I’m still here

Work has kept me very busy of late…

Real estate sales have been up and down with more of my business focusing on downtown loft sales. It would be great to see the level of interest of downtown lofts in more of our neighborhoods — including those in the 25th ward. The momentum downtown is picking up speed while some areas remain stagnant.

Here are a few thoughts on some things in the 25th Ward:

> Java Joe’s, a locally owned coffeehouse, opened at the corner of Meramec & Virginia. I have a few issues with the design of the space and the products served but I hope they succeed as it is important for the neighborhood. Stop by and check it out on your own.

> The deli that had opened on Virginia at Taft closed. Not surprising, it was over priced and not a good value for the money.

> On the other hand everywhere I go people are raving about our own Iron Barley. This unassuming place is bring lots of people the area that most likely would not visit for any other reason.

> The Stork Inn, also at Virginia & Taft, is still for sale — listed with my good friend Jane Quartuccio. This is a spectacular building and an excellent value.

> Work continues at the old 7-11 at Virginia and Delor but I still don’t know what is going on at the location. Workers had put up some metal frames over the old mansard roof but those have now been removed.

> The former Western Bowl on Bingham remains closed and for sale. The property is now listed with another commercial broker.

> And finally is the Virginia Mansion. It has been sold to a developer looking to turn the property into four condos.

As I said work has kept me busy. In addition to real estate I have a major design project that will occupy much of my time for the next year. The Riverfront Times recently recognized my primary blog, Urban Review – St. Louis, as the “Best Civic-Minded Blog” in their best of issue. I’ve also become certified as a bicycle safety instructor by the League of American Bicyclists.

For over six months I’ve also been writing a monthly column for The Healthy Planet. I will be writing the occasional column for a local weekly publication as well. And finally I will appear as a regular guest each month on KDHX’s Collateral Damage program hosted by DJ Wilson and Fred Hessel.

– Steve

Rumor: Sam’s Club at Kingshighway & Chippewa

Over at 52nd City Thomas Crone reports he was told the old Avalon Theatre is going to be razed soon. While I like the Avalon, the scary part of Thomas’ story is talk of clearing part of the Southeast corner of Kingshighway and Chippewa for a Sam’s Club.

The last thing St. Louis needs is more sprawl.

– Steve

Bringing Life to a Suburban Corner

This weekend I was reviewing pictures from previous trips to Seattle and ran across images of a project I spotted on a 2002 visit. I found it quite interesting at the time and think we could do well to employ such thinking on more than a few corners in our region.

This Tully’s Coffee location is located in suburban Seattle (map). From this view you can see how it conforms to the sidewalk which includes right turn lanes typical of suburban streets. But pedestrians do exist in the area.

From the main street you can see the building is not very large but is well detailed. It creates a sense of place at the corner of an intersection that needed it. Street trees and outdoor seating make this a pleasant place.

You’ll never guess what it is in front of.

Walgreen’s!

Yes, this small Tully’s Coffee location is in front of a typical corner Walgreen’s store. It includes entrances facing the corner as well as the Walgreen’s. I can envision people stopping at Walgreen’s to pick up something and deciding to run in for a latte. Conversely someone might stop for a coffee and realize they needed a few things they can pick up at Walgreen’s. It is a win-win for both retailers and the community.

I’m not a fan of Walgreen’s — they seem to procreate more quickly than rabbits. Throughout our region we have many stores identical to this one in Seattle. With so many existing and likely more on the way we should give serious consideration to such a concept.

It doesn’t have to be a coffeehouse at the corner. Could be a small restaurant like a Subway (or a locally owned equivalent). The idea is to begin placing buildings at the sidewalk line to make our cities more pedestrian friendly.

– Steve

Winghaven Grocer to Reopen!

A week ago I reported that Dave’s, a small grocer located in the suburban area known as Winghaven, had closed. Here is a portion of Dave’s letter to the community he served:

Today I learned the community has rallied to save Dave’s. Now the website read’s differently:

Apparently part of the problem had to do with debt associated with startup costs. I’m told about 500 people rallied to help Dave and raised an undisclosed sum of money to offset debts. Day to day operations are profitable.

Couple of things to consider….

Sometimes it takes incubating new retail in places where you are trying to change shopping patterns from auto-oriented to the corner store. This is where I think New Town at St. Charles is doing a good job getting businesses located in their central core.

A large parcel across the street from Winghaven’s Boardwalk is a large parcel of land that Pyramid has proposed new condos. Locals are hoping the City of O’Fallon approves the project quickly so new residents will be nearby to support Dave’s and other retailers.

– Steve

I’m Not Ed Golterman

A regular reader sent me a story from the Suburban Journals on someone many of us either know or have heard of, Ed Golterman:

I certainly agree with Golterman they Kiel Opera House should be re-opened. Here is a bit more about Golterman:

Biker Baritone?

So if you see a guy in a tux on a scooter it is most likely Golterman and not me, I don’t own a tux. In fact, I’d be happy if I never wore one again.

Honda makes several models of scooters so his might be different than mine. But, I have had friends call me after spotting a scooter just like mine in the West End — thinking I was nearby.

– Steve