RSS Feed
- TGE
- Breathe & Let Go
- N. Grand & 20th
- New for '08
- Family Values
- Makin' Dough?
- Stop
- Walk Of Shame
- Ballpark Village
- The Future
- November 2006
- December 2006
- January 2007
- February 2007
- March 2007
- April 2007
- May 2007
- June 2007
- July 2007
- August 2007
- September 2007
- October 2007
- October 2007
- December 2007
- January 2008
- February 2008
- March 2008
- April 2008
- Current Posts
Today marked my second trip to the Schnucks on the Hill. I'm finding it's the perfect "stop on your way home and pick something up quick" store for me. I was on a desperate hunt for pudding when I noticed a brown crucifix above the entrance to the stock room. I found it odd to see a crucifix in a Schnucks, but I was on the Hill, so I can't say I was super shocked.
As I collected my bags and started for the exit I saw another crucifix above the entrance/exit doors. OK, I can understand seeing one that's against the back wall of the building, but having one near the front doors is a pretty bold statement, I think.
I didn't really care that the crucifixes were hanging, guilt should accompany grocery shopping, it might slim us all down; however, I did find it kind of weird to see them in a chain grocery store. Unless they're very well hidden, I've spotted no crucifixes at the Hampton Village Schnucks nor any other Schnucks I've visited. I guess those stores aren't as good for you as the one on Arsenal.
As I collected my bags and started for the exit I saw another crucifix above the entrance/exit doors. OK, I can understand seeing one that's against the back wall of the building, but having one near the front doors is a pretty bold statement, I think.
I didn't really care that the crucifixes were hanging, guilt should accompany grocery shopping, it might slim us all down; however, I did find it kind of weird to see them in a chain grocery store. Unless they're very well hidden, I've spotted no crucifixes at the Hampton Village Schnucks nor any other Schnucks I've visited. I guess those stores aren't as good for you as the one on Arsenal.
Thought One: I really dislike people who place their sprinklers in the middle of the sidewalk. It makes it almost impossible not to get wet (no comments about moving to the other side of the street!).
Thought Two: I realize living next door to a cop doesn't technically make me any safer. However, it is nice to know he pays some attention to our block when he's out on patrol.
Thought Two: I realize living next door to a cop doesn't technically make me any safer. However, it is nice to know he pays some attention to our block when he's out on patrol.
Fresh off my planting high from Saturday, I decided I'd try to grow something in the backyard for the first time in 2 years. I killed everything the first year I tried to grow something back there. But since I use my backdoor more than the front, I thought it would be nice to see something pretty as I'm walking into or out of the house, so I'm trying again. I'm starting small, if I keep these alive I'll probably try some more pots. I think they look good! I love this period where everything is alive and there's hope that I'm actually going to keep these things growing and thriving throughout the summer...all things are possible...I guess.
I finally got the flower pots out front planted. You know the one, the concrete pots with a little pattern on all sides that every home in the City seems to be adorned with. I love my flower pots. They get no sun, which makes growing anything but inpatients in them difficult, but I did some research and I think I may have a winning combination of plants. I got begonias, Coleus(?) and a sweet potato vine. My pots are so freaking color coordinated it's making me sick, but I love it!!!
Hope the mailman appreciates what I do for him!
Hope the mailman appreciates what I do for him!
The next time I say I want a job that is challenging, please remind me that a job where you're so slow that you can surf the web all day and write blog entries isn't really so bad.
Kudos to the new owner(s?) of 5401 Itaska! The building has been completely gutted, it no longer smells as bad as it did and, best of all, the big stupid bushes that used to make walking along the sidewalk impossible have been cut down! I don't know who owns it now or what's going to happen there, but I hope that the restoration of the outside reflects the historic details of the windows and doors that once adorned the building. No Home Depot doors, please!
I feel good about the changes that have been made so far, I can't wait to see this building restored.
I feel good about the changes that have been made so far, I can't wait to see this building restored.
