Curb Appeal for Downtown

Something we've noticed about major downtown developments is that their often times seems to be very little public awareness or talk about the project until its done.  And why should there be?  Unless someone is the developer, owner, or financier, they aren't involved and the long term project tends to carry less publicity unless there's something controversial.  Even then, as is the case of Northside Regeneration, there's talk and controversy, but still few hard facts about what will be done.

CityArchRiver could possibly be an exception.

So far, as a public project, there's been more open houses and meetings.  They've got me excited.  Now, the plan is to form a citizens board to assist in carrying out the plan.

What's really nice about that is that civic minded DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS, as well as citizens from the surrounding area can share their time to ensure the project is completed in the best interests of the community.

My fear is that good folks from Chesterfield, Arnold, St Charles (where they didn't even put the tax measure on the ballot) or elsewhere will dominate the decision process with a largely pro-tourist bias.  The Downtown neighborhood has the most to benefit, we need some downtown residents to participate!

Visit the CityArchRiver website to get an application for the Citizens Advisory Committee and build Downtown St Louis' curb appeal for your home today! 

Printable Application?  Click Here!

Coming Soon To a Neighborhood Near You

917 Locust was slated to be a Hotel Indigo

Today's Post-Dispatch has a couple articles about downtown buildings:  one about the former holdings of the Robert's Brothers, that changed hands in October, and a more recent sale of the former Peabody Coal Buildings new life as the ICC Engineering Headquarters.

Of the two articles, the subject of Chicago developer hopes to transform vacant Roberts properties has a larger impact on continuing the vision of rebuilding Downtown St Louis.   Focusing on the acquisition of Roberts Tower, Lofts on the Plaza, the Mayfair Hotel,  and the rest of 800-900 Locust, the Chicago developer Urbanstreets Group claimed to be excited about the opportunity.   

Some of the opportunities lack mystery.  The Roberts Tower will be turned into 132 Luxury apartments. The Mayfair will continue to be a hotel, the Lofts on the Plaza will hopefully be cleaned up a bit, and remain apartments.  

What's intriguing, is what they will do with the buildings initially slated to be another Hotel Indigo at 913-923 Locust.  Having 4 buildings adjacent in a downtown setting could be a fantastic development.  These buildings mostly have character and could be developed independently or in a group.  Walking access to the 9th Street Garage, Post Office Plaza, the Culinaria, Downtown Urgent Care, the Syndicate,  MX Exchange, Left Bank Books, and the Downtown Bicycle Station would be amenities that would be a perfect fit for a mid-sized company looking for a solid location in the heart of downtown.  The other article in today's Post describes just that;  except the company was already in the Downtown area, relocating to the lager 'Peabody Coal Building'.  

As one person interviewed, the question was put to me that with rental apartments going in at Roberts Tower, the Arcade, and the Chemical Building, would we be facing a 'bubble' in the number of rental lofts.  My first answer was "no".  Its always possible, but we have a tremendous opportunity for growth as defined in the Downtown Next plan if we continue to increase the density in downtown St Louis in all possible sectors:  housing, education employment, hotel, and recreation in reasonably proportional amounts.  

Highlighted area is 8-900 Locust

The Urbanstreet Group LLC website page for 913-923 Locust says that the developer is evaluating development opportunities.  Obviously, as a capitalist business, they are looking for what will pay them the most and spend the least.  My hope is that they also consider what will be the best fit for the area. By marketing the building to potential corporations looking for custom developed corporate locations, the area itself would be improved and a needed component of building downtown would also be met..    

2012 Downtown St. Louis Loft Sales

Ringing in the new year, the downtown loft market has a lot to be cheerful about.  

For those looking for the prices to bounce back to 2007 levels, we're still not there, but the real estate market has strengthened in 2012 and is back on the right track.  Sales are at a 4 year high based on number of lofts sold (102).  In 2008, when there were 109 lofts sold, there were 583 lofts on the market compared to 277 this year.

While pricing isn't going through the roof just yet, we did see an increase in prices this year.  Lofts sold at an average of $113.37 per square foot, up from $109 per square foot last year.

While the sales news for the entire year may not be worthy of any major excitement, average price per square foot for the fourth quarter 2012 jumped to $131.55/square foot.  



