CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN the making of a greenway
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY PROCESS PARTICIPANTS ELECTED OFFICIALS Mayor Lyda Krewson City of St. Louis, Missouri Alderwoman Lisa Middlebrook St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 2 Alderman Brandon Bosley St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 3 Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 6 Alderwoman Annie Rice St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 8 Alderman Joe Roddy St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 17 Alderman Jesse Todd St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 18 Alderwoman Marlene Davis St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 19
NEIGHBORHOOD STAKEHOLDERS
GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP
Audrey Ellermann Covenant Blu-Grand Center Neighborhood Assoc.
Bernard DuBray Jennifer George Jim Hall Monica Huddleston Carol Klein Robert Epstein Dionne Flowers McGraw Milhaven Neal Perryman Glenn Powers Phyllis Young
Erica Henderson, Chair Brian Phillips, Chair Abdul-Kaba Abdullah Dustin Allison Kevin Bryant Audrey Ellermann April Ford Griffin Vanessa Foster Cooksey Brooks Goedeker Karl Guenther Karin Hagaman Garrick Hamilton Michael Holmes Brian Hurd Missy Kelley John Langa Karen Leverenz Dennis Lower Sal Martinez Carolyn Seward Esther Shin Otis Williams
Brian Krueger St. Louis Place Neighborhood Assoc. Brienne Holmes The Ville Neighborhood Improv. Assoc. Patricia Huntspon Lindell Park Neighborhood Assoc. Marilyn Blackwell JeffVanderLou Neighborhood Assoc. Abdul-Kaba Abdullah O’Fallon Park Neighborhood Assoc. Park Central Development Corporation Judith Arnold Vandeventer Neighborhood Assoc. Vincent Chewning Forest Park Southeast Neighborhood Assoc. Pamela Harris North Newstead Assoc.
Alderman John Collins-Muhammad St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 21
Linda Nguyen Tiffany/Botanical Heights Neighborhood Assoc.
Alderman Shane Cohn St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 25 City Parks and Recreation Committee
Thomas Pickle The Garden District Commission
Alderwoman Heather Navarro St. Louis Board of Aldermen Ward 28
Sean Spencer Tower Grove Neighborhood Community Development
State Senator Karla May State of Missouri - District 4
Monique Williams North Central Business Development
State Senator Jamilah Nasheed State of Missouri - District 5
Michael Burns Northside Community Housing
Representative Chris Carter State of Missouri - District 76
Brian Phillips Euclid South Community Improvement District
Representative Steve Roberts State of Missouri - District 77 Representative LaKeySha Bosley State of Missouri - District 79 Representative Peter Merideth State of Missouri - District 80 Representative Wiley Price State of Missouri - District 84 Judge Jimmie Edwards City of St. Louis Dept. of Public Safety Gerard Hollins City of St. Louis Office of Finance Tishaura Jones, Jared Boyd, Ben Singer City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office
Becky Reinhardt DeSales Community Development
Michelle Cheli Downtown STL, Inc.
DONORS Anonymous BJC HealthCare Emily Rauh Pulitzer Forest Park Forever Green Street Armory Investors, LLC and Philip G. Hulse Kranzberg Arts Foundation Lawrence Group Saint Louis University Washington University in St. Louis
Gregory Hayes City Parks and Recreation Committee
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GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY FOUNDATION Boyd Behnke Kurt Berry Melanie DiLeo Linda Finerty Scarlett Foster Dale Henn Scott Hunt Stephen Jones George Love David Mason Darlene Sowell Susan Trautman Andrew Walshaw Daniel Weas Ex-Officio Members: Neal Perryman Former Board Members: In Memory – Peter Sortino
STEERING COMMITTEE Steven Harris, Chair Jim Mann, Chair Yemi Akande-Bartsch Rodney Boyd Cindy Brinkley Rodney Crim Alison Ferring Erica Henderson Lesley Hoffarth Derek Laney Katie Lappe Linda Martinez Adnan Omeragic Gregory Patterson Deborah Patterson Melissa Paz Brian Phillips Gilberto Pinela Emily Rauh Pulitzer Don Roe Will Ross Jonathan Smith Lisa Suggs Hank Webber Mike Whittle Otis Williams Lester Woods
DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION WORKING GROUP Adnan Omeragic, Chair Lesley Hoffarth, Chair Pacia Anderson Urana Ballard Jake Banton Matt Bernstine Arjun Bhat Tracy Boaz Richard Bradley Mary Chandler Lois Conley Paul Fendler Michelle Forneis Chris Goodson Imran Hanafi Ametra Harris Nicholas Hoffman Gavin Kroeber Michael Lucido Ronaldo Luna Lisa Melandri David Newburger Deborah Patterson Melissa Paz Don Roe Felicia Shaw Steve Sobo Brian Temple Jay Watson
EQUITY WORKING GROUP Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Chair Gilberto Pinela, Chair Charles Bryson Jenny Connelly-Bowen Andy Crossett Nerishka Cruz Darren Jackson Ro Kicker Vin Ko LaShana Lewis Ryan McClure Kimberly McKinney Bradley Naert Rudy Nickens Ralph Pfremmer Taylor March Cindy Mense Alex Roberts Roz Rodgers AJ Sander Lucas Signorelli Julianne Stone Rikki Takeyama Menn
GOVERNANCE WORKING GROUP Linda Martinez, Chair Lester Woods, Chair Merelyn Becker Michael J. Browning William Carson Ken Franklin Ed Hassinger Phil Hulse Karl Hutchinson Bill Kuehling Stephanie Mickles Marian Nunn Steve O’Loughlin Sheila Rendon Steve Smith Lucie Springmeyer Jason Terry Monique Williams Rosie Willis
COMPETITION DESIGN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Susan Trautman Todd Antoine Hank Webber Richard Payton Brian Phillips Steve Sobo Todd Rogan Phil Hulse Brian Pratt Emily Rauh Pulitzer Karin Hagaman Lesley Hoffarth Frank Kartmann Jason Hall Kathy Reeves Greg Hayes Rich Bradley
DESIGN TEAM Stoss Landscape Urbanism Lamar Johnson Collaborative Alta Planning + Design UrbanAC HR&A Marlon Blackwell Architects David Mason + Associates Civic Creatives Heartache + Paint Mallory Nezam DJM Lochmueller Group Linnaea Tillett Lighting Design Associates, Inc.
CONSULTANTS Vector Communications Bailey Strategic Innovation Group
PROJECT ADVISORS Donald J. Stastny, FAIA, FAICP, FCIP Competition Manager
ARTISTS OF COLOR COUNCIL
Jennifer Mannhard, AICP Competition Project Manager
Pacia Anderson Syrhea Conaway Ismael (Miles) Dela Cruz Tre’von Griffith Chinyere Oteh Sahara Sista S.O.L.S. Scott Jerry Stewart Diana Zeng
Maurice Cox, Jury Antionette D. Carroll, Jury Gavin Kroeber, Jury Deborah J. Patterson, Jury Mark W. Johnson, FASLA, Jury Ed Hassinger, P.E, Jury Adèle Naudé Santos, FAIA, Jury Allison Williams, FAIA, Jury
GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY PROJECT TEAM
Focus group members and the general public who have been participating during the Framework Plan process
Susan Trautman Todd Antoine Barbara Bernthal Shaughnessy Daniels Emma Klues Anna Leavey Mark Vogl
THE CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK St. Louis is a city with hundreds of great treasures—museums, parks, educational, health and art
We’ve heard that we need to think broadly about the project, that we must connect the
institutions, businesses, neighborhood nooks and crannies and enduring front porches. And yet,
neighborhoods north and south to the central corridor of the city. We heard frustration about
these special places are separated by barriers, real and perceived, that fragment our city and
disinvestment, particularly in north St. Louis.
keep us from connecting to those treasures and to each other. The making of this greenway has become much more important than the greenway itself. Today, The Chouteau Greenway concept started in the 1990s with the idea of connecting Forest Park
the project is about transforming St. Louis, connecting our beloved treasures together with the
to the Gateway Arch. In 2017, with ten partners, we launched the project through community
people who live here to create vibrant experiences every day. It is about giving voice to many
engagement around an international design competition.
who have not had the opportunity to participate in the long history of the city’s development. It’s about connecting, trying new things and moving forward.
