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| Downtown Buzz is a monthly newsletter published by the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District for its members, downtown property and business owners, the downtown business and residential community and all others interested in downtown revitalization. Send all responses and inquiries to Shuntaé Shields Ryan, Marketing & Communications Director, via e-mail or mail to: 720 Olive Street Suite 450 St. Louis, MO 63101 |
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The Downtown CID will produce the first ever Downtown St. Louis Idiotarod on March 5 (11:30 am, race begins at 12:30 pm) & 6 (10:00 am, race starts at 11 am), 2010. This event is produced in other cities around the world including New York, Los Angeles
 and Chicago; and, honors the famous Alaskan Iditarod except . . . replace the dogs with people, replace the sled with a shopping cart, replace Wasilla with Washington Avenue and, replace courage and endurance with weirdness. Teams of five will race for 4 miles around Downtown, St. Louis, stopping at checkpoints and completing challenges to win prizes. Participants compete with a creative theme that is reflected in their decorated cart and costumes. All donations will go to Operation Food Search. Sound like fun? Join us at registration or any of the checkpoints to watch the race!!! Or, click here for more information. |
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| Paradowski Creative Transitions to Old Missouri Light & Power Building |
After three years of planning and over a year of construction and historical rehabilitation Paradowski Creative, a leading St. Louis-based creative agency has completed the move to its newly renovated offices located at 1928 Locust Street.
The new office complex includes four connecting buildings: first, on the corner of Locust and 20th that was built in 1889. The second, a twin building, was built in 1891. These, along with two smaller buildings added in 1893, were all part of Missouri Light and Power. Missouri Light and Power was St. Louis’ first supplier of the new invention of the era, electricity. The complex also includes a 6,000 square-foot “showroom,” added in 1942 when Missouri Light and Power officially became Union Electric (UE). This space was used by Union Electric to showcase ‘modern-day’ appliances of the time, such as the electric refrigerator. It is currently available for lease. The new office is four times the size of the firm’s former location giving the Paradowski team's need to grow and expand its service offerings.
Along with the building’s unique historical features, a pending Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification will give Paradowski team members a modern-day environmental story to tell. The renovation includes a number of LEED accredited components such as using recycled concrete from the old Highway 40 project. Much of this material was used in the construction of Paradowski’s heated/cooled, underground parking garage. For more information, call Nila Paradowski at 314.241.2150. |
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| Highway 70 Closed This Weekend |
The Missouri Department of Transportation, and its contractor Fred Weber, Inc., will close Interstate 70 this weekend, Friday, March 5th to knock down the Madison Street bridge over the interstate. The department will close the interstate, and all ramps, between the Poplar Street Bridge and St. Louis Avenue. MoDOT will start reducing lanes and closing ramps on I-70 starting at 7 p.m. Friday, March 5, and will completely close the interstate at 8 p.m. The interstate and ramps will be completely open by 5 a.m. Monday, March 8.