Several things are encouraging for the years to come:

1. As progress continues downtown, the number of condominiums probably won't be             increasing - creating more demand.  
2. Our recent REALTOR Magazine had exciting news about how FHA loans are becoming more "condo friendly" with the possibility of allowing for "spot approvals" in the future.
3. MEDIA RULES - the downturn seemed to be exacerbated by the fact that news about the downturn was broadcast 24/7 with articles trying to over dramatize the state of the real estate market.  Lately, positive news seems to be having the opposite effect on the public.

Here are the Downtown St Louis Lofts sold in 2012:

Blu City Spaces  210 N 17th Street

#911     $28,500
#610     $29,995
#908     $29,995
#411     $30,000
#403     $37,000
#305     $42,000
#404     $44,995
#1210   $50,000
#803     $54,995
#406     $55,000
#312     $59,995

Knickerbocker Lofts  507 N 13th Street

#502     $49,100
#204     $78,023

Lofts at 2020 (Sporting News Lofts)  2020 Washington Avenue

#605     $83,000
#604     $84,000
#703     $85,000
#711     $101,000
#313     $105,000
#201     $105,500
#803     $128,500
#714     $133,000
#706     $137,750
#101     $205,000

Motor Lofts 2201 Washington Avenue 

#208    $51,000
#408    $83,000

Westgate Lofts  410 N Jefferson Blvd. / 2323 Locust Street

#307     $80,000
#405     $96,750
#406     $94,000

Terra Cotta Lofts 1501 Locust Street

#402     $94,000
#503     $99,000
#804     $171,500
#707     $200,000

Ventana Lofts 1635 Washington Avenue

#509     $100,100
#912     $222,500

Railway Lofts 1619 Washington Avenue 

#603     $120,000

#405     $157,000

#505     $169,000

#705     $191,000

#304     $195,764

#802     $140,500

Kingbee Lofts 1709 Washington Avenue 

#602     $69,900

Windows Lofts 1601 Washington Avenue 

#304    $140,500

#210    $155,000

Meridian Lofts 1136 Washington Avenue 

#209    $102,000
#710    $156,000
#712    $168,500
#903    $215,000

Lucas Lofts 1123 Washington Avenue 

#409     $110,000

#304     $112,500
#308     $117,050
#216     $152,000

#716     $159,430

#215     $311,000 

Marquette Condominiums 314 N Broadway

#1805   $100,000
#1404   $120,000
#1604   $120,000
#1601   $129,900
#1808   $145,000
#1101   $165,000
#1403   $230,000

Ely Walker Lofts  1520 Washington Avenue

#316     $153,500
#608     $175,000

Printer's Lofts 1611 Locust Street

#502     $165,000
#601     $184,000
#303     $195,000

Printer's Lofts 1627 Locust Street

#305     $158,000

#406     $163,000

Annex Lofts 1511 Locust Street

#508     $90,000

#806     $115,000

Alexander Lofts 1121 Locust Street

#302     $372,000

Banker's Lofts  901 Washington Avenue

#505     $200,000
#704     $390,900

10th Street Lofts  1010 Saint Charles Street

#703     $120,000
#803     $240,000
#1102   $350,001
#1004   $416,800

Dorsa Lofts    1015 Washington Avenue

#509     $119,795
#302     $240,000
#304     $249,000

Edison Condominiums  400 S 14th Street

#1108    $229,000
#1206    $242,000
#1203    $246,500
#1114    $275,000
#1113    $290,000
#1216    $300,000
#1202    $330,000

Syndicate Condominiums   915 Olive Street

#1502   $193,950
#1504   $218,000
#1410   $226,200
#1308   $226,900
#1310   $230,900
#1207   $237,800
#1305   $315,000
#1612   $448,200

Elder Shirt Lofts  703 North 13th Street

#503     $455,000


Here's to a brighter 2013 in the Downtown Market!

Post Election Politico

After election day, the last thing I want to see for a long time is a political comercial.  Despite my wishes, the Annual Downtown Residents Association Meeting will be on Wednesday, and one of the attendees (or more, not mentioning any names) is just beginning his run for office in next years election.  

The topics of the evening appear to be updates on many of the exciting things going on Downtown, but nothing new.  The topic, Revitalization of Downtown St Louis, is something we sort of take for granted.  Its almost cliche.  There have been strong, consistent forces at work for over a decade to turn around the St Louis Downtown, starting in 1999 when Clarence Harmon's administration launched DOWNTOWN NOW.  