We had no answers, just questions. How would we make sure that unheard voices would be represented throughout engagement, art and programs? How would we ensure that diversity,
Starting with the design competition, this plan is the result of the work of thousands of people
inclusion and equity were cornerstones to how a greenway is planned, built, brought to life and
who agreed to help by giving their time and ideas. This is just the beginning and we hope you
taken care of over time? How would we find support for economic development on multiple
will add your voice to the thousands that have helped it get this far. The process that created
scales and in equitable ways? How can we lean into the strengths here to make something
this report identified the mission, vision, key principles and intended outcomes that will guide
uniquely St. Louis that people love, take care of and are proud to show off? We’ve asked these
this project over many miles and many years, evolving over time. This plan provides actionable
questions over and over again throughout the past two years through surveys, meetings,
strategies that will set this greenway apart from any other greenway or city planning effort—it is
workshops and interviews. Whether it was an elected official, a technical advisor, a neighbor or a
a blending of voices and the start of a new way to work together. It is the making of a greenway.
committee member, everything we’ve heard has been captured and has informed this work. Susan Trautman, CEO, Great Rivers Greenway
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THREE IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE: 1. THE IMAGES PRESENTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE CONCEPTUAL DRAFTS AND WILL BE FURTHER VETTED BY GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY THROUGH THE ONGOING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS. ALL PROPOSED CONDITIONS IMAGERY IS COPYRIGHT OF STOSS. 2. THE NEXT STEP IN THIS PROJECT IS TO ENGAGE THE REGION TO NAME THIS GREENWAY. BECAUSE THAT PROCESS DESERVES COMMUNITY INPUT, THIS DOCUMENT WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE TERM “CHOUTEAU GREENWAY” WITH THE FULL KNOWLEDGE THAT IT WILL BE CHANGED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. 3. ALL PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY OR PARTNERS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION BIG IDEA TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CONNECTION Mission, Key Principles, Intended Outcomes Concept Why This Project Is Different Civic Engagement Decision Making Process
MAPS & CONTEXT WHERE THE PROJECT LIVES Armature Diagram Geographic Context Eight Study Areas
OPPORTUNITY WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO The Greenway as Both Process and Project Embrace Equity Embody a Bold Design Invite Nature into the City Foster Socialization Feature Local, National and Global Art Innovate Governance Create New Alliances Generate Return On Investment Promote Economic Opportunity at Multiple Scales Celebrate St. Louis—The Heart, Soul & Grit
6 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19
20 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 27
EQUITY HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE INCLUSIVE & JUST
29
IMPLEMENTATION HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE REALIZED
74
Practices Practice Strategies Practice Organizations Practice Strategies and Metrics
29 30 31 34
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK
46
Implementation Principles Capital and Operations Funding Governance Structure Governance Precedents Operations and Maintenance Precedents Promise and Opportunity Zones Special Districts
75 77 77 78 79 80 81
SYSTEM WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO
83
Potential Greenway Routes Evaluation Criteria Evaluation Process & Reporting Opportunities & Equity Analysis & Recommendations Fairground Study Area St. Louis Place Study Area St. Louis Place/Downtown Study Areas Grand Center Study Area Downtown West Study Area Downtown Study Area Midtown Study Area Tower Grove Study Area Forest Park Study Area
84 85 85 86 87 88 94 98 100 104 108 110 116 120
Equitable Equitable Equitable Equitable
Objectives Metrics Current and Planned Development Commercial Corridors and Employment Districts Current Start-up Economy Civic, Institutional, Cultural and Employment Partnerships Example Baseline Metric
46 47 48 49 50 51 52
DESIGN HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL
55
Aspirations for Design Placemaking and Identity Strategies Public Art Selection and Placement of Art Art Metrics Landscape Typologies Vacant Lot Strategies A Distinct and Unifying Identity Potential Material and Color Palettes Paving and Furnishings Paving Application Example Bridge Design Bridge Typologies Bridge Examples Lighting Design Lighting Typologies Lighting Examples
56 57 58 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 68 69 69 70 72 72 73
RECOMMENDATIONS Exceptional Experience Civic Well-Being Connectivity Economic Growth Environmental Leadership Healthy Lifestyles
CONCLUSION
126 127 128 129 130 131 132
133
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INTRODUCTION WHO IS GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY?
WHAT IS A GREENWAY?
Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) is the public agency connecting
Greenways are outdoor spaces connecting people and places.
the St. Louis region with greenways to make it a more vibrant
Each greenway is unique, reflecting the character of the
place to live, work and play. In 2000, a vote of the people
communities it connects. Greenways can include:
created a sales tax to leave a legacy for future generations by
• Trails to take a walk, go for a run, ride a bike or just get
investing in and connecting together some of our region’s best
some fresh air. These are almost always a paved path,
assets. Those funds allow GRG to collaborate with partners and
accessible for all.
communities to build, care for and bring to life a network of
• Conservation projects to maintain healthy habitats and
greenways, creating healthy habitats and watersheds along the
watersheds, such as rain gardens, native plants, restored
way. GRG serves the two million people throughout the 1,200
prairies, wetlands and floodplains.
square mile district of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and
• Amenities like restrooms, water fountains, benches, bike
St. Charles County. GRG works in partnership with
racks, signage, parking and playgrounds.
municipalities, public agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations across the region to deliver on the community’s
• Connections to business districts, neighborhoods, transit,
vision for a dynamic, connected region.
jobs, schools, cultural destinations, rivers, creeks, parks and conservation areas.
In addition to building the network of greenways, GRG is also the steward of the local taxpayers’ investment in the
Greenways provide an accessible common ground that offers
renovation and long-term sustainability of the CityArchRiver
immediate benefits—people can get around town, exercise,
Project. This $380 million public-private partnership renovated
spend time in nature and explore all that the region has to offer.
the Mississippi Riverfront, the Gateway Arch National Park
2019 System Map
and Kiener Plaza downtown creating a seamless, accessible
The greenways also enhance our region’s civic strength. The
and excellent experience for residents and tourists alike.
network of greenways strengthens the health of all three
As one of six partners in the CityArchRiver Alliance team,
jurisdictions. These projects transcend political boundaries—
GRG collaborated in the construction and is now focused on
bringing people together from citizens to government agencies
operations and maintenance to guide long-term success.
and nonprofits to private companies to deliver the best possible greenway project. Greenways are often placed strategically to
Leveraging GRG’s experience, lessons learned and partnerships
preserve vital places like floodplains along our many rivers and
from both greenway projects and large-scale city-building
creeks, wetlands, prairies or other ecological treasures. Last but
and infrastructure work, GRG is thrilled to be bringing the
not least, whether it be increasing property values or creating
community’s vision for Chouteau Greenway to life.
opportunities for economic development or being an asset in attracting businesses, talent and tourists, greenways boost the economic vitality of our region.
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INTRODUCTION WHAT IS A FRAMEWORK PLAN? A framework plan is a high-level planning tool to coordinate,
PLANNING PROCESS
The collaborative effort of the project’s Working Groups and
guide and inform the preparation of more detailed design
The planning was divided into three phases of work:
Steering Committee and the recommended strategies that
plans for specific areas in the future. This type of plan
Discovery, Ideation and Recommendations. Discovery
resulted from the work are the basis of this document. The plan
generally establishes the mission, key principles and goals of a project and provides an overall design concept, and guidelines and strategies that should be applied to future design and development. The idea is to set up values-based decisionmaking now so that as projects move forward, they are done within the framework that will work directly to support the mission, key principles and goals. As such, a framework plan is often referred to as a project’s “road map.”
focused on research and analysis of existing data, programs, and precedents to inform the refinement of goals and guidelines and identification of opportunities afforded by the greenway. Ideation concentrated on the development of preliminary design and public art strategies, feasibility analysis of potential corridor alignments, equity and economic
This “road map” should provide enough detail to define
development strategies, outcomes, and metrics, as well as
predictable outcomes but with sufficient flexibility to allow
development of governance strategies.
various responses of future public and private partners and designers, of which there may be many.
• Big Idea: Transformation Through Connection • Maps & Context: Where the Project Lives • Opportunity: What the Greenway Could Do • Equity: How the Greenway Could Be Inclusive & Just • Economic Development: How the Greenway Could Work • Design Strategy: How the Greenway Could Look & Feel • Implementation: How the Greenway Could Be Realized
This Chouteau Greenway Framework Plan is a guide for near and long-term development of the greenway, though it will
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN
is comprised of six overarching and interconnected sections:
evolve as a living document for future phases of design.
• System: Where the Greenway Could Go • Recommendations
As a road map, the Chouteau Greenway Framework Plan presents a refined design concept for the greenway, outlining a series of potential alignments and signature projects. It also contains information on how the greenway could work (equity and economic development strategies), what the greenway could look like (placemaking, open space, and identity strategies), and how the greenway can be realized (development pacing, governance, and funding strategies). This framework recommends both immediate next steps and more detailed strategies for long term greenway development, all of which will continue to be informed by the multitude of voices that contribute to the momentum of the project.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 7
Draft concept of southward view of the greenway
BIG IDEA TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CONNECTION
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Draft concept of southward view of the greenway
BIG IDEA: TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CONNECTION MISSION
Chouteau Greenway will transform St. Louis by connecting people and our City’s most treasured places, creating inspiring experiences and equitable opportunities for growth. KEY PRINCIPLES ENGAGEMENT Value the participation of team, advisory, and many constituencies in collaborative decision-making.
