Empty lot on 51st and Baltimore?

[beccanator]

Does anyone know who the empty lot on the northeast corner of 51st Street and Baltimore Avenue belongs to? If not, where could I go/who could I contact to find out?

Someone tells me that it used to be a daycare that was torn down not too long ago; now it's just a fenced-in, empty, grassy lot.

[voltopt]

it was brookside day school until about two years ago or less, when they moved to the former st. francis xavier school at 5100 troost.
the building was demolished along with the cabaret building along the 5000 block of main by DST Realty.

it seems to be more DST land clearance and speculation.

[Thaine]

5039 Baltimore is definitely DST.

[beccanator]

K, thanks for the info. One more question. Since I am urban terminology/acronym illiterate: what does DST mean?

[Tosspot]

DST Corporation. they have a real estate speculation department.

[beccanator]

Thanks.

Here's another question. Anyone have any contacts there?

[Thaine]

Data Systems Technology I believe.  I've done some transactions with their real estate people.

[jimb]

Since I am urban terminology/acronym illiterate: what does DST mean?

Nowadays, it doesn't stand for anything.  Way back in the late 60s when they were first formed, it was something stupid like Data Sys Tance (data assistance).  Sometime in the 70s they wised up to how idiotic that sounded and just went to DST.  The official name is DST Systems.

It's kinda like that episode of MASH where Hawkeye was badgering BJ as to what the initials stood for.  Dr. Honeycutt's response?  "Whatever you want them to."

[Tosspot]

Nowadays, it doesn't stand for anything.  Way back in the late 60s when they were first formed, it was something stupid like Data Sys Tance (data assistance).  Sometime in the 70s they wised up to how idiotic that sounded and just went to DST.  The official name is DST Systems.

Evidence that, yes, the entreprenurial moguls of the era were indeed partaking in the rampant narcotia afflicting the proleteriat.

[Tunnel]

I don't think they're holding it as a spec property, considering MC Lioness is behind the Kirkwood development only a block away.  I think they plan to develop that block of main street themselves, though I'm not sure what the holdup is.  Employees at Accurso's and the Peanut are seem happy to share what they've heard.  Last time I was in there, someone said something about a grocery store.

[zonk]

its part of a larger planned redevelopment from 51st north to the fire station.  I'm not sure about the programming for the project, but a grocery is definitely part of it.  possibly additional residential (for-sale and rental).

[beccanator]

hmmmm, very interesting.

Anyone know when this redevelopment is supposed to begin?

[zonk]

conceptual at this point.  Design ongoing.  unsure when tenanting will begin.

[beccanator]

Thanks for the information, folks. I think I've got enough to go on for now.... 

[beccanator]

Spoke with a surveyor who was at the lot today. He confirmed, as you had already posited, that the property belonged to DST Corporation but he knows of no immediate plans for redevelopment. The property owners are planning on putting up a temporary fence around the perimeter (I'm sure it will be as hideous as the others are) to prevent people from parking in the surface lots or loitering.

Hmmmm.....

[Tosspot]

I question their motives.

[Thaine]

Better keep an eye on that site because they might....you know...