Historical November–December 2011 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Washington University with the Loop/East Loop Special Business District sponsored a retail study and market analysis of The Loop and the entire Loop Trolley Route.
The study was guided by a steering committee consisting of property owners, merchants, residents of adjacent neighborhoods, and officials from University City, the City of St. Louis and Washington University. Skinker DeBaliviere participants included David Whiteman, JoAnn Vatcha, Jill McGuire and Gary Boehnke.
The purpose of the study was three fold. First was to examine the Loop in order to evaluate market mix and provide recommendations for additional retail recruitment based on area demographics, buying power and sustainability goals. Second was to examine an adjacent corridor to determine future retail uses in light of the construction of a Trolley line that will run the full length of the study area. Third was to identify and develop strategies for addressing the needs of current and potential shoppers in the district.
The final report will be available in November.
It includes detailed demographic data on visitors to the Loop and their buying power.
From this data, the consultants determined that the Loop could support an additional 150,000 sq. ft. of retail space including and sufficient market demand exists to support a small grocery store.
The report also includes tenant recruiting and marketing recommendations as well as redevelopment strategies for each distinct section of the Loop.
The lead consultant for this work was HR&A Advisors, an industry leader in real estate, economic development and public policy consulting, based in New York, led by Kate Coburn.
They partnered with two St. Louis firms, H3 Studios, which specializes in planning and urban design services, and the Research and Planning Group (RPG), which handled on-street and phone surveys. Future issues of the Times will highlight specific recommendations relevant to the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood. Visit the SDCC website at Skinkerdebaliviere.wordpress.com for a link to the additional details about the report. Cheryl Adelstein is Director of Community Relations and Local Government Affairs for Washington University and serves as the University’s representative to the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council.
Original photograph caption
Rehabilitation of Neal Shapiro’s former Original Cast Lighting building; Del Pietro restaurant announced as first tenant.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2011.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2011_11.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
