Friday, April 30, 2010

SLU Trades One Street for Another

Last week SLU announced that construction will soon begin on a boutique hotel to be called Hotel Ignacio that it is developing in partnership with the Lawrence Group.  The project, which involves renovation of a historic building dating from 1905 at the intersection of Lindell Boulevard and Olive Street, hopefully marks a dramatic change in direction from SLU's previous scorched earth techniques of dealing with properties around it's Midtown campus.  

The rendering of the hotel, which was first announced last year, accompanying last Thursday's press release on SLU's website shows a part of the project that is a refreshing surprise: the re-opening of a street that was closed off nearly 25 years ago.  The block of Josephine Baker (historically known as Channing) between Olive and Locust was vacated as part of a historic renovation project in the mid 1980's which transformed the former Drake Plaza Hotel into apartments.  SLU must have struck a deal with Kohner Properties, owner of the Drake Plaza Apartments to purchase the portion of the street which had been turned into parking for the apartments.

The former Interiors Unlimited building at left will be transformed into the hotel.  East of the building is a parking lot that SLU has been using as a through street to access the sea of parking to the north.  This space will become the hotel's front door and drop-off.  Next east, blocked by a couple of planters is the original street that will re-open. 

The opening of this long closed street now is sadly ironic since SLU closed the next block north of the same street between Locust and Washington in 2008 after demolishing the adjacent Locust Livery Stable in 2007.  SLU apparently has no intension of re-opening this more recently closed section of Josephine Baker, as the hotel rendering shows what appears to be a sculpture garden and possibly a pavilion at the north end of this block.  In essance, SLU will be trading one block of the street for another.

East of the to-be re-opened street is the Drake Plaza Apartments which is composed of the former Drake Plaza Hotel and what is commonly known as "the pink building".  Between these two was a strange angled one-block mini boulevard known as the Lindell Cut-off that was constructed in 1915 (photo from The Problems of St. Louis by Harland Bartholomew of the City Plan Commission.)  Unfortunately the mid-1980's renovation project also resulted in the closure and vacation of Leonard Avenue between Olive and Locust.

Also mentioned in the press release is another positive development, the rehabilitation of two buildings on Locust just east of Josephine Baker into 25 apartment lofts and flats (rendering above).  After the demolition of the Livery Stable, many feared that these buildings would be next to fall for additional parking lots.  Like the hotel, this project also is the result of a partnership between SLU and the Lawrence Group.  Both the hotel and apartment building will contain leasable tenant spaces which with the Hotel and apartments will add to the vitality of the Midtown Alley district.  Steve Smith of the Lawrence Group was already well invested in the block that will contain the new hotel with the Triumph Grill and the Moto Museum, which houses Smith's amazing collection of motorcycles.

On the east end of the block where the new apartments will be located SLU had made a major investment in a large one story building at 3301 Locust.  The building had apparently been in poor condition for some time, and the entire roof structure and front wall were re-built in 2008.  Unfortunately, the entire front wall is solid stucco with no windows and only a couple of garage doors.  As the pre-construction photo above shows, the storefronts had already been bricked-in, but instead of opening up the front and creating commercial lease spaces which would have helped extend the amazing transformation of Locust that has occurred along several blocks to the east.  Instead, the building is apparently used only for storage.  

The lifeless re-built facade of 3301 Locust.  Take another look at the historic photo above.  The storefront building with awnings at the right edge of the photo is the same building.

It is strangely ironic that SLU spent so much money literally re-building this building after demolishing the Livery Stable just one block west which was in fairly good condition.

A close-up of the facade at 3301 Locust.  Fortunately, it would be fairly easy for SLU to reverse the decision to create a solid wall here, continue what is hopefully a radical shift in development strategy and put in new storefronts to enliven the street.  

$46mm COLORADO RANCH SAID TO BE MOST EXPENSIVE SALE SO FAR THIS YEAR



Demand is slowing, they say, for uber-luxury real estate, but nevertheless an energy executive recently elevated to the Forbes billionaire ranks has purchased what is written up as the most expensive house sold so far this year.