EQUITY Include diversity, equity and inclusion impacts and opportunity.
COLLABORATION Stakeholders are committed to the mission and working together to achieve the intended outcomes.
OPPORTUNITY Seek and promote equitable, value-added opportunities.
SUSTAINABILITY
INTENDED OUTCOMES EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE Chouteau Greenway is a series of dynamic spaces where vibrant activities are happening daily throughout the year. Chouteau Greenway is a regional gathering place where people linger, learn and engage in memorable experiences that connect them to St. Louis and to each other.
CIVIC WELL-BEING Chouteau Greenway is a transparent, accountable and inclusive project that boosts civic pride, care and consideration, leaving a legacy for future generations. Chouteau Greenway is a common ground that unites communities and strengthens relationships.
CONNECTIVITY Chouteau Greenway connects St. Louis’ iconic
Ensure long-term success through policy, partnership,
neighborhoods, institutions, transit, employment centers,
funding, governance, operations and maintenance.
business and arts districts, innovation hubs and public spaces.
ECONOMIC GROWTH Chouteau Greenway creates equitable opportunities for growth and inspires continued catalytic public and private investments by building places for people to come together to live, work, play and visit.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP Chouteau Greenway is a model for excellence in ecology with engaged communities who are stewards of our natural resources.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES Chouteau Greenway is a network of accessible and inviting places and paths that encourage exploration, exercise, active transportation, and daily use that enhances physical and mental well-being for people of all ages and all abilities.
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BIG IDEA: TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CONNECTION CONCEPT The Chouteau Greenway is up to 20 miles of urban greenway
Each of the greenway segments will respond to its particular
that not only knits together a wide range of St. Louis’
neighborhood context. The diversity of neighborhoods and
multicultural resources, destinations and neighborhoods in
assets include a broad array of communities, people and
new and exciting ways, but also socially and economically
social, cultural and economic opportunities that stretch
knits together diverse communities throughout our city.
the greenway beyond the center city. With this extensive greenway network, the potential for equitable and accessible
The greenway will become a part of the everyday experience
development extends to all corners of the city. Key opportunity
of St. Louisans—helping them reach their schools, workplaces
sites identified for potential new developments or open space
and the many institutions throughout the city on a daily basis.
may benefit from the connectivity of the greenway creating potential for targeted economic growth.
More than a free, accessible trail where people can exercise, commute or explore, the greenway will offer an exceptional
The proposed routes are informed by the community of wards
experience to residents and tourists alike. The greenway
and neighborhoods, the location of neighborhood amenities
will create dynamic, active spaces and serve as a regional
and key employment centers. The greenway will connect many
gathering place that encourages collaboration and boosts civic
of these amenities, while being placed within a network of
pride.
existing and growing greenway, bicycle and transit routes.
FAIRGROUND PARK
The basic concept for Chouteau Greenway is to connect park to park in both the north-south and east-west directions and economic growth, governance and equitable practice
ARCH
overlay those links with a central loop. The concept integrates
FOREST PARK
strategies within the planning and design framework, as well as ecology and sustainability strategies to be pursued as the greenway is implemented. The heart of the plan is an idea of the greenway as a green cultural network of and for St. Louis, where the central loop and the links connect east and west, north and south, and create a new destination city full of rich and diverse experiences.
12 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
TOWER GROVE PARK
BIG IDEA: TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CONNECTION WHY THIS PROJECT IS DIFFERENT This transformation is about a process of truly open
The work has been advised by the Artists of Color Council,
WHY NOW?
engagement and dialogue with the city’s citizens, and about
who have been active for over a year, to inform, support
There is an energy and excitement in the air in St. Louis, and
creating new opportunities for social interaction across the
and participate in art collaboration and engagement work
some great momentum on which to build. The research and
city and between and among the people who live, work and
throughout the project.
tech sectors in the city are blooming, arts of many kinds are
visit here.
giving expression to the cultural and ethnic diversity in the city, From the project’s inception, it has been supported by a wide
food offerings are increasingly diverse, and events are bringing
Chouteau Greenway is more than just a greenway, more than
array of partnership organizations big and small, including
people together in new ways all across the city.
just a trail. The project integrates strategies for art, economic
public, private, community-based, and non-profit from across
investment, equity and properties adjacent to or just off the
the city. And the process continues to grow the group of
It’s important that everyone living and working in
proposed alignments.
partners that can potentially become involved in the further
St. Louis feels they are welcome and that they belong, and
design and implementation of the greenway.
that investments are being made across the city in different
Importantly, the project puts diversity, inclusion and equity
neighborhoods and in ways that best address the needs of
right up front as a key principle and goal of the project—and
The project is also unique in its scale and ambition: nothing
people—all of us. Important conversations are happening,
it does so as an integrated piece of the engagement, planning
like this has been done before, here or across the United
significant progress has been made and more good things are
and design processes.
States.
on the horizon.
The project has been and will continue to try out new things,
The consultant team assembled to help realize this vision is
new formats for conversation and engagement, and new
also unique. It is a combination of both local and national
This project feels different because it is different.
ways to activate sites and communities during the design and
firms and individuals that have collective expertise in design,
implementation processes.
art, planning, economic development, engineering, science and engagement. Over half the firms and individuals are local
The project has been led and informed by an incredibly diverse
to St. Louis, and over half are represented by racial minorities
Steering Committee and four Working Groups around the
or women in positions of leadership.
topics of Design, Development and Construction, Economic Development, Equity and Governance. These 125 individuals
In all of this, new faces are at the table, new conversations
cover a wide array of people including technical advisors,
about what should happen are occurring. People are talking
neighbors, funders, community leaders, and partners. The
to each other and exchanging ideas in new and productive
groups aim to reflect the demographics of the city and include
ways, and this will only continue to grow as the project
representation from all neighborhoods in the project footprint.
unfolds.
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BIG IDEA: TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CONNECTION CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Since this process began, it has valued community engagement
Following the design competition, and in response to the
to establish a greenway that’s uniquely St. Louis, endeavoring
community goals, an Artists of Color Council was formed. This
to consider equitable social, environmental and economic
diverse group of eight local artists were assembled to support
impact at every turn, leaving a legacy for future generations.
the design team in identifying opportunities for art and art installations along the greenway that celebrate the local flavor
Starting in 2017, leading up to the international design
and history of St. Louis.
competition, Great Rivers Greenway initiated a multi-pronged engagement strategy to gain an understanding of current
In 2019, a Steering Committee and four Working Groups
conditions, ideas and concerns before any design teams
were formed to guide the Framework planning process. The
were formed. Through listening sessions, pop-up events,
Steering Committee and Working Groups include 125 volunteers
neighborhood canvassing, outreach to businesses and major
reflecting the diverse demographics of the city, representing
institutions and digital surveys, Great Rivers Greenway
17 neighborhoods, and including city, civic, community,
connected with more than 2000 St. Louisans before any real
development, economic development and innovation leaders.
plans for the greenway existed. The Steering Committee and four Working Groups informed the A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) of neighborhood
Framework Plan around the topics of:
residents and community leaders was formed to provide
• Design, Development and Construction
community representation, to gather and analyze the
• Economic Development
information received from the broader community during early
• Equity
engagement, and to help set the diversity, equity and inclusion
• Governance
Regional engagement has included: • An open house event in partnership with more than 30
focus for the project. The CAC also helped to formulate a set of community goals used by the design teams to inform their ideas
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
community partners and attended by more than 300 people
and concepts during the competition.
Efforts to incorporate community participation in the creation
on February 5, 2019. The event was held to share updates
of the Framework Plan continued in 2019 with stakeholder,
and information about the Chouteau Greenway and to
In 2018, with prior civic engagement in mind, the four teams
neighborhood-level and regional engagement. Deploying
gather information for the Ideation phase of the Framework
participating in the design competition created conceptual
a community-driven Decision Making Process guided the
planning process.
plans for Chouteau Greenway, which were on display at
engagement strategy and resulted in:
locations all over the city, at events and through outreach.
• More than 30 meetings with elected officials, community
The presentations from each team to the jury were open to the public and streamed online to ensure the community had opportunity to be involved in the process of selecting a team.
leaders and neighborhood stakeholders.
were held during the month of July in four quadrants of the city to gather input on components of the Framework Plan.
• More than 20 meetings with neighborhood organizations and community development corporations. • Participation at nearly 30 local community events.
