Arch City plays the "derrr" idiot card

Lucas, Lucas, Lucas,
You're a good writer, and you have some decent journalistic instincts, but you failed to recognize the Forest from the Trees. Here's what I mean.
Part 1:

The only thing Cupples didn't have, at least at the podium, were African-Americans. Everybody speaking, or even congratulated at the microphone for participating or funding the loft experience was white, except for (of course) the maintenance guy. I find this same scenario at just about every loft opening or rededication/revitalization/ribbon cutting/ground-breaking ceremony I attend downtown, or anywhere particularly close to the downtown area.

Is this their fault? No. Is this unique to their lofts? No. Is this some racist plot? No. Do they have beautiful lofts I would love to move into? Yes.

This just speaks to the larger issue of African-American involvement in the revitalization of downtown St. Louis, and the ciy in general.

Not really. While you're right that an actual "racist plot" exists, you ignore why most African Americans are not lining up to rent a loft. Part 2:

1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom Lofts - $687.00

2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom Lofts - $826.00

OK, the two bedroom *might* be affordable to a two income houehold. However, $700 for a single bedroom loft? Why, when you can more bedrooms and space by renting a 4 family flat a few miles away?
It's cost prohibitive, and that makes all these lofts (which ARE beautiful) inaccesible to many St. Louisans, regardless of their color.
What, you want me to spend HALF of my monthly income on RENT? Are you nuts?
This is what I call the delusions of bourgouis yuppie mentality.
What, you think money grows on trees?