Gov. Jay Nixon visited downtown St. Louis recently to tour and detail the state’s investment in several redevelopment projects that will create about 1,600 construction jobs and create or save nearly 2,000 permanent jobs in the heart of the city.
“Redeveloping and revitalizing downtown St. Louis always has been – and always will be – a top priority for the state,” Gov. Nixon said during remarks at the Laurel, the 630,000-square-foot former Dillard’s Department Store in downtown. “St. Louis is a vital pillar of Missouri’s economy, and a vibrant downtown is critical for a vibrant St. Louis. Today, we’re celebrating the historic, and monumental, growth we can accomplish when public and private partners work together.”
Joined by St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, the Governor detailed state economic tools that were used to facilitate redevelopment at four key downtown locations: the Laurel (formerly Dillard’s Department Store); Park Pacific Apartments (formerly Union Pacific Railroad building); 600 Washington (formerly One City Centre); and the St. Louis Centre (a former shopping mall).