All Entries Tagged With: "redevelopment"
What would you do with this Ferguson building?
When people talk about Ferguson Citywalk, they usually think of the core section of downtown Ferguson, spanning roughly from Marley’s to the Corner Coffee House. But in truth, the business district actually runs all the way to Brotherton Lane, encompassing the license office, Ferguson Style & Spa and a handful of other establishments.
This has long been the “service business” stretch of S. Florissant Road, so you’ll find plenty of auto mechanics and used car dealers. But the city of Ferguson is hoping to breathe some new life into this area, and they’re starting with the property at #830.
The city purchased this 4,000-square-foot building (pictured above) in 2011, along with a smaller parcel next door. Now they’re asking the public: How should it be used?
On May 30, Ferguson will team with Washington University to host an “IdeaBounce,” during which 15 finalists will present their concept for the property. Finalists will be chosen based on online submissions, then a panel of judges will select three winners, each of whom will receive dinner, a special gift and business mentoring.
Ideally, anyone who submits an idea should be willing and able to implement it, so this is technically a call for businesses & developers rather than a call for general ideas. But that’s not going to stop me from floating three concepts, none of which I have any interest in exploring. I used to be the director of the Citywalk district, so I know it well, and I think three great uses for this property would be:
- a dog training/agility center with dog wash facilities and a retail pet store (similar to Pets in the City)
- a Kinko’s or other print/copy place
- a community office space for co-working, where independent professionals can rent a desk/conference room/printer/etc, and work in a collaborative space with others
The co-working movement is really taking off around the globe, probably because it allows communities to foster entrepreneurship at a reasonable cost to business owners. I think it would be a great fit for Ferguson. I also like the other two ideas because they would fill holes in our local retail market…..and generate tax revenue.
You see, Ferguson Citywalk is a TIF district, meaning that financial incentives may be available for new businesses that bring in sales tax. Downtown leaders are also striving to build an arts & entertainment destination, so a new retail store would definitely fit into the mix.
But that’s just my line of thinking. I’d love to hear what good ideas everyone else comes up with!
If you’re interested in submitting a concept, visit this website by May 16. And even if you don’t have an idea to present, you should still plan on attending the IdeaBounce on May 30. It starts at 7pm (with registration at 6) and all are welcome! Location is 830 S. Florissant Road.
By the way, I should probably tell you a little about the building…. It’s located in a high-traffic location about one mile from UMSL and Highway 70. It has tile floors, tall ceilings, a loading dock, parking in the front and rear, and green space on one end of the property. Inside, it’s basically a big open room with 4,000 square feet.
What is your vision for Downtown Ferguson?
After gathering public input tomorrow night, the city of Ferguson is planning to implement a new forms-based approach to zoning in the downtown district.
If you want to see somebody’s eyes glaze over with boredom, start a discussion about planning & zoning. Better yet, throw in terms like “mixed-use development” and “appropriate land use” and watch how quickly the room clears. Nobody likes to talk about these things, except maybe bureaucrats and academics, but the fact is effective planning & zoning is absolutely vital in a thriving community.
The good folks at Ferguson City Hall know this. They also know that downtown Ferguson has an antiquated zoning code that restricts a whole range of desirable businesses. That’s probably why they’re forging a new plan and inviting the public to participate.
Tomorrow evening, the city staff is asking residents, business owners and anyone with a vested interest in downtown Ferguson to attend an open house, where they can seek your input on a variety of issues.
What do you think downtown Ferguson should look like in the future? What can the city do to make Florissant Road more pedestrian-friendly? What kinds of new businesses would you like to see? Those are some of the questions that need answering, and everyone’s opinion is welcome!
If you’d like to read more technical details about the new zoning approach Ferguson is taking, jump on over to the Form-Based Codes Institute. Otherwise, just show up at city hall tomorrow, March 1, at 6:30pm and be ready to share your ideas…
Ferguson City Hall is located at 110 Church Street, 63135. Light refreshments will be served.
Ferguson created a “Better Block.” What now?
Ah, the joys of a flea market! Could this be the next big thing in Ferguson?
