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I don't know if St. Louis is for me anymore. Anyone who knows me knows I love this town, but I think I need to get away.
This week I've been thinking that I've grown deep roots in this town, and I don't like that. I feel too settled. For some reason I don't really like that feeling.
I've also come to the realization that St. Louis is never going to be the type of city I want to live in anytime soon. I really don't like the mentality of people who live in this region, I don't like the small mindedness and mundane thinking that takes place on a daily basis and I don't like the fact that there are so many dumb asses in positions of power and not enough people who care to kick them out. I don't like the fact our police department and schools are controlled by the state. I'm sure it's like this everywhere, but not everyplace needs people of vision as much as STL does.
This small pond of a town has too many big fish, too many people who want to scratch each others backs and forget about the rest of us.
Example, my waning support for Mayor Slay has reached the tipping point. This post on his blog has solidified my negative view of him and I will no longer vote for him or link to his web site (big deal, right?). I used to think Slay was good for the City, but with each passing day it's becoming apparent that he's out only for his corporate and big money friends and not for the citizens of St. Louis. He seems to be only interested in accolades and helping those that don't need it. I hope he proves me wrong, but I have a feeling he won't.
Aside from the political, after visiting NYC earlier this year, I realized that what I want isn't in STL. Yes, there is beautiful architecture here and so many other wonderful things, but...I don't know...I'm just not feeling STL as much as I used to. Perhaps the newness of living in the City has faded and worn off. I've been here for 3 years now and I guess I'm bored with it all now.
I think what's the most frustrating for me is looking around me and seeing nothing but potential. Potential doesn't make a great city, creating something from that potential does...and I just think St. Louis lacks people in power with the vision to take potential and transform it into reality.
This week I've been thinking that I've grown deep roots in this town, and I don't like that. I feel too settled. For some reason I don't really like that feeling.
I've also come to the realization that St. Louis is never going to be the type of city I want to live in anytime soon. I really don't like the mentality of people who live in this region, I don't like the small mindedness and mundane thinking that takes place on a daily basis and I don't like the fact that there are so many dumb asses in positions of power and not enough people who care to kick them out. I don't like the fact our police department and schools are controlled by the state. I'm sure it's like this everywhere, but not everyplace needs people of vision as much as STL does.
This small pond of a town has too many big fish, too many people who want to scratch each others backs and forget about the rest of us.
Example, my waning support for Mayor Slay has reached the tipping point. This post on his blog has solidified my negative view of him and I will no longer vote for him or link to his web site (big deal, right?). I used to think Slay was good for the City, but with each passing day it's becoming apparent that he's out only for his corporate and big money friends and not for the citizens of St. Louis. He seems to be only interested in accolades and helping those that don't need it. I hope he proves me wrong, but I have a feeling he won't.
Aside from the political, after visiting NYC earlier this year, I realized that what I want isn't in STL. Yes, there is beautiful architecture here and so many other wonderful things, but...I don't know...I'm just not feeling STL as much as I used to. Perhaps the newness of living in the City has faded and worn off. I've been here for 3 years now and I guess I'm bored with it all now.
I think what's the most frustrating for me is looking around me and seeing nothing but potential. Potential doesn't make a great city, creating something from that potential does...and I just think St. Louis lacks people in power with the vision to take potential and transform it into reality.
Please don't screw up the Transformers with your new movie. I grew up with them and love those Autobot and Decepticon rascals. I'll be seeing the movie, don't disappoint me!
OK, tourists and conventioneers are super great; however, I'll be glad when all the Baptists go home. I almost hit one today outside the convention center. Some lady with a badge hanging off her shirt was in the middle of the intersection long after the light turned green...luckily I saw her even though there was a big bus blocking my view of her. I swear, people can't drive, but they sure don't understand how to be a good pedestrian either. Rules are in place for a reason folks.
