A Monument for Maplewood...Perhaps

Readers of this space will recall that last week I proposed a monument of some sort to identify our community to the tens of thousands of daily passersby through the intersection of Big Bend and Manchester.  Since that post I’ve talked to many of you who actually read the whole thing.  I’m honored.  I was even more honored that you all agreed with me (or at least the ones who don’t are being uncharacteristically quiet).

At the city council meeting last Tuesday, many, many residents made their opposition to the QuikTrip relocation known to the council.  How this might come out I have no idea.  The only thing we know for sure is that QuikTrip will either be there or they won’t.

To the QuikTrip officials: If it turns out that you are successful in your effort to relocate please read my last week’s post.  Realize that a substantial monument of the sort I suggested might feel like a soothing balm to many fevered foreheads (well, mine anyway).  It wouldn’t be that much to a giant benevolent corporation such as yours.  A triangle right at the corner, say 20 feet or so in either direction with some nice limestone masonry to support the City of Maplewood’s coat of arms.

If QuikTrip bolts I’d like to suggest that the buildings that already exist on that corner might fit someone’s needs. I walked through them and they are rough to be sure.  But the complex has one outstanding feature, the lamella roof over the garage.  If you’re unfamiliar with the term, google it.  The Arena on Oakland had an enormous one.  I stepped off this one and I’d guess it’s about 110’ wide by 132’ long.  That’s a lot of space with no interior supports.  It’d be a good spot for a brewery but we’ve already got one. And besides we’d have to relocate the high school.  I’m sure the space would be useful to many different businesses.

Take a look at the photos.  There used to be a monument at that intersection.  It makes sense.