Nicki's Central West End Guide

World Chess Hall of Fame Opens

The grand opening of the World Chess Hall of Fame at 4652 Maryland Avenue occurred last Thursday evening and a guesstimated crowd of 400 or so shared in the celebration. Among those in attendance were a celebrated group of inductees, chess-world dignitaries from around the globe, public officials (Lewis Reed, President of the Board of Alderman, Jeff Rainford, Mayor Slay's Chief of Staff, and Charlie Dooley, County Executive), and an assortment of curious non-chess playing neighbors (myself included). Backers Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield, shown above, have good reason to be proud of this recent addition to the cultural mix of St. Louis.

After a welcoming ceremony, formal induction of the honorees and a ribbon cutting, the building was open for touring. Exhibitions currently on view at the Museum are: "Chess Masterpieces: Highlights of the Dr. George and Vivian Dean Collection," and "Out of the Box: Artists Play Chess," including a piece created by Yoko Ono. See the website for hours.

The impact of the Chess Club on the CWE has been significant. Tournaments have attracted players from all over the world. When the Club first opened, we met a man from Kansas City who was so impressed by the quality of the facility that he hoped to find a place to live in the neighborhood, as he thought he'd be here frequently. The organization also sponsors lessons for area school children, and brings many guests to the Chase Hotel, where occasional tournaments are held when Club facilities can't accommodate all the players.

That's the good news. Following recent posts on a wedding dress and the fabulous 9/11 Memorial on Art Hill, I am back on the neighborhood beat with some observations on local businesses/organizations that behave as though permits and ordinances exist only for others.

As I walked over to the opening Thursday evening I realized that Maryland Avenue was closed from Euclid to the planter beds just beyond the Chess Club. You may remember that in Alderman Lyda Krewson's recent letter (see it here) she mentioned that the Chess Club had been granted a permit to close Maryland for a couple of hours on Saturday for a Boy Scout event. I learned Thursday night that the Chess Club had also applied for a permit to close the street for the opening party, but that application had been denied. Incredibly, it didn't seem to matter. The justification offered was that they expected 400 people to attend the event, and had no place to put them. Does that suggest that, by extension, every time a business wants to stage a large event they can adopt their own rules for the use of public space? The Chess Museum commandeered the street to accommmodate a service bar, bar tables, V.I.P. seating, and a large screen t.v. It also caused a huge inconvenience for residents, visitors, and for businesses located nearby.

Recently Maryland Plaza's Moris Fashions sought a permit to close York Avenue for a fashion show, and Drunken Fish requested a permit to close Euclid and Maryland for an anniversary bash. Fittingly, those applications were denied, and those two businesses adapted and abided by the Street Department's decision.

On Friday morning the only evidence of the party was the rain-soaked red carpet remaining on the sidewalk and in the gutter. It does not seem to be in the interest of the larger community to be closing public streets for private purposes at will. Policies and procedures exist for good reason, and it seems to me they should apply to all, regardless of the good work of the organization.

After this I'm going back to reporting on less controversial topics.

A Powerful Memorial on Art Hill

It may be hard for you to decifer the teddy bear alongside the crucifix on the hood of the car.

2,996 flags have been installed on Art Hill by 250 volunteers. Each of the flags bears the name of a victim of the 9/11 tragedy.

Congressman Russ Carnahan was one of the many speakers at this morning's 9 a.m. ceremony.

One of the many sponsors of "America's Heartland Remembers" is the neighborhood's Llywelyn's Pub.

The memorial will be on view until September 19. Don't miss it.

Sunday, September 11

Googling THE wedding dress

Photo courtesy of Ben Larson

 This is a story about a wedding dress that's best told by the email exchanges I have copied below.

Hi Nicki,

After many google searches, I came across your blog and your article about Kelly Reding.  I just want to thank you for that post, because I've been searching high and low for the designer of the Ballerina dress from "Sex and the City."  I can't tell you how many google searches I've done!  So, I just wanted to send you a quick thank you.  If it wasn't for your blog, I would have never learned of Kelly Reding. 

