The Rebranding of the City

Odds are, you’ve strolled through the vibrant streets of City Commons.

Maybe you caught a game at CityPark, the beloved home turf of St. Louis City SC. Or perhaps you relaxed with a cold brew at the nearby Schlafly Tap Room or savored a cup of tea at the charming London Tea Room. And if you call The Victor or The Draper home, nestled in the heart of downtown, you’re already part of the fabric of City Commons.

But here’s the twist: until recently, City Commons was merely a whisper, a notion waiting to blossom. It took a visionary consortium of developers to breathe life into this emerging neighborhood.

Their vision? Transform City Commons into a thriving district, a bustling epicenter pulsating around the magnetism of CityPark, which burst onto the scene in late 2022.

With a staggering $1 billion pouring into new developments and plans taking shape around the $460 million soccer stadium, these developers are seizing the moment, harnessing the area’s momentum to carve out a distinct identity. Picture it: a vibrant enclave revolving around City SC’s stadium, now in its electrifying second MLS season.

“In St. Louis, folks love to anchor their destinations with a neighborhood brand,” explains Jassen Johnson, a local developer driving this transformation. “Sure, saying you’re downtown could mean anywhere. But mention City Commons, Lafayette Square, or Central West End, and you’ve instantly pinned down the spot. That’s the magic for St. Louisans.”

The blueprint for City Commons isn’t merely about erecting buildings; it’s about crafting a narrative, a narrative that beckons people to live, work, and play in this burgeoning locale. Guided by successful models both within and beyond St. Louis, the developers are dissecting data to discern the precise blend of amenities to entice newcomers.

“We’re painting a picture of where the district stands today, where it’s headed next year, and where we envision it in the next five years,” Johnson reveals. “We’re curating this district based on real insights, not just throwing in another barbecue joint or coffee shop.”

The Birth of City Commons

Behind the scenes, a cadre of about seven developers, along with a representative from the soccer team, has been toiling for over 18 months to shape the contours of City Commons. Their brainchild isn’t merely a neighborhood—it’s a district, meticulously crafted to harmonize with the city’s fabric.

Defining the boundaries of City Commons—a swath spanning from 17th Street to North Beaumont Street, and from Market Street to Washington Avenue—was just the beginning. Key players like Gary Prosterman of Development Services Group and Matt Masiel of Screaming Eagle Development rallied behind this vision, infusing their expertise into the project.

This isn’t a one-developer show; it’s a collective effort aimed at fostering synergy among diverse projects. As Johnson emphasizes, “City Commons belongs to all of us, each developer working towards a shared vision.”

Unveiling the Future

With projects in various stages of development and prime properties up for grabs, the canvas of City Commons is vast and ripe with potential. Take, for instance, the recent sale of four city blocks, signaling a new chapter in the area’s evolution.

To ignite the renaissance, a Chicago-based firm was enlisted to craft a branding package, complete with a sleek logo and a palette reflecting the area’s youthful, inclusive spirit. Thus, City Commons was born—a name embodying the essence of a communal gathering place.

As the veil lifts on City Commons, anticipation swells. A dedicated website is on the horizon, banners set to flutter in the breeze, heralding a new dawn for this burgeoning district.

But this metamorphosis isn’t just about erecting buildings; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, a shared identity that transcends mere geography. City Commons isn’t just a place—it’s a promise of vitality, a testament to the collective spirit of St. Louis.

In the end, City Commons isn’t merely a destination; it’s a journey—one that invites us all to partake in its unfolding narrative.

The post City Commons – Developers Plan to Rebrand Part of Downtown Near MLS Stadium first appeared on STL Homelife.

As the winter air crisps and the first snowflakes dance in St. Louis skies, families eagerly anticipate one of the city’s most cherished traditions: sledding. In this enchanting town, blanketed in a soft, white canvas, sledding transcends being just a pastime; it’s a beloved ritual that brings generations together, creating joyous memories. From the thrill of the descent to the laughter shared over hot cocoa, St. Louis transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of scenic hills and parks that cater to both the young and the young at heart. Whether it’s the exhilarating rush on Art Hill or the gentle glide at Suson Park, each snowy adventure weaves into the fabric of family lore, making St. Louis not just a great sledding town, but a hub of warm, familial bonds forged in the frosty air.

The whims of snowfall in St. Louis mean you need to be sledding-ready at a moment’s notice. Remember, though, sleds are a no-go in Lone Elk, Veterans Memorial, and Kennedy parks within St. Louis County.

