Historical Summer 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
There are now four new businesses on Delmar, housed at 6192 in newly refurbished space. Joe Edwards purchased this site and supervised its revitalization.
The facade has been restored while the interiors have been completely updated. MacroSun is consolidating its operations in two bays at this location. Big Shark Co. is opening a store devoted to athletic wear.
The last storefront is now home to Bittersweet Botanicals. Upstairs Patrick Davis Communications has taken over the office space.
On Saturday, May 10, the sky was very dark.
There were tornado warnings around 9:30am. Although no tornado touched down in our vicinity, a heavy downpour did cover the area. MacroSun was celebrating its grand opening beginning at 1:00pm. Perhaps providentially, the clouds parted and the sun broke through just before the festivities were to begin. And, it remained dry for the rest of the day. Gil Williams, owner of MacroSun, made this a memorable event.
A llama visited and allowed children (and adults) to pet her.
There were dignataries everywhere. Mayor Francis G. Slay came by as did his executive director of development, Barbara Geisman. Alderman Lyda Krewson with her family enjoyed the festivities.
From city planning, Rollin Stanley and Don Roe experienced Delmar renewal first hand. State Sen. Pat Dougherty and State Rep. Bob Hilgemann also mingled. Former alderman Dan McGuire and his wife Jill took part too. Karen Baxter, who served as a preservation consultant, admired the restoration. JoAnn Vatcha and myself were there from the Commercial Committee. SDCC President Joe Keaveney, accompanied by his son, represented the Council. Joe Edwards welcomed the crowd and said that this building was part of the expansion of the Loop eastward and he was pleased to be involved in it.
He introduced Mayor Slay.
The mayor said this is helping to make his area the great place it can be. It’s good to bringing back businesses and customers. Slay presented Joe and Linda Edwards with a key to the city and praised their commitment, made at significant risk. Slay introduced chief aide Barbara Geisman.
She noted that retail means a great deal to the city of St. Louis.
There is considerable disposable income in the city and it’s good that it can be spent in the city.
She also recognized new $250,000 homes built near here north of Delmar.
She noted that now people believe that developments can make money in St. Louis. Alderman Lyda Krewson concluded the speeches by not ing the remarkableness of the achievement of Joe and Linda Edwards and their contribution to community redevelopment here.
The building and the MacroSun store were then blessed by a Buddhist lama.
After this ceremony, refreshments were available.
A number of people were able to tour the 2nd floor office space, designed by Kiku Obata and Associates.
The offices are spacious and inviting with clean lines.
The style is modern and open.
Some of us thought that this would be a delightful place to work–light and bright with a great deal of utility. Obata and her staff also worked on the design of the entire building.
There will be many openings on Delmar in the future.
This one was special because of the location, the unexpected sunshine, and everyone’s happiness and good spirits.
Original photograph caption
Tibetan Lama Lobsang Palden, Peruvian llama Cinnabun and Alderwoman Lyda Krewson at MacroSun grand opening. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2003.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Original article address6192 differs from6172 printed elsewhere. Source retained.
Original source: SD_Times2003_06.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 7; PDF page(s) 1, 7.
