Apartment Plan: Great Project In Wrong Place or Key To Redevelopment?

Creve Coeur's Planning and Zoning Commission took no action on an apartment complex targeted for the east side of the city Monday, after hearing from city staff, the public and a developer behind the planned complex on Old Olive Street Road.

The Vanguard at Creve Coeur would place 174 high-end multi-family units in an area close to the AMC 12 Theatre and adjacent to Carriage House Apartments. The proposal would require rezoning the 5+ acre project from "General Commercial" to "Core Business."

Current zoning ordinances do not allow residential projects in areas zoned "General Commercial."

The project requires several actions also be taken by Creve Coeur's Board of Adjustment on appeal, prompting the city's Planning and Community Development Director Paul Langdon to ask more for thoughts from Commissioners about general thoughts on the project before diving into decisions on site-specific elements. Is it a "great project in the wrong place, or the right right project to lead the way" in redevelopment efforts, Langdon asked rhetorically.

The project has the backing of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and BRDG Park, which indicated in a letter to city officials that the development would be attractive to employees.

P&Z Chairman Tim Madden said he felt like the proposal in general has a chance to help the budding biotech corridor in the area of Olive and Lindbergh take off. "I think this is perfect for this situation," he said.

"We are not in favor of this," said Joan Kram, a resident of Carriage House Apartments, in citing traffic concerns and how the project would impact their property. She also added that the developer had not approached residents at Carriage House. 

Commissioner Gary Eberhardt conceded that Carriage House would be adversely affected by the project but that in considering the potential for "greater good", the proposal seems in line with what's needed for redevelopment in the area.

Commissioners James Faron and Ken Howard also spoke favorably of the general concept of the project.

The commission voted to continue any decision until at least May 6. The Creve Coeur Board of Adjustment meets April 18 to consider several variance requests, including parking and setback requirements.