According to Carolyn Toft of the St. Louis Landmarks Association, when you told a cab driver to "take me to the Arcade" he knew exactly where you wanted to go.
This morning, I didn't have to tell a cab driver that the Arcade was my destination, but I was fortunate enough to be invited by Pyramid and its lead Architect on the Arcade project, and author of Vanishing STL, Paul Hohmann to tour the Arcade Building. I jumped at the offer to enter this building. For some reason the Arcade has always had this mythic kind of mystery surrounding it, as if it was the holy grail of vacant buildings to get in to.
Pyramid held the tour for a few bloggers it had contacted, and while I recognized Steve Patterson of Urban Review and Michael Allen from Ecology of Absence, I must admit and apologize to the other two young women who joined us for I can't remember which blogs they write. I get a little shy around people I don't know so I didn't think to ask for your names.
Pyramid had a nice presentation waiting for us at the Paul Brown Building (which is gorgeous inside). Carolyn Toft of the St. Louis Landmarks Association gave us a nice history of the building and various Pyramid staffers filled us in on the details about the Arcade development. I'm working from memory here, but from what I remember, the Arcade will be a mix of high-end residential, focusing on baby boomers, hotel and banquet space with office space taking up some of the lower floors. The plans sounded very ambitious and, even though the building had been scavenged by looters in its years of vacancy, much of the Arcade's original details remained since it had never been significantly remodeled...something all in the room where very grateful for. Pyramid hopes to have the Arcade project finished in 2009 or early 2010.
Then came the part I was itching for, the tour. Probably due to liability issues we were only allowed to tour the main lobby or "arcade." The lobby was filled with so much eye-candy that I didn't really mind that we weren't going to see the rest of the building. The words "amazing" and "wow" were pretty much the only things that I could get out of my mouth. The possibilities for this building are endless.
Steve Patterson said that the Arcade was St. Louis' first "indoor mall", and he's right. The 2 story arcade is nothing more than 2 floors of indoor storefronts. The difference between a mall and the Arcade is the proportions. Everything felt grand inside the arcade space, but it didn't feel out of scale...its proportions felt human...if that makes any sense. The space reminded me a lot of the "Arcade" building at Grand and Gravois, it features many of the same architectural details that the Arcade building downtown does.
After the tour, the group went to the coffee shop in the Paul Brown Building, unfortunately I couldn't stay and chat, I had to get back to work. I wish I could have stayed because I'm sure there was some wonderfully interesting conversation that took place among the group.
I'm not going to try and describe what I saw, I'll let the photos below speak for themselves. A big thank you to Pyramid and Paul Hohmann for the amazing opportunity. From what I saw and heard the Arcade Building is again going to be "the" place to be.
This morning, I didn't have to tell a cab driver that the Arcade was my destination, but I was fortunate enough to be invited by Pyramid and its lead Architect on the Arcade project, and author of Vanishing STL, Paul Hohmann to tour the Arcade Building. I jumped at the offer to enter this building. For some reason the Arcade has always had this mythic kind of mystery surrounding it, as if it was the holy grail of vacant buildings to get in to.
Pyramid held the tour for a few bloggers it had contacted, and while I recognized Steve Patterson of Urban Review and Michael Allen from Ecology of Absence, I must admit and apologize to the other two young women who joined us for I can't remember which blogs they write. I get a little shy around people I don't know so I didn't think to ask for your names.
Pyramid had a nice presentation waiting for us at the Paul Brown Building (which is gorgeous inside). Carolyn Toft of the St. Louis Landmarks Association gave us a nice history of the building and various Pyramid staffers filled us in on the details about the Arcade development. I'm working from memory here, but from what I remember, the Arcade will be a mix of high-end residential, focusing on baby boomers, hotel and banquet space with office space taking up some of the lower floors. The plans sounded very ambitious and, even though the building had been scavenged by looters in its years of vacancy, much of the Arcade's original details remained since it had never been significantly remodeled...something all in the room where very grateful for. Pyramid hopes to have the Arcade project finished in 2009 or early 2010.
