Loop Area Retail and Development Strategy Action Plan

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District 2, the East Delmar/DeBaliviere CONTEXT Neighborhood, has historically stuggled to grow in a balanced and sustainable manner due to an abudance of institutional uses, a poorly maintained The Loop Area is one of the most physical environment, and a lack of community development. To date, under-developed and visible destinations in the region for vacant parcels have blighted the area, but looking retail, entertainment, & culture. to the future, these same parcels present an opportunity for large-scale and transformative However, challenges to growth have redevelopment projects. Further, there is a nascent emerged due to economic conditions, community revitalization movement underwayÐ particularly in areas where retail and young professionals and families have begun development have historically moving into the neighborhoods north of Delmar, improving the housing stock and reinvigorating the struggled. community. The Loop (from the Lions to Hodiamont), also Lastly, the Forest Park Station area, or District 3, referred to as District 1, is the anchor of The Loop presents another set of opportunities and Area and a vibrant center for shopping, dining, challenges. This area has developed with entertainment, and culture. Due to a distressed storefronts set back from the street and real estate market and local economy, however, surrounded by parking, which has limited its the strength of the retail in The Loop has faltered development as a walkable neighborhood in recent years. In 2006 retail rents were amenity. The large parcels surrounding Forest approximately $30 per square foot; by 2010 Park Station, however, present valuable they had dropped to about $21. Nevertheless, opportunities to introduce new development to the The Loop now has the opportunity to leverage area, which could attract additional residents, and strong and unique anchors, continued investment in support the retail demands of the dense infrastructure, and adjacency to a comparatively residential neighborhoods surrounding DeBaliviere wealthy residential consumer base to catalyze and the commuters that use Forest Park Station, new retail growth and real estate development. one of the highest trafficked stations in the system. The Loop East Delmar/ Forest Park Demographic Overview DeBaliviereStation WestEast Population7,500 2,700 5,600 4,300 Households3,600 1,300 2,500 2,500 Median HH Income$41,400 $29,700 $24,400 $40,300 Median Age31303733 % with Bachelor's or Higher65%67%26%64% % that Rent59%60%57%66% 2 DLARP&DS ELMAR OOP REA ETAIL LAN EVELOPMENT TRATEGY