Colonial MarketPlace: A Showcase for Ladue

Give me a “D,” give me an “E,” give me an “S,”....

Sounds really silly calling on a high school cheer for a property development corporation. But let’s give credit where credit is due.

DESCO Properties, developer of Schnucks Markets throughout the Midwest is putting the cherry on the topping of one of the most beautiful and purposeful shopping centers anywhere in the region.

The Colonial MarketPlace in Ladue (and part of Clayton) serves as a front-door entrance to the city.

The shabby Lammert’s Center, home of long-gone Wild Oats Market and other failed projects are a mere fleeting memory. And the pieces fell into place so fast.

DESCO bought this foreclosed property from the bank, pumping new life into the center for a first-class shopping experience.

Already, several places, namely Ivy Hill, Blown Away Dry Bar, Splash and Kinkos have endured the construction dust and are readily open for business.

The tables are set, and the fireplace is ready to glow for customers at the Original Pancake  House, set to open sometime this week.

Clarkson EyeCare,  Dimvaloo, and Dominic Michael Salon (nee of Clayton) are not far behind nor is Marta's Boutique. Cini Italian Chow has opened a store front to hire new employees. Cini will feature outdoor dining. That will be fun for leisure summer dining.

There is so much synergy and energy to the project.

The new Centennial Great Rivers Greenway Bike Trail splits the property with the Schnucks Center anchored directly to the west. A drive will connect the two properties.

Betty Goran, co-owner of Blown Away Dry Bar joked about accommodating the bikers. “We will even have a style for those with bikers’ hair.”

The place is just flat out beautiful to gaze at.

Everything is real. Just touch it. The door handles are real brass, that’s real slate on the roofs and those are real brass rain catchers to keep patrons dry in inclement weather.

Parking is right out front, just the way the shoppers want it today. The lot is beautifully landscaped and the perimeter decorated nicely with colonial fencing and interesting stone walls. The construction phase is almost over.

The Women’s Exchange, after much soul searching is leaving Clay Price Center (one mile away) for the Market Place in June. The management relishes the opportunity to expand and grow and they will still feature their wonderful Exchange salad bowl.

Do yourself a favor and stop by the Colonial MarketPlace in Ladue. Try out the new Ivy Hill Boutique; get your hair styled at Dominic Michael Salon or Blown Away Dry Bar. Get something to eat at Cini or the Original Pancake House. You will be glad you did.

Nice work DESCO.

Previous related articles about the Colonial MarketPlace in Ladue:

Ivy Hill Boutique

Dimvaloo coming soon

MarketPlace Headed for the home stretch

First reactions very favorable

Original Pancake opens second restaurant

Blown Away Dry Bar is open

Q & A with the Blown Away owners