Historical Summer 2001 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
According to the timetable originally supplied by Washington University, the old Arthur Bldg. (former home to Talayna’s) should be no more, and the structure pictured below, designed by George Johannes, should be taking shape. Washington University purchased the site several years ago along with a sizable number of multifamily dwellings.
They implored the SDCC Board to allow demolition of the Arthur Bldg. and erection of a structure to have university offices on the top two floors and retail at the street level.
With some reluctance the board acquiesced. Washington University obtained a demolition permit and Spirtas began readying the structure to come down. And, then nothing happened.
The university claims that the costs were larger than expected—$7 million compared to $4 million—and they can’t afford that. Maybe there will a smaller building on the site. When? No one knows.
The university administration says it’s not a high priority. Other construction work at Washington University continues apace’ But, our neighborhood is faced with a worse eyesore for the foreseeable future.
Original photograph caption
Arthur Building awaiting demolition. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2001.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2001_06.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 3; PDF page(s) 1, 3.