Forest Park: Art Hill, starting from the Saint Louis statue and ending at the Grand Basin, is a sledding favorite. Its capacity to accommodate numerous sledders, convenient location, ample parking, and safety measures (like hay bales at the Grand Basin) by the city park department make it a top choice. [Location: 1 Fine Arts Drive]

Suson Park: Ideal for beginners, Suson Park offers a mild but lengthy slope near the playground. [Location: 6073 Wells Road]

Sioux Passage Park: In Florissant, this park is a winter wonderland offering snowmobiling, skiing, and sledding. “The Man Maker” hill, south of the basketball court, is a must-try. [Location: 17930 Old Jamestown Road]

Deer Creek Park: The steep Marshall Hill in Webster Groves’ Deer Creek Park is perfect for daring young sledders. [Location: Corner of Summit and Marshall Avenues]

Blanchette Park: Bum’s Hollow in St. Charles County, a series of natural bowl-shaped hills, offers varying sledding difficulties, all converging in the center. [Location: 1900 W. Randolph Street]

Glidden Park: Despite Illinois’ reputation for flatness, Glidden Park boasts a superb hill for sledding, open when snow exceeds two inches. Note: Wooden or metal-runner sleds are prohibited. [Location: Intersection of Branch Street and Lebanon Avenue, Collinsville, Illinois]

Hidden Valley Ski Resort: For a change from the free parks, Hidden Valley in Eureka is a great destination. Its Polar Plunge is the largest snow tubing hill in Missouri, and there are options to warm up in the café or by a bonfire afterward. [Location: 17409 Hidden Valley Drive, Eureka]

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Forget the ordinary holiday scenes; St. Charles, Missouri, transforms into a winter wonderland, just a stone’s throw from St. Louis. Here, the Christmas spirit comes alive, starting in November and dazzling visitors through December. Picture a quaint town, where the holidays begin with simple traditions and grow into a spectacular festival.

In the 1970s, as Main Street blossomed anew, local merchants, brimming with festive cheer, ignited the spark of this now legendary celebration. Clad in historical attire, they paraded a Yule log down the street, marking the beginning of what would become a cherished annual event.

Holiday Magic in Every Corner: How St. Charles and St. Louis Celebrate

Today, the Saint Charles Christmas Traditions festival draws over 130,000 people each year. Imagine strolling down Main Street, where the air is filled with the sounds of Victorian carolers and the aroma of roasting chestnuts. Sip on wassail, glide across ice-skating rinks, and lose yourself in the charm of a bygone era.

Ryan Cooper, the festival producer, highlights the sensory feast this event offers. “It’s a chance to step away from the digital world and immerse yourself in the traditions of yesteryear,” he says. “From the authentic period costumes to the melodies of old-fashioned carols, every sense is engaged.”

A Blend of History, Whimsy, and Worldly Insights

The festival not only celebrates the past but also educates. Children can collect trading cards from a cast of over 40 characters, including Jack Frost and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The event offers a global perspective, with various international Santas sharing their unique Christmas traditions.

Escaping the Hustle and Bustle

“Our aim,” Cooper explains, “is to transport you back in time, to a place where holiday stress is unknown, and yuletide traditions of the past come to life.”

The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying St. Charles’ Festive Season

Shop: Discover treasures along Main Street, from the Olde Town Spice Shoppe to handcrafted soaps at Provenance Soapworks.

Dine and Drink: Warm up with a wine flight at Bella Vino or indulge in local delicacies like toasted ravioli at Tony’s on Main Street. Don’t miss the Aztec Spiced Cocoa at Picasso’s Coffee.

Stay: Embrace the old-world charm at Boone’s Colonial Inn or enjoy a more independent stay with The Guest House Company’s luxury homes.

Can’t-Miss Events in St. Charles’ Holiday Calendar

1. Saint Charles Christmas Traditions: An extravaganza of festive characters, carolers, and chestnut roasters.
2. Tree Lighting Ceremony: Enjoy spiced drinks and the Cobblestone Wassailers.
3. The Santa Parade: A weekend spectacle featuring storybook characters and a historic drum line.
4. A Christmas Carol Stroll: Witness Dickens’ tale come to life on Wednesday evenings.
5. Krampus Karnival: Discover global holiday customs with the Bavarian Krampus every Friday.

In St. Charles, Missouri, the holiday season is not just an event; it’s a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Christmas magic. Don’t just read about it – come and experience it!

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Sorting through St. Louis personal injury lawyers?

