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Broadway and 4th Street Need To Become Two-Way Again
August 24, 2020 Downtown, Featured, Planning & Design, Transportation Comments Off on Broadway and 4th Street Need To Become Two-Way Again
Last week, in response to a death as a result of late night racing downtown, St. Louis put up temporary barriers in various places, including blocking all traffic across the Eads Bridge.
In addition to the bridge, the city also closed a section of Washington Avenue from Tucker Boulevard to 14th Street with barricades this week. Barriers also narrow traffic in stretches of 4th Street, Broadway and Market Street.
"These are temporary changes," Krewson said Friday. "This isn't something that we expect to be there forever."
Krewson said downtown streets are built to hold a much larger volume of traffic than the city sees in an average day, and with fewer people working downtown because of COVID-19, the streets are even less crowded. (Post-Dispatch)
The last paragraph, quoted above, is an admission our streets are too wide. Previously when anyone argued the 4th Street/Broadway couplet (one-way in opposite directions) should be returned to two-way traffic the claim was always they needed to remain one-way due to traffic volume.
Southbound cars on Broadway at the Cole Street light. Three very wide lanes.
When the light turns green Broadway widens to five total lanes. The two outside lanes are no-parking, except for rare times when tickets are being sold at the Dome.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic the volume on 4th/Broadway couldn't justify the one-way couplet. It's past time for the decades-long experiment on our streets to end. The sole purpose of originally converting these streets to one-way decades ago was to quickly move cars into downtown offices in the morning, and then vacate them in the afternoon — just before the sidewalks were rolled up each night. Part of the engineer's disastrous effort also included banning on-street parking — that slows down the flow of vehicles. This is exactly the opposite of how you build a user-friendly downtown.
Now, approaching Convention Plaza (Delmar), the vehicles that raced from the light form a single-file line.
Looking back North from Convention Plaza (Delmar)
Walk Broadway from Cole Street to I-64 and see how it feels being next to one-way traffic for over a mile. You'll see in places the street has 5 very wide lanes that encourage high speeds. Even with the barricades at points, drivers coming off I-44 onto southbound Broadway at Cole street they reach high speeds to get into single file formation at Convention Plaza (aka Delmar).
The prior week a vehicle knocked over a bollard on the Southwest corner of Broadway & Washington Ave.
And then crashed through this temporary wall.
Changing 4th/Broadway back to two-way traffic is only part of the needed solution. Traffic signals must be timed so that a person taking off from a red light doesn't encounter another red light just a block or two down the street. Our signal timing often encourages people to speed to make it through the next two or three lights. Lane width also matters — the wider the lanes the faster the traffic.
This isn't the St. Louis of 1950, we need to reverse decisions made by people born in the late 19th century.
Checking Out New Pedestrian Bridge Over I-70 Connecting Old North St. Louis and Near North Riverfront Neighborhoods
August 6, 2020 Accessibility, Featured, North City, Walkability Comments Off on Checking Out New Pedestrian Bridge Over I-70 Connecting Old North St. Louis and Near North Riverfront Neighborhoods
In December 2018 MoDOT temporarily closed I-70 to remove an old pedestrian bridge at North Market Street. A similar pedestrian bridge was removed from over I-44 at Marconi Ave, and at other locations. Yesterday I checked out the new ADA-compliant replacement over I-70.
The East side of the new pedestrian bridge, along Northbound 10th Street, has a switchback ramp.
Before getting into the new bridge we should look at what it replaced. Interstate 70 was built decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, so the old pedestrian bridge had stairs on each side.
This 2010 photo is from the West side along 11th Street. The stairs on each end went down in opposite directions.
Stairs make such a bridge impossible for those of us who use wheelchairs, but also difficult for people who walk using a cane or walker. They're also a challenge to a parent pushing a stroller, cyclists, etc.
In April 2019 I snapped this image of construction on the new bridge as I was driving by. Yes, I drive too!
Yesterday's weather was so nice I decided to check out the completed bridge. It was 1.2 miles just getting there from our apartment near 7th & Cass Ave. I did encounter missing curb ramps in a few places — often missing sidewalks. But I made it.
The access point on the East side of I-70 is at North Market Street. There is no painted crosswalk, no signs warning drivers to yield to pedestrians. No curb bulbs to narrow the crossing distance. Nothing. 10th Street traffic is one-way northbound — and it is fast.
