to razing these buildings most certainly did exist. I firmly believe a great project can come of this site. I just hope Mr. Wohlert and Alderman Vollmer are open to alternatives such as the one previously submitted by Rothschild Development.

– Steve