Gateway Mall Master Plan_June 2009

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X X . . 0 0 I I n n t t r r o o d d u u c c t t i i o o n n & & B B a a c c k k g g r r o o u u n n d d

T H O M A S B A L S L E Y

A S S O C I A

T E S

ARCTURIS

B L I S S C O L L A B O R A T I V EB L I S S C O L L A B O R A T I V E E T E T M M A S A S S O S O C I C I A A T E T E S , S , L . L . L . L . C .C . DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT STRASTRATEGIESTEGIES ® ® L E N I S C H W E N D I N G E RL E N I S C H W E N D I N G E R

City of St. Louis

Planning and Urban Design Agency

(3)

The Gateway Mall Master Plan provides the City of St. Louis with a

comprehensive vision for transforming downtown’s central park into a

remarkable

open space that

denes the heart and soul

of St. Louis.

Building

on this long range vision, the plan creates an overall design framework

which will guide future individual proposals within the

which will guide future individual proposals within the Mall, and establishes

Mall, and establishes

a roadmap for implementation and long term management.

(6)

X X . . 0 0 I I n n t t r r o o d d u u c c t t i i o o n n & & B B a a c c k k g g r r o o u u n n d d i i l l l l e e n n n n i i u u

m m P P a a r r k k , , C C h h i i c c a a

g g o o a a m m p p u u s s M M a a r r t t i i u u s s

, , D D e e t t r r o o i i t t

(7)

Cities across the United States and

Cities across the United States and around thearound the

world are increasingly investing in their public

realm.

realm. These substantial efforts fThese substantial efforts focus onocus on

beautifying and improving the functionality of

streets and

streets and open spaces. open spaces. When successfullyWhen successfully

realized, these projects can become more than

the sum of their parts and result in an improved

public realm, a cornerstone for true city

public realm, a cornerstone for true city building,building,

attracting increased amounts of people and

investment.

Downtown St. Louis’ reinvestment in its public

realm is underway.

realm is underway. The 1999 DowntThe 1999 Downtown Planown Plan

identied the Gateway Mall, the Riverfront, and

the Gateway Arch Connector as three crucial

open space elements vital to the revitalization of

downtown, and a key piece of this puzzle – the

Gateway Mall – is now being addressed in

Gateway Mall – is now being addressed in thisthis

Master Plan. Master Plan. o o o o l l i i d d g g e e P P a a r r k k , , C C h h a a t t a a n n o o o o g g a a l l y y m m p p i i c c S S c c u u l l p p t t u u r r e e P P a a r r k k , , S S e e a a t t t t l l e e e e l l b b o o u u r r n n e e , , A A u u s s t t r r a a l l i i a a

1.0 Introduction

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The history and fortunes

The history and fortunes of St. Louis’ Gateway Mallof St. Louis’ Gateway Mall

have run in parallel with those o

have run in parallel with those of the City itself. f the City itself. TheThe

initial concept for the Mall emerged at the turn of

the last century, when St. Louis was an international

city and among the ve most

city and among the ve most populous cities inpopulous cities in

America.

America. The Gateway The Gateway Mall was envisioned as aMall was envisioned as a

grand, Beaux-Arts inspired design by landscape

architect and planner George Kessler in the city’s

1907

1907 Plan. Plan. That plan envisioned Market andThat plan envisioned Market and

Chestnut Streets as large boulevards extending

to Grand Avenue with a generous green space

separating them. separating them. G G e e o o r r g g e e K K e e s s s s l l e e r r ’ ’ s s 1 1 9 9 0 0 7 7 v v i i s s i i o o

n n o o f f a a g g r r a a n n d d o o p p e e n n s s p p a a c c e e T T h h e e M M a a l l l l i i n n t t h h e e 1 1 9 9 2 2 0 0 s s , , l l o o o o k k i i n n g g w w e e s s t t

Tower Grove Park

Forest Park Forest Park O’Fallon Park O’Fallon Park I-64 I-64 I I - - 5 5 5 5 I I - - 7 7 0 0 I-44 I-44 I-64 I-64

Fair Grounds Park

DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS M M i i s

s s s i i s s s s i i p p p p

i

i R R

i

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Beginning in the 1950s, St. Louis

Beginning in the 1950s, St. Louis entered a decades-entered a

decades-long period of decline, losing much of its economic

long period of decline, losing much of its economic

base and population.

base and population. During this period, During this period, severalseveral

plans for the Mall were proposed but not realized.

The blocks west of Tucker were cleared decades

before the buildings east of Tucker came down in

the early 1980s.

the early 1980s. From its inception tFrom its inception to the present,o the present,

the evolution of the Mall has been piecemeal,

characterized by the incremental assemblage of land

and disconnected design moves.

In the past decade, the

In the past decade, the downtown has undergonedowntown has undergone

a tremendous rebirth due to the conuence of

separate yet

separate yet interconnected interconnected efforts: efforts: thousandsthousands

of residents are moving downtown; retailing is

coming back to the streets; the new baseball

stadium is open and plans for a vibrant mixed use

neighborhood adjacent t

neighborhood adjacent to it are pro it are progressing. ogressing. TheThe

cumulative opportunities created by these events will

help unlock the exceptional potential of the

help unlock the exceptional potential of the GatewayGateway

Mall.

