In light of recent headlines on big St. Louis redevelopment projects and the national economic climate, our June Urban Questions seek to determine if you remain optimistic about development progress in the City of St. Louis and in Chouteau’s Landing.

How did the unexpected downfall of Pyramid Properties and the news of Centene’s departure from Ballpark Village deal affect your viewpoint of redevelopment projects in the City of St. Louis?

Post Your Comment Below.

Headlines Behind The Question
A May 23, 2008 article by the St. Louis Business Journal’s Lisa R. Brown reads:

Nearly two-thirds of beleaguered developer John Steffen’s residential projects are being transferred to two local management firms.

More than $88 million of the $142 million Pyramid Cos.’ portfolio assembled by Steffen in recent years is expected to be transferred within a month. The St. Louis Equity Fund, headed by John Wuest, is taking on the largest chunk: 345 units in several projects, including the 300-unit King Louis Square mixed-income project south of downtown. The Sansone Group will manage the 213-unit Paul Brown Apartments downtown.

Read the full articles on Pyramid and Centene:
May 23, 2008 St. Louis Business Journal Update
May 2, 2008 St. Louis Business Journal Update
April 25, 2008 St. Louis Business Journal

March 26, 2008 St. Louis Business Journal article on Centene and Ballpark Village

As Bushwoods On Fourth Street opened its doors for service at 758 S. Fourth Street and Chivvis Development relocated its offices to 756 S. Fourth Street, construction commenced on two Historic Fourth Street buildings.

750 S. Fourth Street, (rendering pictured top right) with its striking open floor plan and skylight, will reach grey-box status by early July.

904 S. Fourth Street (rendering pictured bottom right) reentered construction in May with roof repairs and the installation of all the windows. The storefront should be complete by mid summer in preparation for new tenants.

Riley’s Flower and Gifts will be moving into the middle bay on the retail level of Historic Fourth Street. Also, G4: Gallery on Fourth Street will open early fall. Gallery on Fourth Street will be managed by Nido, (pronounced Nee-doh) a

St. Louis-based arts consulting and management company led by Elaine Gluck and Kate Duncan.

Watch for more details in July about new tenants and construction progress.

ChivvisDevelopment.com Redesign

Check out the revamped Chivvis Development Web site. Here you will find more news on the construction, leasing and progress of Chouteau’s Landing.

Art Center Changes Name

The Chouteau’s Landing Art Center (CLAC), formerly referred to as The Artery, formally changed its name in May 2008. CLAC will be housed in the 122,000-square-foot Powell Square building, thereby changing the St. Louis skyline. The Art Center will be modeled after The Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA and will include working artist studios, educational centers, a rooftop event facility, galleries and boutique businesses.

Improvements to the facade are scheduled to start this year. Business and Space Planning proposals are in development and nearing completion. Watch for more news in the next few months as more details regarding the operation and design of the Chouteau’s Landing Art Center take shape.