4th street has been a mess in the mornings. With construction workers on the Federal Reserve closing most of the lanes whenever it suits them and huge buses decked out with crosses and inspirational sayings, the streets are pretty congested. Which I guess is nice in a way. The activity makes us feel like a slice of Manhattan has been placed here in STL.
4th street has been a mess in the mornings. With construction workers on the Federal Reserve closing most of the lanes whenever it suits them and huge buses decked out with crosses and inspirational sayings, the streets are pretty congested. Which I guess is nice in a way. The activity makes us feel like a slice of Manhattan has been placed here in STL.
I've been following the story via Ecology of Absence for months, but the post dispatch has finally used their resources, and those of Michael Allen, to inform St. Louisians about what's been happening in North St. Louis for years.
Just some personal thoughts about this whole thing.
I believe north St. Louis residents who have taken the task of boarding up McKee's properties upon themselves are probably asking themselves exactly when McKee intended on stepping up to the plate and transforming himself into the wonderful property owner he claims he wants to be.
It's hard to for me to believe that the Mayor doesn't know about the problems McKee's properties are causing. I'm sure the mayor, or his aides, reads the various urban blogs, which means he has read about what residents of North St. Louis are enduring. Is Slay keeping his mouth shut because McKee has given him money? Is it because this is happening in North St. Louis and nobody really cares about what happens up there? I don't have the answers, but I don't understand why a mayor who is always talking up St. Louis and its residents would turn a blind eye to the problems a developer is causing an already stressed section of the city.
While I think the story brought some light to this whole tax credit and land assemblage scheme in North St. Louis, I don't think anything will change because of it. It's my opinion that a lot of people have given up on North St. Louis, figure it's a lost cause, and the best way to improve north city is to bulldoze it and start over. Most people, who don't live in North City, probably think wholesale demolition and new, generic residential, retail and office development is perfect for the area.
I'm all for smart, urban development in the city, I welcome it! I just want the process to be a bit more transparent, and I want developers who assemble land & properties to be held to the same rules that I am. That is to maintain my property and keep it from becoming a nuisance.
Just some personal thoughts about this whole thing.
"We were never far enough along in our acquisitions to have considered development options," he said. McKee denied turning occupied buildings into nuisance properties, saying he was "prepared to be held to a higher standard than the property owners who sold to us."
I believe north St. Louis residents who have taken the task of boarding up McKee's properties upon themselves are probably asking themselves exactly when McKee intended on stepping up to the plate and transforming himself into the wonderful property owner he claims he wants to be.
"The mayor and I have met several times with Mr. McKee," said Jeff Rainford, Slay's chief of staff. "He has shown us a vision that is very exciting, but he has not shown us a plan."
It's hard to for me to believe that the Mayor doesn't know about the problems McKee's properties are causing. I'm sure the mayor, or his aides, reads the various urban blogs, which means he has read about what residents of North St. Louis are enduring. Is Slay keeping his mouth shut because McKee has given him money? Is it because this is happening in North St. Louis and nobody really cares about what happens up there? I don't have the answers, but I don't understand why a mayor who is always talking up St. Louis and its residents would turn a blind eye to the problems a developer is causing an already stressed section of the city.
While I think the story brought some light to this whole tax credit and land assemblage scheme in North St. Louis, I don't think anything will change because of it. It's my opinion that a lot of people have given up on North St. Louis, figure it's a lost cause, and the best way to improve north city is to bulldoze it and start over. Most people, who don't live in North City, probably think wholesale demolition and new, generic residential, retail and office development is perfect for the area.
I'm all for smart, urban development in the city, I welcome it! I just want the process to be a bit more transparent, and I want developers who assemble land & properties to be held to the same rules that I am. That is to maintain my property and keep it from becoming a nuisance.
One of the most well positioned neighborhoods in the City is the >Southwest Garden neighborhood in south St. Louis. Straddling Kingshighway and next door a few of the things that make south city a great place to live (i.e. Tower Grove Park, the Botanical Garden, etc. etc.) Southwest Garden is close to major highways and is a really well connected 'hood.
