City Scene: August 2005
By Steve Patterson
Malls are out and “lifestyle centers” are in.
These new, mostly upscale, centers aim to recreate the feel
of a mixed-use urban street where residents live above stores
and shoppers stroll down the “street.” Most
notable of these is on Brentwood with the new Crate &
Barrel store. But in the city we have real thing, a true
street lined not with chain stores but interesting locally
owned businesses.
Washington Avenue in St. Louis’ vibrant loft district
is an authentic retail street. On July 15th a ribbon cutting
celebration was held for eight new businesses in the 1300
block of Washington Avenue. Yes, eight new businesses! All
eight are locally owned and operated.
Washington Avenue, already a great mix of establishments,
just got even more diverse. First up at the podium was Ellen
Curlee of the Ellen Curlee Gallery. The Gallery will feature
contemporary photography and is located at 1308 Washington
Avenue. The first exhibit will be a baseball show. At the
ribbon cutting Curlee has this to say, “I’m
glad to be part of the revitalization of the core city.”
Indeed, downtown and Washington Avenue are the core of the
region.
Many Healthy Planet readers are probably familiar with Kenary
Park Florist on Lockwood in Webster Groves. They have recently
expanded to a second location on Washington Avenue to serve
the growing downtown market.
Pace Framing’s new owners relocated from the West
End to 1319 Washington Avenue a few months ago, “In
only four months we know we’ve made the right decision.”
With all the downtown businesses and new loft dwellers a
downtown frame shop makes sense.
Arguably Macrosun International (www.macrosun.com)
is the most well known of the new Washington Avenue businesses
with its most recent stints at two different locations on
Delmar in the loop. Owner Gil Williams said at the opening,
“The resurgence downtown is truly something to celebrate.”
Agreed. Williams is also likely to be celebrating owning
his own space in the Knickerbocker building at 1310 Washington
Avenue. The interiors featuring multiple levels, soft colors,
exposed brick and interesting lighting was designed by The
Lawrence Group.
The Philip Slein Gallery has proven to be a popular destination
in the few months they’ve been open on Washington
Avenue at 1319. Owner Philip Slein is also the director
of Washington University’s Desmond Lee Gallery at
1627 Washington Avenue. Slein thanked St. Louis Mayor Francis
Slay for creating a “user-friendly” city hall.
He concluded with, “Viva the Avenue!”
Before you get to thinking Washington Avenue is just about
art think again. Located above the Philip Slein gallery
at 1320 Lucas Avenue is Urban Breath Yoga, Arts and Wellness
(www.urbanbreath.com).
Founder & Director Cameron Metheney said, “Downtown
was missing a place for wellness.” Classes are offered
in their tranquil studio as well as through a “roaming
studio” in your home or business.
The most eclectic of the new businesses celebrating their
grand opening in July is the Washington Avenue Post. Bob
Ray spoke on behalf of the family business that includes
copy services, a coffee shop and some retail items ranging
from office supplies to locally made soy-based candles.
The Washington Avenue Post is also a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Flannery’s Restaurant & Sports Bar at 1320 Washington
Avenue has been busy since it opened. Perhaps not the first
dinner choice for our readership but it is certainly a welcomed
addition to this vibrant city block.
While all the businesses put their best face forward it
was Macrosun that went all out with two weekends of events.
At the ribbon cutting a water buffalo graced the street
along with several belly dancers. It was an exciting party.
The party continues every day on Washington Avenue and in
particular on the weekends. The first Friday of each month
is the First Friday Gallery and Design Walk (www.downtowngallerywalk.com).
Come join the fun in downtown St. Louis!
Steve Patterson is a REALTOR@ with Schaller Realty, www.stevenlpatterson.com
or 314-832-6100, a freelance designer and planning consultant.
Steve publishes the online site called Urban Review –
St. Louis (www.urbanreviewstl.com).
Steve serves on the Board of Directors of the St. Louis
Regional Bike Federation and is certified by the League
of American Bicyclists as a bike safety instructor. Steve
lives in St. Louis’ Mt. Pleasant neighborhood.