Anticipating these changes, in 1999 the City

created the Planning and Urban Design Agency

and the Downtown Development Action Plan which

identied a series

identied a series of strategies for the of strategies for the revitalizarevitalizationtion

of downtown

of downtown St. Louis. St. Louis. These complex strategies,These complex strategies,

ranging from downtown loft conversions to

increased levels of street retailing, are beginning

increased levels of street retailing, are beginning toto

be realized, with

be realized, with only one portion remaining: only one portion remaining: thethe

completion of the

completion of the “Public City”. “Public City”. This has begun,This has begun,

and is now strengthened with the rebirth of the

Gateway Mall. Gateway Mall. O O l l d d P P o o s s t t O O f f f f i i c c e e S S q q u u a a r r e e R R e e n n d d e e r r i i n n g g B B a a l l l l p p a a r r k k V V i i l l l l a a g g e e M M o o d d e e l l , , S S t t . . L L o o u u i i s s

2.0

2.0 The Evolution

The Evolution

of th

e Gateway

Mall

9 9 8 8 0 0 s s p p r r o o p p o o s s a a l l t t o o b b u u i i l l d d o o n n t t h h e e M M a a l l l l 9 9 6 6 0 0 P P l l a a n n f f o o r r D D o o w w n n t t o o w w n n S S t t . . L L o o u u i i s s p p r r o o p p o o s s e e d d a a l l a a r r g g e e p p a a v v i i l l i i o o

n n

(10)

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3.0

3.0 Challenges,

Challenges,

Opportunities

and

Key

Themes

The Mall’s Existing Conditions

The Mall runs between Market and Chestnut

The Mall runs between Market and Chestnut Streets from the Old Court Streets from the Old Court House (at Broadway) to St. LouisHouse (at Broadway) to St. Louis

Union Station at 21st Street.

Union Station at 21st Street. Roughly at its center, it widens to the north, encompassing a triangle of fourRoughly at its center, it widens to the north, encompassing a triangle of four

additional city blocks.

additional city blocks. Key civic buildings Key civic buildings within the Mall are the within the Mall are the Civil Courts and the War Civil Courts and the War Memorial. Memorial. SeveralSeveral

smaller memorials and public art of varying size are also housed within the Mall. The Gateway One building

and its associated plaza occupy one of the blocks within the Mall axis, though it is not part of the public

open space.

open space. The Mall is bordered by some signicant civThe Mall is bordered by some signicant civic buildings, including City Hall, the Municipaic buildings, including City Hall, the Municipall

Courts, Kiel Opera House, as well as key private buildings including AT&T and Bank of America Plaza.

A physical analysis and

A physical analysis and interviews held with numerous stakeholders have revealed a number of challengesinterviews held with numerous stakeholders have revealed a number of challenges

and opportunities which the Master Plan addresses.

The Mall By Numbers

Length:

Length: 1.2 1.2 milesmiles

Width

Width: : 160 feet 160 feet to 7to 740 feet40 feet

Park Are

Park Area: a: 22 acres22 acres

Road

Road Area: Area: 29 29 acresacres

Parking

Parking Spaces: Spaces: 12501250

Existing Trees:

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3 3 . . 0 0 C C h h a a l l l l e e n n g g e e s s & & O O p p p p o o r r t t u u n n i i t t e e s s

Challenges

Stakeholder discussions about the Mall and its

immediate context have highlighted a number of

issues which need to be addressed in

issues which need to be addressed in the Masterthe Master

Plan:

•

• DiDivivisisionon::As architect Philip Johnson said, “spac-As architect Philip Johnson said,

“spac-es like the Mall cut citi“spac-es in two, rather than unify

es like the Mall cut cities in two, rather than unify

them.”

them.” Despite its central Despite its central location, the Mall failslocation, the Mall fails

to provide a focus to downtown. It

to provide a focus to downtown. It separatesseparates

adjacent areas such as

adjacent areas such as Washington Avenue’sWashington Avenue’s

residential district, Union Station, Busch Stadium

and the central business district rather than

providing a unifying glue

providing a unifying glue for downtown.for downtown.

•

• BlBlanandndnesess:s: The Mall’s image and identityThe Mall’s image and identity

no longer reect the

no longer reect the energy and growing energy and growing

diversity of the downtown. There is generally an

unappealing sameness to the Mall’s character

along its 1.2 mile length.

a

a _c_c_t_t

i

i v v i i t t y y

s

s p p o o r r t t s s

r

r e e s s i i d d e e n n _t_t_i_i_a_a

l

a

a _c_c_t_t_i_i

v

v i i t t y y

s

s p p o o r r t t s s

a

a c c t t i i v v i i t t y y

e

e _m_m_p_p

l

l o o y y m m _e_e_n_n

t

e

e m m _p_p_l_l

o

o y y m m _e_e_n_n

t

r

r e e _s_s_i_i_d_d

e

e n n _t_t_i_i_a_a

l l s s p p o o _r_r_t_t_s_s m m _o_o_n_n u

u m m _e_e_n_n

t

(13)