With the economic and commercial real estate slow down starting to fade more into history, projects that have been in formation for years are coming out of mothballs and being reformed for today's world.

Watching these Downtown St Louis Residents Association meetings go on for years, the interesting thing is that the meetings content can be useful, productive, and extremely important at all times.   For whatever reason, having the Mayor as a guest seems to pull up the attendance.

Two large, but less publicized topics to be addressed that I want to see is the development of the Chemical and Arcade Buildings.  Interestingly, the Syndicate Trust project was a collaboration of a Minneapolis developer and St Louis based Loftworks.  Steps away, we'll now have two other Minneapolis area developers investing into the St Louis area.  How well these projects are handled will have a major impact on the Downtown St Louis are for decades.  A good mix of vibrant street level retail and updated office or residential in these locations will serve as the anchor for the downtown economy.  We should hear some information on those places Wednesday.

This downtown meeting is a must.  Not just to sit and listen, but to build synergy in a neighborhood where residents participate in the success of their surroundings.

Arcade Building: Round 3

For Downtown St Louis, few buildings could have as much impact on our city as the Arcade Building at 8th and Olive.   

The project made the news again yesterday with the SLDC being presented with a plan from out of state Dominium Development.

Sharing a block with the Paul Brown Lofts, this high rise has a fantastic arcade running through the building from Olive to Pine.  A well thought out and managed commercial development could really compliment the area and  surrounding downtown buildings such as the Syndicate and the Old Post Office.   
The added residential and retail density would be a welcome addition to the area. 

The project described the first 3 floors as commercial / retail, artist lofts in the middle, and the remainder of the building being high end residential rental homes.

Last weekend, I was in Omaha Nebraska.  Between events we were able to get out and check out their downtown area.  We asked around and heard that Howard Street was the place to be, so we headed that way.  What they were talking about was the part of downtown Omaha known as the Old Market District. Even though it seemed more like Soulard Market than our downtown, it seemed like a very successful implementation of concentrated urban retail and restaurants in a downtown area.

           

Another St Louisan commented about it being great to have that in St Louis.  Knowing that we have so much more to offer in our own downtown, we talked about it.  Our friend, being less familiar with urban St Louis, was an example of what many St Louisans don't know about downtown St Louis. 

Old Market did have some advantages. It was a concentration of destination restaurants & shops, many with protection from the elements,  with stylish lofts and plenty of parking.  They also had a nice advantage in that there wasn't nearly the competition in the surrounding areas like we have in St Louis.  This place was a catch all.  

Our downtown retail districts are spread out, can be isolated, and also compete with Soulard, Lafayette Square, Grand Center, Central West End, South Grand and more urban centers in the burbs. (Kirkwood, Maplewood, etc.).  An "anchor destination" like one created inside the Arcade Building could serve as a great starting point for shoppers looking for a better shopping experience than what we have now.

CPI Building "Jumped"

News broke today that the struggling CPI Corporation agreed to sell it's downtown real estate - including its headquarters building to investor Dave Jump.  Parking lots between Kingbee and Moon Brothers, between the CPI Building and Ely Walker, and a few other parcels were sold to help the struggling company in restructuring as ordered last month.


Every time this company's struggles make the news, we look at this fantastic building and wonder what could become of it.  Not that it would be feasible to turn it into lofts, but having it be converted to first level retail with commercial on top could add a nice element to this part of Washington Avenue.  The surrounding buildings would likely benefit.


Full terms of the July 12 agreement weren't publicized, but its likely that the CPI Corp has a lease-back provision in the sale and will remain in business at that location.  Hopefully for a long time.

Loft Sales Busy in late Spring

Despite the negative PR campaign the Post Disgrace has for Downtown, sales have been steady in the past few months.  


Twenty-two lofts sold in May and June, which is AWESOME!  


The St Louis loft expert may point out that last year we sold more.  The same period saw 25 sales in 2011.  The 2011 market was a different market.  


Last year, 9 of the 25 sales were the dreaded FDIC liquidation sales at the Dorsa Lofts.  There was also a bit of a foreclosure glut of lofts at 2020 Washington last year, accounting for 2 sales.  


The 2012 market has its share of distressed sales, but nothing like FDIC sales or a frenzy of foreclosures in the same building competing against each other.  


