Historical September–October 2000 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
On Tuesday, October 10, Chancellor Mark Wrighton of Washington University held a community forum for the university’s neighbors in Clayton, University City and Skinker DeBaliviere.
In his remarks Wrighton mentioned the construction taking place on the school’s east campus which will result in five new buildings and an underground parking structure.
He also announced an item of particular interest to the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood. Several years ago, the university had made available forgiveable loans to faculty or staff who bought homes in our neighborhood.
The loans were to cover closing costs and amounted to either $4,000 or 5 percent of the down payment, whichever was less.
If the purchaser stayed in his or her home for five years, the loan was forgiven.
However, there was another criterion for receipt of the loan that created con siderable consternation among Skinker DeBaliviere residents.
Each loan carried with it a right of first refusal.
If the property were to be sold, Washington University had the first right to buy the property and this right was to be of 30 years’ duration.
It also applied to subsequent owners of the property during that 30 year period.
There have been 12 loans issued to buyers in Skinker DeBaliviere since the program’s inception. Two people receiving loans have subsequently sold their homes and the university did not exercise its right of first refusal.
To many on the Community Council and other concerned neighbors. this right of first refusal seemed to be a method to control more land in the neighborhood.
The university had said it did not want to acquire single family residences here and it did not wish to purchase property east of DesPeres. But, it had rights of refusal on these types of properties.
After entreaties to the university by the council and working with the Chancellor’s neighborhood council members—Karleen Hoerr, Billy Handmaker, and Gary Hayes—as well as Alderman Lyda Krewson, university administrators decided to significantly modify the right of first refusal.
From this point on, the right of first refusal would be coterminus only with the five years a person had to occupy property before the loan was forgiven. Skinker DeBalivierites attending this meeting were pleased with the news and the reaction from SDCC President Dan Schesch was also positive. At this meeting, Wrighton also introduced Leah Merrifield who will be Washington University’s new director of community relations. Rose Windmuller will serve as director of state relations and local government affairs.
There was a lengthy period of questions and answers.
Some in the audience asked about loud parties.
Another inquired about the university acquiring so many multifamily buildings in University City and our neighborhood and removing them from the tax rolls. Wrighton maintained his aplomb throughout. Washington University has applied for a permit to demolish the old Talayna’s building (the Arthur building) and would like to erect a three story facility to house administrative offices and shops at ground level.
Some on the Council object to this demolition, preferring to save a historic structure. Creating a precedent for other Washington University demolition of residential buildings was feared. Others would like to see a new and occupied building at the Parkway and Skinker.
There will be a hearing before the Cultural Resources Board in November and then the board will decide whether to accede to the university’s request to demolish the building.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2000.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2000_09.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 11; PDF page(s) 1, 11.