3 years ago (I can't belive it's been 3 years already) when I was searching for a home, Southwest Garden was one of the neighborhoods I'd targeted as a potential place to live. I did look at a house on Odell, unfortunately the house wasn't meant for me. However, the home had a wonderful view of the crazy hospital. It was really spectacular actually and that view would've been a something nice to look at every day.
The older homes vary in size and detail. There are some gorgeous and stately old homes near Kingshighway as well as some multi-family flats. Newer construction in the neighborhood is mostly suburban in style, but overall I think the neighborhood has done a good job at staying true to its roots.
3 years ago (I can't belive it's been 3 years already) when I was searching for a home, Southwest Garden was one of the neighborhoods I'd targeted as a potential place to live. I did look at a house on Odell, unfortunately the house wasn't meant for me. However, the home had a wonderful view of the crazy hospital. It was really spectacular actually and that view would've been a something nice to look at every day.
The older homes vary in size and detail. There are some gorgeous and stately old homes near Kingshighway as well as some multi-family flats. Newer construction in the neighborhood is mostly suburban in style, but overall I think the neighborhood has done a good job at staying true to its roots.
This morning, at the corner of Southwest and Macklind, near Magnolia, a film crew had set up outside the Italian market. Large, reflective square hung off equipment to create good light, but I didn't see any acting going on. Of course I was in the car and late for work, so I didn't really check it out.
I wasn't sure if a commercial was being shot or a movie, but a slice of the 2007 Hill neighborhood is now captured on tape...or something digital.
I wasn't sure if a commercial was being shot or a movie, but a slice of the 2007 Hill neighborhood is now captured on tape...or something digital.
After reading (I admit, I didn't read the whole thing!) this post on the Urban Review STL site I got to thinking, how would I fix the problem that is the failed Gateway Mall. The answer to me is pretty simple, I'd build on it.
The last thing Downtown St. Louis needs is more "open space." Unfortunately, past and current administrations have given us more space than we need and seem to think we need more. What downtown does need is modern office and residential space. The Gateway Mall sits on some of the best real estate in town. Just a few blocks from the stadium, Kiel Center (I know, Scottstrade Center, but that sounds stupid), Washington Avenue and many other amenities, I can't think of a better downtown address than the strip of land between Market and Chestnut.
The "master plan" of the whole mall was ruined when Gateway One was built, so just scrap the "plan", sell the land off and get some tax paying businesses and residents into that space. Why does everything have to be so hard? The Mall doesn't work. Instead of beating an old horse and trying to make it work, let's try something new. It's not sacred ground, it's OK to build on it. Besides, the only time the mall is busy is during lunch hour on nice days.
Get some vision already, St. Louis "leaders!" No sculpture parks, no winding paths and fountains, BUILDINGS WITH PEOPLE IN THEM & PEDESTRIANS ON THE STREET are the way to go.
If you want to create an urban oasis, city leaders, how about fixing up Lucas Park and the surrounding area. Now THERE is where some of this planning can go. Surrounded by the Main Library and the Shell Building, there isn't a more interesting corner of the city than Lucas Park. I know you have trouble seeing things that are right in front of you, benevolent leaders, but if you clean up the park and surrounding area I bet you'd have one of the most unique & beautiful parks in the City. Your hard work to improve this area may not get you any media coverage, further your political career or win you any awards, but it would make life for those who live and work downtown just a bit nicer than it already is.
The last thing Downtown St. Louis needs is more "open space." Unfortunately, past and current administrations have given us more space than we need and seem to think we need more. What downtown does need is modern office and residential space. The Gateway Mall sits on some of the best real estate in town. Just a few blocks from the stadium, Kiel Center (I know, Scottstrade Center, but that sounds stupid), Washington Avenue and many other amenities, I can't think of a better downtown address than the strip of land between Market and Chestnut.