Nationwide reports are showing an overall price increase in a majority of home markets, signaling a housing recovery.  This recovery takes place on a market by market basis.   Based on the lack of inventory (as of this posting, only 64 lofts are on the market downtown ranging from $44,995 to $1,300,000) and a drastic increase in market rate sales, the downtown market seems to be in the recovery phase too.


Like most markets,  downtown has 'pent up demand' to sell.  Many of these presumptive loft seller's are waiting for prices to reach a higher level.  Like all markets, this may take time.  This is consistent with most markets where the percentage of new construction going into the housing peak was as high as it was in Downtown St Louis.


Here are the Downtown Loft sales for May & June of 2012:

Blu City Spaces  210 N 17th Street

#305     $42,000
#404     $44,995
#1210   $50,000
#406     $55,000
#312     $59,995

Knickerbocker Lofts  507 N 13th Street

#502     $49,100

Columbus Square Condominiums

#33       $65,000

Lofts at 2020 (Sporting News Lofts)  2020 Washington Avenue

#703     $85,000
#706     $137,750

Westgate Lofts  410 N Jefferson Blvd. / 2323 Locust Street

#406     $94,000

Terra Cotta Lofts 1501 Locust Street

#503     $99,000

Ventana Lofts 1635 Washington Avenue

#509     $100,100

Marquette Condominiums 314 N Broadway

#1404   $120,000
#1604   $120,000
#1403   $230,000

Ely Walker Lofts  1520 Washington Avenue

#316     $153,500

Printer's Lofts 1611 Locust Street

#601     $184,000

Banker's Lofts  901 Washington Avenue

#505     $200,000

10th Street Lofts  1010 Saint Charles Street

#803     $240,000

Dorsa Lofts    1015 Washington Avenue

#304     $249,000

Edison Condominiums  400 S 14th Street

#1216   $300,000

Syndicate Condominiums   915 Olive Street

#1612   $448,200

Elder Shirt Lofts  703 North 13th Street

#503     $455,000

OPEN TODAY 12 - 2

Great Lofts open Today in 2020 Washington and in Printer's Lofts

Downtown Residents MEETING TONIGHT

Residents downtown that have any interest in keeping the Downtown neighborhood a vibrant, fun place to live should be at Christ Church Cathedral this evening from 6:30pm to 8:30pm for the DSLRA Town Hall Meeting!

Downtown business owners should be there too.

All the Alderman should be there, as well as a Visual Study presentation, some information from the Partnership For Downtown St Louis and the Police.
RESIDENTS UNITE!

Introducing Mayfest STL

This year marks the first Mayfest, being held Downtown at the Ballpark Village site.  I've been looking forward to it for a while.


In years past, we had Rib America downtown in May, but this even sounds even better.  There's going to be Food Truck Alley, which sounds like fun.  Sort of like the Food Truck Fridays held in Tower Grove Park on the 2nd Friday of the month.  

On a side note, before my first "Food Truck Friday", the concept seemed to me like a mall food court.  Lots of options, lots of lines and crappy food.  What I've found is that the food is awesome and affordable.  The lines are there, but having it in Tower Grove Park, or in this case, Downtown at Ballpark Village is a blast as long as the weather cooperates.


There's also going to be a Louisanna Delta-Style Crawfish boil.  I'm not sure what to expect there, but Cajun Food is great, so it should be a nice addition.  


MAYFEST STL also has a great line up of bands.  War, Foghat, Superjam and several other local acts.


This type of event couldn't happen where it is if the vision of Ballpark Village was realized as planned.  Based on the DSLRA meeting with Cordish back in December 2006, the development completed would give the area a strong level of activity when the Cardinals aren't in town.  This weekend (with the Cardinals in LA), could be a test drive for what that might be like.

Tour de Archgrounds - April 28

This weekend will prove to be one of the more exciting ones for a visit to Downtown St Louis.


For some lucky folks, tickets to the Cardinals NLCS rematch at 12:05 Saturday will be the thing to do.  For others, the 6:30pm Blues Second Round playoff.


We all know about the universally appealing Downtown Home Tour going on between 12-6pm.  (Sports fans should reserve 2-3 hours before or after their event in order to have enough time to see all the downtown homes).


One extra thing jumped out that really seemed great for someone looking to make a full day out of their trip downtown. 


There's two events at the National Park that caught my eye.  The NPS doesn't really do that great of a job promoting its events, so my guess is that they won't be overly crowded either.  


