Historical November–December 2004 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Recently, Project for Public Spaces, a consultant which our Delmar planning group worked with in the early 90’s, contacted us to learn of our progress.
Then SDCC Director Laurie Porterfield asked me to give an ‘annual report.’ It’s great to think of all the positive activity which has taken place in the past few years, but during 2004, we could really say, “we’re back, baby!” • The streetscape construction is nearly complete!
The wider sidewalks are being used for sidewalk dining already, and pedestrian activity has increased greatly. • The special pedestrian lighting, paid for by 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson, from block grant funds, was unfortunately bid out by Metro later than the sidewalk work, but installation is now set to begin December 10, 2004. • Fabulous rehabs… what we now simply call “The Loop”. • Many new retail businesses have opened on Delmar: – Mirasol Tapas Restaurant – Chinese Noodle Cafe – Bittersweet Botanicals – Big Shark Athletic Wear – MacroSun International – Spot 9 Ladies Footwear – Peses Ladies Boutique – Sole Survivor Leather – Diversity Gallery – Big Shark Bicycle Company – Miss Saigon – “Pin-Up Bowl” – 609 Restaurant and the “U” Lounge • The most important new buildings are the gorgeous Regional Arts Commission building, which brings numerous events and artists to our area every week and the magnificent Pageant Theatre.
These two new buildings serve as special anchors drawing numerous visitors. • East of the Metro Station, development has also escalated, with the folks at St. Louis Design Alliance taking the lead, currently building new shopping at Laurel and Delmar and at the site of a seriously outdated service station and later quick shop, planning for a major development at Delmar at Hamilton. • At 5959 Delmar, a new business, GraniteWorks has just opened, offering a retail showroom with custom granite countertops and more. • Metro’s “Arts in Transit” executed a public art installation of several pieces, following a competition held earlier in the year. • Delmar Commercial Committee continues to work on planning and parking issues.
We completed a parking study and a preliminary study of whether a “TIF” (tax increment financing) could help build a parking structure or open lot.
As a result of working closely with primary property owner Joe Edwards, a major step forward was made when a large portion of the property along Enright just north of Delmar adjacent to the Pageant lot was purchased for free parking. Joe has also purchased the Ronald Jones Funeral Parlor. Plans to rehab this lovely building are underway. • Special Election in 2003 brought official approval extending the boundaries of the East Loop Special Business District to all of the Delmar Link area, east to DeBaliviere.
In the future, this will mean a substantial budget with which to do special projects, marketing, lighting, clean up, security, etc.
The board now includes representation from east of Skinker. Longtime committee member Loretta Lloyd was elected to the board, as well as Neal Shapiro of Original Cast Lighting and Dave Mastin of St. Louis Design Alliance.
This new board currently meets monthly with the Loop Special Business District in University City to coordinate activities. Debbie Murphy, who handles marketing for the Loop, now attends our Delmar Commercial Committee Meetings, too, to help plan cooperatively. • “East Meets West”was the theme of a new street festival, held in May, 2004. • Metro has continued to be a challenge for the community over the past two years, and we hope to learn soon about the revised prospects for the longawaited Transit Plaza. Here’s what we wrote for the groundbreaking just over a year ago: “The rebirth of Delmar Boulevard between Skinker and DeBaliviere began over a dozen years ago when area residents and business owners formed the Delmar Commercial Committee. Neighbors north and south of Delmar worked with Arts in Transit for the opening of the Delmar Loop MetroLink Station. Along with Aldermen Dan McGuire, Irving Clay, and Lyda Krewson, these Delmar neighbors created a plan for positive change that included redevelopment standards and a vision for revitalization. Today, a completed Pageant concert nightclub and several new shops are thriving; at least a dozen new stores and cafes plus the Regional Arts Commission building are preparing to open within a year.
With the vitality of the Loop extending from University City eastward in the City of St. Louis, Delmar is bridging north and south and City and County. Visitors are invited to ride MetroLink to this unique shopping, arts and entertainment district.”
Original photograph caption
Pageant free-parking sign illustrating Delmar redevelopment update. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2004.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2004_11.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
