By Linda F. Jarrett
Those thinking of making the leap to urban living need to check out the Downtown Living Tour on May 3 and 4.
The Downtown St. Louis Partnership and Downtown
St. Louis Community Improvement District sponsor two tours each year to highlight lofts, condominiums, rental properties in the Downtown region. Not only will visitors see a wide variety of housing options, they can experience the excitement of downtown living with its shops, restaurants, various entertainment venues, and services, all
within walking distance of these developments.
Attendees will see long-shuttered factories, warehouses, department stores and office buildings all being converted into lofts, condos and apartments for every taste and
pocketbook.
"We think the Tour is a way to showcase Downtown
living," says Kevin Farrell, senior director of economic and housing development for Downtown St. Louis Partnership. "From 1999 when the Downtown Now plan was adopted, through 2007, weÕve added about 4,800 residential units downtown. There has been a total of over $4.26 billion invested, and we could add, based on projects in development, over a billion dollars in 2008."
Farrell says, "We're moving toward $1.5 billion invested in housing since 1999, and that's the largest category."
While lofts were the predominant residences a few years ago, the number of condominiums and apartments has increased as more and more people have moved downtown.
"We don't just show new projects in development," Farrell says. "We show things like the Mansion House which has been downtown for over 40 years, but they just went through a complete remodel and have done a fabulous job of updating and making their property more contemporary so people who want more of a traditional style apartment with great views of the Arch and Riverfront get a chance to see this type of living opportunity as well as the Washington Avenue lofts."
The Tour properties are listed by Downtown Districts that have formed over the last several years as redevelopment has progressed and expanded.
tour information
Tickets are $7 and may be purchased at 10th and Olive Streets (Syndicate Building) and 20th Street and Washington Avenue (Tudor Building). Parking is complimentary with a ticket purchase and is available at the 9th Street Garage
(9th and Olive Streets) behind the Tudor building. Visitors will receive a tour program and map along with a wristband for admittance to buildings. While free shuttles are available, self-guided tours give an opportunity to see all properties along the street including restaurants and retail.
post office square
Located within the Central Business District, this sophisticated, urban neighborhood is the historic heart of downtown St. Louis. Only a few years ago, the area was virtually abandoned with over two million square feet of vacant space. Today, the blocks that surround and lead to the majestic, newly restored 1884 U.S. Customs House and Post Office showcase an incomparable collection of restored architectural treasures that are shining once again. With its landmark buildings, award-winning public spaces, diverse and growing population, proximity to thousands of professional and service jobs and an ever expanding offering of shops, restaurants, entertainment and services, Post Office Square is well positioned to become downtown's premier address, fulfilling its promise as the crown jewel of the downtown turnaround.
The Syndicate
The Alexa Building
721 Olive St.
www.thealexa.com
The Syndicate
917 Olive St.
www.syndicateliving.com
civic center
Home to some of St. Louis' most historic and iconic buildings; this is where the government
conducts its business everyday. Dozens of federal, state and city offices, the courts, City Hall, Police Headquarters, the Central Post Office and the Central Library are all here, located along or near the Gateway Mall. Scottrade Center, host to over 200 sport, concert and family events per year,
and Union Station, with its array of shops and restaurants also reside in this district in addition to AmerenUE and Anthem/Blue Cross and five hotel future development plans include the long anticipated renovation of the multiple-venue Kiel Opera House, renovation of the Central Library, substantial improvements to the Gateway Mall and redevelopment of the former Municipal Courts building.
Park Pacific
Park Pacific
2010 North 13th Street
www.parkpacificstl.com
Blu CitySpaces
210 North 17th Street (at Olive)
www.blucityspaces.com
central business district (CBD)
The Central Business District has attracted over
$1 billion in investment and is poised to establish itself as a mixed-use district with a distinct personality all its own. The recently announced development of the
$450 million Mercantile Exchange encompassing the former St. Louis Centre and adjacent buildings, will bring all of the diverse uses of the CBD together, expanding residential, hotel and office opportunities while adding significant street level retail, entertainment and services. The result is an authentic "lifestyle
center" in the heart of the City.
The Marquette
The Bankers Lofts
901 Washington
www.bankerslofts.com
The Laurel at Mercantile Exchange
625 Washington Ave.
www.thelaurelstlouis.com
The Marquette
314 N. Broadway
www.marquettedetails.com
cupples station / ballpark district
The distinctive, red brick warehouses that
dominate this historic neighborhood and inspired the design of the Cardinals new ballpark once
comprised one of the busiest and most prominent commercial distribution centers in the United States. Today, they are home to a luxury hotel, hundreds of loft condos and apartments, creative office spaces and popular restaurants and sports bars. Redevelopment of the warehouses and the opening of new Busch Stadium have already
generated substantial investment and major
renovations throughout the district. Soon, the arrival of Ballpark Village will transform the
district into a vibrant, year-round destination. Live here and you'll never be more than a home run away from all of the excitement that the Cupples Station/Ballpark District has to offer.
Pointe 400
400 S. 4th St.
www.pointe400.com
washington ave. / the garment district
From the late 19th century to the end of World War II, St. Louis' historic Garment District was an internationally renowned center for fashion design and manufacturing. Today, this eclectic, urban community includes a vibrant combination of historic warehouses, industrial buildings and
commercial structures that have been beautifully restored and renovated into contemporary lofts, offices and retail spaces. With building names like The Knickerbocker, Bee Hat, Fashion Square, International Shoe and Garment Row, the district is a marriage of fashion history, architectural splendor, city chic and urban living that offers some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment destinations in town.
The Merchandise Mart
Kitchen K in The Merchandise Mart
The Dorsa Lofts
1007 Washington Ave.
www.dorsalofts.com
Leather Trades Lofts
1604 Locust
www.leathertradeslofts.com
downtown west
Located between the historic Garment District to the east and midtown's historic Automobile Row to the west, this area is beginning to develop as a mixed-use community. With its affordability and easy access to I-64/40, the Grand Center Arts District and Saint Louis University have already attracted over 500 residents with several hundred additional units under
construction or planned. Downtown West is the site for an eclectic mix of large and small businesses from Wachovia Securities to Phat Buddha recording studio and is attracting numerous creative businesses as well as some of downtown's favorite restaurants and nightclubs.
Edge Lofts
715 North 21st Street
www.edgelofts.net
Packard Lofts
2201 Locust St.
www.packardlofts.com
G.E.W. Lofts
2615 Washington Ave.
www.gewlofts.com
The Tudor Building
1902 Washington Ave.
www.thetudorbuilding.com
Motor Lofts
2201 Washington Ave.
www.motorlofts.com
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