From 12-6, there's a vintage baseball game with historic information about Cardinals Baseball. 


Then from 6-9pm, there's a "Night at the Museum" program for $12 covering information about St Louis' role in the settling of the West.  This is a subject that I find interesting, since St Louis got to be the 4th largest city in the U.S. very quickly by tapping into the business of pioneering when it could.  As years have passed, growth has shifted elsewhere, essentially for the same reason.  
Now as we are trying to be competitive in the "Global Economy," it still is all about capitalizing on opportunities similar to the days of the wagon trains.  To build the connection between St Louis goods, services and assets, it doesn't hurt to see how things happened in the past.


One good thing about the Downtown Home Tour is that our open houses will be held and free of charge, so after the game, before the game, before the museum night, or after watching vintage baseball, STOP BY THE SYNDICATE OPEN HOUSE and see what its like to be right in the middle of the action!

Early 2012 Loft Sales

Downtown Loft sales reflect the overall market.  In one line;  more sold at lower prices.


Looking at January through April 28 for the past four years, we could come close to the previous high in 2008 of 56 sales.  Currently there are 27 lofts under contract with 30 sales so far.   


The area of greatest change is the price per square foot.  With the extensive amount of foreclosures, short sales, and appraisal challenged sales, the current price per square foot is right at $106. 2008 price per square foot:  $169.24.  Keeping in mind that the first third of 2008 was well in advance of the stock market crash and prior to the public knowledge of the banking crisis which hit later that year. 


Now, nicely finished, market rate sales selling above $150 per square foot are simply out numbered by homes dumped by institutional owners and short sales.   Sometimes the "like units" just don't exist, except for dist.  This isn't unique to St. Louis or downtown.  In talking with a nationwide developer, they've been having this problem much worse in other areas.  


I sort of feel silly making references to the market and its descent from the highs.  Like its never been talked about before. The media has beat this subject into the ground! In listing appointments though, when we hear the price that prospective loft sellers want for their unit, it seems that the reality of the market is unknown.  Sellers ultimately unable to accept the reality usually end up in foreclosure and their bank has to find reality for them.  


As real estate investors, our suggestion usually favors trying to rent out a loft space until the market recovers.  This strategy cuts down on our listings, but gives the owner tax advantages and hopefully a better sale price down the road.  Despite some horror stories, with proper screening and lease execution, downtown renters can be fantastic.


Despite the lower prices, the increase in sales is a good thing for downtown.  In 2008, while we had 56 sales, the inventory downtown was staggering.  The big question mark at that time was,  "How in the hell are we going to sell all these condos?"  Even worse, public perception was even worse than the reality.  They myth to the average St Louisan, thanks to the media, was that downtown was only 15% occupied and that there were hundreds of empty condos downtown.  That was never the case.  Now, with inventory being absorbed and prices more affordable, many people are making their move downtown.  Click on the building name and see, that very few units are currently for sale in each building.


Here's the sales data from the first third of 2012


Building/Address                       Sale Price
Blu City Spaces
210 N 17th St #610                  $29,995
210 N 17th St #908                  $29,995
210 N 17th St #411                  $30,000
210 N 17th St #803                  $54,995


Columbus Square
29 Columbus Square                 $54,900


Knickerbocker Lofts
507 N 13th St #204                  $78,023


Westgate Lofts
2323 Locust St #307                $80,000


Lofts at 2020 (commonly known as "Sporting News Lofts")
2020 Washington #605            $83,000
2020 Washington #604            $84,000
2020 Washington #313            $105,000
2020 Washington #803            $128,500


Annex Lofts
1511 Locust #508                     $90,000


Meridian Lofts
1136 Washington Ave #209    $102,000
1136 Washington Ave #712    $168,500
1136 Washington Ave #903    $215,000


Lucas Lofts 
1123 Washington #409           $110,000
1113 Washington #308*          $117,050
1123 Washington #716           $161,000


Moon Brothers Carriage Lofts
721 N 17th St #507                  $110,000


Dorsa Lofts
1015 Washington Ave #509    $119,795


The Marquette
314 N Broadway #1601           $129,900
314 N Broadway #1101           $165,000


Printer's Lofts
1627 Locust St #305                $158,000
1611 Locust St #502                $165,000


