In my post last week on the Lewis and Clark Library one person voiced an objection to the line, “This part of St. Louis County has few structures on which residents can take pride.” In the objection the Lewis and Clark Tower, just north of the library, was specifically mentioned. To clarify my original point, there are too few public buildings in North County to be proud of. There are great private buildings throughout the region, including North County, but few you can spend time in. The Lewis and Clark Tower is one of those buildings, it is private condos. The restaurant at the top has been closed for years, and it isn’t in great condition. In January the building was condemned:
The St. Louis County Department of Public Works posted violation notices last week on the elevators, and the city condemned the building. The city also had ordered residents to vacate the premises within 48 hours, citing dangers, especially to children and people in wheelchairs. The mayor on Monday said that the city wasn’t strictly enforcing the evacuation and that the order was meant to draw attention to urgent dangers. (stltoday.com — Agreement reached to repair condemned Lewis & Clark Tower)
The 96-unit tower is owned by 36 condo owners, the commercial wing is owned separately.
The Lewis & Clark Tower on 367 at Chambers RdAerial of Lewis & Clark Tower and Lewis & Clark Library (bottom) from Apple Maps, click to view in Google Maps
Few have written more about North County than my friend Toby Weiss, from October 2007:
In 1966, the place was 100% jumping with at least 7 floors of wedge-shaped residential apartments (now condominiums,) each with two sliding doors out to the continuous balcony, with its own swimming pool and gym in the basement. Businesses on the first two floors of the Tower included Alpha Interior Designer, Donton & Sons Tile Co., Figure Trim Reducing, King’s Tower Pharmacy and a Missouri State License office. (Top of the Towers)
Looking north toward the tower, the parking lot goes down to reveal the lower level that faces westThe asphalt is in very poor conditionThe west entry to the Lewis & Clark Condo tower, one level below the east main entryA one-story commercial center faces Lewis & Clark Blvd (367)Stelmacki is a small but clean store, the first I’ve seen selling greens by the caseView from near Chambers Rd, my suspicion is the vacant lot on the right was intended for a future 2nd tower.Completing the trip back in time is a pay phone, but I failed to check if it had a dial tone. A 2nd tower would’ve fit on this siteFrom Chambers Rd we see the west/lower side of the retailAccording to Toby Weiss’ 2007 post the lower level contained a bowling alley and a movie theater, now only a flea market operatesView looking back toward Chambers Rd, the former retail center across the street is now a self storageFormer theater, now flea marketLooking out at the massive parking lot, most part of the commercial partLooking at the tower from Chambers Rd & Castle DrThis former Denny’s was built in 1976, not sure how long it has been closed.
The thing I observed is the commercial arterials in this part of North St. Louis County are pretty depressed, but the adjacent residential streets are still nice. However, I can’t see the neighborhoods remaining nice forever with such awful commercial property surrounding them. How do you attract a commercial developer to the area when the condo owners are struggling to keep the tower habitable? In the early 20th Century planners in St. Louis viewed the poor condition of tenements much the same way — a blight that’ll continue to spread. Their solution was Urban Renewal — demolition and start over, an expensive flop. So what then?
Before the residential neighborhoods deteriorate I think the “retrofitting suburbia” way of thinking should be applied to the commercial areas. This starts with public planning to attract & guide private development, likely subsidized to some degree. The costs of not doing anything at all will be much higher.
The last time I visited Fast Eddie’s Bon Air in Alton IL (map), in 1998 or 1099, it was filled with smoke. Yesterday my fiancé and I had lunch there, his first time. Owner Eddie Sholar was a vocal opponent of the Illinois smoking ban that started on January 1, 2008.
