In 2006, plans were presented to redevelop the Mount Olive Church at 6160 Delmar and build on a vacant lot directly next door. What was once planned was the "African American Cultural Center". Since 2006, plans for that building have stalled and have been cancelled leaving an abandoned Church and vacant lot with an art wall concealing them from the sidewalk. In today's Loop standards, a vacant lot and Church building pose tremendous redevelopment opportunities especially since the Loop has built itself up in recent years with even more development planned (see 6211 Delmar and 6198 Delmar).
The new project is another brainchild of Joe Edwards, the Loop's self proclaimed Mayor. Edwards envisions an indoor mini-golf course here along with a small 16FT Ferris Wheel inside of the newly constructed building at 6148 Delmar. Inside of the old Church, an event space is planned. The design of the building is meant to blend in with neighboring structures (which it must due to St. Louis City Preservation Board Standards). The design incorporates brick into the two floor design and has a street level lined with windows. A future marquee sign will shine East and West on Delmar letting everyone know what is in the building. Connecting the old Mount Olive Church to the new building will be a modern walkway that is made of glass. It's a modern touch to an older building and one designed to look old.
The Mini Golf Course will be called "Magic Mini Golf" according to stories from mid-July from all major media outlets in St. Louis. The Mini Golf building will house more than just that, there will an arcade, shuffleboards, art and more. Basically, the idea is to become a meeting place for people of all ages. With a Loop Trolley Stop right outside, getting to this will be a breeze for sure. The Preservation Board recommends approval of the project, which it will hear at it's October 22nd meeting. Edwards hope to start his newest project in November 2018 and wrap up in January 2020. Kiku Obata is acting as the signage firm for the project. The architecture firm hasn't been named. Total cost: $3.2 Million.
