Comments on Ecology of Absence: We're Losing the Intersection of Glasgow and St. L...

This is just the type of remnant to which smaller ...

2008-01-19T10:26:00.000-06:00

This is just the type of remnant to which smaller developers can relate new infill construcion. Clearly the developer has no preservation in his agenda, but further likely wants to clear as many of the extant locals from the area as he can. A scorched earth upon which he can build suburban form development. I would hope the city would at least have the usefulness to host some design competitions for the vast expanse of desolation, because there is so much work to be done. My feeling is that they will wait until McKee gets his 50% off land purchase rebate from the state, and his initial offerings will then set the pattern for other, likely out-of-state corporate developers to march alongside him in the parade of low-density suburban crap. Someone on Urban Review had mentioned earlier that he thought large portions of north St. Louis would be home to trucking warehouses and other light industrial occupancies. I believe those with power and money see the vastness as land 'nobody' wants, and the city, in its desperation for at least visible development (if not tax revenue)to offset the negative perception associated with urban decay, are willing and pliable enough to give carte blanche to those with power and money.

What Progress!!!!I'm sorry, that should have said,...

2008-01-18T21:19:00.000-06:00

What Progress!!!!

I'm sorry, that should have said, what a damned shame.

Not that some people know the difference.

You mean "partially demolished by brick thieves" ....

2008-01-18T09:09:00.000-06:00

You mean "partially demolished by brick thieves" ... acting with the tacit approval of owner Paul McKee, who has signalled his indifference to community mores by taking steps to encourage brick theft. Steps like failing to lock the doors or board the buildings, failing to respond over a MULTI-YEAR period to neighbors who call to alert him that brick thieves have entered the building and are doing taps. Even when said neighbors have pictures, license plates and have already created police reports of this activity.

Look for more emergency demolitions to be declared...

2008-01-17T21:20:00.000-06:00

Look for more emergency demolitions to be declared in the ward - under aldermanic pressure the last few shells, partially demolished by brick thieves along the 1900 block of Wright, may soon be declared emergency demos as well

Beyond public concern voiced through the local med...

2008-01-17T21:11:00.000-06:00

Beyond public concern voiced through the local media, I don't know of any other way to compel a developer or land owner who hasn't submitted proposed plans for new work to reveal any plans for their privately owned land. Is anyone aware of any sort of stipulation that would require a developer seeking this land ssemblage tax credit to indicate intent?

The corner building was an active storefront in ex...

2008-01-17T17:35:00.000-06:00

The corner building was an active storefront in excellent condition just a little more than a year or so ago, (ie before McKee bought it) If the previous owners could be contacted or neighborhood individuals who frequented this store identified I would hope the Post or some news outlet would do a follow up on McKees holdings and his lack of upkeep. There should be a city lawsuit against this guy.
I have seen so much of this over the years I am numb.

what a disaster. Even this small assemblage of bui...

2008-01-17T16:07:00.000-06:00

what a disaster. Even this small assemblage of buildings at the corner could be the beginning of a small spark in the larger north area, but seeing the 2 mostly intact building across the street is just disheartening.

According to the wreckers the storefront and the b...

2008-01-17T13:16:00.000-06:00

According to the wreckers the storefront and the building with the mansard roof are being demolished today. They are waiting on a bulldozer. I took photos today. The flatiron is supposed to be demolished next week.

Question -- do we have a new building division hea...

2008-01-17T10:57:00.000-06:00

Question -- do we have a new building division head? Seems like demos of structurally sound buildings are accelerating, especially where the demo would be advantageous to well-connected businesspeople (including, but not limited to, a certain wealthy St Charles developer.) We've had several new condemnations in ONSL of structurally sound buildings, and there have also been those "emergency collapse" situations where 6 bricks have fallen off a parapet next to a vacant lot, and your average northsider could fix this shocking catastrophe with a ladder, a bucket of mortar and a butter knife. Where is that ordinance we were going to get from the Alders where absentee owners with multiple flagrant scofflaw violations would be forced to maintain or forfeit their property, not just pay a fine.