Historical June 1987 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
At a meeting on May 7, 1987, the Heritage & Urban Design Commission voted to approve the demolition of the buildings between DeGiverville and Waterman on the west side of DeBaliviere.
The future of the buildings, known as the “DeBaliviere Strip,” had been the subject of several neighborhood meetings in late April. in addition to the demolition permit, the developers — Pantheon Corporation and Mestman Realty — were seeking a zoning variance for the western portion of the parking lot at DeBaliviere and DeGiverville. Neighborhood residents attended meetings on April 27 and April 30, and were invited to attend the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council meeting on May 4. (In the April issue of The Times, the background concerning the debate was covered extensively.) The Council voted to relay a list of standards to the Heritage & Urban Design Commission for consideration when reviewing the demolition and new construction permits.
The text of a letter from Council President Karleen Hoerr to the Commission follows; see the May Council minutes in this issue for a report of the discussion.
The Council’s recommendations are part of the official record of the May 7 HUDC hearing, although they address issues which will not be considered until permits for the new construction are reviewed. Demolition is due to begin this summer.
The Times will try to keep informed of hearing dates for building permits and notify residents.
The Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council supports the quality rehabilitation which has been executed throughout the neighborhood, including the Pantheon rehabilitation in the DeBaliviere Place redevelopment area.
In an effort to ensure that this image of quality remains the standard of both rehab and new construction in our neighborhood, the SDCC requests of the Heritage and Urban Design Commission that the following standards be attached to approval of demolition of the DeBaliviere Strip and to all building permits for its replacement, including buildings to be built on adjacent land currently used for parking:
I. Design
A. Design should be compatible in materials, color and design concept with historic neighborhood features. B. Design of building with rear to Forest Park/Jefferson Memorial should carry over to the rear architectural details from front of building complex to deal with proximity to historic World’s Fair entrance. C. Design of both buildings should be compatible and approved by the Commission together: D. Design should be consistent with the Historic District guidelines which are enforced throughout the neighborhood, especially in terms of materials, height and roof lines of buildings.
II. Materials
A. Brick should be the predominant material used on the exterior of all buildings, to blend into the neighborhood, which is nearly 100% brick. B. Roof materials should be of a type, color, and style compatible with neighboring structures, e,g. tile, slate; plastic tile or cedar shake would be inappropriate.
III. Traffic
A. Traffic should be diverted from Waterman as much as possible, including a larger curb cut on Waterman and/or a left-turn signal from DeBaliviere northbound. B. Bi-State and the Streets Department should be consulted for input on bus stop, plans for future Light Rail Station, and other possible traffic considerations. C. Trash removal and delivery areas should be set back from both DeBaliviere and Forest Park and should be designed so as not to interfere with alley traffic of DeGiverville and Waterman residents.
IV. Screening
Landscaping should be provided and maintained on all sides of parking lot, including DeBaliviere.
V. Security
Adequate lighting and security should be provided to deal with groups congregating during business hours as well as late night.
VI. Parking
Parking lot zoning variance is endorsed, with above standards attached for screening and security.
VII. Use Restrictions
Fast food, all-night and other businesses designed primarily to attract transient clientele should be restricted from this development,
VIII. Signage
Signs must be compatible with design, height, coloration and makeup of the structures.
The Heritage & Urban Design Commission reviews designs for rehabilitation, new construction, and sign permits in the city’s historic districts and areas within 300 feet of city parks.
It also reviews all demolition permits throughout the entire city. Commission members are appointed by the Mayor and serve without compensation. Neville Vatcha and Brad Weir are Skinker-DeBaliviere residents who presently serve on the Commission.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1987.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Source refers to April issue for extensive background; matching long article actually appears in May. Historical reference retained.
Original source: SD_Times1987_06.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