14 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
• Four Feedback Festival events and a Virtual Open House
This level of quality civic engagement will continue throughout the life of this project.
BIG IDEA: TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CONNECTION DECISION MAKING PROCESS IDEATION
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AUDIENCES Region at Large
making process for Framework planning. Based on a philosophy of Ask-Align-Act, the
Higher Level Elected Officials (National, State)
approach allowed the team to “Ask” for input, “Align” their feedback with project plans
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Residents of the Region
gathering and implementing feedback from the community and project partners. This
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process. As such, the project employed a cycle of engagement to inform the decision process involved multiple audiences throughout the phases of the framework process,
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RECOMMENDATIONS
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Steering Committee
Elected Officials (Aldermen, Mayor’s Office) Institutions in the Project Area (Schools, Employers)
Property Owners in the Project Area Neighborhood Associations & Community Development Corporations
and “Act” through advancement of the project from phase to phase. The decision making
Artist Of Color Council
process is continual and will continue throughout the project and future detailed design and
Working Groups
Community Members in Project Area
implementation.
Focus Groups & Stakeholders
Businesses within Radius of Alignment
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 15
MAPS & CONTEXT WHERE THE PROJECT LIVES The project is based upon an armature (a framework on which something is constructed) that proposed potential greenway routes and signature projects for analysis and study. This map emerged from extensive conversations with partners and stakeholders and community input over the summer and fall of 2018 and was informed and evolved by the ideas generated during the design competition. The armature captures the idea of a greenway that goes both north-south and east-west and includes investments in all areas touched by the greenway. To maximize the impact of investment in the neighborhoods and communities the greenway will connect, weighted alignment criteria were determined that set the starting point for evaluation and recommendations. This work will be further tested and refined, and only then, finalized in a more extensive series of public outreach and engagement efforts in concert with detailed design studies in the months and years to come. The abundance of assets pose rich opportunities for the greenway to build on St. Louis’s culture of art, innovation and community investment. It is essential to balance connections in the north and south by bridging general connectivity gaps and providing equal access to health facilities and transportation. Nodes of activity guide the physical placement of the corridors, while ample rights-of-way and vacant land provide additional opportunities for activation and development. There are also city sustainability goals that can be built upon to develop a rich environment through green infrastructure, improved air quality and healthy community practices. I mage from Forest Park Forever
16 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
Teal dashed lines show the possible routes for Chouteau Greenway, whose feasibility are explored later in this document. Solid and dashed green lines showcase the existing and future greenways in the region, respectively. Chouteau Greenway is part of the overall network being developed by Great Rivers Greenway with partners and community members. The purple dashed lines show a partner coordination project and the pink dashed lines show a future study area to explore. The orange circles are signature projects; illustrations in this document envision what a special place along the greenway could look like.
MAPS & CONTEXT: WHERE THE PROJECT LIVES GREENWAY ARMATURE
MAP LEGEND Possible Greenway Routes Possible Signature Projects Partner Coordination Project Future Study Area Existing Greenways Future Greenways CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 17
MAPS & CONTEXT: WHERE THE PROJECT LIVES GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT The greenway is nested within the regional system of greenways plus other proposed projects, bicycle routes and trails that create an extended network of mobility and connectivity. The greenway links a wide array of existing open spaces, assets, and destinations— both locally and regionally known—as well as new destinations and experiences across the city. The greenway could connect up to 17 St. Louis neighborhoods, as shown at right.
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MAPS & CONTEXT: WHERE THE PROJECT LIVES EIGHT STUDY AREAS Given the scale of the project, the larger area has been broken down into eight study areas to better address the varied circumstances in different areas of the city. The logic of these study areas is based on greenway routing considerations, more general social, economic and cultural issues within these areas, and existing and planned investments. The equity and economic development strategies in this document are broken down into these study areas, which are named for the neighborhoods and parks, and are for internal reference, research and planning purposes.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 19
OPPORTUNITY WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO
20 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
Draft concept of westward view of a pavilion and vacant lot activation next to the Griot Museum on St. Louis Ave
OPPORTUNITY: WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO THE GREENWAY AS BOTH PROJECT AND PROCESS Since the project’s inception, it has been and will continue to be, a community process deeply embedded within the values and aspirations of each of the communities through which it will pass, bringing opportunities for connections, economic growth and cultural and social interaction. Chouteau Greenway is situated in the heart of the city, connecting to and through a diversity of neighborhoods and cultural and economic centers, often along a combination of city streets, rail rights-of-way and through parks and campuses.
The greenway can also bring opportunities for: • Programs and placemaking in order to bring new kinds of urban experiences to the city’s residents, welcoming everyone. • Connections to enhance multiple ways to traverse the city, including bus lines, metro line, and bicycle networks.
positive aspects of communities already in place. Although complex, Chouteau Greenway brings many opportunities to the city as a whole and to the areas in which
and guiding the programming and activation that will continue after construction.
the many different neighborhoods and sites.
important ways:
and equitable benefits while not intruding on or disrupting the
increasing partnerships that will help to ensure implementation
• A clear and unifying identity that is distinguishable through
combinations of ownership, utilities, infrastructure and
greenway must provide social, cultural, ecological, economic
momentum for the project by investing people in the process,
sometimes harsh city environment.
The greenway will also act as a catalyst in a number of
to where people live in a diversity of communities. The
finished design will be tested. Events can also build critical
• More green landscapes to help re-establish nature in the
This project is particularly complex because of the complicated regulatory issues that are in play, as well as its close proximity
pavilions, etc.) that might become permanent parts of the
• For economic opportunity and growth in multiple places and at multiple scales, working with stakeholders to reduce the disparity in per capita income in various neighborhoods. • For culture that prioritizes the arts as a way to connect people and as an important economic development tool. • For community and social interactions.
it will pass. It creates the opportunity to celebrate the city’s residents and neighborhoods and the richness and wide
Activation of spaces along the greenway can begin during the
range of assets and destinations (both well-known and lesser-
ongoing planning, design and construction. This could include
known).
staging events in vacant or underutilized areas, celebrating art and culture, encouraging sharing a meal or an activity and
The greenway could support continued population growth
offering ways for people to become involved.
in growing neighborhoods and stabilize the population in shrinking neighborhoods.
These early stage events will inform the programming and design of the greenway and adjacent spaces. Different activities, programs and design elements (temporary seating,
Draft concept view of the greenway weaving north between the Armory District and City Foundry developments
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 21
OPPORTUNITY: WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO EMBRACE EQUITY
EMBODY A BOLD DESIGN Equity for Chouteau Greenway means creating an
The greenway’s identity and design should be bold, unifying
environment for equal opportunity that produces just and
and inviting to all people from all backgrounds. It should evoke
positive economic, social, environmental and physical
the rivers, earth, underlying geology, regional ecologies, brick
development results for people of various races, genders,
made from the river’s clay, and social customs of neighborly
sexualities, ages, incomes and abilities.
interactions. The design identity should also project an optimistic, rich and inclusive future for the city that openly and
Equity outcomes for the greenway might look like:
consciously welcomes every child from every neighborhood in the city. The greenway should be bold and embracing, unifying
• Improved access to and ownership of open space for diverse people. • New ways to be active (walk, bike, glide, run) in neighborhoods that currently lack these amenities. • Better connections for people to known and unknown places, representing diverse cultural identities, as well as jobs, businesses and everyday amenities. • Increased equal opportunity and long-term economic growth for the city while minimizing economic disparities for people of color, women and St. Louis residents. • More diverse representation of residents and stakeholders who participate and feel a greater sense of ownership in the greenway development, processes and outcomes. • Improved conditions of health, wellbeing and climate resilience for people and the environment. • Increased safety and feelings of acceptance, and implicit permission to occupy public space.
22 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
and inspiring and accessible to all.
