Granite City: Art Community

There was a cool article in today's Journal about the first artist to move into Granite City's infant-and-growing downtown art district. Jennifer Flores, 26, is the first to call the new district home, and will be opening her new art gallery later this year.

Welcome to Granite City, Jennifer!

It's good to see the seeds for this revitalization taking root, and to see evidence that it's going to happen in our lifetimes. Just down the street.

"We will be part of the community with art shows and festivals and integrate Granite City into the arts," she said. "The city has a connection with the arts as steelworkers are craftsmen."

It's exciting to drive downtown, seeing the revitalization that's going on, knowing the new youth center just opened adjacent to Tank's Training Facility, and seeing the progress of the movie theater.

Which reminds me - just the other night, I had to help explain to the ensemble at practice that the theater isn't aiming for the same films or crowd as Showplace in Edwardsville or the other big, first-run, multiplex theaters. This article just helps to further explain that.

One inspiration, he said, is Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis, a neighborhood of lofts, cafes and galleries that grew out of derelict warehouses 20 years ago. Ferry said Granite City officials want to capture the same spirit while making sure artists aren't pushed out once the area takes off - a common complaint about Washington Avenue.

A piece already moving into place in Granite City is the theater, a cornerstone of the project. St. Louis Cinemas will operate the movie house, although the city will own the space and share revenues. Crews have been working for several months on the new building, which will have a brick facade and capabilities to show 3-D movies.

"We hope to have movies running by May," Ferry said. "It's an essential anchor to draw business and increase property values."

What else is on the way?

As for the artists and business owners, several have approached the city, including a florist and pizza shop operator, he said. There are also early plans for lofts and possibly a bistro at 1324 Niedringhaus Ave.

I'm excited about watching this develop and grow. In particular, since it's an area where there hasn't been much for years... and it's just a few short blocks walking or biking from our house.

And it will happen. Particularly with the addition of the new Mississippi River bridge in a few years.

The way Flores sees it, there's nothing stopping Granite City's Delmar from becoming like the Delmar Boulevard in University City, Mo. - a vibrant collection of shops, artists and nightlife.

"The Delmar Loop started 25 or 30 years ago as an artist community," she said. "That's much like what we're trying to do here. Now Delmar is the place to be. I guarantee you that will happen in Granite City."

Amen, sister!

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