Historical September–October 2002 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
On July 16, a large throng gathered on the 61xx block of Delmar to break ground for a building to be home to the Regional Arts Commission and arts activities. Arts Commission board president David Mason noted that RAC has provided $41 million over the past 18 years to performing and visuals arts groups.
He commented favorably on the design for the new building, noting its artful brick work, a striking glass tower, and locations around the building to place public art. RAC executive director Jill McGuire gave credit to Joe Edwards for making this development feasible.
It is now a taxexempt financing community improvement district. Alderman Lyda Krewson moved the necessary legislation through the Board of Aldermen. Tax exempt bonds have been sold. McGuire also thanked JoAnn Vatcha and the Delmar Commercial Committee as well as the Delmar Business Association for their help and support. Alderman Krewson complimented Joe Edwards – a one man wave of good ideas, good design, and apparently good credit.
She expressed her pleasure at RAC coming to Delmar. Delmar had long been thought of as a border, a racial border also marking distinctions of economics. Delmar is now becoming not black or white, not rich or poor, but fun. County Executive Buzz Westfall noted that this is one region.
There shouldn’t be artificial boundaries.
He loves things like this that bring city and county together. Mayor Francis Slay also extolled the excitement and the city-county cooperation.
He said the Loop is one of the most exciting districts in the region.
He admired Jill McGuire’s commitment and tenacity.
It wasn’t easy; there was some controversy.
The mayor noted that the arts provide $400 million of economic activity each year and 150,000 jobs.
This building will be a piece of art in its own right.
The groundbreaking itself was marked by a stunning presentation of the Gash-Voight Dance Theatre, “in the spirit of a blessing” from east, west, north and south.
Original photograph caption
In an exciting milestone for the local arts community, the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) held its groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, July 16 to mark the beginning of construction on the new RAC offices and Cultural Resource Center. To be located at 6128 Delmar Boulevard in the Loop East neighborhood, the three-story, 16,000 square foot building will provide meeting/classroom space, tools, and programs accessible to the entire arts community. At the event, the site was amassed with arts, cultural, business and political leaders in St. Louis City and County, including the participants featured in the traditional hardhat and shovel shot (L to R): County Executive Buzz Westfall: Mayor Francis Slay: David Mason, chairman, Regional Arts Commission; Jill McGuire, executive director, Regional Arts Commission; Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill and Loop developer; Lyda Krewson, alderman, 28th ward; Kurt Odenwald, county councilman. The project is scheduled for completion in June of 2003.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2002.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2002_09.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