3 3 . . 0 0 C C h h a a l l l l e e n n g g e e s s & & O O p p p p o o r r t t u u n n i i t t i i e e s s

•

• DisDisconconnecnectiotion:n: The roads adjacent to theThe roads adjacent to the

Mall are wide, inhibiti

Mall are wide, inhibiting safe and convenientng safe and convenient

pedestrian access.

pedestrian access. Pedestrian cirPedestrian circulation along culation along

and through the

and through the Mall is fragmented. Mall is fragmented. NearbyNearby

highways create physical and visual barriers

highways create physical and visual barriers toto

adjacent neighborhoods and to the Arch Grounds

and the

and the Mississippi RiverMississippi River..

•

• DiDiscsconontitinunuitity:y: The Mall lacks unifying The Mall lacks unifying

elements to bring it together as

elements to bring it together as a coherenta coherent

and recognizable whole.

and recognizable whole. Street tree pStreet tree plantingslantings

are fragmented and do not dene spaces

are fragmented and do not dene spaces oror

edges, and landscape elements, furniture and

lighting are a conglomeration of varying types

and styles.

and styles. The Mall’s undulating The Mall’s undulating topographytopography

is also a challenge to realizing a unied

is also a challenge to realizing a unied space.space.

•

• NonNon-De-Destistinatnationion::There are only limited usesThere are only limited uses

and activities to attract people to the Mall

throughout the day, w

throughout the day, week and year. eek and year. SporadicSporadic

events are well attended, however, indicating

that if you build it,

that if you build it, they will come. they will come. There is noThere is no

consistent schedule of activities.

Taste of

St.Louis

Race for the

Cure

_Cardinals

Rallies

Union

Station

Monuments

Ribfest

I I 6 6 4 4 I I 7 7 0 0 C

C h h e e s s t t n n u u t t S S t t ..

T T u u c c k k e e r r B B l l v v d d . . M

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Opportunities

In spite of the illustrated challenges, the Mall offers

incredible opportunities:

•

• CeCentntraralilityty:: The Mall is a central element of The Mall is a central element of

downtown.

downtown. Having such Having such a a signicant opensignicant open

space in the heart of a city is a valuable and

enviable resource.

•

• Proximity and ContextProximity and Context:: The Mall is in closeThe Mall is in close proximity to a variety of active areas and can

proximity to a variety of active areas and can

be a vital connector

be a vital connector between them. between them. The newThe new

residential development on Washington Avenue

and vicinity, downtown’s employment buildings,

sports venues, MetroLink stations, and

sports venues, MetroLink stations, and otherother

activity centers are all within a ve minute walk

of the Mall.

of the Mall. There is, as such, There is, as such, tremendoustremendous

potential to build upon the existing context and

create places within the Mall which uniquely

respond to the character of bordering areas.

(15)

•

• CeCelelebrbratatioion:n: Though the Mall is often moreThough the Mall is often more

empty than full, it does maintain an important

role in the

role in the region: region: it is where spoit is where sports ralliesrts rallies

are staged at Kiener Plaza, parades are run,

and festivals are

and festivals are held. held. Many people Many people useuse

the Mall, even if it is on an irregular basis.

This provides a good basis to build

This provides a good basis to build upon forupon for

increased visitation through large events

and less structured

and less structured daily usage. daily usage. The MallThe Mall

often functions as the

often functions as the region’s playground,region’s playground,

justifying regional investment in enhancing and

maintaining this role.

•

• CoConunuencenceoeofEfEvenventsts::For the past severalFor the past several

years, downtown St. Louis has

years, downtown St. Louis has experiencedexperienced

exceptional gr

exceptional growth. owth. This trend is partly due tThis trend is partly due too

the conuence of

the conuence of separate yet interconnectedseparate yet interconnected

efforts, previously

efforts, previously described. described. Additionally, theAdditionally, the

reinvention of major open spaces is underway.

All of these occurrences place the Mall in a

favorable position for its reemergence.

Market St. is the region’s principal parade

(16)

Key Themes

A series of insightful interviews with a wide range

of stakeholders further outlines a

of stakeholders further outlines a number of keynumber of key

themes:

TheMallisanUnderusedResource

Despite its location in the heart of downtown,

people don’t generally use the Mall on a day to

day basis unless

day basis unless the space is prthe space is programmed. ogrammed. WhenWhen

programmed for annual events like Race for the

Cure, huge crowds turn out.

Cure, huge crowds turn out. HoweverHowever, there is, there is

the sense that the Mall does not have sufcient

ongoing levels of activity, and that there isn’t a

compelling reason t

compelling reason to go into o go into it otherwise. it otherwise. It isIt is

necessary to make the Mall a destination in itself

in order for it to achieve good levels of activity.

