POWELL SQUARE

Saturday we rode to the corner of Cedar and 3rd to explore a building that any and all STL residents have seen at a distance, whether they realize it or not. Crossing into Missouri from Illinois on 40, there's no denying the Powell Square building...full of art, adventure, the less fortunate and I'm guessing a lot of pain.

Upon passing the most out of place horse washing down the street, we arrived at the entrance. Going into it, we knew at least the first floor would be inhabited by a small homeless tent city. Respectful to those who called the building home, we bypassed the first floor, opted to ignore the basement existed and ventured up the creepy, dim lit stairwell to the second level for a short stint. Satisfied, we ventured upward...until we met a resident girl, no older than 18 from what I could tell. Eyes sunk in, very lethargic in her movement, she greeted us in the middle of the stairs, tried to form words and watched us pass.

Walking about the building, admiring the art and city views an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty seemed to take over. A seemingly constant noise of people moving and shuffling about could be heard, but never seeing anyone only their belongings (aside from the girl)...makes for an odd sensation. Will I go back? Absolutely.

Watch these shorts on the building and one inhabitant from some STL folks a few years back. Short and worth it. [PART 1] & [PART 2].

Welcome home Mr. P.