Once safely across 10th Street you see trash has accumulated. The city has equipment to clean streets but tight spots like this don't get cleaned.
From the base looking up the ramp to the landing. I use a power chair which had no problem with the incline. Being ADA-compliant means the maximum level should be acceptable to person using a manual wheelchair. Every so often there are level spots to give someone s rest.
From the landing, looking back down.
Looking South from the landing
From the very top looking back at the landing
Looking East at North Market Street from the top.
Looking West across the level top of the bridge.
Looking North at Northbound I-70.
Looking South at Northbound I-70. The switchback ramp can be seen on the left.
Looking South at Southbound I-70. The straight ramp on the West side (11th Street) can be seen on the right.
From the West end of the bridge you get an excellent view of Jackson Place Park. This was the center of three circles in the original plan of the separate Village of North St. Louis.
Looking South down the straight ramp on the West side (11th Street).
Looking back up from the bottom.
At the bottom you look across 11th Street at Monroe Street. A new curb ramp was built across the street. Like the other side, 11th is one-way and there is no crosswalk markings, signs, etc.
Back up toward Jackson Place Park you can get an overview of the West side.
It is nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. Highways divided many neighborhoods, many previously connected streets permanently severed. I have no idea how much this cost, but it was worth every penny. The highway is still an at-grade divider at this point, but the bridge makes it possible for everyone to safely to cross over it.
Once the current pandemic is over I'll take the bus to other new pedestrian highway bridges so I can compare. Yesterday I explored in Old North, got takeout from Crown Candy, and returned home 3.5 hours after leaving. Roundtrip was about 3 miles.
New Park/Garden Under Construction Next To Eads Bridge
July 9, 2020 Downtown, Featured, Parks, Planning & Design Comments Off on New Park/Garden Under Construction Next To Eads Bridge
When Great Rivers Greenway announced six years ago they were going to build a park on the north side of the Eads Bridge many of us scratched our heads — there's already huge park (90+ acres) on the south side of Eads Bridge — the Gateway Arch National Park. Why build a small park next to a big park?
It was announced a park was planned for the north side of the Eads Bridge, on the other side of the trucks parked in the alley. March 2014
Another March 2014 view, taken from Lucas Ave & Commercial alley.
Here is their initial press release:
Feb. 27, 2014 (St. Louis) – With the transformation of the Riverfront and Gateway Arch grounds underway, the Great Rivers Greenway District is pleased to announce the purchase of a historic property that will provide a safer and more accessible connection between Laclede's Landing and the revitalized Riverfront.
The lot is situated directly north of the Eads Bridge between First and Second streets on Laclede's Landing. It is the site of the former Switzer Licorice Building, which was demolished in 2007.
"We are very pleased to have acquired this property," says Susan Trautman, Executive Director of Great Rivers Greenway District. "Not only will it provide a universally accessible connection to the Arch grounds, it has the potential to create larger connections across the region and spur future development."
The District aims to transform the property into a park or other compatible development offering food, restrooms, or other services to enhance the visitor experience while providing a seamless transition between the revitalized Gateway Arch grounds and Laclede's Landing.
"The site offers endless possibilities for connection," says Trautman. "It is steps away from the Eads Bridge Metrolink station, four blocks south of the North Riverfront Trail, and around the corner from the new trails being built on the Arch Grounds and along the Riverfront. It is fitting that the 'front door' of this property is a soaring arch beneath the historic Eads Bridge."
The District purchased the property from St. John's Bank for $350,000. The property's appraised value was $390,000.
I didn't catch this six years ago, but the site isn't actually "between First and Second streets" — it's between First and Lenore K. Sullivan Blvd (originally Warf).
What we often get in press releases about planned projects is statements meant to reduce possible objections to a decision. Who'd have a problem with safer and more accessible, right? Keep reading.
The 1st Street opening in the approach, the park site id on the other side of both the approach and 1st St.
The Commercial Alley opening, currently closed while workers on the park use the covered/shaded space.
The Missouri approach to the 1874 Eads Bridge is brick & stone, but has five openings to allow people and vehicles to easily reach the other side: Warf, First, Second, at two alleys in between the streets. They knew in the 19th century that closing off parts of the street grid wouldn't be a good idea so they make sure every street & alley could continue unimpeded.
Stairs from 1st Street up to the MetroLink platform
From 2nd Street you can use the elector or stairs.
