It’s been almost two years since the Washington Avenue skybridge between the old St. Louis Centre and the abandoned Dillard’s department store fell. Since then, a lot has happened at the Mercantile Exchange (MX) district. Let’s take a look at the transformation that’s taken place on the eastern end of downtown’s entertainment strip. The famed Lindell Hotel once stood where [...]
Today, downtown proper’s first microbrewery, Alpha Brewing Co., opened on Lucas Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets in the back of the building of the 1st Financial Federal Credit Union and Lindenwood University’s downtown classrooms. The entrance to the building is a block east of Citymuseum and just south of Europe Night Club. Before entering the actual brewery, one will [...]
Last night the new MX Movies in the Mercantile Exchange (MX) development opened up for a festive preview. The official opening is scheduled for today. The theater will start its run downtown with “Les Misérables”, “Lincoln” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained”, which we had the privilege of seeing last night and if we may say so, it was excellent. The [...]
Collective, a retail co-op has opened in the MX district, in the former St. Louis Centre. Collective features more than 35 boutiques and unique retailers from around the St. Louis region and Chicago. These retailers have each leased a space in this chic and urban retail environment. Currently available at Collective are: Adam Foster, Alternative Apparel, Beltshazzar, Genovese Jewelers, Ivy Hill, Juxtapose, Kate Pollman, Oh Lolli Lolli, Q [...]
π Pizzeria, the successful local restaurant chain who’s pizza’s are favored by the president is ready for a Wednesday, May 23rd opening at the MX development in downtown St. Louis. The new restaurant is located on the corner of 6th and Washington, right next to downtown’s Convention Center MetroLink station. Pi will be the first tenant to open in the [...]
Hotel Ignacio recently added a gorgeous new retro-style neon sign atop the building. We think it’s one of the best new neons in downtown/midtown. If you have photos of neon signs (old or new) and you don’t mind sharing, please send it to info@countondowntown.com for an upcoming post about NEON, NEON, NEON. Earlier story from April 2011 about Hotel Ignacio: [...]
Updated on May 2 with corrected location of The Coliseum Music Venue. If you’ve ever driven or walked to downtown St. Louis coming from the west, chances are you’ve seen this colorful quartet of buildings on the intersection of Jefferson and Washington Avenue. Named GW Lofts by developer Blue Urban, the buildings are a combination of rental lofts with commercial spaces [...]
Copia Market will be a new convenience store in the former Baseline Workshop Furniture space. After Baseline left, the previous Copia owners attempted a convenience store concept here – Washington Avenue Market – but it never opened. The new owners are currently building out the interior with an expected opening sometime next week. The convenience and grocery store is situated [...]
The inaugural Downtown St. Louis ARTWalk was held last night under perfect weather conditions. The walk’s starting point was downtown’s artist hotbed Leather Trades Lofts on 1600 Locust. All floors were open to the public, from the ground floor studio spaces, to the dance studio, music studio and community room on the higher floors. The hallways were adorned with art, [...]
After six months of living and working together, the residents of Leather Trades Artist Lofts are showcasing their talent at the Downtown STL ARTwalk. They are opening their doors to the public and partnering with local businesses to celebrate Downtown St. Louis’ vibrant art scene, food, shops and bustling nightlife. On Thursday, April 19, the Downtown STL ARTwalk kicks off [...]
A new social networking company for Athletes, Lockerdome, will soon be relocating from Westport to office space in downtown St. Louis at 1221 Washington Avenue. Lockerdome, “a Facebook or LinkeIn for Athletes” is the brainchild of founder and CEO Gabe Lozano. Square co-founder Jim McKelvey is part of a group that invested $750,000 in the new technology venture. (McKelvey also [...]
Today will mark the start of negotiations between the St. Louis Rams and the Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC). The CVC will present the Rams with a plan that will include their vision on how to elevate the Edward Jones Dome to “top tier” NFL territory. According to the lease agreement, the dome has to offer a better experience than [...]
The CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation presented its second update to the community Wednesday night, its first in 12 months. There wasn’t a lot of news, nor the typical enthusiasm this time. There were no specifics offered regarding design, no mention of Cathedral Square, or the south end. Final design for a new Kiener Plaza is reported to have been completed, but [...]
Last week we had an opportunity to check out Blondie’s, Kathleen McGowan’s new venture on 13th and Washington. The space that formerly housed Masulla’s Fashion has undergone a true transformation. The feel is one of coziness and at the same time the space is light and open. The breakfast menu consists of Popovers, Souffles and Paninis and a variety [...]
Washington Avenue was recently named one of the Ten Great American Streets of 2011. Let’s celebrate this much deserved selection by the American Planning Association with a photo tour of one of America’s grandest avenues. The APA’s description of this amazing urban canyon: “Once mostly vacant and deteriorating, Washington Avenue today has reversed decades of urban decline to become one of [...]
This vintage clothing boutique opened recently in the Meridian building on Washington Avenue. Eve’s Apple Vintage is located at 1136 Washington Avenue. Open Tuesday – Friday 12 PM -7 PM, Saturday 12 PM – 8 PM, Sunday 12 PM -7 PM , closed Monday Phone (314) 540-8953 Share
It has happened. 12th Street Diner is open. Accessories from the fifties give this restaurant a good look and feel. At this point the opening hours are not set. This week they will be open at 11 AM for lunch and then for dinner till 10 PM. On Saturday they will open for breakfast and the plan is to eventually [...]
One of several new places that have recently opened at the Tudor Building in Downtown West. Smoking Joe’s is located at 1901 Washington Avenue. Open Mondy -Saturday 11 AM -12 Midnight (Kitchen open until 9 PM) Phone (314) 436-3876 Share