Well, the Better Block Project came and went this weekend, drawing a steady stream of visitors to downtown Ferguson. Several temporary businesses and sidewalk vendors sprouted up for the day, including my own little antique store, Raw, which nearly sold out! Thank to you all the NOCO fans who came to shop. It was so great to meet you and to send you home with some fun new treasures!
Many of you asked me if I plan to open a real store in the future, and for the time being the answer is no. But I have to say, I did find the whole experience super enjoyable and now I’m inspired to keep the ball rolling…
When I lived in Los Angeles, one of my favorite haunts was the Rose Bowl Flea Market, a massive monthly event that draws upward of 15,000 shoppers. Just like our own Gypsy Caravan here in St. Louis, the Rose Bowl hosts hundreds of independent vendors selling an absolutely staggering variety of furniture, antiques, vintage clothing and handmade items. High-end decorators shop there. So do artists, Hollywood set designers and all manner of people looking for great deals on unique and recycled finds.
Over its 40-year-history, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has become a true destination, not to mention a powerful economic driver for the city of Pasadena. It allows regular people who can’t afford to open a shop the perfect venue for selling their items – a particular boon during this changing economy. More importantly, it’s a blast!
Flea markets bring communities together and encourage people to get creative (and go green) rather than always buying something brand new. Which is why I’m just gonna jump right in and say it….I think it’s time for a flea market in Ferguson!
Sure, the idea has been kicked around before but it has never really gained any traction. Apparently some residents think it might “junk up” the area and attract the “wrong” kind of people, which of course is bunk. Properly organized, with an emphasis on antiques and artisan items, a monthly flea market could be a HUGE success, drawing an eclectic mix of shoppers from all over the St. Louis area, including folks who would probably never come to North County otherwise.
Those people will eat at our restaurants, see our beautiful neighborhoods and hopefully go away with a more positive view of Ferguson. It’s a win-win. So what do you think, NOCO fans? I’m in if you are! I’ll even volunteer to organize the flea market, just as long as the city green-lights it.
If you have any interest in being a potential vendor, please leave a comment below or shoot me an email at shannon@NOCOstl.com with “flea market” in the subject line. I’d just like to gauge the general interest before I actually start to dive in. Thanks again!
The Better Block Project is headed to Ferguson
Aiming to envision what a truly vibrant & walkable neighborhood might look like, the Dallas community of Oak Cliff became the first participant in the Better Block Project. Now this innovative program is coming to Ferguson...
Even if this wasn’t the Show-Me State, human nature dictates that most people need to see before they believe. That’s especially true when it comes to something as “big” as community revitalization. For when you live in a neighborhood full of vacant storefronts and run-down properties, it can be pretty hard to look beyond the current reality and dream of a better day.
But dream we must, because that’s the first step toward action. And if we’re going to dream, we might as well do it in full vibrant color, with as much detail as possible. That’s the thinking behind the Better Block Project, an incredibly innovative program in which cities experiment with what’s possible by temporarily installing their ideal vision of a business district.
I like to think of it as “fake it ’til you make it.” Essentially, the community closes off a section of a street and fills it with outdoor seating, bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly gathering areas. It also welcomes temporary businesses to set up shop in vacant commercial space and encourages a “street fair” environment with activities like live music and arts & crafts.
So far, a handful of cities across the country have participated in the Better Block Project, most with great results. And now I’m very proud to say that my hometown, Ferguson, will be joining these progressive ranks!
On Saturday, October 15, the city will shut down part of Florissant Road between Adams and Carson, installing a “Better Block” from the hours of 10am to 10pm. Through September 17, they’ll also be accepting applications for the temporary businesses who want to operate during the event.
Just to give you an idea of what the Better Block Project looks like, and how it might spur positive neighborhood changes and new economic activity, here’s an inspiring video from the very first event in Dallas:
To learn more about Ferguson’s Better Block event, contact Natasha Ramey at (314) 524-5196. If you need a vendor application, you’ll find it right here.
Once again, bravo Ferguson!!
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K