ThereisWidespreadSupportforMall

Rejuvenation

The Mall needs to be impr

The Mall needs to be improved. oved. Besides aestheticBesides aesthetic

improveme

improvements, increased animation nts, increased animation within thewithin the

Mall will be essential to

Mall will be essential to its success. its success. A rejuvenatedA rejuvenated

Mall would have positive impacts on the

Mall would have positive impacts on the whole of whole of

downtown and

downtown and the city’s image. the city’s image. A more focusedA more focused

effort at programming, and pavilions for shelter and

refreshment in the Mall, would be

refreshment in the Mall, would be welcome.welcome.

KienerPlazaNeedsImprovements

Kiener Plaza is one of the Mall’s more active

spaces.

spaces. It functions as a gathering spot foIt functions as a gathering spot for manyr many

festivals and rallies.

festivals and rallies. The sunken design The sunken design of theof the

May Amphitheater, howe

May Amphitheater, however, disconnects it ver, disconnects it from itsfrom its

surroundings.

surroundings. Because it is difcult to see intBecause it is difcult to see into theo the

Plaza, it is difcul

Plaza, it is difcult to observe and police. t to observe and police. KienerKiener

Plaza can be the catalyst for the entire Mall, also

drawing Arch visitors int

drawing Arch visitors into the downtown o the downtown area. area. AnAn

exciting, high-energy design is needed to reform the

space.

ThePerceptionofSecurityIssuesisaConcern

Street people congregate in and around the Mall,

especially in warmer months, partly because many

services for this population are

services for this population are located nearby.located nearby.

Some people feel uncomfortable using the space

because of the lack of activity and adequate lighting

needed to create a

needed to create a safe atmosphere. safe atmosphere. No parkNo park

design can solve the social issues surrounding street

people; a broader solution is necessary.

people; a broader solution is necessary. HoweverHowever,,

as has been proven in cities a

as has been proven in cities across the country,cross the country,

activities that attract a more diverse cross-section of

users will contribute to the

users will contribute to the perception of safety and,perception of safety and,

in turn, attract more use.

ThereisaWideRangeofIdeasfortheFuture

Many people have expressed concrete ideas about

what they see the Mall being in the future, and many

of these ideas have been incorporated into this

plan.

plan. This is encouraging, and This is encouraging, and suggests there willsuggests there will

be a high level of public

be a high level of public involvement as designs toinvolvement as designs to

implement the various components of Master Plan

are developed and realized.

The Mall has

The Mall has Many Potential ConstituentsMany Potential Constituents

and Users

Despite the fact that the Mall is underused, there

is real potential t

is real potential to increase its constituencyo increase its constituency. . OverOver

90,000 employees work in close proximity to the

Mall; the downtown residential population is growing;

and other civic uses (City Hall, the Civic Courts)

result in many daily

result in many daily visitors. visitors. Sporting and otherSporting and other

special events result in large inuxes of visitors,

and conventioneers and tourists number ve to six

million annually.

ThereareActiveStakeholdersintheMall

Although the Mall lacks a concentrated constituency,

various groups do have strong interests in its existing

and future character, particularly those organizations

with structures presently constructed in and facing

the Mall, and large annual event organizers who

use the space.

use the space. The Public Library also has a The Public Library also has a greatgreat

interest in what is

interest in what is happening at their front door, andhappening at their front door, and

neighboring businesses and civic uses can become

strong champions for the Mall.

A Sustainable Funding Base

There are presently limited funding sources and

few re

few revenue streams in place for venue streams in place for the Mall. the Mall. As such,As such,

funding for capital projects and ongoing operations

requires new thinking and new mechanisms.

Designating the Mall as a regional asset is also a

step in the r

step in the right direction. ight direction. Ambitious fundraising Ambitious fundraising

campaigns, strong relationships with the private

sector, and other revenue streams will

sector, and other revenue streams will needneed

to be established:

to be established: there are oppothere are opportunities tortunities to

implement revenue-generating uses to fund ongoing

maintenance.

Flexibility

Creating the “avor of the month” should not be

the objective for design and programming of the

space.

space. The Master Plan needs to promote eThe Master Plan needs to promote exibility;xibility;

activity for all ages; and both passive and active

uses that can adapt as needs change. This should

be a “people rst

be a “people rst place”, including the edges leading place”, including the edges leading

people into and around the Mall.

(17)

(18)

The Mall must play an active role in the daily life

of the City

of the City and the Region, comprising variedand the Region, comprising varied

landscapes, programming and permanent venues to

attract and amaze.

attract and amaze. It must provide space It must provide space for majorfor major

events that bring the Region together to

events that bring the Region together to celebratecelebrate

and remember.

(19)

With a comprehensive approach to management

and programming, and centralized planning to

achieve the vision, the new Gateway Mall will be

achieve the vision, the new Gateway Mall will be aa

focus for downt

focus for downtown St. Louis. own St. Louis. Designed for universalDesigned for universal

access and meeting ADA requirements, it will be

characterized by a common linking element that

runs its entire length:

runs its entire length: a strong, trea strong, treed “Hallway”ed “Hallway”

punctuated with art, seating areas, signage and

attractive street furniture, providing a visual and

physical cohesiveness t

physical cohesiveness to the entire uro the entire urban park. ban park. TheThe

east-west Hallway will also serve as a connector

to north-south corridors and paths through the

Mall.