To get around the interstate closure, eastbound drivers must use a combination of 10th and 11th Streets, Cole Street, South Broadway Street, Chestnut Street and Memorial Drive. Westbound drivers will use a combination of Memorial Drive, Washington Avenue, North Broadway, North Market and 10th Street. The detour around the work will be marked. However, since much of the detour is on roads with signals, drivers should make every effort to avoid the area, if possible, using I-70 between I-170 and I-64 for local traffic only. To see the detour map, click here. For more information, click here. |
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| Some of Us Ride it. All of us Need it. |
| In January, the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis Board voted unanimously to approve Proposition A, the County’s Ballot Measure to Restore and Expand MetroLink and MetroBus Services. The Board’s resolution reinforced that the health of Downtown is tied to the health of the region’s transit system: approximately 15 percent of Downtown’s workforce of 90,000 relies on transit and 20 percent of Cardinals fans and employees rely on it for all home games. Furthermore, without Metro service, 45,000 more cars would be added to the daily commute, which would mean a longer commute to work. County voters will determine the fate of Metro service on April 6, 2010 through a vote on a ½ sales tax. If you would like to find out more about how you or your company can get involved in this campaign, click here. |
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| City of St. Louis Launches Park Smart Campaign |
 Mayor Francis Slay, Police Chief Dan Isom, Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce and Partnership President Maggie Campbell all partnered to announce a two-part strategy to reduce car break-ins in the City of St. Louis. Although crime in the downtown neighborhood is down 36.9%, car break-ins continue to be a challenge region-wide. The two part strategy focuses on aggressive law enforcement and education. A similar public awareness campaign was first launched in the 3rd police district and resulted in a 40% decrease in car break-ins in that area. Billboards have been erected and posters will be available
 for distribution throughout the City to urge drivers to remember to keep their valuables out of unattended cars. These vibrant images read “Free Beer, “Free Smokes,” and “Free Food,” reminding drivers that even leaving seemingly insignificant items in cars can make them vulnerable to a break-in. The common sense educational campaign was created at no charge by Left Field Creative. Businesses, community groups, and attractions can obtain posters by calling the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department at 444-5603. |
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| 10 Questions in 10 Minutes – Complete Your Census |
Every year, the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data. Census data are used to determine locations for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments and other
 community facilities. It also determines boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts. By answering only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Households are asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of others living in the household.
By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. For more information about the 2010 Census, click here. |
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| Focus on Downtown Series |
| The Holden Public Policy Forum at Webster University and FOCUS St. Louis has one more speaker in their FOCUS on Downtown series. These programs aim to get people to come downtown more often, foster a dialogue about misconceptions, challenges and solutions, and realize the area’s importance in the health of the region. The remaining forum will feature Jo Mannies (The Beacon), April 8th, 6 pm at the California Room at the Pacific Grille (1000 Washington Avenue). For more information, click here. |
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Downtown CID Updates
4th District Police Awards Luncheon |
| The annual 4th District Police Officers Awards luncheon will be held March 31, 2010 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. The luncheon, beginning at Noon, will recognize those police officers that have contributed above and beyond their normal call of duty as a 4th District Police Officer. An officer will be recognized for each month of the year as well as one presented with the "Officer of the Year" award. The Annual Report on Safety, which highlights downtown crime stats as well as those Downtown Community Improvement District programs contributing to the overall safety environment, will also be released at the luncheon. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To register or for sponsorship information, contact Jennifer Burgnone at 314.436.6500 ext. 225 or click here. |
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| GREEN Clean Team Convenes |
The St. Louis Cardinals, St. Patrick Center and the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis are continuing the “green” environmental effort around Busch Stadium before, during and after the
 ballgames. The program consists of The Partnership’s six “Green” Clean Team members placing fan recyclable debris (all paper, aluminum and plastic products) in the tall silver bins located around the stadium. The “Green” Clean Team is an extension of the Partnership’s ongoing Litter Patrol Program. Employees are hired through the St. Patrick Center employment programs that help end homelessness through employment and permanent housing solutions. The CID is supplementing this contract to provide an expanded litter patrol around this major sports venue from April through September. For more information, contact Ken Gabel at 314.436.6500 ext. 226 or click here. |
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| Save-the-Date: Downtown Home Tour |
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The 2010 Downtown Home Tour will be held Saturday, April 24, 10 am to 5 pm. The tour will showcase twelve unique homes of our downtown residents illustrating the variety of downtown living. The cost will be $12 (in advance) per ticket and $15 per ticket the day of the tour. Shuttles will be provided. Registration will soon be available online. For more information, contact Matt Schindler at 314.436.6500 ext. 223 or click here.
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| 2010 Downtown Dining Guide Underway |
| The only Downtown Dining Guide that lists every restaurant in downtown St. Louis is back! Nearly 500,000 people viewed the hard copy version of the guide or downloaded it from the Downtown Partnership website last year. All downtown restaurants will be included in the restaurant guide at no charge, but purchasing an enhanced listing is only $350 (that also includes a place on the map and link on our website). For more information, contact Shuntaé Shields Ryan at 314.436.6500 ext. 240 or click here. Click here to view the 2009 Downtown Dining Guide. |
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St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
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The St. Patrick’s Day Run will kick off its new five mile course on Saturday, March 13 beginning at 9 am. Known as St. Louis’ largest locally organized run, the race expects nearly 10,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair racers of all ages to participate in one of their 13
 different age categories for both male and female competitive runners. Prizes will be awarded in age categories for both men and women, including “14 and under” and “70 and over.” The course begins and concludes on Broadway just south of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark hotel (Broadway between Walnut and Clark Streets). For more information on the race, click here.
