Photo courtesy of Missouri History Museum
There have been many new and exciting real estate projects in the Central West End over the past several years, and while they are all important additions to the vibrancy of the neighborhood, among the most significant, in my opinion, is one that will stare in the face of what has become known as the Delmar Divide.
This fall the Euclid Plaza Building, also known as 625 N. Euclid, will be transformed into Lofts@ Euclid. The photo above shows the building when it was General Van & Storage, prior to a 1980s renovation by Union Sarah Economic Development Corporation when it became Euclid Plaza.
Peoria, IL-based developer, Cullinan Properties, purchased the six-story building, above right, in March, and plans a gut rehab of the 150,000 s.f. property. Project architects for Lofts@Euclid are Tom Cohen and Tom McGraw of Cohen Architecture, St. Louis.
David Dewey, Cullinan's Senior Vice President for Acquisitions & Development, emailed that Lofts@Euclid will include 87 studio, one, and two-bedroom units. The units will have 12' 9" ceilings, new windows and HVAC systems, new wiring and plumbing, stainless steel appliances with granite counter tops, and hardwood floors. Amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a secured entry with a full-time management and leasing office on site. There will also be a 10,000 s.f. roof-top oasis and heated indoor parking on the ground floor and basement level. Rents will range from $850 to $2,400. The 1st floor will include 8,500 s.f. of retail space.
Plans for the project were reviewed by the Central West End Association's Planning & Development Committee for compliance with CWE Historic District Standards. The committee recommended favorable action by the City's Cultural Resources Office, and the National Park Service on the developer's application for Historic Tax Credits. The committee cited "…the importance of the project in introducing new vitality at the northern terminus of the Euclid commercial corridor, …the opportunity to signify a new gateway entrance to the CWE, and the potential of the project to enhance prospects for further redevelopment along Euclid Avenue to Fountain Park."
Lofts@Euclid will open in Spring of 2016. For information on retail leasing, contact Patty Kueneke, [email protected], (636) 757-1151.
Wow, great news! I used to have an office there, as did the Central West End Association and many others. I was sorry as the building experienced a long decline but loved its potential. Many tried to make a “go” of it… from Nesby Moore to Bob Wood and Pete Rothschild… I’m so glad it’s being sold and saved, it has some great architectural features. I have fond memories of the Post Office there, riding on the elevator with Congressman Clay and all the various food canteens that existed in the lobby. I hope the parking lot across the street is part of the development… for too long it was tied up in legal wrangles between the building owner and a nearby land developer. Great news for the CWE!