March 2, 2005 - Grand opening festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the lobby of the Roberts Lofts on the Plaza: (L. to R.) Tim Reeves, Downtown Now; Alderman Lewis Reed, City of St. Louis; Jim Cloar, Downtown Saint Louis Partnership; the Honorable Francis G. Slay, Mayor, City of St. Louis; Steven C. Roberts, Esq. President, The Roberts Companies, developers of Roberts Lofts on the Plaza; Eva Roberts; Alderman Phyllis Young, City of St. Louis; Jamie D. Roberts and her twin brother Michael V. Roberts, Jr.
Roberts Lofts on the Plaza Revitalizes Historic St. Louis Board of Education Building
by Bob Moore, SLFP.com
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com) March 3, 2005 - The cityscape around the historic Old Post Office in downtown St. Louis has changed dramatically in the past few years. Construction equipment and work crews are now a very active part of the scene.
Over the past several months, the vulnerable Century Title Building at 9th and Locust has been demolished leaving a gapping hole where a new garage will soon rise.
Across the street, the former Board of Education Building, at 911 Locust Street, was spared the wrecking ball. The Neo-Classical 1891 Romanesque Revival building, designed by architect Isaac Taylor, has been renovated into 50 luxury apartments with first floor retail by the Roberts Companies.
In an interview following ribbon-cutting ceremonies, Steven C. Roberts, Esq. President, The Roberts Companies, told St. Louis Front Page that nobody believed that renovation of the 85,000 square foot building could be completed in just eleven months.
"This building was built in the 1890s basically for two purposes which was to serve as the St. Louis Board of Education headquarters as well as the St. Louis Public Library," stated Roberts.
When the Board of Education made a decision to close the building in the 1990s due to a dwindling student population in St. Louis, Steven Roberts and his brother Michael saw it as an opportunity for redevelopment. In early 2003, they purchased the building for $1.3 million.
The Roberts brothers quickly expanded on their commitment to the Old Post Office district. In 2003, they purchased the American Theater, at 9th and St. Charles across from the Roberts Lofts. After major renovations, it will reopen as the Roberts Orpheum Theater. Michael and Steve also purchased the Mayfair - A Wyndham Grand Heritage Hotel at 806 St. Charles Street in 2003.
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Even St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has given some serious thought to moving downtown. "My wife and I have actually been talking about the possibility of moving into downtown."
"When you look at a place like this, it really shows you the variety of living spaces in downtown," said the Mayor. "This is a more finished look which is really my style. It has a real unique design and great views. It really is an example of the quality of work and the quality of living spaces that we have. There is something for everybody, regardless of your style or income levels."
"I'm living in a neighborhood that I've lived in my entire life. My parents are close to us. My in-laws are close and it's a great place to be. But downtown is certainly a possibility," said the Mayor.
When asked if St. Louis is getting closer to New York in terms of living space, the Mayor responded proudly, "We are better than New York. I think that we certainly have every bit of variety that New York has in terms of spaces and uniqueness. I think that the quality here is as good or better. Believe me, you don't see warehouse spaces like this in New York for this price."
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