OPPORTUNITY: WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO INVITE NATURE INTO THE CITY
FOSTER SOCIALIZATION
The greenway can bring the city back to life ecologically,
canopy. Vacant lots have the potential to be converted for
The stoop or porch on the front of a house is one of the most
which would bring joy, beauty and wonderment to people
both social and ecological uses, such as reducing stormwater
neighborly spaces where people meet informally, neighbors
through new experiences of urban nature—watching birds and
loads in rain gardens, creating native meadows and habitat
see neighbors and people hang out, chat, laugh and debate.
butterflies dance among prairie grasses; growing food and
gardens or growing food for communities. Community conversations along the greenway could happen
tending plants in rich, dark soils; or enjoying lush and varied landscapes that bring softness to an urban neighborhood or a
Larger open spaces can convert unused urban space into a
on temporary stoops to share ideas, dreams and struggles.
child’s daily walk to school.
public resource that provides diverse landscapes that modify
These stoops can be part of short-term site activation and
micro-climates and increase surface porosity.
engagement strategies, and can eventually be converted to more permanent installments as part of the greenway
The greenway can improve ecological function on a regional scale, enhancing the many spaces through which it travels
While some strategies will be specifically adapted to unique
construction. A permanent stoop would be part of the family
within the city, while also acknowledging the history of
site conditions, the greenway will pursue sustainability
of design elements that will create a unique identity for the
Chouteau Pond and Mill Creek—long-buried ecological
strategies that balance ecological improvements with
greenway, but each stoop would be made of materials that
assets that once marked this place. The greenway can
integrated social and educational opportunities.
best fit the personality of the neighborhood. In this way, the act of talking and having dialogue can have a permanent
open an extended network of land for improved ecological function. From green infrastructure to community gardens
In all these ways, the greenway can re-establish natural
to new habitat, the opportunity to embed better ecological
systems in the parts of the city it touches, bringing ecological
performance within the greenway landscape is immense.
health, visual beauty and wonder to all who experience it.
expression in the greenway project.
The greenway has the potential to capture and convey stormwater, enhancing filtration and water quality from adjacent urban sites while also enhancing the urban tree
Upland Forest
Prairie / Savanna
Cultivated
Wet / Lowland
© Mariko Reed
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 23
OPPORTUNITY: WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO FEATURE LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL ART
INNOVATE GOVERNANCE
The greenway should provide opportunities to integrate artistic
The greenway will require a new form of governance to design,
contributions along its alignments. New public art projects
build and sustainably maintain for the long-term. The following
and cultural experiences could encourage conversation and
leadership principles should be considered in creating a
reflection about the hidden stories of our city as well as
governance structure for the greenway alignment and abutting
current stories that reflect the vibrant diversity of our city.
study areas: • Committed, sustained leadership.
Through temporary projects, permanent installations and programmed experiences, the greenway presents an
• Grassroots community involvement.
opportunity to creatively engage with the histories of spaces
• Alignment with ongoing work of other community
and the nuances of St. Louis’ identity by inviting the public
organizations.
to create, share and experience visual, performance and interactive works across its landscapes. As sites along the
• Governance structures flexible to the varied study areas.
greenway are developed, art should be integrated into its
• Leadership capacity specific to each study area.
community engagement strategy. Art can also be utilized to re-engage sites and materials, giving them new life, or offer space for residents and families to share their aspirations and dreams of how spaces might serve community needs.
• Separate but interconnected governance of alignment and Ellie Balk
study area. • Programming activities at alignment and study area levels.
To confront the social and spatial borders that divide and to The following funding principles should be considered as well:
place divided spaces in a visual conversation, artworks could be designed into bridges and structures across the greenway.
• Responsible, transparent, efficient collection and
Each of these possibilities serves to bring community together
distribution of funding.
and call attention to the vision of a more connected, accessible city.
• Pacing of development that builds on strengths and invests in historically underinvested neighborhoods. • Respect for the commitment and interests of funders.
Temporary engagement activity
24 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
OPPORTUNITY: WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO CREATE NEW ALLIANCES
GENERATE RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Successfully building, maintaining and activating a project
Urban greenways generate the highest return on investment
of this magnitude will require many different partners. The
of all major urban open space types because, by definition,
planning process thus far has been different from most in
greenways generate a greater diversity of returns for relatively
St. Louis.
lower capital and operating investment. Absolute return on absolute investment will vary based on ambition and resource
This process has forged new dialogues and collaborations
availability, but the ratio is likely to remain relatively high.
and brought together people and organizations that have rarely had the opportunity to create a shared vision for such
In Dallas, where return on investment in the city’s park system
a project. Through this work, Chouteau Greenway has begun
is 7:1, the return on investment in its trails is 50:11.
to build some of the personal and organizational relationships needed to execute this project.
Greenways generate the highest return on investment compared to other types of open space for their ability
Ultimate success will require the ongoing engagement that has
to maximize open space frontage and programming
been established, as well as continual creation of new alliances
opportunities for properties along the alignment.
with community and neighborhood leaders to ensure the highest levels of pride and stewardship are achieved.
ECONOMIC IMPACT VS. PROXIMITY TO GREENWAY
In Dallas, wherereturn on investment in the city’s park system is 7:12, the return on investment in its trails is
50:1.
Up to 1/4 mile, a limited
At 1/2 mile, typically no effect is observed. Half-mile is typically used in cardependent cities.
increase in property value
At the greenway’s
is possible. Quarter-mile
edge, the strongest
is typically used in denser
effects emerge.
pedestrian areas.
1/2 MILE
1/4 MILE
500 FEET
8 blocks²
4 blocks
1.5 blocks
1. Return on investment of Dallas trails system is a comparison of incremental real estate value generated over a decade to capital costs + a 30 year NPV of operating costs along the Katy Trail. 2. Blocks refer to the typical scale of a downtown St. Louis block.
GREENWAY
Source: “The Impact of Greenways on Property Values: Evidence from Austin, Texas;” Nicholls, Sarah and Compton, John L.; Journal of Leisure Research, 2005.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 25
OPPORTUNITY: WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO PROMOTE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AT MULTIPLE SCALES Transformative open spaces, particularly greenways, create
neighborhoods, destinations and employment centers.
increased commercial square footage and local business
enormous economic value in addition to a range of social and
Similarly, the greenway can offer returns in the form of
ownership, decreased crime and increased capital investment
environmental benefits. Return on investment is an important
opportunities for city residents to participate in design,
in historically redlined areas.
metric to evaluate these benefits generated in proportion to
construction, operations and programming of the greenway.
capital investment. Greenways have comparatively low capital
Finally, the greenway system will offer the public health
CITY OF ST. LOUIS AND THE ST. LOUIS REGION
and operating costs; a greenway, compared to downtown
benefits of recreation opportunities.
This geography includes the City of St. Louis and the larger region. Over time, as the greenway is built and effectively
signature parks, programmed regional parks, or recreation centers, can efficiently distribute benefits across a large
STUDY AREAS AROUND THE ALIGNMENT
maintained, programmed and marketed, the greenway could
geography. The impacts of the greenway are most likely to
A variety of economic impacts, principally experienced
support population stabilization and growth and serve as an
be experienced differently in three study areas: the alignment
as increased real estate value, are likely to be seen within
attractor for new employers and top talent to employers.
itself, in study areas abutting the alignment, and throughout
approximately quarter mile of the alignment with the most
the city and the region.
significant impacts immediately abutting the alignment.
MULTIPLE SCALES
Impacts are likely to be different based on the strength of
Economic growth can manifest in many different ways along
THE ALIGNMENT
institutional partners and demography of each study area.
the alignment of the greenway and surrounding study areas.
The alignment refers to the pedestrian and bike paths,
Here, the list of potential impacts is long and a function of
Opportunities include promoting urban homesteading and new
The Alignment
Abutting Study Areas 2. Geographies
City of St. Louis
Transformative open spaces, particularly trails, create enormous economic value in addition to a range of social and environmental benefits. Return on investment is an important metric to evaluate multifamily development, as well as the creation of new jobs, landscaping and any other components of Chouteau future planning and oversight regimes as much as of the these benefits generated in proportion to capital investment. Trails have comparatively low capital and operating costs; a greenway, compared to downtown signature parks, programmed regional parks, expansiondifferently and attraction of geographies: new employers, business Greenway. Here, the return on investment may benefits be observed quality of the The greenway’s and maintenance. Impacts or recreation centers, can efficiently distribute across a large geography. impactsdesign of the Greenway are most likely to be experienced in three thesmall alignment itself, in formation and workforce training. abutting the alignment, and throughoutofthe city and thecould region. ingeographies greater equity and inclusivity via the connection include higher home values, increased population,
1. Alignment itself
26 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
The alignment refers to the pedestrian trails, bike paths, pavilions, landscaping, and any other components of the
immediately abutting the alignment
A variety of economic impacts, principally experienced as increased real estate value, are likely to be seen within
3. City of St. Louis and the St. Louis region
This geography includes the City of St. Louis and could include adjacent regions surrounding the city.
OPPORTUNITY: WHAT THE GREENWAY COULD DO CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS — THE HEART, SOUL & GRIT Chouteau Greenway is about celebrating the amazing spirit
St. Louis has heart, soul and grit. St. Louisans are known for
and people of this city and the incredible richness and diversity
their resilience, their diligent work ethic and their desire to
of what makes St. Louis both distinct and great. It’s about
know the truth and get to the bottom of things.
celebrating this distinctiveness in an expansive and inclusive way and across a broad spectrum of the city’s neighborhoods,
Art, performance and authentic cuisines; music and literature;
attractions, parks, destinations, neighborhoods, workplaces
Osage, early European, African-American and increasingly
and social centers: Fairground and Forest Park; the Pulitzer
ethnically diverse populations; community activism and the
Arts Foundation and the Griot Museum of Black History;
ongoing fight for civil rights; railyards and industry; beer and
Cortex and Crown Candy Kitchen; Union Station and the
barbecue; sports and recreation are all here to be tapped and
Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club; Tower Grove and The Ville;
celebrated as authentically St. Louis.
the blues and The Blues.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 27
28 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
Steering Committee and Working Group members during their orientation to the Chouteau Greenway project.