With acres of meadows and forest, lakes, 7-miles of river and an 82’ long pool, there is a 14,000 sq ft log cabin style main house plus several guest cabins and a glass lodge with retractable roof for spa activities.   

The Ranch, purchased for $46.5mm, is on 3500 acres near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.  

 It had been listed for $88mm two years ago and price was lowered to $68mm.   

Landscape views are fabulous with lakes, mountains, ponds, and greenery.  Lots of room here to wander, enough for a lifetime.

Weekend wishes...


After a very busy week of design, kids and hauling furniture around- I am wishing you a wonderful weekend spent relaxing and enjoying life... it is spring after all right?

I however will not be relaxing - I will be working.. 
but just knowing you are out there enjoying yourselves it will be so much better!


image via john jacob

Meanwhile just North of Copenhagen...











Loving everything here!  I will take the dog too!!

What a comfortable and inspiring place.

Images via indenfor

Bold Vision : DJ ~ Dustjacket Attic

DJ is the Bold Vision behind Dustjacket Attic. I remember the first time I found DJ's glamorous blog. I must have spent hours staring at the beautiful photos, and I have visited every day since then with anticipation of the next post!
In her own words, "When putting together a post for my readers I focus on a set of characteristics that is difficult to explain - I may view fifty editorials and only one will be right in my eyes. I think it is a combination of skillful and interesting photography, great locations, excellent styling and if the model is right for the roll...and I love pieces with a sense of humour too. Being up to date does not worry me, I can happily post an editorial years old and the next day post one that's just been released. Music is also an interesting element to viewing a post, It's a challenge to set the right tone in music but one I enjoy doing".

On top of her amazing taste, DJ is a delight to know. I am so thankful to have found her. Blogging is truly amazing, as it allows us to "get to know" others from all over the world. Did I mention that DJ lives in Australia? When am I coming to visit?
Thank you DJ for sharing your bold vision with us!

Tulips



Last fall I planted our first tulip bulbs in the yard. The variety is called 'Triumph' and came from Van Bloem Gardens.


It was pure joy to watch her rise up from the spring ground and say hello. I think even dear Hubby said hello back.


This fall, I'm going to make a point of getting many more bulbs to plant around the yard because there's nothing quite sweeter than to see that little sleeping bulb come up in the spring and blossom into a beautiful flower.

Happy weekend dear friends. xo

Happy Friday - pretty bedrooms perfect for sleeping in!

I am not an early bird, and for me guilt free Saturday mornings sleeping in never, ever gets old. These bedrooms would only encourage me to spend more time in them!


Adore this white and airy bedroom


What do you think of the branch?








via Country Living

Celebrating Arbor Day, Giveaway Winner and Hugging Trees...

Happy Arbor Day! Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April and encourages tree planting and care. To celebrate here are some tips, facts and ways to help or our beloved trees.

Take care of your trees by pruning them. It is important to prune both ornamental and shade trees for our safety, the tree's health and of course to keep it beautiful. Pruning is also used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber. For more tips on how and when to prune trees, please visit the National Forest Service.

Plant a tree. I didn't know this, but if a tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted. Go to ArborDay.org to find out how to plant a containerized tree the right way.

Teach our youth about the importance of trees. ArborDay.org has fun & educational online games for children to learn such things as how seeds take root, the anatomy of a tree and the life of the forest. Teachers and parents also have access to volunteer opportunities, school curriculum and other educational resources that get kids excited about learning and caring for trees.

On another earth-friendly note, the winner of the waste-free lunch Food Kozy from Kids Konserve is Lauren. She was lucky comment #6. Congrats!

It is not too late to receive the 15% discount off all products at Kids Konserve - please use coupon code: "earth15" at checkout (expires 5.8.10). And many thanks to Kids Konserve for sponsoring such a wonderful giveaway and for helping keep our planet healthy.

Happy Arbor Day! Now go hug a tree...

*image source.

My Ping in TotalPing.com