Exterior of Fast Eddie’s Bon Air in Alton IL
In 2006:
Eddie Sholar doesn’t like all this talk about smoking bans. In his Alton bar, Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, about half the customers smoke. But he said they probably won’t quit if the politicians in Springfield enact a statewide ban. They’ll just drink someplace else. “They’re not going to come to a place where they can’t smoke, if other places are allowing it. If you have Missouri, where you can, and Illinois, where you can’t, they’re not going to come some place where they can’t do what they want to do,” Sholar said. The talk in Springfield this week was about a statewide smoking ban, which would replace Illinois’ six-week-old law that lets local governments outlaw smoking on their own. (Daily Chronicle)
Months after the ban started:
At Fast Eddie’s Bon Air in Alton, one of the state’s busiest bars, the owners spent some $800,000 to build an outdoor facility resembling an old-time ballpark. The serving bar sits beneath an overhang. In winter, massive heaters blow warm air on the patrons, many of them smokers.
“I would never credit this stupid smoking law, but it certainly has helped our business,” said Ed Sholar Jr., whose family owns the bar. (Chicago Tribune)
Nearly a million dollars for a patio? Once you see what was built you’ll understand why it cost so much. The street was moved to make room for the outdoor soon. Basically they built a massive addition to the building, the translucent roof is raised enough to make it outdoors — technically. Fans and heaters keep the temperature more hospitable than the parking lot. This design also make it easy to ensure all guests pass through the front door, have proper ID, and are 21 years old. After six years of twice the seating capacity I wonder how they feel about the smoking ban, business is still great but they likely took on debt to fund the outdoor space.
The outdoor area is largely enclosed.Indoors was nearly full at lunch
We sat indoors, but walked through the outdoor room when we left. It was noticeably smokey, despite the efforts to minimize it. I wouldn’t sit there, but thankfully the inside is smoke-free. UrbanSpoon has 30 reviews and none mention smoking. Yelp has 125 reviews, 19 mention smoke/smoking, the relevant parts from each:
now that the inside is non-smoking, it’s more crowded outside…and that’s where the real action is
We sat outside (under an awning) but couldn’t smell any smoke b/c of the efficient set-up of fans circulating the air.
It’s smoke free inside, but there’s now a HUGE smoking area outside, complete with giant heaters for the winter months, and another bar.
This place has a lot of history and a lot of character, and it’s much nicer now that smoking in indoor restaurants has been banned in Illinois.
Not a fan at all. The outside is still smoking and with the canopy the smoke [sic] is unbearable. Went here for a friend’s birthday party to listen to his favorite band and I had to leave after an hour the smoke was so bad.
I have only been once in the evening to enjoy the music and it was a great time, but since IL is smoke free now, I am a pretty big fan of Sunday lunches at Fast Eddies.
Yeah it doesn’t look like much inside, but I enjoy all the different areas you can sit inside and the new patio is nice. Well, actually I dont know it anyother way. Sucks that thats where people have to smoke, but if I can eat unhealthy amounts of food and wreck my body in that way, then let people screw their lungs up all they want. Right?
Love this place. Great live bands, cheap cheap CHEAP food and drink. Only bad is all the smoke and sometimes a tad rough crowd. Will always be a fan. Bring cash bc no credit cards are accepted.
The patio was crowded. A large cloud of smoke lingered around the ceiling and it looked like everything was clouded by a haze. We stayed inside but somehow I still smelled like smoke when I left.
I’d say my favorite part is that the inside is smoke free. I love that there’s still a nice outside area, but being able to breathe indoors is always a plus.
Awesome place, bring friends. Can get noisy, so if you don’t like crowds or noise, stay away. No smoking indoors, which is good, but smoking allowed on back covered patio. 2 bars outside, 2 inside.
They have a nice outdoor area, which in the winter is enclosed with a tent but not really heated much… and they seem to be defying IL law by allowing people to smoke in the outdoor area (yes, it’s illegal to allow it outdoors even).
As for the crowd at Eddies, let’s just say it’s ermmm … interesting and eclectic. LOTS of bikers, lots of smokers, and lots of loud types. To call it a rough crowd seems suitable, to me. It’s just not the kind of place most who aren’t into A) smoking, B) drinking of cheap liquor (house drinks are made with the cheapest stuff you can find … Juarez tequila for margaritas (GAG), C) hanging with bikers, or D) eating lower quality food to save yourself a buck.