 

I've reached out to Kelly in hopes that she can make a replica of that dress for my wedding.  I hope to hear back from her....

 

So thank you again for making the connection for me!  I've never been to Central West End, but my fiance's sister lives near St. Louis, so when we visit her, I will be sure to check out your neighborhood, I love quaint historic pockets.Take care, Sharon Cercone

Dear Sharon:

How exciting that you found my blog and thus found Kelly. She is an amazing designer and is going to be opening a shop within a vintage clothing store in the neighborhood in August. I am copying her on this so that we can double-team her and let her know how wonderful she is! Thanks for writing!
Hope you do visit the CWE someday. Thanks again. Nicki

Thank you Nicki!! 

I like the double-team effort.  I am so thrilled about this dress, and the ironic thing is, my formal wedding dress for our Catholic Church ceremony is another dress I fell in love with from "Sex and the City" (the Badgley Mischka dress Carrie Bradshaw wore to the Black and White Ball in Season 4).  A lovely, lovely elegant and somewhat royal dress, but I won't be able to wear it all day and night - way too formal, hard to dance in - so the Ballerina dress will be a perfect evening reception dress - very fun, cute and right in line with my style...  fingers crossed Kelly can squeeze me in.  : )

 

But enough about my wedding (obviously I am very excited!)....THANK YOU for your blog....it is a true gem!  I am going to share your blog with my fiance's sister who lives near St. Louis, and I will also promote Kelly's design to my friends! I have a feeling I will definitely visit CWE and Kelly's new store.  I love supporting talented designers and local businesses that bring warmth and charm to neighborhoods.

 

I am grateful for your help!  If all goes well, and I end up with this dress (fingers crossed!!), I will be sure to share pictures with you! 

All the best, Sharon

Kelly did make the dress for Sharon, though in a different color than the original, and sent it off to San Francisco several weeks ago.

On September 4...

Our wedding was beautiful.  More perfect than I ever imagined. The dress was a hit (see above)!!  Thank you both.  Xoxo, Sharon

 

Kelly Reding's shop, Dauphine, 447 N. Euclid, Saturdays, 11 to 6 or by appointment, (314) 651-9680.

P.S. - I am thrilled(!) that a google search initiated from 2000 miles away would result in a custom order for a talented designer right here in the neighborhood. To repeat what the bride said, "I love supporting talented designers and local businesses that bring warmth and charm to neighborhoods." So do I, and so should we all...it's part of what makes this a truly vibrant place.

Dauphine and Borough Vintage are hosting a Fall Faire this Saturday, September 10. You are invited to view fall fashions,and enjoy vintage cocktails & appetizers, 6 to 8 p.m., 447 N. Euclid (at Washington).

 

Recap from Alderman Krewson regarding Lester's and more

Lyda said it was okay to share the following letter with readers of the blog:

Dear CWE Neighbors…4500-46xx Maryland, Pershing Pl & interested others.

Sorry this is so long. I have tried to recap our meeting and provide some additional info on questions we did not get to.

Others in attendance in addition to neighbors,

• Betsy Bradley and Jan Cameron attended from Cultural Resources. 
• John Berglund – President CWEA;
• Members of the CWEA P&D Committee, including John McPheeters (Chair), Jim Dwyer, Suzanne Zorn, Ralph Wafer, Bill Seibert. 
• Nicki Dwyer – Nicki’s CWE Guide blog
• Jeff Albert – Red Brick  
• Pedro- owner/manager Lesters

First of all… thank you so much for the chance to meet and discuss Lesters and other neighborhood issues last Thursday evening at Bar Italia. Those of you who were there know that the tone was challenging… and I have heard a few folks say ‘nothing was accomplished’… I actually think a lot of good things will come from this meeting. Certainly we all know one another a bit better now… and I think we are all committed to communicating better.

The purpose of this email is to recap the meeting – Nothing was ‘solved’ on Friday – but I will be back to you with additional information as it becomes available.

