Leaders Celebrate Completion of 7th Street Project

Key Takeaways

• Project connects Busch Stadium & Ballpark Village to America’s Center & Washington Ave.
• Adds protected bicycle/pedestrian lanes, new trees and lighting, and repaves 7^th Street
• Will help drive street level vibrancy, increase economic activity for businesses

“This project is yet another example of how public-private partnership is driving positive momentum in Downtown St. Louis”

ST. LOUIS – In cutting the ribbon today to celebrate the completion of construction on 7^th Street project between Ballpark Village and Washington Avenue, leaders from the City and regional business and civic organizations highlighted the public-private partnerships driving real change and momentum in Downtown St. Louis.

"The downtowns that people flood to are not the ones with the widest roads that let you get from A to B the fastest. It’s the ones that allow you to slow down, take in the surroundings, stop for a treat, and move around safely in whatever way you choose," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "That’s what 7th Street does now, from Busch Stadium to the Dome at America’s Center. And it’s what we need more of to keep downtown becoming more attractive to residents, workers, visitors, and businesses."

Kurt Weigle, Chief Downtown Officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc. added that these positive developments all stem from collaboration between the City and the business and civic communities.

“This project is yet another example of how public-private partnership is driving positive momentum in Downtown St. Louis,” said Kurt Weigle, Chief Downtown Officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc. “We know that truly revitalizing Downtown won’t happen overnight, but this project – when coupled with the establishment of the new Downtown Entertainment District, the Public Safety Ambassadors, the Millennium development, and new activations and events – are all proof points that we are well on our way.”

Connecting Key Downtown Anchors

Mayor Spencer, Weigle, and leaders from the St. Louis Cardinals, Explore St. Louis, SLDC, and neighborhood businesses all came together with members of the community to celebrate the completion of work on 7^th Street.

The project includes new, protected bicycle-pedestrian lanes, new trees and lighting, the repaving of 7^th Street from Walnut to Washington, sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, and new traffic management upgrades, all of which provide a safe, well-lit, and more beautiful connection between two major Downtown anchors, Busch Stadium/Ballpark Village and Washington Avenue/the America’s Center.

“The completion of this project means people who live, work, and visit Downtown will have a bright, beautiful, and safe connection between Ballpark Village and Washington Avenue,” said Bill DeWitt III, President of the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the key private investors in the project. “The increased public safety presence and stepped-up activations taking place around Downtown have made a real difference and put Downtown on a positive trajectory that you can see and feel.”

Increasing Vibrancy & Economic Activity at Street Level

In addition to connecting two major Downtown anchors, the new, protected bicycle/pedestrian lanes connect to the Brickline Greenway at Market Street, which will help bring even more foot traffic and activity at street level.

“The more activity we have at street level, the safer, more vibrant, and more welcoming Downtown becomes,” added Weigle. “That increased activity at street level will also drive economic activity as more people visit restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. That’s the type of neighborhood we are working to develop, and this project is big step in the right direction.”

Weigle noted that increasing vibrancy and economic activity at the street level Downtown is supported by additional initiatives led by GSL and its investors, specifically the Downtown Retail Incentive Program, conducted with the City of St. Louis, as well as the hiring of buskers to play music on the street and weekly activations like Lunchtime Live, Downtown Summer Nights, and Tours and Pours.

Note to media: photo and video assets showing the progress of construction along 7^th Street (before, in-progress, and completed) are available here.

Media Contacts:

Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | Tony@GreaterSTLinc.com 

Kristen Otto | 314-503-2040 | Kristen@GreaterSTLinc.com