It’s almost always a good time at Fast Eddie’s. They have the nice outdoor area for people to be able to smoke and watch TV without freezing, live bands all the time, and great prices on good bar food.
Good concept, like the casual atmosphere. Their covered patio is a neat idea. The cover band was very good, the food is ok and cheap. Drinks weren’t too expensive and service was prompt and fun to interact with. Coming from an area with no inside smoking though, this place was horrible for that.
Cheapest bar food ever. The fact that it’s now smoke free makes me want to go to this place more and more often, but it’s hard to really justify going all the way out there just for 1$ brats and burgers and their amazing steak on a stick… no wait… it isn’t.
Been to Fast Eddies many times and never been disappointed. Good food, cold beer, low prices. Non smoking inside is great.
Its one step up from a dive bar. Its smoke free inside which makes it better.
I go there because my friends enjoy the place. the outdoor area is covered with a plastic sheet which makes you feel like ur trapped in a glad bag in the hot sun with smokers all around you! not a good feeling or smell for your clothes! the floor outdoors is filthy, people just throw there peel n eat shells from the shrimp on the hot asphalt, like they were peanut shells. talk bout a great smell along with cig smoke! the only thing worth going for is the VERY COLD high priced beer.
Mixed reviews of the outdoor area, but all are happy the indoor space is smoke-free.
Looking outside from insideOutside we see the wall the encloses the outdoor area where a street once existed.
The outdoor area is a smokey area, likely damaging to the servers who work there. However, the smoke-free interior allows those servers who’re concerned about second-hand smoke to continue working without having to take health risks. Customers can experience Fast Eddie’s without having to pass through the smokey outdoor area.
Please vote in the poll, located in the right sidebar
The poll this week is about car sharing for hire services like traditional taxicabs and new app-based services like Uber, CARmil, Lyft, etc. I have some personal thoughts but I’ll hold those for later, I don’t want to persuade anyone before the poll. The question this week is: “Next time you need to get from A to B (not in your own car), which type service would you use?” The list includes the three apps listed above, local taxicab, and unsure.
The poll, as always, is at the top of the right sidebar. Mobile users need to switch to the desktop layout to see the sidebar.
As summer approaches that means vehicle traffic in Forest Park increases, especially on the weekends. Parking is limited, traffic moves slowly, exhaust pollution increases. If only there was a better way to get to the outstanding institutions in the park!
2012: People board the Forest Park Trolley to visit the park
The press release explains the best way to navigate the park other than as a pedestrian or cyclist:
The Metro Forest Park Trolley will return to Forest Park on Saturday, May 3, giving individuals visiting Forest Park a convenient method of navigating the Park, in addition to assisting to alleviate Park congestion.
The Metro Forest Park Trolley Service (MetroBus route #3) will operate daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. from May 3 through September 28 with summer hours of 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. It will connect all Park attractions, as well as the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink Station. Adult Trolley fares are $2 per adult. Children 5-12, seniors and disabled passengers ride for $1. A valid Metro Reduced Fare permit is required for the Senior and Disabled discount. Kids 4 and under ride free. Two convenient Park N’ Ride options are available for visitors: the Twin Parking Lots across from the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center and the Upper Muny Parking Lot. From these lots, visitors can hop aboard the Forest Park Trolley for a lift to their desired attraction.
The Metro #3 Forest Park Trolley is a partnership between Forest Park Forever, Bi-State Development Agency/Metro, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Zoo, and the City of St. Louis.
#3 Forest Park Trolley Hours and Timing: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, May 3 through September 28. Weekday service will be every 20 minutes and every 15 minutes on weekends. Extended summer hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (Saturday, May 24 – Monday, September 1.) During Friday, Saturday and Sunday Trolley operating hours, the #90 Hampton MetroBus will reroute outside the Park. This will improve the on-time performance of the #90 Hampton and reduce the number of MetroBus vehicles in Forest Park. Contact Metro transit regarding the #90 Hampton schedule at 314-231-2345 or 618-271-2345.