I would welcome the chance to come to your block meetings… please let me know when the next one is.

For those interested, the 28^th Ward Regular Democratic Club’s next meeting will be Thursday Sept 15 -7:30pm @ Dressels Pub Above.  If you would like to be on our mailing list, please hit me back with an email, address & phone… and you will receive a meeting notice post card a few days before. We also have a new FB page… ‘like’ us. Here is a link to our website. hwww.ward28.citywestend.org%2Findex.html&h=NAQCy3aWX

I thought it might be useful to recap ‘the process’

1.      Landlord gets the tenant.. this location has been a restaurant for 20 years+. Some have said they don’t like sports bars, but we don’t get to pick the type of food or style. This is not considered in the city review.

2.      Tenant usually makes sure he can get a liquor license before he makes a big investment and finalizes the lease. The liquor license process includes residents/tenants with in 350 feet. This is a very good time to voice your concern, and place limits on their license. Attached is a copy of the ‘circle’.  It takes a majority of the property owners & a majority of the residents/tenants to obtain a license. Here is a link to the Revised City Code on liquor licenses.. http://www.slpl.lib.mo.us/cco/code/title14.htm . Lesters got their signatures last year, before they started work on the property.

• At that time, I asked for the following conditions…

•  
  1.  
     •  
       1. No trash removal after 9 pm
       2. Patrons must exit in an orderly manner
       3. Must do daily litter control
       4. No deliveries after 9 pm or before 7 am… delivery trucks should not ‘double park or block alley .

3.  In this case they wanted to put an addition on the building… remove the old greenhouse… and build a new one story building with roof top patio.

• Tenant does the design considering building codes, and historic district standards. Then they review it with the CWEA P&D Committee… and the City Cultural Resources Dept.  In the case of new construction, it also goes to the Preservation Board.  The proposed construction is reviewed to see if it complies with the CWE historic district standards… here is a link to the Cultural Resources website, including the CWE standards and Preservation Board information.  http://stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/planning/cultural-resources/index.cfm  A copy of the CWE standards is also attached.

§  Finally… the plans & specs go to the Building Division for a building permit.  This review is about code issues, not aesthetics.

§  In this case there was also a re-parceling and zoning change. When the greenhouse was built in 1993, the property should have been re-parceled and zoned consistent with the adjoining building. Don’t know why that did not happen in the 90’s. The zoning meeting was posted on the street. Most of you saw it. The hearing was 5/25/11.  I emailed an explanation to Lynn Baker, Bruce, Terry, Ken Jones, Don Damask.  In the future, I would be happy to email information to your google or yahoo group.

A number of related issues were also discussed at the meeting and in the blogs & emails including

1.      Modern/contemporary design… See the standards, they don’t prohibit contemporary design… as you can tell from the blog, some like it, some don’t.  

2.      Color of the wall… Per Cultural Resources the plans that were approved anticipated a different material and color of the exterior wall.  What was built is ‘oranger’ than what was approved.  Cultural Resources is talking with Lesters to find a solution to mitigate this issue. They will consult with the CWEA P&D Committee before finalizing.  If you have ideas, please email John McPheeters, chair of P&D. His email is johnmcpheeters@earthlink.net . P&D is an all volunteer board, their meetings are open to the public. CWEA is at 625 N Euclid, Suite 200.  367-2220 or www.thecwe.org.  I know they would welcome your membership and participation.

3.      Stan Musial Statue… some don’t like the statue… some don’t like the placement… some think it is advertizing. Pedro owner/manager of Lesters CWE, said that they thought it would be a nice art installation for the neighborhood. The CWE Board strongly supported it, and the City issued a permit to allow it to be placed.  Several residents asked for it to be removed. This request is being considered.  I will update you.

4.      TV’s… Lesters has outdoor TVs on the walls of the rooftop patio.  The TVs will not have any sound.  Some would like for the TV’s to be removed. There are no city ordinances about outdoor TV’s… it simply has not come up before. Some suggested that the TVs be turned off at 10pm, or some other agreed upon time.

