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AdvancedSo Long...
At the end of August, my family and I will be relocating to Des Moines, Iowa.
I moved here to attend architecture school at Washington University in St. Louis in 1993 - the summer of the big flood. As a green transplant, I had no idea that a beautiful and vibrant city existed between the Arch and the University. Stories of murder and mugging kept me from exploring north, south and east of campus. It was two years before I went anywhere that wasn't steps from a Metrolink station.
What did it take to open my eyes to the wonderful messiness of St. Louis? Ironically, a car. Once I inherited the family minivan, I worked to overcome the fear drilled in to me since my parents and I first unloaded my meager belongings in St. Louis. I began exploring the City from the point of view of an aspiring architect - the glorious decaying buildings collapsing under the weight of years of neglect, the neat rows of gingerbread homes with manicured lawns, the fine craftsmanship of 100 year old cultural institutions.
I also slowly realized that the way I was being taught to practice architecture was out of touch with the realities of what a urban areas need to rebound from decades of staggering population loss. The solution is much more organic than our leaders would have us believe - massive expensive projects don't build community and they won't "save the City". We saw this with Pruitt Igoe half a century ago and we are still trying the same old formula with Blairmont. This development and design process is fundamentally flawed as a means of sustainable revitalization.
I weaseled myself into an unpaid summer internship with Habitat for Humanity St. Louis Chapter. My summer was spent helping manage the construction and volunteer coordination on the Maffit and Walnut Park projects. I had lunches at parking lot bar-be-ques and bought ice cold sodas through the bars on a corner store. Because I was on-site almost every day, I answered neighbors' questions and continually had to tell passers-by that we didn't have any paid work available. I had to clean up the construction trailer after it was broken into. This experience helped more than any other to finally reshape my view of the City as a place (full of unique spaces, buildings, and people) that has intrinsic value as a cohesive organism This City-organism is sick, but it needs healing medicine rather than amputation.
The next year, I was hired by the Community Development Administration (then-called the Community Development Agency) to help build the Community Information Network. For the next four years, I worked in various positions at CDA as a practicum student, web developer, and intern. While there I developed an enormous respect for the committed and creative public employees working under very difficult circumstances to build a better City. Yes, some of them were mindless slackers, but certainly no more than any other place of employment. By and large, I think that if the politicians would grant more authority (and money?) to some of the executive departments (Planning in particular), they could do some really great things.
I graduated from the dual Masters in Architecture and Social Work program and Washington University in St. Louis in 2000. That May, I started work at Pyramid Architects. I was particularly drawn to the way this company took on small renovation projects and residential infill in areas that had not seen major investment in years. The logical progression from this philosophy would have been sensitive and creative large-scale mixed-use infill projects (think Delmar Loop east of Skinker, except with apartments). However, buoyed by the success of Eads Park, Pyramid took their residential development in a different direction - large-scale urban-renewal type projects such as Sullivan Place that attempt to remake neighborhoods rather than restore community.
When I recognized this shift in principle, I left Pyramid and joined a design and development company specializing in senior housing. I was there for two years before finding a job at Fendler and Associates. While there I was able to get back into the small-scale renovation work I love - I will miss this place terribly.
My new job in Des Moines will be serving as Real Estate Development Manager for an established non-profit housing corporation. This job will allow me to explore the relationship between community development and residential renovation in ways I have not yet had the opportunity to do.
Having children also changed the way I view the City. What a wonderful, messy place to raise a family. St. Louis is full of excellent (free) entertainment, parks, learning opportunities, and interesting people. Yet, the schools are a big problem. Perhaps had we chosen to stay in the St. Louis region, our financial realities would have forced us to move out of the City proper. There's just not the money to send our children to a non-sectarian private school, and we weren't quite sure we were willing to put up with the turmoil of the SLPS. The State takeover is very disturbing and the "for the children" platitudes thrown so carelessly around by everyone ring quite hollow. I don't think that the politicians are looking at the right problems, and the solutions they have implemented miss the mark.
I haven't yet decided what to do with this blog. It seems a shame to waste all the time and effort I put in to writing and researching. Thanks to all of you for reading and supporting this work. Particular thanks to Steve Patterson who encouraged me to develop this forum for critical analysis.
There are a few more articles in the pipelines, including two "Top 50" lists: one of the things I'll miss, and another of the things I won't miss about St. Louis.
Do you know anyone who wants a good deal on a three bedroom house in Tower Grove South?
Steve, I wish you and your family the very best. I'm distressed that you are leaving but understand.
I've always been impressed with your dazzling writing, sound critiques and your relentless volunteering.
What a loss for our city and neighborhood.
What a loss for me when I was only beginning to know you.
Xian
TGS
PS. The code for leaving a comment reads SOS X !!!
i feel like we barely even began to converse. and of course i'll need that conversation to discover this city by car as well. any chance you'll lead a walking tour, because i could use one in my neighbohood. thanks for educating a youngin' like me a little
[15thWardSTL says: Join us at the Royale on August 21 at 5:30 for a happy hour - I'd love to meet you in person!]
Steve,
Best wishes for a successful move. I'm looking forward to your 50 Reasons lists
I'm not sure what to say other than I know that I will personally miss discussing the city with you both online and in person. You've added considerably to the dialog, not an easy task. And here I was thinking I could sit back and let you handle the issues around the planned senior residence on Grand. Great, create more work for me!
