Is Maplewood's Boom Slowing Down?

In a St. Louis Magazine article highlighting downtown Maplewood's retail options, one sentence didn't sit very well with Rachelle L'Ecuyer, the city's community development director. 

The article, which ran in the magazine's November issue, included the line, "With Mezzanine and Monarch Restaurant closing in the past year, Maplewood’s boom seems to have slowed." 

L'Ecuyer responded by submitting a letter for the magazine's February issue. In it, she wrote about the city's evolution into a "walkable historic downtown" over the past decade. She noted that the city contains only two vacant storefronts in downtown Maplewood, compared to more than 10 about seven years ago. She also wrote that Home Wine Kitchen was named "2012 Restaurant of the Year" by St. Louis Magazine.

"I could go on and on, but the point here is, (St. Louis Magazine) dealt Maplewood a groundless blow, sending a pointless and off-putting message to your readers," L'Ecuyer wrote. 

The full text of L'Ecuyer's letter wasn't available on the magazine's website at the time of publication, but it's included on page 16 of the February issue. 

So, who's right? Is Maplewood's resurgence slowing down, or is it only getting started? As a Maplewood homeowner and Patch editor here in town, I have my own opinions, but I'd love to hear yours first.

For related articles on Maplewood-Brentwood Patch, please see the following articles:

• Maplewood's Transformation is Subject of St. Louis Beacon Story
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• Home Wine Kitchen Chef May Open Second Restaurant