The "master plan" of the whole mall was ruined when Gateway One was built, so just scrap the "plan", sell the land off and get some tax paying businesses and residents into that space. Why does everything have to be so hard? The Mall doesn't work. Instead of beating an old horse and trying to make it work, let's try something new. It's not sacred ground, it's OK to build on it. Besides, the only time the mall is busy is during lunch hour on nice days.
Get some vision already, St. Louis "leaders!" No sculpture parks, no winding paths and fountains, BUILDINGS WITH PEOPLE IN THEM & PEDESTRIANS ON THE STREET are the way to go.
If you want to create an urban oasis, city leaders, how about fixing up Lucas Park and the surrounding area. Now THERE is where some of this planning can go. Surrounded by the Main Library and the Shell Building, there isn't a more interesting corner of the city than Lucas Park. I know you have trouble seeing things that are right in front of you, benevolent leaders, but if you clean up the park and surrounding area I bet you'd have one of the most unique & beautiful parks in the City. Your hard work to improve this area may not get you any media coverage, further your political career or win you any awards, but it would make life for those who live and work downtown just a bit nicer than it already is.
My house isn't anything special by today's standards. It only has one bedroom, is less than 900 square feet and I have barely any closet space. My kitchen and bathroom needs to be remodeled and my laundry facilities are in the basement...no main floor laundry rooms for me.
But what have we sacrificed for all the amenities new homes offer? I'd say craftsmanship and those little details that give even the most modest homes a proud face. As the dog and I were making our way towards the back door, it struck me that there are 2 different types of brick making up the exterior of my home...and that those different types of brick were laid out to form a pattern in the wall. I've noticed this before, but last night I just looked at that pattern and thought, "somebody gave a shit about what they were doing when they built this shack."
Again, my home is modest to say the least, but whomever designed and built this place tried to make it special with a simple pattern made of bricks. You can keep your master bedrooms and 3 car garages, I live for design, detail and quality...and I've got all 3 of those things in my tiny, 900 SF mansion.
But what have we sacrificed for all the amenities new homes offer? I'd say craftsmanship and those little details that give even the most modest homes a proud face. As the dog and I were making our way towards the back door, it struck me that there are 2 different types of brick making up the exterior of my home...and that those different types of brick were laid out to form a pattern in the wall. I've noticed this before, but last night I just looked at that pattern and thought, "somebody gave a shit about what they were doing when they built this shack."
Again, my home is modest to say the least, but whomever designed and built this place tried to make it special with a simple pattern made of bricks. You can keep your master bedrooms and 3 car garages, I live for design, detail and quality...and I've got all 3 of those things in my tiny, 900 SF mansion.
For some stupid reason, I clicked the link our awful daily's homepage titled "Will public art help draw people downtown?" Big mistake. When the Post Dispatch allows its readers to comment on a story about the City via its website it's obvious that most of the Post's readers don't live in the City. Maybe that's why the paper is so anti-City...it's just giving its readers what they want.
My favorite line from suburban people is that if you "clean up the city" people will visit and come back. I find that comment pretty insulting for a few reasons.
Sorry for the rant, I just find the Post and it's readers a biased bunch. I suppose the same could be said for me, but we live in a hypocritical world!
My favorite line from suburban people is that if you "clean up the city" people will visit and come back. I find that comment pretty insulting for a few reasons.
- I really dislike the way people who don't live in the City feel they have all the answers to the City's ills.
- I don't like the way suburbanites feel that their shit doesn't smell.
- Portions of the City need help, true. However, there are many areas of the city that are clean and beautiful places to live.
Sorry for the rant, I just find the Post and it's readers a biased bunch. I suppose the same could be said for me, but we live in a hypocritical world!
