Does anyone remember when the St.Louis Loop was a cool place to hang out?

Question

Ahhh, look at what progress has done...

Used to be a lot of small businesses and art and food... The college took over and raised rents to drive them out and let corporations in... Bye-bye bohemia!

Answer 1

Yes, I did hang around the LOOP, it was great, and a very cool place to be. I think the real estate took a turn because of a few people that had some money. When will people stop throwing away great places for a few dollars and cents , I don't know. Things in St. Louis seem to shift back and forth. How about all those "trendy" loft apartments? They won't last long. That's what I heard anyway.

Answer 2

Two things at work here.....

First, it was cooler, when you were younger. I am speaking from experience. It seemed like the coolest place on Earth when I was 16 to 18. We used to go down there to hit the head shops and try to get into the bars. It just isn't the same when I walk the Delmar Strip now. And it is a hell of alot longer now that it passes Skinker.

Second, all the arts districts go through this cycle. The area starts low $$, but artsy. Then becomes a "cool" place to see and be seen. Then the money comes in to catch the wave, but kills the very thing that made the place "cool" in the first place because the people are what make the area and with the money influx the rent goes up and the people that made the area head out!

Another good example, Washington Street.

Answer 3

I remember my older cousins talking about it ALOT...and thinking that they were so cool

...then I got old enough, and wondered what the big deal had been about.

Then I moved.

Sorry, I just remember everyone else saying how cool "The Loop" was :-)

Answer 4

Some people call it, "Progress". I call it, "Suicide" . . . have you tried to cross Delmar lately? Sheesh!