So, I debated including this one as a 2019 favorite. I already covered this one back in September, 2019.
But selfishly, I spend a lot of time in these parts, and this one has the potential to really change a critical part of town, filling in holes and bringing housing to the vast, empty fields that St. Louis University (SLU) has owned and held onto with no action for years.
There is a new organization, the St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation (STLMRC), with the keys to the bus for SLU. These folks have previously done amazing work with Washington University in the Central West End and Forest Park Southeast Neighborhoods.
So sorry to those who read this website, I’m recycling content on this one.
But, the Gate District is an incredible location, so easy to get anywhere by your choice of travel: Interstates, major surface road arteries, Metro bus lines and walkability is all available to you here. Necessary amenities are very close and within walking distance.
Yet, in parts, it’s been a low density dead zone due to the poor land uses and lack of investment by SLU over the years. Listen, I want to make this very clear, I’m not a SLU-basher. They have made some very, very bad, suburban decisions in my time here. I’ve pointed them out.
But, they have the potential to do so much right. They can be an urban campus. They can be PART of the city, not a fenced off, low-density lawn campus. They can be great. I know they can change, and I want them to so badly.
All that potential sits on the precipice of good/bad outcomes. Dramatic? Yeah, but I really think this can be a turning point. I like Wash U’s impact on STL a bit more than SLU’s. We need them both to be advocates.
This is likely the first action by STLMRC that people will notice, so all eyes will be on this process and outcome.
So for photos, maps and commentary, I will link to the September post highlighting some keys to why this one is important:
What an opportunity for St. Louis, SSM and St. Louis University to improve and connect our city versus further dividing and blocking off SLU’s campus from the city. This will be our true first look into what STLMRC will bring to our city in the way of new infill home construction. This will be a harbinger of things to come, a glimpse into what they envision for 400 acres of our city.
Will they go the low density, suburban look and feel or will they go modern and dense? Will they go faux historic? Time will tell, but many will likely judge STLMRC on this project.
Let’s hope the cul-de-sacs and Schoemehl pots that isolate, restrict and divide other parts of the neighborhood are not repeated here.
I am hoping those with urban planning and design knowledge will lead the discussion (on design and style), and not let a small minority drive this part of town toward a suburban-styled, incongruous mess.
I have plenty of reason for pessimism; but, I have to remain hopeful, and trust that STLMRC has the chops to make this an attractive improvement that will support density and mixed uses in the future, rebuilding on the grid. This is a multi-generational decision that will change the look and feel of a neighborhood that has long been dotted with vacant, unused lots owned by SLU.
Please pay attention to this one. This is our opportunity to improve not go backward. If you like this, let the new organizations know. If you don’t, please do the same.
We’re for sure be watching this one.
