City officials and private investors have launched a coordinated effort to revitalize Downtown St. Louis, focusing on redeveloping vacant buildings, attracting new residents, and improving street-level conditions. The initiative includes targeted incentives, public infrastructure improvements, and private investment aimed at enhancing walkability and livability for residents and businesses. According to officials, the initial phase will prioritize long-vacant properties while delivering near-term improvements to public spaces.
Public-private partnership zeroes in on two properties
Mayor Tishaura O. Jones convened a public-private team and directed Greater St. Louis, Inc. and the St. Louis Development Corporation to develop a plan focused on the Railway Exchange Building and the Millennium Hotel, according to the St. Louis Development Corporation. The effort is part of the STL 2030 Jobs Plan and the city’s Economic Justice agenda, with early priorities including public safety, street-level retail, and streetscape improvements.
National advisers pushed placemaking and mixed uses
A panel from the Urban Land Institute recommended that the city shift away from a single-use office district and reposition downtown as a mixed-use area centered on housing, cultural activity, and small businesses. The panel outlined short- and long-term recommendations for the Gateway Mall and surrounding blocks, including temporary activations, enhanced district management, and strategic property acquisitions aimed at increasing activity during evenings and weekends, according to the Urban Land Institute.
How the city plans to act
City officials said they may use the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority to take control of distressed properties and have not ruled out the use of eminent domain to clear liens and facilitate redevelopment. Officials stated that resolving title issues is necessary before developers can propose large-scale redevelopment projects for complex buildings.
Short-term fixes and incentives
As shorter-term measures, the partnership is using a $375,000 Downtown Retail Incentive Program and a 7th Street streetscape project that includes wider sidewalks, tree plantings, updated lighting, and bike lanes, according to the St. Louis Development Corporation. Officials said programs such as City Social and Downtown Summer Nights, along with façade and lighting improvements, are intended to increase pedestrian activity and business engagement downtown in the near term.
Local leaders say the timing is right
Business and civic leaders have expressed support for the focus on housing and street-level activation, saying the combination of public investment and private funding could help downtown compete with peer cities for residents and visitors, as per KSDK. The Urban Land Institute panel recommended positioning the Gateway Mall as a flexible public space intended to attract both local residents and tourists.
Legal hurdles and the road ahead
Officials expect the redevelopment process to involve legal challenges related to liens and title issues. Previous reporting indicates the Railway Exchange Building carries significant encumbrances, and the city has been conducting appraisals and negotiations with property owners. City officials said some street-level improvements and programming are expected to begin in the coming months, while larger redevelopment projects will require additional time to secure financing and begin construction.