Well, I spent $70 to discover that nothing is wrong with my dog. I suppose it's money well spent...but still, I wish she would've at least have had the sniffles. Anyway, at least she's doing better. I'm sure she's not too thrilled with the boiled rice she's been restricted to for now, but the diet has helped ensure that we have had no yucky surprises. My nose is beyond happy about that.
In other random news, my new favorite song is "Gone For Good" by the Shins...not the original version, mind you. No, I am talking about the paired down, drum & guitar version. It's super good. Although, it sort of sucks that all the bands I like sing about girls; not that there's anything wrong with that.
In other random news, my new favorite song is "Gone For Good" by the Shins...not the original version, mind you. No, I am talking about the paired down, drum & guitar version. It's super good. Although, it sort of sucks that all the bands I like sing about girls; not that there's anything wrong with that.
The "improvements" to beautify South Kingshighway have yet to impress me. Some benches and new sidewalks don't cover up the trash, poor retail choices and weeds at the base of street trees. The whole area around Chippewa and Kingshighway looks like ass.
Thankfully, most of the details on the buildings that line Kingshighway lie above eye level, making it difficult for the streetscape "improvements" to distract from the architectual beauty that can still be found...if you're not distracted by the trash.
Thankfully, most of the details on the buildings that line Kingshighway lie above eye level, making it difficult for the streetscape "improvements" to distract from the architectual beauty that can still be found...if you're not distracted by the trash.
My puppy is sick. For the second night in a row I've come home to a, well, stinky mess. I was hoping she'd get better today, but it didn't happen. See acts like nothing is wrong, but the "surprises" I'm seeing when I arrive home sort of tell a different story. I'm a little worried that if this keeps up she'll get dehydrated, so I've decided to take her to the vet. I'm easily worried and I think I have a bit of the "overprotective parent" in me, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
I kind of wish the Humane Society was open past 6. I would've like to have gotten her in this evening...unrealistic as that is. I guess we all want what's best for our "babies."
I kind of wish the Humane Society was open past 6. I would've like to have gotten her in this evening...unrealistic as that is. I guess we all want what's best for our "babies."
Tonight, Fox 2 ran its second story this month that attempted to raise concerns about the downtown housing market. According to their promos, demand for housing downtown may soon be exceeded by supply; however, everyone interviewed for the report said that hasn't happened yet and they aren't too concerned about it. While I think I'm savvy enough to realize that an overbuilt downtown is a possibility if we're not careful, I felt Fox 2's story was another case of over the top promos to promote a non-story. Shocking.
Meanwhile, without much fanfare or hoopla from Fox 2, the housing market in the suburbs is taking a hit.
Meanwhile, without much fanfare or hoopla from Fox 2, the housing market in the suburbs is taking a hit.
Taylor Morley builder lays off workers, cuts back as housing slumps
I love the City Museum, but I don't think I'm in love with it anymore. I went today and...I don't know, it didn't feel the way it once did. It's lost a bit of its, edge, maybe? I remember going a few years back and it all felt "off the radar" and even a bit bohemian. Now that the Museum is so successful, crawling with tourists and children, some of its mystique seems to have faded.
I remember when the second floor was where you could pick up a paintbrush and experiment or watch an artist put something together before your eyes. Glass blowing demonstrations also took place on the second floor, up at the northern end. Old seats from a theatre sloped up and away from the demonstration area, giving the artists and their kilns a stage where they performed sparkling magic. Orbs of glass, available for purchase, twinkled in the sun that streamed through the large windows. The Children's Aquarium has taken the place of all that. While the aquarium is fine, I missed seeing kids and parent's, dressed in paint-soaked smocks and sitting at a table that was too small for all of them, carefully applying sparkle to their paper mache animals.
The architecture portion of the museum is still a favorite. So many pieces of St. Louis' past can be found here. Unfortunately, today's excursion was almost ruined when some kid kept yelling that my favorite section of the museum is so "gay". It didn't help that his father kept telling his son that "maybe you're gay." Somehow, I can't help but hope that being gay at the City Museum isn't a bad thing.