Enrollments at law schools have steadily been on the rise in the past 20  years. In that same amount of time St. Louis personal injury lawyers Gary Kullmann, Andrew Klein and Steven Dioneda have been assisting the injured through the legal process. Before the inception of Kullmann, Klein & Dioneda, P.C., the attorneys were employed at a personal injury law firm where they gained the knowledge and experience that made their firm successful. Prior to being St. Louis personal injury lawyers, Andrew Klein worked for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Meanwhile, Steven Dioneda began his legal career by representing those accused of criminal offenses. The marriage of these two areas of practice is a component of what makes this firm great. Gary Kullmann began his practice focusing on representing those who have been injured on the job.

There is an abundance of St. Louis personal injury lawyers; many of whom have been practicing for only a few years.

What makes Kullmann, Klein & Dioneda, P.C. withstand the flood of amateur attorneys? The answer is simple – expertise and client priority.

With over 7500 cases settled and/or tried since 1990, it is clear they are familiar and knowledgeable in the area of personal injury. The partners of this firm handle each case personally. No case is handled by an associate or assistant – each file is meticulously reviewed and worked up by one of the dedicated St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Kullmann, Klein & Dioneda, P.C.

When asked what was the sole thing the firm would want a layman to know about a personal injury claim; the definitive answer was: The insurance company is NOT your friend. These St. Louis personal injury lawyers will fight for what you deserve and make sure the insurance company does not try to take advantage of your vulnerable state.

Read more about the St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Kullmann, Klein & Dioneda,P.C. 

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NorthSide Regeneration is the newest development coming to St. Louis City:

With recent hubbub about our great city, St. Louis is now being donned one of the United States’ best cities for reasons like Forbes editors write about in this article about St. Louis being a top ten happiest city for job seeking college grads.  We’ve also seen a big nod from online powerhouse Huffington Post in their 26 Reasons to Appreciate the Hidden Gem of St. Louis.  Op-Ed pieces like these have been trending and this can only mean an increase in buzz around St. Louis.  NorthSide Regneration Mogul Paul McKee stands to profit from all of the free publicity.

NorthSide Regeneration Development

Paul McKee is heading the new NorthSide Regeneration development project which has been granted $390 Million dollars by the City of St. Louis to fund the construction of this new venture.  $60 Million dollars out of pocket has been put up by Paul McKee to aid in the funding of the project.  The NorthSide Regeneration development will be structured with tax increment funding to allow for pay back of the project as the property values increase.  NorthSide Regeneration ideas have been abundant with talks of great merchants that have recently scouted St. Louis such as Ikea, Urban Outfitters, and  Jamba Juice.

The area that Paul McKee calls NorthSide Regeneration has plans for apartment buildings as well as commercial spaces that could house modern age retailers who crave a blank canvas for build outs of new spaces.  Starbucks’ new Tweet-a-Coffee  enables customers to tweet hashtags and use a mobile wallet to have a latte delivered fresh to their own or a friend’s door. The upswing in the technological world will only expand in the coming years and Paul McKee’s NorthSide Regeneration project stands to capitalize on this increase.

Other areas nestled between the NorthSide Regeneration project are up-and-coming like Columbus and Carr Squares who house the old St. Louis Post Dispatch building.  Several improvements akin to the proposed NorthSide Regeneration project have commenced, including re-paving and widening streets, addition of retailers such as McDonald’s and Dollar General, and the opening of the highly anticipated Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge. Buildings of all types and sizes still stand in this bustling area including 1324 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive located at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and Tucker Boulevard, just a jaunt away from NorthSide Regeneration in St. Louis City.

This property is listed by New Monarch Realty

This building in particular would be perfect for a potential NorthSide Regeneration investor in the form of a big name retailer or a collection of local small businesses such as cafes or restaurants or boutiques.  These buildings offer 7 stories of combined space and a large surface lot which is included in the selling price.  With Paul McKee’s NorthSide Regeneration project only a few blocks to the northwest, this parcel would be a lucrative location for a developer interested in a combined retail/residential space or retail/office space.  The open layout of the upper stories would be ideal for housing or an open-office concept. Exposed brick and original hardwood throughout can be restored to their natural beauty to preserve the building’s vintage charm.  The property boasts forced air and central electric cooling and access through the alley to the freight elevator, loading docks, and overhead doors.  The interior offers a passenger elevator, sprinkler system and wheelchair access which will provide easy fulfillment of the required safety and ADA regulations.

NPR’s full interview with Paul McKee and his wife regarding NorthSide Regeneration

 New urban developments near NorthSide Regeneration

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