City Arch River 2015
January 27, 2011
Downtown St. Louis
The City Arch River 2015 Project was presented to the community last night within the Ferrara Theatre of America’s Center. Emceeing the event was radio personality Julie Buck, daughter of Jack, who provided the buildup to the designers with a heartfelt sense of importance concerning what this project will not only mean for downtown, but for all those who consider themselves “St. Louisans.”
The first presenter of the evening was Tom Bradley, superintendent of the Jefferson National Expansion Museum, who provided insight into the rich history of the original arch grounds project. The two main speakers of the evening were lead designer Michael Van Valkenburgh and museum planner and architect Scott Newman. Valkenburgh focused his presentation on the changes to the landscape of the four main locations of the project; west gateway, arch grounds, central riverfront, and east bank park. Valkenburgh indicated the current design concentrates on drawing both tourists and native St. Louisans to the grounds. This will be accomplished with new landscaping and trees, a gondola system, and new attractions such as a music stage, snack shop, carousel, and newly designed museum. Newman centered his presentation on the newly expanded museum and reimagined main entrance. The museum itself will stay keep in line with the design philosophy of attracting both tourists and native St. Louisans by including interactive attractions and events.
The final speaker, Walter Metcalfe, Jr., CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation, spoke to the audience about the costs and benefits of the massive project. Metcalfe acknowledged the current criticisms of the recent cost increases for the project but supported the necessity of these expenses for the continued revitalization of downtown St. Louis. Metcalfe stated his belief that the project is meant to increase a human presence in downtown by drawing visitors from across the river and residents in the counties back to city. He summed the night up by reminding audience members that we are the “Show-Me” State and it was finally time for us to “Show” everyone what Downtown St. Louis has to offer.
If you would like more information on Downtown Living in St. Louis (regarding either Buying a Loft or Selling a Loft in St. Louis City), finding a St. Louis Real Estate Agent who works with Downtown Buyers and Sellers, or the St. Louis Real Estate Market, contact me at DanBrassil.com.
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