Update: While threatened with demolition in 2019, the Shanley Building was ultimately incorporated into the plans for a mixed use project approved by Clayton in late December of 2020.
The Shanley Building was designed by Harris Armstrong and opened in the 1930s. I photographed it for the first time back in 2010, not realizing its significance.
It is currently in use as a private contractor offering driver’s licenses. When I was there last week, there was a sign on the door stating, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone because of irrational or threatening behavior.”
Something about the DMV does that to people, I suppose.
There is also a petition going around right now to save it from demolition.
Ehhh I think the highest and best use should be promoted over saving this one. Just my opinion though.
As a person that appreciates modernism but also urbanism, I’d be for thorough documentation of the building through photographs, models, etc, and then demolition for a higher use, particularly if it will be urban form, higher density development taking the place of this. While there is a local history aspect to this building via Harris Armstrong, a new building with windows, multiple floors, and more sidewalk engagement would be a good trade up.