Lindenwood University Rethinks Housing Plans for University Commons

Lindenwood University officials are rethinking their housing plans for University Commons, a multi-use development being built at Kingshighway and First Capitol which will be anchored by a Schnucks store. 

The original plans called for a five story dormitory to be built on the site. 
Lindenwood University President James Evans said the school is reconceptualizing the housing configuration for the site. New housing is expected to be built in the next two or three years, he said through Lindenwood spokesman Scott Queen. 

"We are trying to determine what type of housing, whether that be apartment style or traditional dormitories," Evans said. 

Any change that Lindenwood University makes to the project plans would have to get approval from Planning and Zoning, said Bruce Evans, director of Community Development. 

Schnucks to Open in 2014
Grading work on the site started earlier this summer. Evans said DESCO plans to have Schnucks opened in the second quarter of 2014. Representatives from DESCO did not immediately return calls seeking comment. 

In addition to Schnucks, DESCO is marketing space for three retail shops facing First Capitol Drive, another retail space next to Schnucks plus three outlots which could be used for restaurants or a pharmacy along the West Clay extension. 

The city and DESCO are still working with the United States Post Office and SSM St. Joseph Health Center on a plan to relocate the Post Office from Fifth Street to the University Commons location, Evans said. 

If the Post Office were to move from Fifth Street to the University Commons location, it would free up space for the landlocked SSM St. Joseph Health Center to expand. An agreement between the USPS and SSM has not been finalized, Evans said. 

"We are still addressing the Post office's questions and concerns," he said. "They've not committed to move. We're working hard to address their concerns. It's everyone's hope they'll commit in the near future."

In the meantime, work continues on the rest of the project. 

Crews have started excavating work for the West Clay extension road project, which will run alongside the development. 

Kevin Corwin, city engineer, said he expects the road to be paved down to Spring Avenue by the end of the year. The second part of the road, which will extend it from Spring to Boone, will be completed by April 2014, he said. 

The project will receive a $9.6 million tax increment financing package.