McGowan Lofts
1209 Washington #608           $175,000


Terra Cotta Lofts
1501 Locust St #707               $200,000


Ventana Lofts
1635 Washington Ave #912   $222,500


Edison Condominiums
400 S 14th St  #1113              $290,000
400 S 14th St #1202               $330,000


For more details on any sale or available unit, Contact the Premier Team for Information

2012 Downtown Home Tour This Saturday!

A New Spin on Downtown Home Tour

The 2012 Downtown Home Tour is being held this Saturday, April 28th from Noon to 6pm.    No loft tour we've seen has ever been like the one before, and this year is no different.  The theme, "The Art of Downtown Living" sounds to me like there is a utilitarian element to being able to live downtown.  The truth is that the downtown area is becoming the scene for local artists because of efforts to build and nurture the artist community.  

4th Floor Gallery at the Syndicate

Housing established as "artists lofts", new galleries, and buildings with special considerations for artists like the Syndicate make being an artist easier and lures more artists to consider downtown as the place to be.

Additionally, while creativity is often viewed as a characteristic of artists, it's also a key factor in business, entrepreneurship, and even science.  This neighborhoods proximity to business incubators, executive suites, and the downtown business community can be huge in helping fledgling businesses to start and grow.  Just within the past few years, I can think of a dozen businesses started by downtown residents that have benefited greatly from their location. 

The overall benefit to the community is summed up by the theories in the book by Richard Florida, "The Rise of the Creative Class."   Simply put, creativity adds to the economy.  In this day in age, that's a message we want about Downtown St Louis.  One other factor, is that, as a rule, the type of buyer moving to downtown St Louis often times has tremendous opportunities to show and appreciate art.  Large rooms and open spaces, high ceilings, and the opportunity to add lighting easily makes the downtown home perfect to display art.  As a Realtor, it seems that more and better art is on display in urban homes as a rule compared to the suburban and rural areas.  

So mixing art with downtown living is what this year's tour is all about.  Quite a turnaround from when loft developers pretty much ran the show for two days with their humongous marketing budgets.  Not only was their budgets spent by the thousands, so was attendance.  The events got to be overwhelming with activities galore, free shuttles and every developer trying to wrangle in the buyers.  While it had its pluses, the loft tour really didn't get good reviews for being a neighborhood tour.  It was more of a huge sales pitch.  Now there's only one day & 12 residences, some rental-some condos, and the after party at Art St Louis with its wine tasting.  What would be better would be if the after-party was at the Scottrade Center to watch the Blues stomp the Kings, but that has yet to be determined.  

All and all, it will be another busy weekend for the Premier Team as we have eight open lofts at the Syndicate and another open house at the Dorsa Lofts. Registration for the tour itself will be at the Laurel Apartments.  The area isn't the best place to highlight just yet, but soon will be home to the National Blues Museum, Pi, Snarf's, MX Movies and more coming in the summer and fall of this year.  This weekend we'll probably just see some nice signs;  previews of coming attractions in Downtown St Louis.  

What to do with Roberts Tower

This morning I was contacted, unexpectedly, by a Post-Dispatch reporter about the Roberts Tower. 

At the Syndicate, we have a gorgeous view of Roberts Tower from our display unit. I've had clients over the years inquire about the tower, along with condo buyers at open houses, with no response from the Roberts Brothers sales office.

It makes perfect sense to me. If I sunk as much into the Roberts Tower as the Roberts and their banker did, I'd be hesitant to put it on the market now.

One thing really threw me though. The Building Blocks author asked me a stumper. He asked me what they should do with the building if they don't use if for condos.

Not that I hadn't thought of it before. A few meetings I've attended there really made me think of how nice it would be as part of the Mayfair Hotel, but that's as far as it went.

It seemed like a good idea for a poll. We know there's a demand for them to finish the building as condos.  Otherwise no one would be asking about it. Undoubtedly not enough demand to justify the cost of the building.Would today's buyer's be likely to sustain that type of builidng?

Hopefully things will settle out favorably with Roberts Towers when all of the other struggles are dealt with. Just like hundreds of thousands of homeowner's out there, a loan modification would help the Roberts brothers immensely.

The Power of Dishonest PR

Shit happens. Everywhere. After seeing news headlines describing a crime and other current affairs taking place 'near downtown', only to look up the address and find its nowhere near downtown, we've decided to offer a FREE CLASS.