5.      Some expressed concern about noise from roof top patio – Lesters said they are committed to being a good neighbor and not disturbing the nearby property owners. If this is a problem, please let me (607 3452) and Lesters know. You can also call 911 for noise issues. 

6.      Parking lot & Trash issues – there are many compliants about the condition of the parking lot and the messy trash/dumpster area. The dumpsters are contracted for by the tenants. Jeff Albert of Red Brick/Rothschild agreed last week that the parking lot will be fenced along the alley, and an enclosure built around the dumpsters. We also discussed using one vendor, having fewer dumpsters, and having them emptied more often… 5-6 times per week. I am optimistic that this dumpster issue will be improved. Repairing to paving in the parking lot is planned.

7.      Assigning parking spaces on the street – some wanted to have parking spaces assigned.  This really is not possible on a public street. It is possible to enact resident parking only, and use stickers to identify the residents cars.  We can discuss this further if it is something most residents want to pursue.

8.      Speeding… some suggested a cobblestone strip every 25 meters.  Other streets who have done this are usually not very happy with the result.  When cars/trucks go over the cobblestones they are pretty noisy… and ‘rattle’ the houses near them. By city policy, speed bumps are not allowed on public streets because they are considered obstructions for regular and emergency vehicles.  Speeding on residential streets is a common and recurring complaint. I will request the speed trailer that indicates how fast the vehicle is going… but to be honest, it does not have a lasting effect. 

9.      Blocked sidewalks from tables/chairs – all restaurants must have a permit to put tables on the sidewalk.  They are required to have a 4 ft clear walkway, some are worse offenders than others and we don't have effective enforcement. I have talked directly with one restaurant about it twice this summer. It is a little better but the chance to sell more food/drink is just too big of a lure for them it seems. Neighbors can also file complaints with Citizens Service Bureau 622 4800. If you can take a pic and send it in on line http://stlouis-mo.gov , I think that will provide good info. I have alerted CSB to the problem.

 Lesters has applied for sidewalk seating. Their hearing is Sept 13 -3pm room 416 City Hall.  See attached.

 10.  Tony’s kiosk – Some would like for Tony to have a permanent kiosk.  The CWE is a “no vending” district… It originated in deference to permanent businesses, so that the hot dog or t-shirt vendor could not show up on the nice days and take business away from the business that are here 24/7.  Perhaps this should be revisited?? 

 11.  Alley lighting – I walked both Maryland alleys at about 9:30pm one evening last week. There are 9 lights in the north alley and more in the south. If there is a pole, Ameren will put up another light for about $9 per month on a 3 year contract. Ameren’s number is 342-1000.  The construction division is 866-992-6619.

 Finally…..  

• The Chess Club museum is opening this week. It also went through the normal process described above.  Thursday evening they are having a ribbon cutting… and Saturday afternoon they are closing Maryland for a few hours in front of the Club for a ‘human chess match’.
• A new Euro style bakery/pizzeria plans to open at 4501 Maryland… At this time they have not applied for a liquor license.  If they do, residents within 350 feet will have the opportunity to sign their petition or not.
• Some of you have heard that Brothers Bar & Grill (www.brothersbar.com ) was trying to open on Euclid were Pasta House was.  Many in the neighborhood did not think this was the appropriate location for Brothers. At this time they have not obtained the required signatures to obtain a liquor license.

If you are still reading, thanks for your patience and interest. More later……

Thanks Lyda

Lyda Krewson

28^th Ward Alderman

 314-231-7318 . 314 607 3452 (cell)

lyda.krewson@pgav.com

Stan the Man takes a hit...

Stan wasn't the only one to take a hit at Thursday night's gathering of residents from Maryland Avenue and Pershing Place who met at Bar Italia for a meeting with 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson regarding Lester's Sports Bar. My August 24 post on the unattractive color chosen for the east elevation facing the parking lot served as a lightning rod for what quickly deteriorated into a heated exchange on much more than building materials.

