Readers: Issue RFP on Cupples 7 Site

The top answer in the poll last week indicates readers would like Treasurer Tishaura Jones issue a RFP (Request For Proposals) regarding the soon to be vacant site occupied for decades by the Cupples 7 warehouse.

Here are the poll results:

Q: What should St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones do with the site of the former Cupples 7 warehouse? (pick up to 3)

1. Issue a RFP (request for proposals) from developers 73 [32.74%]
2. Don’t raze the western half! 48 [21.52%]
3. Solicit public to get ideas 34 [15.25%]
4. Set up a design charrette 32 [14.35%]
5. Plant it for a public park 18 [8.07%]
6. Pave it for surface parking 8 [3.59%]
7. Unsure/no opinion 5 [2.25%]
8. Construct a parking garage 3 [1.35%]
9. Other: 2 [0.9%]

Here are the two “other” answers submitted by readers.

1. Sell the site for a $1 to the first worthy development w/ funding.
2. set up a public speaking dais for a press conference on it and resign.

Ouch! I agree a RFP should be issued, but only after getting ideas from the public. The RFP shouldn’t be open-ended, it should have parameters based on public input.

In the interest of transparency & change, Jones will [hopefully] seek input and put together an open process to address the disposition the site.

The south wall of the west section was nearly gone when I visited yesterday. I think the north & west walls are the most critical, even saving just the first 3 floors of these walls makes sense until we have a handle on the next steps.

— Steve Patterson

Metropolitan Square Time Capsule 1988-2013

Metropolitan Square, at 593 feet, is the tallest office building in St. Louis. The Gateway Arch is slightly taller, at 630 feet.  When Met Square was being built a 25-year time capsule was placed.

Here we are at the end of August 2013, I’ve not heard anything about opening the time capsule.

1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year that started on a Friday, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. It is the 1988th year of the Common Era, or A.D.; the 988th year of the 2nd millennium; the 88th year of the 20th century; and the 9th year of the 1980s decade. In the 20th century, the year 1988 has the most Roman numeral digits .

1988 was an important year in the early history of the Internet – it was the year of the first well-known computer virus, the 1988 Internet worm. The first officially sanctioned online commercial e-mail provider debuted as well. (Wikipedia)

What might be in the time capsule?

• Floppy disks?
• Copy of Bobby McFerrin’s Grammy-winning “Don’t Worry Be Happy” album?
• Tickets from the INXS concert at Kiel Auditorium in March? Or to Tommy Shaw at the Arena, also in March?
• KSDK’s interview with Michael Jackson’s unknown backup singer, Sheryl Crow? On tape, of course.
• Newspaper with story on Richard Gephardt’s bid to be the Democratic nominee for president?
• April issue of GQ with Ozzie Smith on the cover?

No matter what they put in the time capsule I’m sure it’ll make many of us feel old. Now to get someone to set up an opening event.

Update 8/23/13 @ 12:15pm: From a Jones Lang Lasalle representative “We are thinking about October but the date has not been set.”

— Steve Patterson

Poll: What should St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones do with the site of the former Cupples 7 Warehouse?

The wrecking contractor is finishing up the demolition of the Cupples 7 warehouse at 1014 Spruce St, just west of Busch Stadium so now’s a good time to figure out the next step(s).  For those new to this issue here’s a recap:

1. The Cupples Warehouse district is very historic, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (see nomination). 
2. Various past attempts to raze most or all failed. The other remaining warehouses have all been rehabbed for new uses.
3. Private owners allowed a small hole in the roof of Cupples 7 to grow into a gigantic hole over the last 10-15 years, causing the wood interior floors to collapse.
4. The previous St. Louis Treasurer, Larry Williams, agreed to buy the note from the bank if the city issued a demotion permit.
5. A few years ago the city closed off adjacent streets out of fear the building would collapse.
6. The city said the building must come down, the risk of collapse was too great.
7. New Treasurer Tishaura Jones bought the note and began the demolition required by the city.

The eastern half of the building is basically gone, just rubble. The western half, however, remains. It too has internal issues but not to the degree the eastern half did.

The poll question this week asks “What should St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones do with the site of the former Cupples 7 Warehouse?” You’ll be able to pick up to 3 answers which range from paving the site for parking to stopping demolition on the western half.

I know what I want her to do but I’ll save that for the post presenting the results on Wednesday August 28th. You can vote in the right sidebar and share your thoughts in the comments below.

— Steve Patterson

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Forget Smelling Roses, I Stop To Take Pictures Along The Way

Leaving the Missouri History Museum the other night I just had to stop and snap a few pictures. Here was the best one.

It was a beautiful evening, almost chilly out — in August!  Have a great weekend everyone.

— Steve Patterson

Lecture and New Book on The Architecture of Maritz & Young

Authors Kevin Amsler and L. John Schott will give a lecture on the architecture of Maritz & Young next week, here are  the details:

When: Wednesday, August 14 2013 at 7:00 pm
Where: Missouri History Museum, AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room (lower level)
How Much: Free

This lecture coincides with the release of their book The Architecture of Maritz & Young: Exceptional Historic Homes of St. Louis

The Missouri History Museum Press is pleased to announce the publication of it latest book, The Architecture of Maritz & Young: Exceptional Historic Homes of St. Louis. No single architecture firm has shaped the style of St. Louis more than Maritz & Young. Anyone who has driven along Lindell Boulevard across from Forest Park or strolled the sidewalk on Forsyth by Washington University has seen the residential architecture of two men named Raymond Maritz and William Ridgely Young. The homes include the French Renaissance splendor ofhotel owner Morris Corn’s Lindell mansion and the Spanish-influenced Forsyth home of William Lewin.

From the beginning of the 20th century, Raymond E. Maritz and W. Ridgely Young built more than 100 homes in the most affluent neighborhoods of St. Louis County, counting among their clientele a Who’s Who of the city’s most prominent citizens. The Architecture of Maritz & Young is the most complete collection of their work, featuring more than 200 photographs, architectural drawings, and original floor plans of homes built in a variety of styles, from Spanish Eclectic toTudor Revival. Alongside these historic images, Kevin Amsler and L. John Schott have provided descriptions of each residence detailing the original owners. Lovingly compiled from a multitude of historical sources and rare books, this is the definitive history of the domestic architecture that still defines St. Louis.

I’ve only had time to browse the book, but it is packed with great vintage images and detailed text. The book is on sale now, copies will be available for purchase at the lecture as well. The authors will sign copies following the lecture.

— Steve Patterson