February 15 has been set by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen for public hearings on four West End redevelopment proposals, including the one planned for our neighborhood. Alderman John Roach of the 28th Ward expressed optimism about aldermanic approval for the proposals, each of which has been recommended by City Plan Commission.
Union – Sarah The eastern most redevelopment proposal was submitted by the Union-Sarah Redevelopment Corporation and concerns a site on Washington just west of Euclid. Plans call for two three-storey apartment buildings, plus parking facilities, swimming pool and other recreational facilities and extensive landscaping. The developers are seeking a zoning change from “F”-local business to “D”-multiple family.
Union-Sarah Community Corporation and its sub-group, Union Sarah Economic Redevelopment Corporation, have already received large federal grants to establish and assist resident-owned businesses in their area. Prolific Designs, a manufacturer of African and American Black Art reproduction; Mid-City Rentals; Precision Tool Co., Libra Laboratories and Quantum Plastics have all been investments of Union Sarah Economic Development Corporation. Union Sarah is also cooperating in the construction of 72 units of turnkey housing in that area.
5600 Pershing Another redevelopment plan for the 5596-5600 blocks of Pershing calls for extensive remodelling of existing apartments but no anticipated demolition. This project was proposed by Forest Village Redevelopment Corporation, organized by Lipton Realty Company which manages many multiple family dwelling units in the area.
Forest Village Forest Village Redevelopment Corporation has also proposed an extensive development between DeBaliviere and Clara and between Waterman and Delmar. Forest Village calls for substantial rehabilitation of existing dwelling units. New construction will consist of two parking decks, an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, a pond, a fountain, a playground, basketball courts, an outdoor theatre and restaurant and extensive decorative landscaping.
On this 25 acre site few standing structures would be demolished and at the present occupancy rate relocation of residents would not be a serious problem.
Triangle Area The plan for the “triangle area” of Skinker-DeBaliviere was submitted by Kingsbury Development Corporation, an offshoot of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, Inc. This proposal calls for three stages of redevelopment, the first concerned with residential buildings from the north side of McPherson to the north side of Washington, between DeBaliviere and DeGiverville.
When the first stage is completed development would begin on the west side of DeBaliviere between the Bi-State property and Norfolk & Western railroad tracks. This second stage does not call for any demolition, only remodelling of existing structures.
The third stage would improve the south side of Delmar from DeGiverville to DeBaliviere.
Approval of these four redevelopment proposals and their successful completion would constitute a tremendous rejuvenation of the city’s central corridor, running from Sarah to the city limits. Each area has a strong neighborhood association, Union-Sarah, Central West End, the Waterman Association and Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council. Plans were being made in the fall for an organization, The Grand Prairie Common Fields Association, to concern itself with the old Gaslight area along Olive Street.
Originally published in The Paper, February 1972.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1972_02.pdf, printed page 1.