For anyone arriving at Laclede's Landing via MetroLink light rail can exit to either First or Second streets — assuming they're physically able to do so as only the Second Street exit has an elevator. Due to elevation changes, the Second Street exit also has significantly fewer steps than the First Street exit.
Surface parking across 1st Street from new park. The buildings in the background face 2nd Street.
Second Street is the primary street in Laclede's Landing, it has the most restaurants and such. First Street is ok a block further North, but right at the bridge it's desolate — mostly surface parking and a old flood-prone parking structure down the hill.
View of new park site from 1st Street MetroLink station opening
The west side of this new park is bounded by First Street, therefore adjacent to the First Street entry/exit for MetroLink. As a wheelchair user I can't use the First Street exit. This park may prove popular, perhaps especially with cyclists and those looking for restrooms.
The land between Commercial alley and Lenore K. Sullivan Blvd is still privately owned, but Gateway Greening hopes this is a phase 2.
I personally would've liked to have seen new buildings, rather than more open space. That's a big part of the problem with Laclede's Landing — too few buildings, far too much open space. Sure, this will be green open space instead of asphalt open space. Hopefully the parking to the North & West can get replaced with new buildings — this would give this park nice walls.
The Katherine Ward Burg Garden is currently under construction
The new park is not named after the building that occupied the site for decades, Switzer licorice. No, follow the money out to Ladue.
The Katherine Ward Burg Garden is the first step in this long-term plan to redevelop the St. Louis Riverfront north of the Eads Bridge and Gateway Arch. Situated adjacent to the Eads Bridge, the half-acre plaza will be a welcoming spot once people exit the MetroLink at the Laclede's Landing stop. It is bordered by North 1st street on the east, Lucas Avenue on the northern edge, the Mississippi Greenway (Commercial Alley) on the east and the Eads Bridge to the south.
Thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of Katherine Ward Burg, the garden has been designed to create a flexible and welcoming open space which attracts visitors north from the Arch grounds to explore Laclede's Landing or to the Arch grounds from the Landing. It incorporates an iconic trellis, stepped terraces and curving seatwalls offering a comfortable spot for respite, a meeting place to start an adventure and a site that can be adapted for special events and programs. The gently sloped landscape allows for accessible ramp access from First Street down to Commercial Street, a way for all people to move down toward the river, eventually connecting to the Mississippi Greenway.
Construction is underway and expected to be complete in Spring 2021. (Great Rivers Greenway)
If you were looking for a post with uncritical approval with artists renderings you've come to the wrong blog. Hopefully my skepticism will prove unfounded, the garden will become a huge success.
We'll find out how it looks and functions next year and if it's a success after a few more years.
The St. Louis Region Needs to Consider No Longer Chasing Big Conventions
July 6, 2020 Downtown, Featured, Planning & Design, Politics/Policy Comments Off on The St. Louis Region Needs to Consider No Longer Chasing Big Conventions
We keep being told we need to expand our region's primary convention center in order to compete with other cities for big conventions/conferences.
Looking South on 9th Street from Cole Street. The CVC can't expand north, east, or south — so it now wants to close 9th to go West.
Cervantes Convention Center. 801 Convention Center Plaza. St. Louis Mo. August, 1977. Photograph (35mm Kodachrome) by Ralph D'Oench, 1977. Missouri Historical Society Photographs and Prints Collections. NS 30747. Scan © 2006, Missouri Historical Society.
The purpose of convention centers is to get outsiders to travel to a region, spending money on hotels & food — adding to the economy. The convention center facilities themselves are often a loss leader, they don't make a profit or break even on their own but help bring warm bodies with cash to burn to a region.
The past few years attendance at conventions/conferences has been shrinking. The number of conventions have also been getting fewer and fewer. Then came COVID-19, cancelling the rest of 2020. The future of the big convention is seriously in doubt. The big conventions that do continue will have their choice of top facilities. Even if we go for the latest expansion we won't be in the top tier. The remaining smaller conventions & conferences will have their pick of hotel-based convention/conference facilities.
We need to say enough is enough. The current convention/dome occupies what was once 11+ city blocks! A 12th block is a privately-owned parking garage that predates the Cervantes Convention Center. Ballpark Village was only 3 city blocks originally.
Our mostly vacant convention facilities occupies the same space as four ballpark villages!
It's absolutely insane to have this much prime downtown real estate sitting idle most of the year. Yes, when a huge convention is in town downtown is hoping. But what if these blocks, plus Baer Plaza & The Bottle District, were redeveloped?