Mall. Numerous north-south wNumerous north-south walks will help toalks will help to

transform the Mall from a barrier into a

transform the Mall from a barrier into a connectedconnected

and shared ground f

and shared ground for downtoor downtown. wn. Within the Mall,Within the Mall,

a series of distinct spaces, generally structured

around the existing block pattern, will play

around the existing block pattern, will play differentdifferent

roles, ranging from places of civic gathering and

celebration to more int

celebration to more intimate neighborhood-focusedimate neighborhood-focused

areas.

areas. This proposed range This proposed range of uses and improof uses and improvedved

access will attract people from adjacent buildings

and constituencies.

and constituencies. As well, the As well, the greater St. Lgreater St. Louisouis

community and national and international tourists

will enjoy an enhanced exp

will enjoy an enhanced experience. erience. The new MallThe new Mall

should reect its varying character throughout its

length.

length. As such, it As such, it is important and is important and necessarynecessary

that these uses best reect what is

that these uses best reect what is uniquely anduniquely and

authentically St. Louis.

authentically St. Louis. The GatewaThe Gateway’s linear poty’s linear potential,ential,

terminating at the Arch, is remarkab

terminating at the Arch, is remarkable. le. The proposedThe proposed

uses and activities located within it need to be

remarkable within their own cont

remarkable within their own context. ext. When viewedWhen viewed

as a whole, the

as a whole, the emerging spaces complete the urbanemerging spaces complete the urban

park and provide a central focus to downtown St.

Louis.

4.0

(20)

(21)

5.0

5.0 Master

Master

Plan

The Gateway Mall Master Plan establishes a framework that will guide the implementation of the vision.

Future detailed designs for individual comp

Future detailed designs for individual components of the onents of the Plan will have the freedom to be creative, reectPlan will have the freedom to be creative, reect-

-ing the designer’s sensibility as well as the needs of the users of the spaces.

ing the designer’s sensibility as well as the needs of the users of the spaces.

The urban-scale changes envisioned in the Plan are based on a set of structuring elements, described in

the following pages.

(22)

5 5 . . 0 0 M M a a s s t t e e r r P P l l a a n n

Structuring Elements

The Master Plan is

The Master Plan is rooted in a number of keyrooted in a number of key

structuring elements:

•UnifyingtheMall:

•UnifyingtheMall:The Urban Hallway running The Urban Hallway running

along the entire south edge

along the entire south edge of the Gatewayof the Gateway

will use trees, benches, signage, lighting,

and textures to establish a common identity

throughout the

throughout the Mall. Mall. This element will be visibleThis element will be visible

from bordering streets, from within the Mall and

perhaps just as important,

perhaps just as important, from the hundredsfrom the hundreds

of ofces in

of ofces in anking buildings, drawing ofceanking buildings, drawing ofce

workers o

workers out into the space. ut into the space. This unity will beThis unity will be

strengthened by considering a limited number

of street closures, namely the

of street closures, namely the portion of 17thportion of 17th

Street that traverses the Mall, and

Street that traverses the Mall, and the event-the

event-based closing of a portion of Chestnut Street

based closing of a portion of Chestnut Street

between 15th Street and

between 15th Street and TuckeTucker Boulevard.r Boulevard.

•ASustainablePark

•ASustainablePark: : All reasonable All reasonable efforts willefforts will

be made to ensure that changes to the Mall

respect the

respect the principles of principles of sustainability. sustainability. Existing Existing

trees, particularly specimen trees, will be

retained wherever feasible, and a broader set

of sustainable strategies relating to storm

of sustainable strategies relating to storm waterwater

runoff, renewable energy, and so forth, will be

followed.

•ArtandCultureintheMall:

•ArtandCultureintheMall: Art and culture, inArt and culture, in

the form of sculpture and annexes to existing

galleries and museums, will have a large presence

throughout the

throughout the Mall. Mall. The Hallway will offThe Hallway will offer aer a

linear venue where a progression of temporary

or permanent art pieces or exhibits could be

installed. Urban tree houses, multimedia follies

and architectural remnants are some smaller

repeating elements that could be

repeating elements that could be introduced.introduced.

•StructuresintheMall:

•StructuresintheMall: A series of structures,A series of structures,

relatively small in scale, can be located throughout

the Mall to provide culture, seating areas,

the Mall to provide culture, seating areas, food,food,

drink, and goods.

drink, and goods. These structures, often in These structures, often in thethe

form of pavilions or kiosks, will

form of pavilions or kiosks, will be of architecturalbe of architectural

excellence and will provide necessary services

and shade/shelter, becoming attractions in

themselves.

•GardensintheMall:

•GardensintheMall: Ornamental gardens, withOrnamental gardens, with

a prevalence of native species, will be

a prevalence of native species, will be locatedlocated

throughout the

throughout the Mall. Mall. The Hallway’s amenity The Hallway’s amenity zonezone

will contain gardens that form an edge in more

passive rooms of the Mall. Showcase gardens will

be located in highly visible and active rooms such

as Kiener Plaza, the

as Kiener Plaza, the Terminus, the Citygarden,Terminus, the Citygarden,

and the block south

and the block south of the Library. Additionally,of the Library. Additionally,

gardens will contribute to the sustainability of the

Mall by improving water inltration and detention.