The map above shows two of the locations. One happened in Fountain Park at the 4800 block. Its located close to the Ville and the Greater Ville neighborhoods. If someone isn't familiar with them, its Closer to the Central West End or Skinker- DeBallievere. To get from Fountain Park to Downtown, one would have to go through Grand Center. The other instance at 4100 N Grand Blvd is in the Fairgrond Neighborhood,
which is close to Hyde Park and North Riverfront. Its about as close to Granite City, Illinois as it is to Downtown, yet our St Louis journalists have "Close to Downtown" on the headline. If I was a downtown resident, I'd call up KMOV and complain.

I'd also question why reference to Downtown when the situation is closer to equally known areas like Central West End. They could have said, "near the Cathedral Basilica on Lindell. It would have been more correct than saying near downtown. The Partnership for Downtown St Louis should do something too. A loft tour won't address this problem. Since we're not downtown St Louis residents, we'll help by offering a special class called 'Geography For Dummies' specifically for members of the press. We'll cover city neighborhoods so that press members know something about what they're reporting on. Our class will be free.

They could buy a copy of the downtown neighborhoods map too. While downtown isn't the only neighborhood that gets erroneously connected to crimes happening elsewhere, it definately takes the prize for the most mistaken identity reports. To me this seems like it gives downtown St Louis a bad rap. We always hear public perception about downtown's lack of safety; in addition to events that really do happen, the false reporting of events as being in or close to downtown really should stop.

Block Party Today! 900 Olive 11-3

If you're not already occupied by the Occupy Movement's takeover of park land, stop by the block party on the 900 Block of Olive!  Hosted by Fifth-Third Bank, the theme of the block party is "A Block of Health and Wealth".  The cover band "Under the Influence" will be playing, food will be served, and businesses on that block will be participating in the festivities so that people can get a sense of how much is available Downtown.

This block has always been a great block in the City.  With the addition of the Culinaria at 9th and Olive and the Syndicate Condominiums with rennovated 1st floor commercial space, its one of downtowns most active blocks.

The weather should be perfect, and after things are over, everyone can cross the line into the 1000 block to Jack Patricks to watch the Tigers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

New Wave of Development Downtown

Syndicate Condos Open This Sunday 1-3

This weeks St Louis Business Journal is all about Doing Business in Downtown and the exciting progress being made this year.

Back when developers were trying to turn abandoned refrigerator boxes into loft condos, things seemed imbalanced.  It seemed like every every vacant building downtown had plans for new luxury lofts, and the "Doing Business Downtown" pages of those years business journal spoke almost entirely about more Downtown lofts.  Even without a recession, things would have needed to change.  

Now its been almost 5 years since a hammer has been picked up for loft condos and downtown is still moving forward.  It seemed that more and better residential construction was just the beginning for downtown.  St Louis loft dwellers would have told you what was needed all along:  stuff to do.  CityGarden, Old Post Office Plaza, tons of restaurants and cafe's, Peabody Opera House, have all added to the livability factor that was missing when the loft boom started.

This weeks paper talks about the next phase, with MX adding the National Blues Museum, Pi, and a cool new concept-an upscale adults-only movie theater.  This takes adds life to the area east of the convention center, which is long overdue. 

Syndicate Condominiums include large artist workshop

Lastly, there was an article about how downtown is developing as an arts center by providing 'artist friendly' housing throughout downtown.  Having the Syndicate Condos listed for over a year, one of the cool things about it is the huge artist workshop and 2 art galleries in the building.  Having a place to both create and show art is big for an artist.  I know lots of artists that live in single family homes that have their work just stacked up in closets and hidden from the world.  Just having those things is nice, but seeing the art community active in the building by hosting art shows and using the building in the process of creation is a buzz that no other condo building can boast.  Overall though, working to foster a better artists community will be attractive in many ways for the downtown community.

As the real estate market seems to be coming back to life and the downtown market is picking up, its nice to see the momentum continue with more things happening and better livability than what the first bunch of 'loft dwellers' could enjoy. 

Syndicate 4th & 5th Floor Galleries

The 'build it and they will come' philosophy works to a point, and what we're observing with downtown is consistent with much of life:  improvements were made to downtown streets that stimulated investment and residential developement.  Residential development stimulated retail, public spaces & restaurants.  More retail &  restaurants is stimulating more office use.

The renaissance continues and Downtown St Louis is coming together nicely.