We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens and community members who urge our leaders and the preservation board to act now to allow Optimist International to sell the property located at 4490-4494 LINDELL BLVD to Ocean City One LLC, Vic Alston for demolition and redevelopment of a multi-story apartment building.

Thank you so much for showing support for the demolition and redevelopment of the Optimist Club land site in the Central West End (4494 Lindell) from a Class C office building into a brand new seven-story luxury apartment building. The new structure will abide by the form-based code for the Central West End and contribute heavily to the city’s tax base.

We appreciate your support of our petition, but also ask that you provide a brief letter of support that can be shared with the Preservation Board at the July 26th meeting at 4 PM. Letters of support can be sent to: [email protected] please copy [email protected] and [email protected] so we can assure they are added to the record.

We encourage you to convey the following points in your letter:

1. The existing Optimist building is not worth saving

2. The new building is very exciting and would add a lot of immediate value to the community.

3. The developer is receiving no incentives, and immediately will start contributing to the tax base of the community. The present site a charitable site and does not pay taxes.

4. The Optimist is not very attractive, and much of it is not historic. Only the columns are considered historic.

5. The Optimist supports car central old-style development

6. Within a few years the optimist will fall into massive disrepair and then anyone can build what they want

7. The new building is all brick and metal and looks amazing

8. The new building has small office space for rent that will be an asset for the community

9. Over 10 architects in the market support the demo of the building

10. Lux Living has demonstrated its community commitment to the neighborhood by engaging surrounding neighbors and businesses in their plan for demolition and redevelopment.

We also encourage you to join the meeting on Monday, July 29th at 4 PM via Zoom and voice your support.

CULTURAL RESOURCES OFFICE

PRESERVATION BOARD

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 — 4:00 P.M.

www.stlouis-mo.gov/cultural-resources

TO BE HELD BY VIDEO TELECONFERENCE

4490-4494 LINDELL BLVD

Demolition of the Optimist Club/Multi-Story Apartment Building Central West End Certified Local Historic District/Ward 17 Central West End

Optimist International/Ocean City One LLC, Vic Alston

Again, it is imperative that any letters of support are sent before Sunday, July 25th in order to be added to the record for Monday’s meeting.

Thanks again and please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Julie Frady

(618) 623-2888

[email protected]