As a side note, I have not visited Des Moines so be sure to set up a cozy guest room so I can visit.
- Steve Patterson/Urban Review
http://urbanreviewstl.com
[15thWardSTL says: I know you'll keep up the good fight! Your efforts are an inspiration and you have had a big impact on the thoughts and actions of many people here in St. Louis. Don't forget to ask questions about the Commerce Condos either! Urban Review STL will stay on my RSS, but the Post Dispatch is out. Hello Des Moines Register?
My door is always open - Give me a little while to learn some of the ins and outs of DSM and I'll be ready to take you on the grand tour.
According to the Convention and Visitors Bureau, downtown Des Moines' "extensive, 4-mile skywalk" is "the largest skywalk system per capita in the world!" Yikes! I bet you can guess what that does to street-level retail!]
Already, I say, since I really only started reading your blog a couple of months ago. Steve, I'm sure we passed one another in the halls of Givens (I'm MArch '94) and I didn't even realize it.
Des Moines is a lovely little city--I nearly took an Urban Design job there about 10 years ago--and it sounds like the work will be fulfilling for you. That's often a hard thing to find in our profession, particularly if it comes with a salary one can raise a family on. I wish you all the best.
[15thWardSTL says: Thanks. I grew up in Ames, and Des Moines was always the "big city" until I moved here! I'm looking forward to the challenges at my new job.]
Well Steve, Congrats are in order and I wish you and your family much success in Iowa. I'll miss commenting on your posts and such. It would be interesting to see what you think has changed in a year or two down the road when you come for a visit
[15thWardSTL says: Thanks, Maurice. I look forward to coming back regularly to see how you all are doing!]
Such a shame that this city is losing a vital voice. I hope Iowa knows the treasure they are getting. Thanks for the informative material. Hopefully someone will take up the fight in your absence.
[15thWardSTL says: I have a couple people in mind, but I haven't yet figured out what to do with 15thWardSTL.org - any ideas?]
There will be a bon voyage soiree for Steve at the Royale on Tuesday, August 21, starting at 5:30.
Want to attend?
Please send me an email so I can provide Steve Smith with a count (I won't respond, I'm just culling numbers).
Christian
xianherman@cs.com
Thanks for all of your efforts, from this blog (probably the first consistent critical ward-based blog in St. Louis and definitely a model for other wards) to keeping the Rehabbers' Club scheduled in recent weeks to a whole lot other things I probably don't know about. Des Moines is lucky.
I think that Jennifer Florida might be interested.
[15thWardSTL says: Now THAT's comedy!]
Steve,
I'm really sorry to hear you are leaving. Your postings on this site and others are always so well thought out and you've raised many important issues for everyone to consider. I've always felt our lives and thinking were pretty parallel while getting to know a little about you over the last few years. You are a good role model for being politically aware, socially responsible, and active in one's community and you have my utmost respect. Best of luck to you and your family.
-Brian Henerey
Des Moines??? My eyes itch from corn pollen just thinking about it. Just kidding, it's a nice place. I travel to Johnston, Ames and Iowa City quite often. You may have serious culture shock though. Man, quite a demographics shift. Anyhow, I am very thankful that I came across your well written blog. You have helped shaped my perspective on STL. I commend you on your work.
But, there one thing I gotta say in closing regarding your opinions of the SLPS and options for your kids education. You say: "Yet, the schools are a big problem. Perhaps had we chosen to stay in the St. Louis region, our financial realities would have forced us to move out of the City proper. There's just not the money to send our children to a non-sectarian private school, and we weren't quite sure we were willing to put up with the turmoil of the SLPS. The State takeover is very disturbing and the "for the children" platitudes thrown so carelessly around by everyone ring quite hollow."
Almost everyone I talk to that has chosen to move from STL has used the schools as a part of their argument for leaving. These same people have no first hand experience with the schools. I bet had you researched and tried the magnet schools (free) you would have been extremly pleased. Let's not forget these are some of the highest ranked schools in the state (Metro). The great schools in STL are sadly overlooked and flying below the radar. The poorly spoken and misbaving malcreants make the news way more than the kids at Kennard, McKinley and Metro. Also, in many cases, the relatively cheap housing market, real estate taxes and utilities in STL offset the cost of private education when compared to say, West STL County or St. Clair County.
Sorry, but I have to say most people who diss the slps are merely scared by what they read and hear, yet have no direct experience. Keep in mind that there are many parents and children in the SLPS that hold education as their core belief. These parents and brilliant, well behaved children have an option in the magnet schools.
Best of luck in your new endeavors.
Mark
[15thWardSTL says: Thanks for the well wishes - I'm glad you found the blog interesting. Keep reading! I'm in the process of developing a team of people to keep up the good fight.
In regards to the schools - I'll pull out my response into a separate post.]
Submitted by: Curtis (not verified)
Sorry to hear you are leaving. I've enjoyed reading your blog and hearing your comments on both the Rehabbers Club and Revitalize St. Louis. Completely understand the school thing though. If it wasn't for the fact my wife homeschools our son we never would have ventured into the city.
Good luck!
[15thWardSTL says: The RC and ReVitalize St. Louis (both were Marti Frumhoff's "children") had a huge impact on my life and the way I see the future of St. Louis shaping up. Efforts like these help renew my faith that individuals can have a huge impact when they organize around common goals.]