Two representatives of the Cultural Resources Office (Betsy Bradley, the recently appointed Director, and Jan Cameron, a long-time plan reviewer) told attendees that while what was built was not what was approved by their office, they didn't think there was much their office could do after the fact.  After further discussion they did say they would investigate to see if there is a workable solution and asked for some time to accomplish this.

Next up was the statue of Stan the Man. Lyda Krewson advised that the Board of Public Service had approved the placement of this public art in the public domain because Musial is a St. Louis icon. There was a howl of protest from many in the room who view the statue as advertising for Lester's. Someone asked if this wasn't setting a precedent and whether soon we would see "public art" such as a chess piece, a yogurt cup, and chicken wings in front of neighboring businesses. John Berglund, President of the Central West End Association, added that the entire board had approved the statue, though Bill Seibert said that the CWEA's Planning & Development Committee (a standing committee of the CWEA) was against it.

Neighbors who live nearby say the televisions on the roof deck are really intrusive and wondered if anything could be done about removing them*. Lyda pointed out that this is the first roof deck in the neighborhood so there are no established guidelines to follow, but noise regulations will definitely be enforced.

Rather than continue to report on the many negative aspects of the meeting, with neighbor pitted against neighbor, I would rather point out the good things that have come out of the meeting.

After the meeting, Maryland Avenue residents recognized that they need to form a block organization, such as the private streets have, so that they can participate more effectively in shaping decisions that affect them. Some residents complained that though they belong to the Central West End Association they never hear of opportunities to get involved. John Berglund said that the organization intends to be more transparent by posting minutes from the Association's meetings on a revamped website. John McPheeters, Chairman of the CWEA Planning & Development Committee invited neighbors to attend the committee's meetings held on the second Saturday of the month at 9:15 a.m. at Bowood Farms.

As a result of the heated debate last Thursday, I would like to suggest that future meetings:

1. Engage a facilitator so everyone who wants to speak can, in an orderly, civilized, and more productive environment.

2. If the meeting is for residents, those who not residents should not be permitted to participate.

3. Save the alcohol for after the meeting.

I am planning a future post to help clarify which agency or neighborhood organization is in charge of what. Right now there's the CWEA, the CID, SBDs, Cultural Resources, Preservation Board, Building Division, Zoning Administrator and the Board of Public Service, and more.

Following the event Lyda reminded me that the neighborhood has come so far from ten years ago when the topics of concern centered on a high crime rate, a largely vacant Maryland Plaza, and a shuttered Chase Park-Plaza.  In conclusion, the majority seems glad that Lester's is here. As Maryland Avenue resident Maggie Pearson said when commenting on my initial post about Lester's: "their sweet potato fries make the world go 'round." Lester's manager, Pedro, said at the meeting that they want to be good neighbors, and we hope they will. What residents of Maryland Avenue and Pershing Place object to is that the restaurant/bar seems to be unaware of the fact that they are part of a mixed-use urban neighborhood, not just an entertainment district.

* Last evening while walking west on Maryland Avenue toward Euclid I felt assaulted by televisions flashing in the restaurant as if this were a video game parlor. I understand there are louvers that are to be installed on the lower level which may help, but what will be done about the intrusion of the rooftop screens is a huge concern for those who live nearby.

 

Sunday, September 4

Ommmmmmmmm....

Photo by Martin Schweig

After my post last week on Lester's, which resulted in a record number of hits and unprecendented response in the form of comments, I left town for a few wonderful days of hiking in the mountains of Utah. I returned last evening just in time to attend a disturbingly acrimonious meeting on this very hot topic which was held at Bar Italia's Luna.

Fortunately, Martin Schweig provided the perfect antidote to this unsettling event in the form of a gorgeous photo of a winged daily visitor to his lovely koi pond (see post on Martin's garden here).

Tomorrow Monday, after a few more deep breaths and my regular Saturday morning yoga class, I'll attempt to fill you in on the passionate debate that has ensued over the controversial color of the addition--and, as it turns out, so much more.