Work on Mackenzie Lofts Begins! Gravois Creek Bridge to be Rebuilt.

The Mayor was lurking about at the Affton Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning and got a few scoops for you, my fellow Afftonians. There were 13 people present including two reps from the County and one from MoDot. I'm pleased to report that the meetings are informal, unpretentious and actually have a few laughs.

First, I confirmed that the cars present at the former Affton Elks building does indeed signify that work has begun on the Mackenzie Lofts by TB Realty & Development. This project was reported on in the Post in April. This project will be bringing 23 residential units to the depressing corner of Mackenzie & Heege mentioned in a previous post. While I'm not wild about this group's pride in developing Shop'n'Saves or Home Depots, their site does feature a couple of mixed-use residential developments that abut large retail stores. I think the plan for the Mackenzie Lofts (passed around at the meeting) is good. They are using the existing building, hiding carports on the south side, and screening the entrance drive with trees. There will be roughly 7 units per floor with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options from a reported $140,000-$350,000. I am thankful that this will give a few folks an opportunity for a new housing choice. Sadly, there are no plans for retail space on the first floor and the existing parking lot is staying.

There was a recap of other development in the area showing a potential of 600 new residences for Affton!

Also of note was that the Save-A-Lot on Bayless near Union will be closing and going vacant. Apparently they are too close to the newer store at Grasso Plaza and the independent owner on Bayless will be calling it quits at that location.

The next hot topic of the summer will be MoDot's rebuilding of the bridge over Gravois Creek at McNary Rd. and Gravois near Grant's Farm. MoDot is planning on closing Gravois for about two months in the Fall or Winter to facilitate replacing the bridge built around 1923. Regardless of what happens with the Villages at Gravois Creek development next to Cor Jesu, there will be a new and wider, five-land bridge going in there soon. Grant's Trail access should not be affected. There will be a public hearing on this issue in July for debate on full closure or partial closure of Gravois Rd.