With a 2,016-foot-long community picnic table and fireworks display, many celebrated the re-opening of the renovated St. Louis Riverfront on Thursday, June 2.
The $25-million renovation was paid for through a combination of $10 million from a regional park tax and federal funding. And 51 percent of total project dollars were awarded to disadvantaged business enterprises – 32 percent participation by minority-owned business enterprises and 19 percent participation by women-owned business enterprises.
Workforce participation is also on track to meet the goal of 14.7 percent minority workers. However, women only made up three percent of the workforce, which is below the federal 6.9 percent goal, said Carey Bundy, project manager for Great Rivers Greenway.
“The riverfront is a place where everyone is welcome, and it was important that the construction of the project reflect that, too,” she said.
The renovation of the 1.5-mile stretch of riverfront includes the recently rebuilt Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and extension of the Mississippi Greenway from the Biddle Street Trailhead south to Chouteau Avenue, with protected walking and biking paths. The entire riverfront was elevated an average of almost two feet to limit flooding, returning more days of the year back to the community for walking, riding bikes, sightseeing and special events.
Some historic elements were preserved, such as the cobblestones lining the levee and the old rusty chains. New features were added, such as benches, bike racks, lights, power outlets and a street-level stage will make more space for events and programs. The lineup for this summer and fall includes bike rides, walk/run events, the St. Louis Brewers Guild Heritage Festival, a free concert series with The Sheldon, swap meets and more.
“With two projects finished and three more to go, this historic transformation is taking shape,” said Ryan McClure, director of Communications for the CityArchRiver Foundation, the nonprofit helping to coordinate the project and overseeing private investment.
“When the majority of the Gateway Arch grounds landscaping finishes this fall and the rest of the project is completed in 2017, visitors will get the exceptional experience of a connected city, Arch and river that is active throughout the year.”
The renovations were funded by many partners, including Great Rivers Greenway; the U.S. Department of Transportation, through Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funds; the National Park Service; CityArchRiver Foundation; and Bi-State Development.
“This new front door for our region celebrates the energy, adventure and awe of the mighty Mississippi and our iconic Gateway Arch,” said Susan Trautman, executive director of Great Rivers Greenway, the regional parks and trails district and lead agency on the project.