Forest Park Trolley Rider Tips: Fare is purchased on-board the Trolley, exact change required (paper or coin). Each Trolley ticket allows unlimited on & off privileges for the day the fare is purchased. Metro Day, Weekly and Monthly Passes are acceptable fares for the Forest Park Trolley. Day passes are available for purchase at Metro Ticket Machines located at all MetroLink stations. Trolley Head Signs – #3 Forest Park Trolley vehicles coming from the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station are identified as Southbound – To Science Center. Forest Park Trolley vehicles heading toward MetroLink are identified as Northbound – To Forest Park MetroLink Station. The #3 Forest Park Trolley is fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
Information on Obtaining Senior Reduced Fare Permits Seniors (age 65 and older) and the disabled can ride MetroBus and MetroLink at a reduced rate. Qualifying individuals must complete the following: Apply in person at the MetroStore – 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101 – or at one of Metro’s mobile registration events. MetroStore hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Show a government issued picture identification card verifying age (age 65 and older) Acceptable forms of identification include a state vehicle driver’s license, state ID, passport or alien registration card.
Additional Traffic Support for Forest Park While the #3 Forest Park Trolley will have a meaningful impact on alleviating traffic in the Park this summer, a Traffic Relief Route will again be implemented as an additional measure on especially busy days. When traffic congestion is particularly heavy at Forest Park’s popular Hampton entrance, the Park Rangers will put this Relief Route in motion. This effort is done in coordination with MoDOT as a means to reduce backups and closures on Interstate 64 at Hampton Avenue. To prevent traffic back-ups and highway closures, the Traffic Relief Route will direct drivers from Hampton on a circular path through the Park, past many available parking lots at the Upper Muny, the Visitor Center and ultimately along Government Drive and Saint Louis Zoo. After parking, visitors may then hop on the Trolley to reach their destination and navigate Forest Park.
Buying/selling vehicles is a dreaded process for me, but I just went through both. As I posted recently, I’m no longer car-free. Yesterday I registered the 2007 Honda Civic EX my fiancé and I recently purchased. The process started months ago; researching cars, auto loans, and insurance.
On Monday we sold my fiancé’s old car. We listed all the known defects, including failing emissions, in our Craigslist ad. The new owner is mechanically-inclinded so I know he’ll fix all that is wrong with it. We got our bottom line price and were honest about the car. The same cannot be said for some of the cars we saw online.
After looking at ads for months we finally applied for a loan with our credit union. We were approved but the car needed to be a 2007 or newer and have less than 100,000 miles. We’d narrowed our search to Toyota Corolla/Camry or Honda Civic/Accord. Finding one we liked for under $9,000 and less than 100,000 miles wasn’t going to be easy. There are plenty listed with manual transmissions, for example, but since my stroke I need an automatic transmission. In early April I saw a car we might like, though neither of us likes red cars.
Craigslist ad, this car sounded too good to be true
I’d focused on “by owner” listings because dealer prices are generally higher. I emailed the seller, then we spoke by phone. He suggested we meet at his office to see the car. Once I got the address I Googled it and discovered it was an auto broker. First red flag. I found a website for the broker and the car was listed in the inventory, with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A Facebook friend who works for a dealer offered to run a CarFax reports for us so I sent him the VIN.
And we saw why the price was too good to be true, the title wasn’t “clean” as advertised.
I emailed the guy and said we wouldn’t be coming to view the car after all, noting he wan’t a private seller and the title wasn’t clean. The next morning we found the Civic we ended up buying.
Later today I’m mailing a dealer complaint to the Missouri Department of Revenue. It took some time & effort to make the complaint but I don’t want someone getting tricked into buying a vehicle like this. I saw ads in Craigslist where people were honest and listed the fact the car they were selling had a salvage title, but not this guy. This car might have been rebuilt well and serve the next owner for years, or it might be a nightmare.
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