Historical September 1984 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The business climate in the area is becoming stronger.
This is evident through the interest and participation in the July meeting of the Skinker DeBaliviere Business Association which was held Thursday, July 19.
The featured speaker was John Roach, executive vice president of the Pantheon Corporation. Mr. Roach focused his talk on the current trends of commercial and residential development that effect the businesses in the Skinker-DeBaliviere area, especially along Delmar. Beginning with the well-known and now stable Central West End Euclid area, Mr. Roach pointed out that commercial development has expanded its boundaries to Delmar at Euclid.
The Union-Sarah Corporation has played a large part in the commercial revitalization west of Euclid, with the new construction of the National Supermarket and the strip of stores being brought into the southeast corner of Delmar and Kingshighway.
This development can be an impetus for the revitalization further west. John Roach stated that the Savoy Court presently under construction will add 52 additional housing units at the northwest corner of Union and Delmar.
The Court will have exceptional units and pool facilities.
The rental price for a two bedroom apartment will be in the mid-$400 range.
A representative from St. Luke’s Hospital commented that many employees have expressed an interest in the Savoy Court and were enthusiastic about the project.
In addition to the Savoy Court project, Pantheon has additional development in progress on Clara which will directly affect the Delmar streetscape. Commercial space has also been rehabilitated in the building on the corner of Delmar and DeBaliviere. Stella Maris Child Care Center has become well established at this corner and a trophy company is planning to move into the building soon. Mr. Roach commented that the north side of Delmar just west of Union has been maintained and is stabilized by St. Luke’s Hospital.
There are some buildings that need some attention but the area is in basically good condition. Pantheon has had interest in some buildings on the south side of Delmar and some plans are being drawn up for rehabilitation.
The majority of this rehab will be residential.
An interesting aspect of this meeting included the statistical information provided by Roach.
There has been an increase of 5,000 housing units in the area.
This increase is due to Pantheon, City Equity, and other developments. Statistically, this actually means that there has been an additional 10,000 residents in the community. John Roach pointed out that an increase of population directly affects the businesses. Additional residential units are presently under construction which will have a positive effect on the entire area.
Another statistical change is that prior to the 1980 census the ratio of men to women residents was 2 to 1; that ratio has changed to almost 1 to 1.
This change is an indication that people feel that the area is safer.
Another interesting point made was that 35% of the residents moving into the area are from the county.
Another contributing factor to the business climate in the Skinker-DeBaliviere area is the DeBaliviere strip from Waterman to DeGiverville. Mr. Roach stated that this strip has been designated as a top priority project for Pantheon and that negotiations with retailers have begun.
The renovation of the structures would maintain the facade of the buildings but the interiors would be constructed to suit the business. Also on DeBaliviere is the BiS.tate Development Agency bus garage and power house.
The power house will be renovated and is presently planned for Bi-State’s use. Prior plans included a lease out option for commercial use.
Another possible contribution to the commercial renovation of Delmar may be the Light Rail mass transit system presently proposed. Plans include a stop on DeBaliviere and on Delmar at the Wabash Station which has recently been totally renovated by the Architectural Lighting Company owned by Leonard Mewhinney.
This renovation is yet another anchor for the Delmar commercial strip. Thomas Scatizzi, president of the Central West End Savings and Loan Association added that the owner of the building on the northeast corner of Union and Delmar has secured financing for the rehabilitation of the building.
He also added that H & R Block plans to expand within the building. Other improvements in the area include a renovation of the building at 5878 Delmar, the Robertson Upholstery Company, 5841 Delmar is slated for renovation, McDonald’s Restaurant will be relocated to 5861 Delmar, and O’Neal’s Hair Fashions located in the building at 6190 Delmar on Skinker is undergoing an expansion. Revitalization of the business climate has begun an upward trend. Realistically, the revitalization will take a few years.
The July meeting of the Skinker DeBaliviere Business Association was informative and gave an optimistic view of commercial development.
Original photograph caption
Bi-State Development Agency power house accompanying the Delmar development report. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September 1984, page 6. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September 1984.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: 5,000 housing units, 10,000 added residents, sex-ratio and county-origin figures are John Roach’s reported claims; area and measurement period are not specified. Not independently verified census statistics.
Original source: SD_Times1984_09.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 6; PDF page(s) 1, 6.
