University City to Host Design Charette on Feb. 19

To help identify preferred uses of vacant property at Olive Boulevard and North & South Road, University City will conduct a design charette from 6:30 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Heman Park Community Center. 

A design charette is a concentrated effort to involve the community in developing a physical vision or design to revitalize an area. The format will follow best practices in terms of structure and agenda.

The City Council, Plan Commission, property owners, businesses, residents and other interested parties are invited to shape the vision. Volunteer assistance from local architects is being solicited for the design aspect of the charette.

The outcome of this effort will form the basis for preparation of a Request for Proposals to developers and marketers.

University City acquired the approximately two-acre parcel at northeast corner of Olive Blvd. and North and South Road in 2008. The parcel was cleared of buildings and site is now vacant.

Although a charette was conducted in 2008, the City has determined that it is important to validate or modify this information so that an accurate vision for the property can be conveyed to developers. 

This effort is being coordinated by the University City Department of Community Development.

For more information, contact Andrea Riganti, Director of Community Development at (314) 505-8516 or ariganti@ucitymo.org.

Those who wish to participate should RSVP to Deanna Townson, Executive Secretary to the Director, at 314-505-8523.