Historical May 1996 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Alderman Dan McGuire officiated at the dedication ceremony for the new entrance markers at several intersections along Skinker and for the parking lot at Westminster and Skinker. Although light rain was falling as the ceremony began, 30 people and a few animals were present to celebrate the neighborhood’s new look. Ald. McGuire particularly thanked the Skinker DeBaliviere Apartment Owners Association for spearheading this effort which required several years work.
The first phase is the markers and the second when funds are available will be larger gates at Waterman and Skinker, Waterman and DeBaliviere and DesPeres and Forest Park Parkway. Alan Hamilton, president of the Association, spearheaded this project. George Johannes and Tom Cohen, both residents of the neighborhood, designed the lot and markers. Local sculptor Robert Cassily took the design and cast the markers and accompanying features in the parking lot.
It is hoped that eventually the parking at the veterinary clinic and at the former Sinclair station will look like the one at Westminster. Neighbor JoAnn Vatcha worked very hard on the grant that has been used to fund these markers.
Most of the money for the parking lot came from the 1/2 cent sales tax for capital im provements.
The Board of Public Service also did design work and monitored the construction.
A neighborhood garden club recently formed under the direction of Lu Green will plant in the areas around the new parking lot on May 18.
The publishing company housed on the northern corner of the Westminster intersection has agreed to maintain the lot.
Following this brief ceremony, Alan Hamilton hosted a reception for everyone at his offices two blocks south.
From left, standing George Johannes, Tom Cohen, Alan Hamilton, Alderman Dan McGuire. Young onlooker is unidentified.
Original photograph caption
From left,standing George Johannes,Tom Cohen,Alan Hamilton,Alderman Dan McGuire. Young onlooker unidentified. Photo by King Schoenfeld.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, May 1996.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1996_05.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
