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Developer urges Wildwood to pursue housing density, criticizes office‑first strategy
Summary
A Wildwood resident and real-estate developer told the committee the town center’s struggles stem from low residential density and restrictive approaches to development; he urged the city to pursue townhomes, row houses and other missing‑middle housing to create customers and staff for local businesses.
“We don't wanna be here in 10 years leaving,” David Messner told the Economic Development Committee on July 22, closing a 15‑minute public comment that linked Wildwood’s town‑center struggles to regional demographic shifts and local policy choices.
Messner, who identified himself as a Wildwood resident of 10 years and a real‑estate developer, said the town’s problems are not lack of interest from developers but insufficient nearby density of customers and employees. He urged the committee to prioritize housing types that support walkable, mixed‑use activity — townhouses, row houses, condominiums above retail and accessory dwelling units — rather than office attraction or suburban drive‑through retail.
Messner told the committee he examined patterns across the region, including downtown St. Louis and nearby suburbs, and cited factors that he said make Wildwood less competitive for office tenants: distance from major highways, higher rent compared with denser employment centers, and a shrinking pool of starter homes. “If the past 20, 10, and 5 years are indicative of what we're doing in the future, it's most likely 10 years from now when our kids are 18, we'll be looking for somewhere else to live,” he said.
Messner criticized proposals that focus on recruiting office tenants or outside advisory groups, arguing those efforts have not succeeded elsewhere without a housing base to sustain businesses. He pointed to a seven‑month Chapter 100 approval process for a nearby apartment project as an example that deters other developers and said Wildwood’s reputation for lengthy approvals contributes to developers choosing Saint Charles and other markets.
He recommended the city emphasize “new urbanism”‑style development in the town center: compact townhouses and condos that increase walkability and support local retail and dining. Messner said that approach could be delivered at attainable prices and lessen vehicle trips by concentrating destinations. “The businesses will thrive when there are young families who live near interesting retail concepts,” he said.
He also warned of larger demographic trends: citing regional school‑district enrollment declines and an aging population, he said the city should act to attract younger households and starter housing to maintain demand for local services. Messner concluded: “If Wildwood fails to attract sustainable and youthful density in our communities and follow recommendations, the economic development efforts will all be for nothing.”
The committee did not take action on Messner’s comments; staff and several council members later referenced his points during deliberations on the survey and town‑center strategy.