•WaterintheMall:

•WaterintheMall: Water in various forms, ranging Water in various forms, ranging

from channels to fountains to splash pads and

play areas, will be a

play areas, will be a common theme throughoutcommon theme throughout

the Mall.

(23)

5 5 . . 0 0 M M a a s s t t e e r r P P l l a a n n •AFocusonProgramming:

•AFocusonProgramming: To achieve high levelsTo achieve high levels

of activity in the Mall, a concerted emphasis

on the programming of its spaces is vital.

Providing effectively planned and

Providing effectively planned and implementedimplemented

programming for a range of people is key to

the Plan. With a

the Plan. With a booming downtown residentialbooming downtown residential

population, programming will help to activate

the space be

the space beyond work yond work hours. hours. The ultimateThe ultimate

success of the Mall

success of the Mall will be achieved throughwill be achieved through

its own internalized attractions and will look to

programming as

programming as a compliment. a compliment. All areas that areAll areas that are

intended to host events should be constructed

with the necessary electrical and water hook-ups,

discreetly yet conveniently located.

•ActivateBorderingBuildings:

•ActivateBorderingBuildings: A strength andA strength and

weakness of the Gateway is the presence and

relationship of

relationship of adjacent buildings. adjacent buildings. While City Hall,While City Hall,

for example, generates considerable foot trafc,

it – like so many other buildings on the Mall – is

so far set back that

so far set back that an active frontage is difcult toan active frontage is difcult to

create.

create. Other buildings generatOther buildings generate little foot trafce little foot trafc

or offer blank and uninteresting facades to

or offer blank and uninteresting facades to thethe

Gateway

Gateway. . Land uses fronting the space, Land uses fronting the space, especiallyespecially

at street level, should be very active and the

principal building entrances should face the Mall,

particularly in the case of City Hall, the Municipal

Courts Building and the Kiel Op

Courts Building and the Kiel Opera House. era House. In theIn the

meantime, selected blank building faces should be

illuminated through a variety of lighting

illuminated through a variety of lighting strategiesstrategies

to provide enhanced identities.

•ConnectionstotheLargerCityandtheRegion:

Expanding the scope of the Plan larger than

the actual Gateway itself is critical to enhancing

its local and

its local and regional engagement. regional engagement. TheseThese

connections include:

connections include: the broader the broader linkages to thelinkages to the

rest of the City - including the Interstate Highway

System, the growing regional bicycle

System, the growing regional bicycle network,network,

MetroLink, the Regional River Ring Plan, and

adjacent districts including the Arch Grounds.

Streetscape improvements will extend north

and south of the Gateway, and should include:

repaving, pedestrian crossings, tree planting, bike

routes, and signage to help people access and

move thr

move through the Mall. ough the Mall. Special attention shouldSpecial attention should

be paid to block edges bordering streets that

traverse the Mall, especially on those

traverse the Mall, especially on those streets of streets of

exceptio

(24)

5 5 . . 0 0 M M a a s s t t e e r r P P l l a a n n E Exxiissttiinng g CCoonnddiittiioonnss PPrrooppoosseed d CCiirrccuullaattiioonn

(25)

5 5 . . 0 0 M M a a s s t t e e r r P P l l a a n n ParkingandBlockConguration ParkingandBlockConguration •ReviseVehicularCirculationAroundtheMall: •ReviseVehicularCirculationAroundtheMall:

Changes to bordering vehicular circulation and

street parking will make the Mall more useable

and accessible.

and accessible. Proposed Proposed interventions include:interventions include:

the realignment of Chestnut and

the realignment of Chestnut and Market Streets toMarket Streets to

create more

create more linear Mall edges. linear Mall edges. Parking should beParking should be

permitted on both sides of Chestnut, but

permitted on both sides of Chestnut, but ultimatelyultimately

only on the south side

only on the south side of Market to remove theof Market to remove the

visual barrier between the Mall and the city:

visibility into the Mall and perceived connections

will be increased. Removing parallel parking on

streets between Mall blocks to provide linear

continuity and connection through the length of

the Mall should be considered. The north lane of

Market will be replaced with a

Market will be replaced with a two-direction bicycletwo-direction bicycle

path, separated from vehicular trafc by a low,

narrow median.

Existing Parking

Proposed Block Configuration

Proposed Parking

Existing Block Configuration

(26)

The Internal Structure

of the Mall

Linked by the Hallway and the other design

elements previously outlined, the

elements previously outlined, the GatewayGateway

will contain ve distinct yet interrelated areas,

or “Rooms.”

or “Rooms.” From eaFrom east to west, these are asst to west, these are as

follows:

follows: Kiener Plaza, City Kiener Plaza, City arden, Civic arden, Civic Room,Room,

Neighborhoo

Neighborhood Rd Room, and oom, and the Tthe Terminus. erminus. TheThe

landscape will vary from room to room to reect

individual character, overlain by a framework of

consistent site furnishings and other elements.

