Dave -- a thought: While you focus on Webster University, it occurs to me that the driving force behind this expansion could well be Eden Seminary. As a seminary (not Eden) graduate, I understand and can empathize with that institution's needs given the decline in enrollment and funds. Eden's days, to me, seem numbered. If Eden could gain from sale of its property, perhaps it might be able to stay functioning a while longer. Of course, subdivision of its property has to be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. But as you talk about the needs and wants of Webster University, I think an evaluation of the needs and wants of Eden Seminary are just as crucial. Just me early morning thoughts with my first cup of coffee.

Doug, thanks for your comments. I agree - an evaluation of Eden Seminary is just as crucial. In thinking more about Webster U's situation, I believe they really do not need to expand across Lockwood into the 5.25 acres of Eden property to fulfill the goals of its Final Master Plan. As such, it smacks as more of a "land grab", as others have voiced. Eden, on the other hand, clearly does not need this property, or its three buildings, as they wish to contract its campus and have not even included it in their own proposed master plan. But I think it is common knowledge that Eden is in dire need for money to build its capital fund and endowment. Therefore, should Webster U not expand across Lockwood into Eden, the question is: what could go into the 5.25 acres where the sale would help meet Eden's monetary needs, generate new tax revenue for the City, and would be supported by the Webster Groves community and residents? Since the entire Eden campus is zoned residential, maybe the 5.25 acres could be sold to developers to build and sell one, two or three new homes? Maybe it could be used to build a new townhouse / condo / apartment complex to help meet the needs of Webster Groves aging baby boomers and seniors who no longer want or need the space, cost, and up-keep of their Webster Groves homes but wish to stay in our city? All I know is that Webster U expanding across Lockwood is not the only solution for this Eden property.

I think a great solution would be for Eden to sell its entire campus to a developer. One that would convert the current historic buildings into classic condos for a wide range of ages. Included could be a great courtyard, walking paths, common meeting spaces indoors and outdoors, etc. It would attract people of all ages to live there. The green space would remain green and appealing to everyone. Events like Art & Air could continue, and, best of all, the City would get much needed tax revenue from the condos. (Webster Groves does not have much opportunity to generate additional revenue which would certainly mean more money for our public schools and lesser tax dollars being paid by the rest of us who supplement the existence of Webster University who uses our infrastrucure [steets, police, fire] for very minimal amounts of money since they do not pay property taxes on all of their properties but own over 50 acres in our community.

Maggie, yours is a great, potential solution on so many levels. Eden would follow the course, evidently, of other seminaries who have shut down their traditional seminary campuses and moved off-campus into smaller office space, in order to cope with a changing market, lower demand and declining enrollment. However, your idea may be premature. This may be a bad assumption, but I am assuming that Eden will not stray yet from its new, proposed master plan where they wish to contract and consolidate their campus down to their key historic buildings and sell everything else off to build their capital fund and endowment (except the Eden green space, which I hope stays green space no matter what the solution is). Net, my bet is that Eden will give their new master plan the old college try before seeking other solutions. But that's just me!
Dave Buck

Just let me say this: I believe that both Eden's and Webster University's master plans are smoke screens for what both institutions have planned together. Maybe not next year but for about three years down the road. They are "partners" all right. In a partnership to accommodate each other without regard to this community. More will come out soon. I am sure of it.

Maggie, very intiguing thought. I personally have not considered this "third" option: that behind the "smoke screen" of the current proposed Webster and Eden master plans is actually a "third", real plan that represents the true intentions and desires of the Webster U - Eden partnership. This third covert plan smacks of collusion and back room, under the table dealings between the two institutions without the knowledge or involvement of the City Of Webster Groves. But it is not beyond the realm of possibility, given the close, trusted, and evidently long-term friendship President Beth Strobe of Webster U has had with President David Greenhaw of Eden Seminary. Whenever this third plan emerges publically, it will be interesting indeed if it only accommodates the two institutions without regard to our community. Sounds the seeds and makings of a new Webster Groves community fight and controversy to me. You would think by now they would have realized that these are battles that, in the long run, they just can't win out over resident opposition.