EQUITY HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST Equity for the Chouteau Greenway can be achieved through four practice areas, with progress noted through a series of metrics,
Improve the health and vibrancy of residents, neighborhoods, and environmental ecologies along the greenway where access, mobility, health and recreation exist.
Incorporate and connect local known and lesser known multicultural destinations, histories, narratives and traditions into the identity of the greenway’s design and function.
mmunity Par tic Co d ip an
Civ ic
Qu al i
y and Cult ur ntit e e Id
ion at
Create opportunities to increase businesses and job growth in a manner that increases household income and minimizes disparities for those most excluded (racial, gender and other minorities).
and Neig Life hb f o or ty
s od ho
s, and Wealt ob hC J , r ss
n tio ea
Bu sin e
some of which would be implemented and tracked by Great Rivers Greenway and some by other organizations in the region.
Create positive interactions, relationships and partnerships with civic and community organizations and residents that help increase users and stewards of the greenway.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 29
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES These four equitable practice areas include the following 26 strategies and an even larger number of potential actions that can be deployed as a part of building, operating and activating the greenway (on-greenway), as well as through the
ON- AND OFF-GREENWAY
and Neig Life hb of or ty
DBP
WKF
RE
BRA
BI
BSM
BFI
FE
M/WBE PARTICIPATION & MONITORING
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/ PARTICIPATION
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS RETENTION & ATTRACTION
BUSINESS INCUBATION
BUSINESS SUPPORT & MENTORING
BUSINESS FINANCING & INCENTIVES
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
ON- AND OFF-GREENWAY
and Cul tity tur en e Id
OFF-GREENWAY
EL
HW
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
HEALTH & WELLNESS
MOB
PS
AH
AD
CD CB
CP
RECREATION
MOBILITY
PUBLIC SAFETY
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
ANTIDISPLACEMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
COMMUNITY PLANNING
REC
ON- AND OFF-GREENWAY
mmunity Par tic Co ip
AIP
DP
SI
PE
ART INSTALLATIONS & PROGRAMS
CULTURAL REPRESENTATION: DESIGN & PLACEMAKING
CULTURAL PRESERVATION: STORYTELLING & INTERPRETATION
CULTURAL REPRESENTATION: PROGRAMS & EVENTS
ON-GREENWAY OFF-GREENWAY
ON- AND OFF-GREENWAY
ion at
d an Civ ic
OFF-GREENWAY
s od ho
Qu al i
s, and Wealt ob hC ,J s r s
n tio ea
Bu sin e
development of adjacent neighborhoods (off-greenway).
EN
EAP
ST
LCB
COM
ENGAGEMENT
EDUCATIONAL AWARENESS PROGRAMMING
STEWARDSHIP
LEADERSHIP & CAPACITY BUILDING
COMMUNICATIONS
30 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
On-greenway refers to the greenway itself and property directly abutting the greenway. Off-greenway refers to the area within 1/4-mile (4 blocks or a 5-minute walk) of the greenway.
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE ORGANIZATIONS Over 200 local organizations that participate in equitable practices have been identified through research and information provided by the project’s Working Group and Steering Committee members. This list is not exhaustive and shows a snapshot in time. These organizations, and others yet to be identified, represent opportunities to collaborate with
ORGANIZATIONS IDENTIFIED BY PRACTICE AREA Business, Jobs and Wealth Creation Quality of Life and Neighborhoods Identity and Culture Civic and Community Participation
Great Rivers Greenway on and alongside the greenway to maximize equitable processes and outcomes. All sectors of the community, and residents in particular, expressed a strong desire to see people who “looked like them” in leadership positions and doing the work of making the greenway a reality. The process of building, maintaining, sustaining and activating the greenway should be implemented by people and organizations that are representative of the city’s diverse populations. The following pages provide a list of St. Louis organizations identified to date that have the potential to participate in equitable development and programming.
300 Organizations
reporting to practice equitable strategies in St. Louis.
166 Organizations
practicing equity within the study area.
136 Organizations
practicing equity elsewhere in the region
42 33
Businesses, Jobs & Creating Wealth
71 42
Quality of Life & Neighborhoods
41 44
Identity & Culture
12 17
Civic Participation
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 31
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS, JOBS AND WEALTH CREATION SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS • Metro/Bi-State Development • Employment Connection • Urban League • Mission STL • NAACP • Small Business Majority • St. Louis Mosaic Project • Unions • The MET Center • St. Patrick Center • St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) TRAINING • Launch Code • LUZCO Technologies • HOSCO Farms • Ranken Community Development Corporation • STL Community College • Youth Build • Goodwill • St. Patrick Center • Square One (SQ1) BUSINESS SUPPORT • Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce • Asian American Chamber of Commerce • St. Louis Regional Chamber • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Bosnian Chamber of Commerce • St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC) • Small Business Administration • St. Louis Minority Business Council
MEASUREMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY • Forward Through Ferguson • Efficacy • MOKAN CCAC St. Louis Construction Contractors Assistance Center • ULI-STL • Association of General Contractors • U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation BANKS, LENDERS & DEVELOPERS • Enterprise Bank & Trust • U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation • St. Louis Community Credit Union • Rise Community Development • Neighborhood Community Development Corporations • IFF COORDINATING ORGANIZATIONS • St. Louis CDFI Coalition • City of St. Louis Planning Department • St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO) • St. Louis Development Corporation
32 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
NETWORKING & SUPPORT • Center for Emerging Technology • Venture Café • T-Rex • Nebula • Delmar Devine • MultiPass • CIC - Coworking • Bob Virgil Center for Entrepreneurship at Harris Stowe State University • Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship at Saint Louis University • Social Entrepreneurship Certificate Program at Webster • Social Entrepreneurship Specialization at Brown School FUNDERS & ACCELERATORS • Accelerate St. Louis (RBC) • Ameren Accelerator • BioGenerator • Capital Innovators • Cultivation Capital • Diverse Business Accelerator (RBC) • St. Louis Community Credit Union • Prosper Women Entrepreneurs • SixThirty
QUALITY OF LIFE AND NEIGHBORHOODS LAND & SITES • Brightside St. Louis • Metropolitan Sewer District • REAP Farm • St. Louis City Parks Department • Good Life Growing ADVOCACY, EDUCATION & CAPACITY BUILDING • Gateway Greening • The Nature Conservancy • Missouri Coalition for the Environment • International Institute of St. Louis • Open Space Council • St. Louis Solidarity Economy • Trailnet • St. Louis Metro Market • Emerging Wisdom • Girls on the Run • Go! St. Louis Marathon • Places for People • St. Louis Food Policy Coalition (run by MCE) • YMCA of Greater St. Louis • Equitable STL • Homes for All • Urban Strategies • St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO) • University of Missouri Extension NLA & NLF • Trailnet • Paraquad • Citizens for Modern Transit • National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) • Starkloff Disability Institute • Organization for Black Struggle • Block Captains Units
• Pride Center • Growing American Youth • Hispanic Festival Inc • YWCA Metro St. Louis • Missouri Botanical Garden • U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) – Gateway Chapter
• Hospitals • North Central Community Health Center • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs St. Louis Health Care System FUNDERS • Deaconess Foundation • Missouri Foundation for Health • Sisters of Mercy • MO Foundation of Health • St. Louis Community Credit Union
COORDINATION & CONVENING • OneSTL • Green City Coalition • Mayor’s Office of Sustainability • Saint Louis University Center for Sustainability • Vacancy Collaborative • Washington University Office of Sustainability • Rise Community Development • Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Coalition • Affordable Housing Commission City of St. Louis (AHC) • Missouri Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) • St. Louis Equal Housing and Community Reinvestment Alliance (SLEHCRA) • Community Builders Network • Invest STL • St. Louis Office of the Disabled
RECREATION • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis • Girls on the Run • STL Pick-Up Soccer • Arch Rival Roller Derby • Life for Life Academy • YMCA of Greater St. Louis • BWorks • Big Brothers Big Sisters
HEALTHCARE • BJC Health Care • St. Louis College of Pharmacy • Casa de Salud • CHIPS (Community Health in Partnership Services) • St. Louis Regional Health Commission • Health Protection & Education Services (HPES)
