Historical November–December 2002 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Many of us have watched the changes occurring on Delmar, our northern boundary. in recent years.
The street is becoming an entertainment center for the city and a place with more opportunities to eat and shop. SDCC Director Laure Porterfield has certainly watched and participated in the improving Delmar scene.
After learning of a series of awards given for neighborhood improvement by the state of Missouri, she applied herself assiduously to seeing that thorough applications were turned for 3 Delmar related people and/or projects.
Her documentation was painstaking and her effort proved to be highly successful.
All three nominees received awards from the hands of Governor Holden in the state capital on June 18, 2002, at the Missouri Redevelopment Conference.
The awards are designed to recognize outstanding work in Missouri’s downtown and neighborhood commercial districts. Thirteen years ago many would have scoffed if someone told them Delmar could become what it is today and also would not have believed that all parties could agree to a redevelopment plan for the arterial. But, the Commercial Committee under the leadership of chair JoAnn Vatcha did believe and worked very hard to see the vision come to fruition. JoAnn has chaired the committee since inception and worked with business owners Loretta Lloyd. Dennis Townsend, and Steve Brammeier and neighborhood residents Lana Stein and Sam Green, all of whom have worked together from the beginning, and with many others who participated along the way, including the late Jack Wright.
The committee created, cajoled, publicized, and met with many local officials.
They also involved the West End Community Conference in the planning efforts and collaborated with Aldermen Clay, McGuire, and Krewson Throughout this process. JoAnn has had a clearand steady hand.
She has been a very skilled negotiator and a diplomat to boot.
The other two award recipients deserve significant credit for their contribution to the new Delmar.
The architects at Design Alliance took the old A&P/BiRite and restored its original facade.
This was a costly and time-consuming project that added a great deal to the street and the neighborhood. Their building also extends retail by housing a coffeehouse and a clothing store.
They received the “Historic Preservation Tax Credit” award. Last but not least, Joe Edwards and Pat Hagin received the “Show-Me Award” for their extensive commercial redevelopment in the City Loop.
The Pageant and the stores and offices within the structure have been a tremendous shot in the arm. Many people now come to Delmar who would never have done so otherwise. Performers of note for a variety of generations give forth on our part of the street. Of course, Edwards is now spearheading development of a theater, restaurant, and the RAC building. JoAnn Vatcha traveled to Jefferson City with Laure Porterfield to accept her “Volunteer of the Year Award” in person.
It was a very memorable occasion, representing countless hours of work and of faith that comebacks can occur.
Original photograph caption
Earlier federal funding announcement with Mayor Harmon, Washington official, aldermen Lyda Krewson and Irv Clay, Dennis Townsend and JoAnn Vatcha at podium. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2002.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2002_11.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