Before you comment on how great and wonderful the City Museum is and how I'm a stupid hateful person, let me reiterate that I do love the CM. However, in a way, I feel it's also become a victim of its own success. These days it feels like a Discovery Zone without all the padding. I'm glad the CM has been successful and contunues to thrive, but I can't help but think that some of the CM's old magic is probably gone forever.
St. Louis' saved architectural past.
I remember when the second floor was where you could pick up a paintbrush and experiment or watch an artist put something together before your eyes. Glass blowing demonstrations also took place on the second floor, up at the northern end. Old seats from a theatre sloped up and away from the demonstration area, giving the artists and their kilns a stage where they performed sparkling magic. Orbs of glass, available for purchase, twinkled in the sun that streamed through the large windows. The Children's Aquarium has taken the place of all that. While the aquarium is fine, I missed seeing kids and parent's, dressed in paint-soaked smocks and sitting at a table that was too small for all of them, carefully applying sparkle to their paper mache animals.
The architecture portion of the museum is still a favorite. So many pieces of St. Louis' past can be found here. Unfortunately, today's excursion was almost ruined when some kid kept yelling that my favorite section of the museum is so "gay". It didn't help that his father kept telling his son that "maybe you're gay." Somehow, I can't help but hope that being gay at the City Museum isn't a bad thing.
Before you comment on how great and wonderful the City Museum is and how I'm a stupid hateful person, let me reiterate that I do love the CM. However, in a way, I feel it's also become a victim of its own success. These days it feels like a Discovery Zone without all the padding. I'm glad the CM has been successful and contunues to thrive, but I can't help but think that some of the CM's old magic is probably gone forever.
St. Louis' saved architectural past.
Can you bring a camera into the main library downtown?
The other day as I was walking to lunch I couldn't resist the urge to peek inside the door of a building under rehab. I don't know the name of this particular building, but it's located right next door to the Syndicate Building sales center if that's any help.
Even through the dirt and mess that construction brings, I could see that the bones of this building were absolutely gorgeous. The lobby has a really nice black and white tiled floor and a beautiful grand staircase that leads visitors up to the second floor. I pictured myself coming home to this inspiring lobby and being instantly rejuvenated just because I was surrounded by amazing architecture and design.
Then I got sort of bummed. It seems that everything downtown is being marketed to "luxury" buyers. What about those of us that aren't super rich or don't have the benefits of a dual income? I know, I know, it's all about choices and not everyone can live everywhere, but I have a feeling that now that most of the historic buildings have been rehabilitated, more than a few empty lots (and parking structures) could be filled with newly constructed condos geared towards the $100K - $150K crowd. I could live downtown, but I don't want to rent. Some of the rents downtown match or exceed my current mortgage payment. While I don't understand all the financials, I think there is another market that downtown developers haven't explored yet.
I really love working downtown, I hope someday I can call it my home as well.
Even through the dirt and mess that construction brings, I could see that the bones of this building were absolutely gorgeous. The lobby has a really nice black and white tiled floor and a beautiful grand staircase that leads visitors up to the second floor. I pictured myself coming home to this inspiring lobby and being instantly rejuvenated just because I was surrounded by amazing architecture and design.
Then I got sort of bummed. It seems that everything downtown is being marketed to "luxury" buyers. What about those of us that aren't super rich or don't have the benefits of a dual income? I know, I know, it's all about choices and not everyone can live everywhere, but I have a feeling that now that most of the historic buildings have been rehabilitated, more than a few empty lots (and parking structures) could be filled with newly constructed condos geared towards the $100K - $150K crowd. I could live downtown, but I don't want to rent. Some of the rents downtown match or exceed my current mortgage payment. While I don't understand all the financials, I think there is another market that downtown developers haven't explored yet.
I really love working downtown, I hope someday I can call it my home as well.