LAW ENFORCEMENT & GOVERNMENT • St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department • City of St. Louis Neighborhood Stabilization Team
TRANSPORTATION • Metro / Bi-State Development • Lime • Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) • East West Gateway Council of Governments
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE ORGANIZATIONS CIVIC AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
IDENTITY AND CULTURE DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE PROVIDERS • Vatterott Development • UIC • Dutchtown South Community Corporation • Cornerstone Corporation • STL Housing Authority • Casa De Salud • Kingdom House • Thomas Dunn • Park Central Development • Prospect Yards • South Grand CID • Better Family Life • DeSales Community Housing Corporation • Better Family Life • UJAMAA Community Development Corporation (UCDC) CITY GOVERNMENT • Office of the Mayor, City of St. Louis • St. Louis Planning Dept PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS • APA-STL • APA-MO • ULI-STL
PROGRAMS • St. Louis ArtWorks • Freedom Arts Center • Your Words STL • Art Scope St. Louis • Artists First • Shakespeare Festival St. Louis • Brick City Makes • MADE STL • Samba Bom • St. Louis Osuwa Taiko • Viva Brasil STL • Metroscapes • COCA Biz • That Uppity Theatre • The Black Rep • Theatro Nuevo • Upstream Theatre • Arch to Park • Indigenous Interpretation Council • 4 the Ville • Anti-Defamation League • Pride St. Louis • St. Louis Storytelling Festival • Urban League • Hispanic Festival, Inc. • Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis • Puerto Rican Society INSTITUTIONS & SPACES • Pulitzer Arts Foundation • Intersect Arts Center • Yeyo Arts Collective • 14TH STREET ARTIST COMMUNITY/ZukaArtsGuild • Center of Creative Arts (COCA) • Contemporary Art Museum • Craft Allliance • Exodus Gallery • Krazenberg Arts Foundation
• Laumeier Sculpture Park • Mad Art • Metro Theatre • Perennial • South Broadway Arts • Third Degree Glass Factory • UrbArts • MO History Museum / Historical Society • St. Louis Public Library • City of St. Louis Office of Cultural Resources • Griot Museum of Black History • Gateway Arch National Park and The Gateway Arch • St. Louis Public Library • Better Family Life • International Institute • Campbell House Museum • Fairground Park • Holocaust Museum & Learning Center • Magic House • Scott Joplin House • The Field House Museum (Eugene Field House) • The Sheldon • Tower Grove Farmers Market • George B Vashon Museum Home • Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing • St. Louis Symphony Orchestra GROUPS & COLLECTIVES • Artivists STL • Hispanic Arts Council of St. Louis • Carol Lara Photography • Latinx Arts Network • Forai
FUNDERS & SUPPORT • Regional Arts Commission (RAC) • Diversity Awareness Partnership RELIGIOUS & ETHNIC GROUPS • International Institute • African Diaspora Council • Gateway Korea Association • Hindu Temple of STL • Japan America Society • Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) • OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates • St. Louis Jewish Community Center • St. Louis Modern Chinese School • Stuggart Sister City • Vitendo4Africa MEDIA • Humans of STL • Nine Network • St. Louis Post Dispatch • St. Louis American • Out in St. Louis
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS • Alive & Well STL • Better Family life • Beyond Housing • Big Brothers Big Sisters • Boys & Girls Club STL • Community Builders Network • Community Engagement Action Group (CBN) • Diversity Awareness Partnership • Doorways • East West Gateway • Empower Missouri • Focus STL • Good Life Growing • Green City Coalition • Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis • International Institute • LinkSTL, Inc. • Metro / Bi-State Development • NAACP • Office for Socially Engaged Practice (Sam Fox School) • Pride St. Louis • PROMO • Re-Entry Community Linkages (RE-LINK) • Regional Arts Commission (RAC) • SAGE of PROMO • St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO) • St. Louis Mosaic Project • Urban League • Venture Café St. Louis • Welcome Home • Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis • MO History Museum / Historical Society
• St. Louis Public Library • Harris Stowe State University • Saint Louis University • St. Louis Public Schools • YMCA of Greater St. Louis PROGRAMMING • Metro / Bi-State Development • Missouri Botanical Garden • OneSTL • WePower • Good Life Growing • EDHUBSTL • St. Louis Food Policy Coalition (run by MCE) • The Nature Conservancy • Focus STL • Trailnet • Saint Louis University (SLU) • Urban League • GORC (Gateway Off Road Cyclists) • KPMG International • Neighborhood Associations • North Corridor Collaborative • REI • SLU High School • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) • St. Louis Community College • Creative Reaction Lab • Diversity Awareness Partnership • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • NCCJ • St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative • MU Extension - Neighborhood Leadership Academy + Leadership Fellows • St. Louis Mosaic Project
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 33
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS BUSINESS, JOBS AND WEALTH CREATION ON- AND OFF-GREENWAY
Create, build, promote and sustain opportunities to increase businesses and job growth in a manner that increases household income and minimizes disparities for those most excluded
DBP
WKF
RE
M/WBE PARTICIPATION & MONITORING
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/ PARTICIPATION
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Establish, monitor and
Programs that provide
Acquire or access
publish DBE goals and
job and soft skill
appropriate permissions
continue to proactively
training for unemployed
for greenway routes
greenway and investments along the greenway
build and maintain
and underemployed
in disinvested
could produce economic opportunities in
relationships with
populations, including
neighborhoods.
partners already working
employable youth.
(racial, gender and other minorities). Great Rivers Greenway has long been a leader in ensuring its contracting and procurement seeks the highest levels of participation by
STRATEGY:
minority and women-owned businesses, but recognizes that this alone is not enough to make more meaningful advances in equitable
DEFINITION:
economic development. The work of building the
development, construction and other services.
effectively with WBE/
Off-greenway, strategies should seek to
MBE/DBE.
grow businesses and jobs through attraction, retention, mentoring and incubation, as well as strategies that support financial empowerment for St. Louisans who may not have access to capital and wealth generation.
EXAMPLE METRIC:
• Increase in workforce • Meet or exceed 25% MBE contracting and 5% women contracting
participation disaggregated by race, age, gender • New jobs added
34 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
• Reduced land vacancy disaggregated by study area • Increase in capital investments by study area
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS
OFF-GREENWAY
BRA
BI
BSM
BFI
FE
BUSINESS RETENTION & ATTRACTION
BUSINESS INCUBATION
BUSINESS SUPPORT & MENTORING
BUSINESS FINANCING & INCENTIVES
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
Activities that promote the
Opportunities to advance
Programs that provide
Programs that provide
Opportunities to build
attraction and retention
and support M/WBE and
capacity building support,
capital and financing and
personal and generational
of businesses, including
local resident business
including mentorship,
development incentives
wealth to maintain quality
M/WBE, start-ups and
start-ups and small business
training and network to
to small, local and M/BWE
of life.
entrepreneurs, that offer a
expansion.
small, local businesses and
business and projects.
range of high and low skilled
M/WBE businesses.
jobs at living wage and above.
• Number of M/WBE • New businesses added disaggregated by race
by business support
and gender of owner,
organizations and
geography
resources
• Increase in local spending
• Number of businesses
businesses served
• Increase in M/WBE business growth or expansion (scale up)
• Number of new M/WBE start-ups
• Decrease in
financed, disaggregated
unemployment by race,
by race, gender of
geography, gender, age
owner • Increase in financial
• Increase in high wage occupations by race,
capital to M/WBE start-
geography, gender, age,
ups
commute pattern CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 35
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS BUSINESS, JOBS AND WEALTH CREATION The Equitable Practice Evaluation Tool (map and chart) is intended to be used by Great Rivers Greenway, its partners, and the community to evaluate existing conditions and prioritize the FA I
RG R PA OUN RK D
strategies most critical to achieving greater equitable outcomes in each greenway geography. 70
The map to the left shows that based on challenges and needs identified, the highest opportunities for implementing business, jobs, and wealth creation equitable practice strategies
Fairground
St. Louis Place
will occur in the Fairground, St. Louis Place, Downtown, and Grand Center geographies. See the appendix for an illustration of opportunities to align equitable practice strategies across geographies based on coming developments, investments and trends.