Then came the part I was itching for, the tour. Probably due to liability issues we were only allowed to tour the main lobby or "arcade." The lobby was filled with so much eye-candy that I didn't really mind that we weren't going to see the rest of the building. The words "amazing" and "wow" were pretty much the only things that I could get out of my mouth. The possibilities for this building are endless.
Steve Patterson said that the Arcade was St. Louis' first "indoor mall", and he's right. The 2 story arcade is nothing more than 2 floors of indoor storefronts. The difference between a mall and the Arcade is the proportions. Everything felt grand inside the arcade space, but it didn't feel out of scale...its proportions felt human...if that makes any sense. The space reminded me a lot of the "Arcade" building at Grand and Gravois, it features many of the same architectural details that the Arcade building downtown does.
After the tour, the group went to the coffee shop in the Paul Brown Building, unfortunately I couldn't stay and chat, I had to get back to work. I wish I could have stayed because I'm sure there was some wonderfully interesting conversation that took place among the group.
I'm not going to try and describe what I saw, I'll let the photos below speak for themselves. A big thank you to Pyramid and Paul Hohmann for the amazing opportunity. From what I saw and heard the Arcade Building is again going to be "the" place to be.
Searching for some shorts at various online stores I realized that a lot of retailers are charging close to or the same for shorts that they do for pants. Does that make sense to you? No wonder we're all broke!
Schnucks is opening an urban store in the 9th street garage next year...right next door to the expansion space City Grocers has designs on.
Even though City Grocers is kind of expensive, I hope the competition won't hurt them too much. They took a chance on downtown and should be rewarded for that with many more successful years. Here's hoping they adapt to meet the new challege ahead.
Even though City Grocers is kind of expensive, I hope the competition won't hurt them too much. They took a chance on downtown and should be rewarded for that with many more successful years. Here's hoping they adapt to meet the new challege ahead.
Missouri drivers are bad. Those from Illinois are far, far, far worse...and they're everywhere.
Walking to work today, the planters along 4th street were being filled with colorful flowers. It's amazing how a little color along your route can make the walk from car to office just a bit more enjoyable. I say plant flowers everywhere! Upper floor window boxes with flowers dripping from them, beautiful! I say "Color for all."
You were going to be so much more. St. Louis won't be the same without you.
Photos taken May 14th, 2007
Photos taken May 14th, 2007
Simple, beautiful design.
The placement of this statue has always baffled me, but who would've thought that it would have to brave rising waters in its first year of existence?
I can think of no greater example as to why it may be time for the southwestern portion of the city to consider declaring itself a historic district than this:
This beautiful building has been horribly disfigured by the monstrosity that's been placed on its roof. I hear the "mistake" is to house the equipment for a newly installed elevator. Whatever the case, the whole thing is wrong on so many levels. Southwest City's architectural heritage is just as important as Soulard's, Lafayette Square's, etc., etc., we should be doing more to protect it.
This beautiful building has been horribly disfigured by the monstrosity that's been placed on its roof. I hear the "mistake" is to house the equipment for a newly installed elevator. Whatever the case, the whole thing is wrong on so many levels. Southwest City's architectural heritage is just as important as Soulard's, Lafayette Square's, etc., etc., we should be doing more to protect it.
This past week I had to be out at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights and I must admit, I just don't see the appeal of this place that others do. It's dated, ugly, sterile and just not really a unique or interesting place in my eyes. Anytime I've set foot on the grounds of Westport I feel like I'm taking a step backwards into the worst of 70s/80s design. Blech. The architecture is sort of contrived, and there are way too many sports bars/eateries!
With all that said, the place was busy. I guess people in the county have to have places to eat too. I felt a bit out of place, the crowd was not my type of people. I don't know, I just hate the place, but apparently I'm the only one.
I just can't imagine anyone calling up a friend or significant other and saying "Hey, let's hit Westport!"
Yuck.
With all that said, the place was busy. I guess people in the county have to have places to eat too. I felt a bit out of place, the crowd was not my type of people. I don't know, I just hate the place, but apparently I'm the only one.