Immediately following the run is the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade steps off at noon from 18th and Market Streets and proceeds east on Market to Broadway and then south on Broadway where it will disband at the site of the proposed Ball Park Village. Market Street will be closed at 7:30 a.m. from
 Compton to Broadway. Parade units will stage starting at 7:30 a.m. from Compton to 18th Street. The parade, also known as St. Louis’ "Rite of Spring," will feature over 120 units, including bands, large helium-filled balloons, and over 5,000 marchers. The Irish Village will be held at Kiener Plaza, featuring a Main Stage with Irish and popular music. To see the Irish Village map, click here. For more information on these events, click here.
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| NCAA Event & Trademark Information |
The Road to the 2010 NCAA Final Four® travels through St. Louis when the Midwest Regionals are held on Friday, March 26  & Sunday, March 28 at the Edward Jones Dome. The NCAA conducts 88 championships each year. In conjunction with these championships, the NCAA has developed licensing and marketing programs that make use of the NCAA’s trademarks and championships marks. Such programs are carefully controlled and protected to be consistent with the purposes and objectives of the NCAA, its member institutions and conferences and higher education. As such, the NCAA monitors unauthorized use of its trademarks, tickets and references to its championships. The NCAA requests your cooperation in this regard. Click here for important information regarding trademark use. Or, for event ticket information, click here. |
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| Participate in Earth Hour |
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Geile-Leon Marketing Communications is gearing up once again to encourage St. Louis companies and individuals to participate in the global event known as Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The group is encouraging every iconic
 structure in Downtown St. Louis and throughout the area to “turn out” their lights on buildings and signs for the one hour time frame. Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness of the need for action on climate change. In addition to St. Louis, thousands of cities around the world from Sydney, Australia to San Francisco participated last year and are pledged to do the same this year. For more information or to sign on to turn your lights out, click here.
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Retail, Restaurants & More
Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar*1004 Locust Street*314.241.8141 |
Rooster and Bailey’s Chocolate Bar owner David Bailey has opened his third venue in downtown St. Louis. Bridge carries 200+ beers, 36 on tap, 100+ wines, and 20+ by the glass and includes a charcuterie, cheese, spirits and a late night menu. The majority of [Bridge’s taps] will be craft beers and their menu is
 built for the wine and beer. Bridge offers an eclectic selection of sandwiches, salads and entrees and are open for both lunch and dinner. The kitchen is open until close. Hours are Wed – Sat, 11 am – 1 am, Sun, 11 am – midnight and closed Mon & Tues. To view the menu, click here. |
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| Clarkson Eyecare*917 Olive Street*314-621-5303 |
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Clarkson Eyecare has opened its 46th location in 2200 sq. ft on the ground floor of the Syndicate Building in downtown St. Louis, next door to Culinaria. The Downtown location offers a complete line of primary and secondary professional eye care services including full medical and vision eye examinations, contact lens fittings, emergency eye
 care, treatment of eye diseases, and eye surgeries including cataracts and LASIK. Clarkson Eyecare also offers a large selection of retail eyeglasses, contact lenses, and accessory products. The Clarkson Eyecare Downtown office will be open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will also be open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The grand opening ceremonial ribbon cutting will be held on Friday, March 5th.
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| Great Clips *212 N. 9th Street*314.539.9745 |
The Downtown Great Clips has moved into a ground floor space in the Paul Brown Building and specializes in cutting for all ages  and genders. They offer other services, such as curly perms, styling, up-dos, formal styles, deep conditioning treatments bang and neck trims. No appointments are necessary and they’re fully staffed during the lunch hour. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8 am – 7 pm, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm. |
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