I think this post from the outset is not a very good idea, as it will just invite the low information voters to do more bagging on Mr. Mayor.
However, if I had to wait for coherent and informed arguments, I would never have the opportunity to express my Opinion....
So...this project is quite a gamble. I wouldn't say Downtown Granite is hopping...but last time I rolled through, it was nice to see cars parked along Niedringhaus and even a few diners at Petris and Jerry's. Those two places deserve kudos for standing through the Long Haul....and probably Jim's and Krumrey's and a few others I'm forgetting.
All the same... this little pet project has paid off a few dividends and arguably worthwhile. There is activity once more underneath Granite City's skyscraper (my coined term for the Steel Building) - albeit still a fifth of what it was when said building was initially erected.
The next phase is a huge gamble... gutting the YMCA building and turning it into 37 loft apartments in a $10.4 Million project.
With average rent See Data HEREin Granite City being some of the lowest that can be found anywhere, I am not optimistic that people would be willing to pay $1000 plus a month. Though I admit they never advertised what the rents would be just yet, $400/month will take a long time to provide a return on a $10 million investment. Will people be willing to pay premium rent?
It's a catch 22....if you want to see revitalization, you have to provide for it. Rather than an empty eyesore or bulldozed lot...I'm optimistic to see this building come to life.
When an area gives an impression that there is life - then life gives life to more life. When there is only decline nad people only speak the language of decline....what else will follow?
So I still rate this as a gamble. You need life to generate more life. However, this is downtown Granite City...and I just don't know what to expect.
If St. Louis were a more happening city and people were clamouring to be more near to the city center...Granite City could take huge advantage of location. However, a city that battles poverty and surrounded by more poverty will have a much more uphill battle.
Taking advantage of being located near the city center just happens in other metro areas...St. Louis is still about segregation and more sprawl...and admitting racism doesn't exist. The move back to the center like is happening in New York, Chicago, Nashville... just hasn't made it's way to that sleepy river hamlet just yet....
And that's why, while I am hopeful....I am also wonderful if people will be willing to have some posh digs in downtown Granite....and if Niedringhaus Avenue will be featured as one of the hottest up and coming street scenes in the nation.
on December 22, 2019, 9:24 am