The primary unifying element of the Mall will be

the Hallway.

the Hallway. The Hallway and each The Hallway and each of the Roomsof the Rooms

are described below, with reference to their

character, uses, and design components.

FromtheRiverfrontandtheArch

to the Gateway Mall

Although the Master Plan’s focus is l

Although the Master Plan’s focus is limited to theimited to the

Mall itself, the Hal

Mall itself, the Hallway concept should be extendedlway concept should be extended

through to the Memorial Drive to help bring the

millions of yearly Arch visitors, and

millions of yearly Arch visitors, and other tourists,other tourists,

into downtown.

terminus

neighborhood

room

UNION STATION

KIEL OPERA HOUSE

Market Street

Che

(27)

civic

room

c

i

t

y

g

a

r

d

e

n

k

i

e

n

e

r

p

l

a

z

a

to

arch

to

arch

MAIN LIBRARY MAIN LIBRARY SOLDIERS SOLDIERS MEMORIAL MEMORIAL Market Street Market Street CITY HALL CITY HALL CIVIL CIVIL COURTS COURTS GATEWAY ONE GATEWAY ONE OLD COURT OLD COURT HOUSE HOUSE T T u u c c k k e e r r B B l l v v d d . .

(28)

5 5 . . 0 0 M M a a s s t t e e r r P P l l a a n n Seating areas Seating areas Market St. Market St.

(29)

Hallway

The Hallway will have a consistency of character,

materials, eleme

materials, elements, and dimension to unify nts, and dimension to unify thethe

rooms of the Gateway and provide a strong edge

and circulation corr

and circulation corridor for the Mall. idor for the Mall. It will extendIt will extend

from the western edge of the Gateway at the

Terminus and ultimately connect with the Gateway

Arch grounds at Memorial Drive.

A sidewalk with a consistent and strong graphic

paving pattern lined by a double row of trees

paving pattern lined by a double row of trees willwill

extend the length of the Mall.

extend the length of the Mall. To the north of theTo the north of the

sidewalk, an amenity zone will run parallel with

compleme

complementary and ntary and repeating elements suchrepeating elements such

as shade pavilions, seat walls and light wands.

The amenity zone

The amenity zone will provide opportunities forwill provide opportunities for

the installation of public art

the installation of public art or follies to enlivenor follies to enliven

the Mall through a progression of permanent or

temporary installations, and will

temporary installations, and will handle rainwaterhandle rainwater

through p

through plantings alantings and bioswnd bioswales. ales. Between Between thethe

sidewalk and Marke

sidewalk and Market Street, a t Street, a turf planting stripturf planting strip

with trees, and an

with trees, and an adjacent bicycle path separatadjacent bicycle path separateded from vehicular trafc with a median, will run the

from vehicular trafc with a median, will run the

entire length of

entire length of the Hallwaythe Hallway..

Wide sidewalk

Dual Bike Lane

(30)

5 5 . . 0 0 M M a a s s t t e e r r P P l l a a n n HallwayDetails HallwayDetails

During parades and events, the entire length of

the Hallway could serve as a viewing area and

circulation corridor. The sidewalk also will allow

ample room for strollers and

ample room for strollers and joggers by providing joggers by providing

a consistent route f

a consistent route for the length of the Mall. or the length of the Mall. TheThe

paving pattern of the Hallway should be replicated

in some fashion across the streets that bisect the

Mall to further tie together the individual rooms.

Although there will be consistency in elements and

materials, the layout of the amenity zone will vary

slightly from room to room to reect the individual

character and program elements.

A two-direction bicycle path is proposed to run

immediately south of the Hall

immediately south of the Hallway for the length of way for the length of

the Mall, a move to strengthen the

the Mall, a move to strengthen the regional bicycleregional bicycle

system by providing a safe, dedicated space

through the heart of the city

through the heart of the city. . This will provide theThis will provide the

park and its pedestrians with additional separation

from the vehicular trafc on

from the vehicular trafc on Market Street.Market Street.

The curb lane of

The curb lane of Market Street would be convertedMarket Street would be converted

to accommodate the bike lane, and should

to accommodate the bike lane, and should havehave

a small median to physically separate bicycle and

vehicular trafc.

In most rooms, the amenity zone will contain

additional hardscape areas with a cadence of

seat walls to allow for seating areas and exible

space in which concession stands can be located

during events.

during events. In the more In the more passive spaces suchpassive spaces such

as the Neighborhood Room, the amenity zone will

be characterized by garden edges with striated

plantings, seat walls, and shade structures.

In addition to a c

In addition to a consistent sidewalk which providesonsistent sidewalk which provides

a horizontal unifying element, a vertically placed

unifying element such as graphic pylons could

extend along the Hallway to serve as sc

extend along the Hallway to serve as sculpturalulptural

markers at street intersections, and provide the

necessary waynding and

necessary waynding and interpretivinterpretive e informatiinformation.on.

The pylons would identify the park

The pylons would identify the park during the dayduring the day

as well as in the evening with illuminated text and

glowing beacons.