Three North-South streets would again connect downtown to those of us who live immediately to the north, across Cole. Sixth, seventh, and eighth streets would provide easy access, rather than having to go around a huge obstacle. Ninth street would remain open. Two East-West streets would also be reopened: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd & Convention Plaza (aka Delmar). The City-owned parking garage and parking lots on the West side of 9th could also be developed.
We would still need a tourism office and folks to help fill up various smaller convention/conference facilities throughout the region. They just wouldn't be pressured to try to fill a huge white elephant.
To my knowledge, no city/region has had the courage to opt out of chasing conventions. We should be the first to do so, creating a neighborhood in its place that's so vibrant that people from out of town want to visit.
Ugly Addition Being Transformed Into New Entrance To Former Post-Dispatch Building, Square's New St. Louis Offices
June 17, 2020 Downtown, Featured, Planning & Design Comments Off on Ugly Addition Being Transformed Into New Entrance To Former Post-Dispatch Building, Square's New St. Louis Offices
The work to modernize the former Post-Dispatch office building at 900 Tucker is well underway. Major alterations to a later addition at Tucker and Cole Street will be the biggest exterior change, as you'll see below.
900 N Tucker, January 2019 photo
This January 2016 photo shows the Tucker side later windowless addition on the north end of the building.
This June 2012 photo shows the blank side along Cole Street.
More than five years ago the St. Louis Post-Dispatch announced it wanted to sell its building, to downsize.
Lee Enterprises, owner of the Post-Dispatch since 2005, announced Tuesday it is selling its building on 900 North Tucker Boulevard and searching for a new location.
The six-story building, completed in 1931, has been the newspaper's headquarters since 1959, the year that the Post-Dispatch bought the property and printing equipment from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, a now-defunct morning newspaper. (Post-Dispatch)
In August 2018 Jim McKelvey, via StarLake Holdings, was to buy the building, the Post-Dispatch was to remain as a tenant on the top two floors. The purchase closed in September 2018.
The Post-Dispatch decided to renovate and move to a vacant 1980s building a block to the east. StarLake Holdings became Starwood Group. In July 2019 payment company Square announced it would relocate its St. Louis offices from the CORTEX area to 900 Tucker. Not really a surprise since McKelvey is a co-founder of Square, along with Twitter's Jack Dorsey.
The Post-Dispatch's 7th home, 901 N. 10th Street.
Once the Post-Dispatch moved into their newly renovated building a block away, work began on the old building. Inside at first, but then to the addition.
On May 16th I was driving home and noticed the buff veneer brick was being removed from the concrete block addition.
By May 30th the veneer brick had been removed from the entire west facade and window openings were being created in the block structure.
And window openings also on the north side, also on May 30th
By June 3rd ground floor window openings had been created on both the Tucker & Cole facades. This view shows windows once existed on the Cole side, later bricked up.
I was very happy to see this windowless addition being opened up, but how would it be utilized? On June 7th I got my answer, turns out the main entry will move from Tucker at MLK to Cole Street.
The new lobby will not open to Tucker Boulevard on the west, but to Cole Street on the north. That is philosophical. McKelvey wanted the lobby to face Cole to recognize the untapped potential of the largely African American population on the north side. (Post-Dispatch)
That last line sounds like BS to me, a marketing explanation for what physically made sense with the structure — they wanted to keep the old lobby intact but not as a lobby, so they needed a new lobby. The north addition was their only option.
The morning of June 16th the work on the Cole facade continued. This time the block is being removed entirely. This suggests a different treatment for this section, all glass with the entrance at the sidewalk level is my guess
The view shows the east & north sides.
Given the historic nature of the 1931 original there was no room for anything creative on the exterior. This addition, however, is the perfect place to be creative. I'm enjoying seeing it evolve.
In December 2011 I posted about how Tucker will become Downtown's New Entrance once the new bridge opened, this is the case for many. This new entrance will pop once completed, getting lots of eyes from drivers on Tucker.
In August 2012 I posted about filling in three blocks along Tucker — building new infill to enhance the urban feel of Tucker. Here's a crude graphic I made at the time.
Aerial of a few blocks of north Tucker showing locations where infill buildings can easily be constructed (blue) and additional spots where they should be considered (red)
Hopefully we'll see some infill on some of the parking lots, at least on the 3 other corners of Tucker & Cole. In a future post I want to talk about their proposed "innovation district" concept.
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