Crestwood Court ArtSpace Deemed 'Innovative' Use for Failing Mall

Did you think that ArtSpace was a good use of the vacant storefronts in Crestwood Court? 

Since the Crestwood Post Office's closure on Jan. 7, the shopping center--of which the sole tenant is now a LensCrafters--can be offically deemed a dead mall. But an experiment that granted local arts groups mall space for cheap rents is named as an innovative way to revive dying shopping centers.

The Atlantic Cities mentions ArtSpace among seven creative solutions to mall vacancies. Other types of spaces featured included mixed use spaces with residences and retail, a town hall, and outdoor parks with performing arts spaces.

Of course, ArtSpace wasn't a long-term solution to the Crestwood mall's troubles. While dozens of St. Louis organizations and artists took advantage of the opportunity, tenants were asked to leave last February so owners could prepare for redevelopment, according to a report from St. Louis Post-Dispatch. One retail tenant told the Post-Dispatch that the extra foot traffic didn't generate much additional revenue for them.

Centrum Partners presented their plans to demolish the mall and create an entertainment-focused plaza last fall. Crestwood's Board of Aldermen halted discussions on the mall when they declined to approve a planner for the project in December.

Where some ArtSpace tenants are now:

• Art Space Dance Studio Keeps Roots in Crestwood
• Save at Stork Lady Children’s Consignment Sale
• Five Frequently Asked Questions About the Proposed Moore Library in Tapawingo
• The Option B Designery, Re-Designz, Yeti Gaming (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)