I just can't imagine anyone calling up a friend or significant other and saying "Hey, let's hit Westport!"
Yuck.
A few weeks ago I went to Left Bank Books with the intention of picking up some good books that would so absorb me that I'd want to make time for reading once again. Well, I got the books, but 2 weeks later I just haven't gotten to them. With all the stuff going on right now, I just forget to pick up my book and read.
I had wanted to find some great little spot somewhere and people watch and read all at the same time, but am not really sure where that perfect place is. You know the type of place, where you could be reading one minute and falling into a perfectly stimulating conversation the next.
Anyway, I really need to start setting some time aside for books, there are so many good stories out there...
I had wanted to find some great little spot somewhere and people watch and read all at the same time, but am not really sure where that perfect place is. You know the type of place, where you could be reading one minute and falling into a perfectly stimulating conversation the next.
Anyway, I really need to start setting some time aside for books, there are so many good stories out there...
Today at lunch I hit Niche and UMA to shop for a mother's day gift. As I made my way down Locust street on my way back to work I couldn't help but think that there's so much more to lunchtime downtown than simply eating. Imagine if all these office workers hit the shops, how many more unique little stores could we have? With a largeish office tenant going in at Park Pacific and hopefully more to come, I look forward to seeing storefronts east of Tucker fill up once again.
Sometimes it's nice to look back to see how far we've come. Below are some pictures I took along Washington Avenue around 2002, before I knew anything about the City. A lot has changed since 2002, for Washington Avenue and for me.
A month after my trip, I can't get NYC out of my mind. Lately my dreams have featured the Big Apple, or, more accurately, Manhattan is the background upon which my dreams are set.
I think I'm in love.
I think I'm in love.
I was at a gathering today out in O'Fallon, Missouri and was asked where I live.
"South City," I said.
"Ah, the City," the man said in a tone that was condescending and full of pity. After he spoke, his hands went on top of his head and he leaned back into the couch. Clearly he was finished with me.
"Ok, whatever", I thought to myself. He asked a question and if the answer wasn't good enough for him that wasn't my problem.
Later in the afternoon, I was told that O'Fallon had everything the City had, so there's no reason to venture east of Skinker.
"You're right," I said, "They both have restaurants."
As I drove home along Hampton Avenue, it felt good to be back in the "shithole" city I call home. It doesn't matter to me where St. Louis ranks on the millions of subjective "best of" lists out there, it doesn't matter to me what people from other cities think or what lies people from the burbs want to believe, I have a good life in the City. I'm not ashamed of where I live and I won't let others make me feel like I should be.
"South City," I said.
"Ah, the City," the man said in a tone that was condescending and full of pity. After he spoke, his hands went on top of his head and he leaned back into the couch. Clearly he was finished with me.
"Ok, whatever", I thought to myself. He asked a question and if the answer wasn't good enough for him that wasn't my problem.
Later in the afternoon, I was told that O'Fallon had everything the City had, so there's no reason to venture east of Skinker.
"You're right," I said, "They both have restaurants."
As I drove home along Hampton Avenue, it felt good to be back in the "shithole" city I call home. It doesn't matter to me where St. Louis ranks on the millions of subjective "best of" lists out there, it doesn't matter to me what people from other cities think or what lies people from the burbs want to believe, I have a good life in the City. I'm not ashamed of where I live and I won't let others make me feel like I should be.
This afternoon I walked from 4th street to Tucker via Olive. Walking is such a great way to experience a city, you miss so many things in the car. Anyway, as I walked and walked and walked I took note of all the buildings in the midst of revitalization. The Arcade, The Syndicate, some buildings just west of City Grocers that I don't know the name of...so many beautiful buildings are about to experience better days.
It was wonderful to see. For the first time in a long time I started to believe that the "downtown is back" slogan is more than just words.
It was wonderful to see. For the first time in a long time I started to believe that the "downtown is back" slogan is more than just words.