Wildwood, MO, the largest city in St. Louis County and the third largest in the state, has over 40,000 residents and some of the most beautiful homes in the area. It is also the scene of drama that is challenging the meaning of the city's motto "Planning Tomorrow Today."
Set within the city limits of Wildwood, MO, is the small unincorporated section known as Glencoe. In the past a mining center, a railroad depot, and a retreat for the wealthy, Glencoe is now the home of the Wabash and Frisco and Pacific Railroad, which offers steam train rides in the summer. In comparison to the rest of Wildwood, Glencoe is locked in the past.
Recently, developers have sought to build on Glencoe history and revitalize the area. They envision a historic village flanked by a residential development of 20 condominiums and 15 apartments, as well as 50,000 square feet of retail and office space. As the tribute to the trains of the past, a railroad station- themed restaurant would blend the old and the new.
Advocates of this plan see it as good for Glencoe and good for Wildwood too. However, the proposal has been controversial in Wildwood, a city that came to be only 15 years ago. Wildwood's city fathers wanted to control future development and filed to incorporate the area to control it with a master plan.
Wildwood's master plan contains commercial development around Highway 100. The new development would be around Highway 109 and State Road, where developers claim the Glencoe of the past was situated. Wildwood's master plan allows for historical restoration, so the debate has focused around whether the plans are consistent with the letter and spirit of the law.
The idea for the development grew out of the desire of Barry Gunther and his partner Mike Schaab to build on a store on a parcel of land that was available for sale. They eventually purchase 14 parcels of land and realized that they could revitalize Glencoe. After looking at historic photos of the area, they prepared plans for homes and commercial buildings with styles and architectural features like what they saw, laid out in a street grid, in contrast to today's winding streets. Gunter and Schaab foresaw a vital center that would blend the old and the new.
Wildwood city officials and its council are debating if the land use is consistent with the intent of city ordinances. Perhaps a deeper issue is whether Wildwood development should be controlled by developers, even ones with local roots. Gunther currently lives a block outside Glencoe and has frequented the area all his life.
At this point, the Wildwood City Council has rejected the bid to give the land historic designation, but will reconsider the matter. To move forward, the project must still clear the Planning and Zoning Commission and gain the approval of the full council.
Whether you want the busier beauty of Wildwood or the currently more quiet Glencoe, the Becky O'Neill POWER Home Selling Team promises you Positive Outcome With Outstanding Results in your home search. Check out our new website TheStLHomefinder.com to view the exquisite properties this area has to offer, then give us a call.
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