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Aldermen unanimously approve ordinance releasing deed restrictions on former Brown Shoe/Calares site at Maryland Avenue
Summary
The Clayton Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to adopt Bill 7067, releasing eight deed restrictions on the properties at 8300 and 8400 Maryland Avenue to facilitate a pending transaction involving Calares and Opera Theatre Saint Louis; staff said restrictions are outdated and would not harm the community.
The Clayton Board of Aldermen unanimously adopted an ordinance (Bill 7067) April 8 releasing remaining deed restrictions on the property addresses listed as 8300 and 8400 Maryland Avenue, a campus originally constructed for the Brown Shoe Company and now associated with Calares and Opera Theatre Saint Louis.
Staff presented the background: the city sold the property decades ago and retained deed restrictions when the site was transferred in 1951; a prior transaction in 2000 removed several restrictions for the neighboring parcel (8400). City staff told the board eight restrictions remain on 8300 Maryland and recommended their release to enable a pending transaction. “We do not find that any of those releasing any of those would cause any harm to the community in any way,” said David (senior manager, city staff), who summarized staff’s review.
Staff highlighted two provisions staff felt were outdated: a prohibition on the sale of alcohol on the property, which could hamper facility operations at a performance venue, and a 1951 clause allowing the city to take 20 feet of property without compensation if Topton Way or Gay Avenue were widened. Staff and aldermen agreed there are no current plans for widening and that any roadway improvements tied to future development would be required of the developer through standard traffic‑study conditions.
Alderman Rick (last name not specified in the discussion) asked whether the city would be surrendering anything of substance if restrictions were released before the sale closes; staff said the only substantive item released would be the 20‑foot takings clause but that the city does not foresee using that authority independently. The board consented to same‑day consideration and then voted to adopt the ordinance by roll call. The clerk recorded ayes from Alderman McAndrew, Alderman Bews, Alderman Patel, Alderman Fader, Alderman Hamill and Mayor Harris. The measure passed on the day of introduction.
The board also took a moment to note the recent unexpected death of Kathy Brooks Manisten of the fire department, who served nearly 40 years; staff announced her funeral services are scheduled for the coming Saturday.
With the ordinance adopted, staff said they look forward to supporting the pending transaction and working with Calares and Opera Theatre Saint Louis on next steps.
