Downtown St. Louis suffered a major loss last week when one of its highest-profile tenants announced it was leaving. But one of the leaders trying to turn the neighborhood around says everything is going just fine. This week, we go inside that story and some other mixed messages on the status of downtown St. Louis. 

The conversation explores the recent announcement of Peabody Energy's move from downtown St. Louis, the implications of corporate exits on the area, and the efforts of Kurt Weigel from Greater St. Louis, Inc. to revitalize downtown through residential development and community engagement. The discussion also touches on the mixed messages regarding the success of Ballpark Village as an entertainment hub amidst ongoing challenges in the downtown area.

Since it was established in 2002, the city’s Cortex innovation district has been home to more than $2 billion in construction. This week, the CEO of the district tells us whether to expect more projects in coming years. 

Episode Summary:

The conversation explores the Cortex Innovation District's development, the importance of eminent domain, current projects, demand for lab space, community engagement, and funding strategies. Sam Fiorello discusses the challenges and opportunities within the district, emphasizing the need for continued growth and support for innovation in St. Louis.

Takeaways:

Cortex Innovation District has 42 buildings and 400 companies.
Eminent domain is rarely used but is an important tool.
90% of commercial space in Cortex is currently filled.
There is a high demand for lab space post-pandemic.
Cortex aims to accommodate growing life science companies.
Community engagement has shifted post-COVID.
Cortex is not just about real estate; it's about innovation.
Funding and grants are crucial for workforce training.
The Square One program supports local entrepreneurs.
Cortex is focused on building a strong community identity.

St. Louis is again seeing fewer construction projects this year. The city for 2025 is roughly on target to match permit totals for last year, but those were down significantly from the past. The government’s development chief talks about why, and what’s being done to turn it around.

Show Summary

In this conversation, Otis Williams discusses the current state of development in St. Louis, highlighting the challenges faced in the building permit process and the need for more private development. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment for developers and the ongoing efforts to improve the permitting system. The conversation also touches on the North City grant program and the search for a permanent leader for the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC).

Takeaways

St. Louis is experiencing a decline in private development.
The city aims to improve its development processes to attract more developers.
There is a need for a more efficient permitting system.
The North City grant program has faced scrutiny but is being re-evaluated.
Otis Williams emphasizes the importance of personal relationships with developers.
The city is looking to create new financial incentives for development.
Mayor Spencer's administration is focused on revitalizing the central corridor.
The SLDC is actively searching for a permanent leader with vision and experience.
Community engagement is crucial for successful development projects.
The city is committed to increasing the number of new businesses to boost economic growth.

Homebuilders say the city of St. Louis’ permitting process and regulatory requirements have made building there too expensive and time consuming. This week, we explain how and why Mayor Cara Spencer is taking action to change city bureaucracy as it battles to rebuild tornado-wracked north St. Louis.

Data centers, the plumbing of the internet age, have been around for decades. But one project in Midtown St. Louis has attracted fierce opposition. This week, we find out why this project is different.

The conversation explores the contentious proposal for a new data center in St. Louis, highlighting the opposition from community organizations and the Missouri Workers Center. The discussion delves into the implications of data center development on local economies, environmental concerns, and the need for regulatory oversight. Erik's guest, Jeremy Al-Haj from the Missouri Worker's Center, emphasize the importance of community engagement and thoughtful planning in the face of growing demand for data centers driven by technological advancements, particularly AI.

Lambert airport hasn’t had a flight to London since 2003. The airport’s director recently said that getting one back represented the proudest moment of her career. She talked with us about how the new deal with British Airways came together, with flights to begin in April, and what it means for the region.

The $1.1B north-south MetroLink expansion has given way to what is projected to be a significantly less expensive alternative. This week, we speak with the leader of the region’s transit authority, Bi-State Development, to hear how the modes of transportation shifted with the political winds. 

The America’s Center Convention Complex is, to many people, their gateway to the Gateway to the West. This week, we speak with the new CEO of tourism agency Explore St. Louis to learn about convention strategy and crafting a brand for St. Louis.

A year ago, the St. Louis metro area’s population grew solely to an increase in the foreign-born population. A year later, the trends has shifted backward. We speak with St. Louis’ most prominent demographer, Ness Sandoval, to discuss the recent population trends in the region, focusing on the decline of the foreign-born population and the African-American demographic. He highlights the concept of 'demographic winter' and compares St. Louis's growth mindset to that of Cincinnati, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to regional development and housing to attract new residents and counteract population decline.

In this episode of the Arch City Report, Jim Wild from the East West Gateway Council of Governments discusses the strategic planning efforts aimed at addressing population decline and various regional issues in St. Louis. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among different sectors, the need for a common vision, and the significance of timing in initiating these plans. The conversation also touches on the challenges of revitalizing downtown St. Louis and the long-term commitment required to see substantial changes in the region.