jim wrote:I'm glad I wasn't aware of his issues on safety as I was climbing through that tunnel suspended 5 stories above the ground.
I love the place as well though don't go like I once did since the kid is now 13. But he believed in safety like the foreman of a third world demolition crew believes in safety. Neighbor of mine who worked at City Museum was doing demo work for him at Cementland as a side gig. Her attire was Chuck Taylor's, skinny black jeans and a doo rag. She told me that on a couple of occasions her co workers fell through holes in roof of abandoned plant building landing a floor below. Of course no one reported anything because they worshipped the guy.
There was an article in the P-D (or RFT) about how he managed to get permits, inspections, insurance for CityMuseum. Can't recall how that worked. There can't be any sort precedent to follow. Probably in absence of a way to regulate a bus hanging over a roof - it passes with prompt fee payment and a good talker.
In some regards, he proved it is possible to get [expletive] done in the City of STL -if you are relentless, move faster than people can question you - and get people on board with your vision (stark contrast to that Northside huckster). Thankful that Cassilly got it done. Sad that his mode of operation also led to him dieing so young.
Did not know about that Michelangelo tale. In the right hands, Cassilly's life could make for a good screenplay/movie -or documentary.
Sounds like quite a guy. I tell you what, he left quite a legacy. Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect, my wife wasn't understanding what we were going to see, and when we got there it was kind of eye-popping. Fun, creative, made you think. Just a great place, I will gladly recommend this to anyone visiting St. Louis.
He crafted some giant turtle sculptures on a little patch of park by a raging 40/64 across from the zoo. Stuff he did like that- it just makes life better for all. That space would be broken bottles and trash blowing around otherwise.
Made the annual excursion to City Museum with my daughter. Didn't bang my head on anything. Still amazed by the detail -finding even more nooks and crannies - of course trying to keep up with the kid forced it.
Went by Crown Candy afterwards, but it was still out the door.
FWIW -Backed into our parking space at City Museum.
Freed Roger wrote:Made the annual excursion to City Museum with my daughter. Didn't bang my head on anything. Still amazed by the detail -finding even more nooks and crannies - of course trying to keep up with the kid forced it.
Went by Crown Candy afterwards, but it was still out the door.
StL Dan and the fam is headed east this weekend for a Cards game and fun with my side of the family. City Museum may be something we will do again. We will def hit the Zoo. And, since we have never been to Crown Candy, that is on the list of possibilities too. Can't wait to get home!
Freed Roger wrote:FWIW -Backed into our parking space at City Museum.