nextSTL | South St. Louis

Paul McKee Announces SouthSide Regeneration Plan

Published on Monday, 01 April 2013 07:01

Written by Alex Ihnen

While still awaiting the Missouri Supreme Court decision on his $390M dollar Tax Increment Financing plan for the 1,500-acre NorthSide Regeneration (recently rebranded "New North") plan, developer Paul McKee isn't standing still. nextSTL has learned that McEagle Development will unveil their SouthSide Regeneration plan this week.

The new effort apparently has the support of the majority of the city's Board of Alderman and a bill supporting a new TIF will be introduced soon by Stephen Conway, Alderman of the 8th Ward. Conway's ward includes Shaw and Tower Grove South as well as other neighborhoods. The more than 1,200-acre project area encompasses a similar footprint to New North. Stretching from the 21st interchange with I-64, New South includes large portions of the 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 15th wards, while touching others as well.

The challenge of aggregating land on the south side will receive additional help from City Hall. Approximately 200 existing LRA properties across south St. Louis will be sold to McKee. The city has also pledged future support and signed a unique agreement that gives McKee first right of refusal for the next decade to purchase any property the LRA acquires. Despite the initial investment and pledges of support, development will not occur quickly. "What you need is to pull a number of lots together to make it attractive to a developer," McKee told nextSTL.

Master Plan for Soulard Market and Park

Published on Thursday, 05 July 2012 07:17

Written by Alex Ihnen

A year ago, nextSTL covered the beginning of another effort to reinvigorate Soulard Market. The story started this way, "A decade ago Soulard Market was described as "falling into disrepair", "dirty, drab, dark". Sales were reportedly slipping and people complained that the open-air market was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. In stepped the Danforth Foundation, forming Soulard Restoration, Inc. to develop a rejuvenation plan for the market. A board was formed and a plan hatched. Problem was, the vendors themselves roundly rejected proposed changes and the plan wilted faster than the greens on the floor of stall 38 in early August." Now, a new survey gathering input from various constituents including visitors, neighbors and vendors has led to a new master plan.

It remains true that if we wish to improve Soulard Market, the focus should be on the market's surroundings. Seventh Street, what should be Main Street Soulard, is uninviting to be charitable. The best part, in theory, is that projects east of 7th aren't constricted by Soulard's historic standards. Innovative, dense development can occur here. Of course so can stripmalls and stand alone Starbucks. For better or worse, the City of St. Louis owns Soulard Market and could push better surrounding development via zoning and development incentives. This survey focused solely on the market itself, and in this regard, has produced many worthwhile suggested updates that would greatly improve the visitor's experience. Take a look and let us know what you think in the comments.

The Luminary Kicks Off Effort to Double Space, Call Cherokee Street Home

Published on Thursday, 15 December 2011 07:06

Written by Alex Ihnen

The Luminary Center for the Arts has announced a half million dollar effort to purchase a new home for its growing endeavor at 2700 Cherokee Street. The 22,500 square foot building would have studio living spaces on the second floor to allow for the further development of a resident artist program. Gallery and performance space would occupy the first floor and if all goes to plan the basement would have a metal shop, wood shop, A/V resources and more.

It's a grand plan, but one that fits perfectly with the trajectory of Brea and James McAnally's soaring vision. Having opened just four years ago, the organization has received praise and a devout following for its mix of art, music and cultural projects. The new building will more than double the Luminary's current space. Of course the move isn't yet final. Today's announcement kicks off a capital fundraising campaign. To be successful, gifts both big and small will be needed. Check out the effort's Kickstarter page and contribute what you can and make sure to visit the capital campaign website as well.

Want to Improve Soulard Market? Improve Its Surroundings

Published on Monday, 11 July 2011 09:15

Written by Alex Ihnen

A decade ago Soulard Market was described as "falling into disrepair", "dirty, drab, dark". Sales were reportedly slipping and people complained that the open-air market was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. In stepped the Danforth Foundation, forming Soulard Restoration, Inc. to develop a rejuvenation plan for the market. A board was formed and a plan hatched. Problem was, the vendors themselves roundly rejected proposed changes and the plan wilted faster than the greens on the floor of stall 38 in early August.

But like all ideas, good and bad, the "rejuvenation" of Soulard Market is back. This time, a survey on the market's website asked for community input regarding the type and variety of good people seek at the market, as well as other issues such as parking, restaurants and entertainment. The market, overflowing with shoppers every Saturday, is less busy the remainder of the week and is currently closed Sunday-Tuesday. It's easy to wish for more deli, pastry and produced food selections such as can be found at Cleveland's West Side Market, or for a more intimate neighborhood experience such as Findlay Market in Cincinnati - and both may be worthy goals.

NRC Tour de Grove Rolls Through St. Louis

Published on Sunday, 15 May 2011 21:33

Written by Alex Ihnen

The biggest cycling race in Missouri, the USA Cycling NRC Tour de Grove, rolled through St. Louis this weekend. There were three days of racing, but the big race, the professional cycling race took place in the Forest Park Southeast (a.k.a. The Grove) neighborhood. With Kiwi, Mike Northey taking home the victory, The Grove received news coverage in New Zealand, as well as on the cycling website Velonews and elsewhere.

Having an NRC race in St. Louis is a big deal and despite the weather, the neighborhood businesses really stepped up put on a show. WUMCRC and the Mayor's Vanguard Cabinet transformed several storefronts on Manchester in a "Better Block", giving a little more life to one of the gaps in commercial development on Manchester. There was even a "Staying in St. Louis" frame to record your love for St. Louis, with the first participant being Mayor Francis Slay himself.