The Hallway is the key element that will bind

the Gateway into a cohesive space and will

the Gateway into a cohesive space and will helphelp

transform the Mall into a

transform the Mall into a recognizable regionalrecognizable regional

destination. Its success will depend upon each block

in the Gateway

in the Gateway forming a part of the Hallwayforming a part of the Hallway. . TheThe

rst stage of

rst stage of the Hallway is nearing completion withthe Hallway is nearing completion with

the opening of the Citygarden in

(31)

Hallway

(32)

5 5 . . 0 0 M M a a s s t t e e r r P P l l a a n n CHESTNUT STREET CHESTNUT STREET MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 4TH 4TH STREET STREET S. 4TH S. 4TH STREET STREET 6TH 6TH STREET STREET 7TH 7TH STREET STREET 8TH 8TH STREET STREET S. 8TH S. 8TH STREET STREET S. 7TH S. 7TH STREET STREET PINE STREET PINE STREET CHESTNUT STREET CHESTNUT STREET WALNUT STREET WALNUT STREET BROADWAY BROADWAY STREET STREET

DUAL BIKE LANE DUAL BIKE LANE

SEATING SEATING

TALL GRAPHIC/ LIGHT TALL GRAPHIC/ LIGHT

PYLONS PYLONS

SHADE FOLLIES AND TERRACE SHADE FOLLIES AND TERRACE

REMOVE MEDIAN REMOVE MEDIAN EXTENSION OF EXTENSION OF PROMENADE-ARMATURE ARMATURE

OLD COURT HOUSE OLD COURT HOUSE

WA

WAYFINDING GRAPHIC YFINDING GRAPHIC PYLONSPYLONS SPECIMEN TREE

SPECIMEN TREE

HILTON HOTEL HILTON HOTEL POTENTIAL TEMPORARY STAGE POTENTIAL TEMPORARY STAGE AND HOLIDAY TREE LOCATION AND HOLIDAY TREE LOCATION

PERIMETER GARDENS PERIMETER GARDENS

TALL LIGHT ARMATURES TALL LIGHT ARMATURES

LEVEL LAWN LEVEL LAWN -PERFORMANCES -PERFORMANCES -LOUNGING -LOUNGING -FESTIVALS -FESTIVALS -INFORMAL SEATING -INFORMAL SEATING -UNSTRUCTURED PLAY & -UNSTRUCTURED PLAY & GATHERINGS GATHERINGS

INTERACTIVE SKIM FOUNTAIN INTERACTIVE SKIM FOUNTAIN WITH LIGHT INSERTS “RIVER OF WITH LIGHT INSERTS “RIVER OF LIGHT”

LIGHT”

PERFORMANCE PLAZA WITH PERFORMANCE PLAZA WITH LIGHT INSETS “RIVER OF LIGHT INSETS “RIVER OF

LIGHT” LIGHT” URBAN URBAN TRELLIS TRELLIS PAVILION/ CAFE/ PAVILION/ CAFE/ VISTOR’S CENTER/ VISTOR’S CENTER/ PUBLIC RESTROOM/ PUBLIC RESTROOM/ BIKE RENTAL BIKE RENTAL ESTROOM ESTROOM N N

ANY FUTURE DESIGN CHANGES ANY FUTURE DESIGN CHANGES SHOULD INCLUDE BRINGING A SHOULD INCLUDE BRINGING A PORTION OF THE PLAZA TO THE PORTION OF THE PLAZA TO THE SIDEWALK LEVEL ON MARKET ST. SIDEWALK LEVEL ON MARKET ST.

Gateway Mall Master Plan_June 2009

T H O M A S B A L S L E Y

T H O M A S B A L S L E Y

A S S O C I A

A S S O C I A

T E S

T E S

ARCTURIS

ARCTURIS

City of St. Louis

City of St. Louis

Planning and Urban Design Agency

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Gateway Mall Master Plan provides the City of St. Louis with a

The Gateway Mall Master Plan provides the City of St. Louis with a

comprehensive vision for transforming downtown’s central park into a

comprehensive vision for transforming downtown’s central park into a

remarkable

remarkable

open space that

open space that

denes the heart and soul

denes the heart and soul

of St. Louis.

of St. Louis.

Building

Building

on this long range vision, the plan creates an overall design framework

on this long range vision, the plan creates an overall design framework

which will guide future individual proposals within the

which will guide future individual proposals within the Mall, and establishes

Mall, and establishes

a roadmap for implementation and long term management.

1.0 Introduction

2.0

2.0

The Evolution

The Evolution

of th

of th

e Gateway

e Gateway

Mall

Mall

3.0

3.0

Challenges,

Challenges,

Opportunities

Opportunities

and

and

Key

Key

Themes

Themes

Challenges

Challenges

Taste of

Taste of

St.Louis

St.Louis

Cardinals

Cardinals

Rallies

Rallies

Union

Union

Station

Station

Monuments

Monuments

Ribfest

Ribfest

Opportunities

Opportunities

Key Themes

Key Themes

4.0

_Cardinals

_Cardinals