Forest Park 70
Grand Center
EXAMPLE PRIORITIZATION OF BUSINESS, JOBS AND WEALTH CREATION STRATEGIES BY STUDY AREA
FOREST P ARK Downtown 64
44 44
Tower Grove
Higher Priority
Lower Priority
36 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
RIVE
H ARC
MISS ISSI
Downtown West
TOWER GROVE P ARK
PPI
Midtown
Priority Priority Lower Lower Priority Priority Priority
R
Higher Higher Priority Priority
Fairground Fairground Fairground Connector Connector St. Place St. Louis Place St. Louis Louis Place Jeff Center Grand Center Jeff Vander-Lou/Grand Vander-Lou/Grand Center Downtown Downtown West Downtown West/Midtown West/Midtown Downtown Downtown Downtown Central End Midtown Central Corridor/Central Corridor/Central West West End Tower Grove Connector Tower Grove Tower Grove Connector Forest Forest Park Forest Park Park Connector Connector
DBP DBP
WKF WKF
RE RE
BRA
BI
BSM
BFI
FE
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EXAMPLES OF EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES
DBP
RE
BSM ST. LOUIS BUSINESS DIVERSITY INITIATIVE Launched in 2001, the St. Louis Business Diversity
GREENLINING FUND
Initiative assists area companies in building successful
Great Rivers Greenway has a successful track record of
The Metropolitan St. Louis CRA (MSLCRA) Association,
diversity and inclusion programs through training,
contracting with minority and women-owned firms to
the St. Louis Equal Housing and Community Reinvestment
convening and consulting. The Initiative is made up of
construct their greenway projects. GRG is committed to
Alliance (SLEHCRA) and others are working to establish
companies, organizations and agencies committed to
achieving similar City of St. Louis contracting goals of 25%
a Greenlining Fund supported by the banking and
attracting, retaining and advancing talented, diverse
minority and 5% women-owned firms.
philanthropic community.
employees.
MINORITY & WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES
SUCCESSFUL DBE CONTRACTING TRADES
The fund would foster homeownership for lower-income
St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative works with
residents in redlined areas by issuing mortgages in excess
companies and organizations throughout the region to
of the appraised value of the home. Greenlining would
assist them in developing strategies and solutions in the
enable renters to break free of high rents on depressed
areas of workforce diversity, inclusion and leadership
homes and build equity in home ownership. Home
Asphalt
Guardrail
Prime Contractor
Clearing
Masonry
Steel Erection
Concrete
Painting
Metal Fabrication
Electrical
Paving
Survey/Staking
Erosion Control
Plumbing
Traffic Control
development for their unique situation. Their consulting
ownership stabilizes neighborhoods and is attractive to
Trucking
work includes the development of customized strategies,
outside investment.
Fencing
Signage
Geotechnical
Striping
solutions and programs in the areas of recruitment, retention, advancement of talent and identification of
OTHER CONTRACTING TRADES
opportunity for civic engagement and service within the
Antigraffiti Coating
Grading
Retaining Walls
Artists
Irrigation
Saw Cutting
Carpentry
Joint Sealing
Reinforcing Steel
Craning
Landscaping
Tree Removal/Trimming
Demolition
Seeding
region.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 37
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS QUALITY OF LIFE AND NEIGHBORHOODS ON- AND OFF-GREENWAY
Improve the health and vibrancy of residents, neighborhoods and environmental ecologies along the greenway where access, mobility, health and recreation exist.
EL
HW
REC
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
HEALTH & WELLNESS
RECREATION
Practices that incorporate
Programming that
Design and programming
environmentally
promotes both physical
that creates new active
As the greenway passes through 17 St. Louis neighborhoods, it can catalyze many quality of life improvements including access to commercial amenities, transportation and housing affordability.
STRATEGY:
On-greenway equity strategies should build on existing GRG success in impacting environmental conditions, increasing mobility and access
DEFINITION:
and creating safe and accessible spaces and
sustainable design and
and mental health
open space recreation
programming. Off-greenway, efforts must ensure
construction methods and
activities that can be
in areas with insufficient
today’s residents are able to remain in place and
ongoing maintenance and
attributed to physical
open space.
benefit from future improvements.
stewardship in partnership
activity and access to
with local communities
open space.
Planning and development in the neighborhoods
and institutions.
along the greenway should aspire to increase the access to affordable housing and commercial space and promote small and large business development while minimizing involuntary displacement. Opportunities for the involvement of community-based organizations, residents and businesses will be essential and, where necessary, capacity-building strategies should be deployed to ensure increased ownership of the greenway and other neighborhood investments.
38 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
EXAMPLE METRIC:
• Number of sponsored • Acreage of pervious surface treatments added • Number of trees planted
• Number of people who
walks and bike rides
participate in outdoor
in the community
activities, disaggregated
distributed by study
by race, age, gender,
area
geography, ability
• Number of bicycle trips per month
• Number of new outdoor recreation offerings
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS
OFF-GREENWAY
AD
CD CB
CP
PUBLIC SAFETY
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
ANTI-DISPLACEMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
COMMUNITY PLANNING
Practices that provide
Practices that incorporate
Activities that promote the
Practices that help to
Opportunities to provide
Design and implementation
new modes of transit,
design features that
attraction and retention
maintain neighborhood
support to organizations in
of the greenway should be
connect to existing modes
support safe environments,
of businesses, including
affordability and ownership
underinvested communities
done in the context of a
of transit and maximize
a sense of belonging
M/WBE, start-ups and
of local housing and
so they can more fully
participatory neighborhood
this access.
for marginalized groups
entrepreneurs, that offer a
commercial property by
participate in neighborhood
planning framework.
and cultural competency
range of high and low skilled
existing residents and
revitalization activities.
training to help promote
jobs at living wage and
businesses.
positive social interactions.
above.
MOB
PS
AH
MOBILITY
• Crime reduction, • New miles of greenway and bikeway • New bicycle racks added, disaggregated by study area
verified by police statistics, disaggregated by study area • Reduced bicycle and pedestrian crashes and accidents
• Diversity housing rents by study area • Number of affordable
• Increase in home ownership by study area and race
housing and physically
• Reduction in home loan
accessible units added,
denial rate, by study
by study area
area
• Increase in number • Increase in funding
of community plans
to community-based
adopted by study area
organizations within
• Number of participatory
greenway study area
neighborhood planning events by study area
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 39
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS QUALITY OF LIFE AND NEIGHBORHOODS The Equitable Practice Evaluation Tool (map and chart) is intended to be used by Great Rivers Greenway, its partners, and the community to evaluate existing conditions and prioritize the FA I
RG R PA OUN RK D
strategies most critical to achieving greater equitable outcomes in each greenway geography. 70
Based on current trends, in areas where neighborhood quality of life issues are most pressing, equity strategies that help advance mobility (MB), environmental leadership (EL), anti-
Fairground
St. Louis Place
displacement (AD), and affordable housing (AH) have a higher priority in the St. Louis Place, Grand Center, and Fairground geographies.
Forest Park 70
Grand Center
FOREST P ARK
EXAMPLE PRIORITIZATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE AND NEIGHBORHOODS STRATEGIES BY STUDY AREA Higher Priority
Downtown 64
44 44
Tower Grove
Higher Priority
Lower Priority
40 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
RIVE
H ARC
MISS ISSI
Downtown West
TOWER GROVE P ARK
PPI
Midtown
Priority
Lower Priority
Lower Priority
R
Higher Priority
Priority
Fairground Fairground Connector St. Louis Place St. Louis Place Grand Center Jeff Vander-Lou/Grand Center Downtown West/Midtown Downtown West Downtown Downtown Central Corridor/Central West End Midtown Tower Grove Connector Tower Grove Forest Park Connector Forest Park
EL
HW
REC
MOB
PS
AH
AD
CDCB
CP
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EXAMPLES OF EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES
AD
REC
LIFE OUTSIDE FESTIVAL The Life Outside festival, hosted by Great Rivers Greenway, brings together area businesses, nonprofits and clubs to offer activities for people of all ages. Attendees can see, try and learn ways to spend more of their lives outside. Free activities include tree climbing, kayaking lessons, birdwatching, rock climbing,
CDCB
NEIGHBORHOOD VACANCY INITIATIVE
NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, working in
The Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA), created
collaboration with the Vacancy Collaborative, helps local
in 2002, connects resources at the University—Creating
residents and community-based organizations reduce the
Whole Communities and University of Missouri Extension
problem of vacant, abandoned and blighted housing in the
—with residents and neighborhoods throughout the
city of St. Louis. Services provided include: • Vacancy prevention: Helps low-income residents with
nature crafts and activities for kids, walks and bike rides,
title issues and older homeowners to transfer their
gardening and yoga.
homes through beneficiary deeds to avoid vacancy. • Title clearance: Assists City agencies and nonprofits to clear land titles for development, which creates
metropolitan area who are interested in improving their communities. NLA provides hands-on leadership training that emphasizes community building principles and strategies, project planning, organizational leadership, management practices and personal leadership skills.
affordable housing. • Problem property issues: Represents community
Participants are actively involved in their neighborhoods and represent communities from throughout the St. Louis
groups and neighborhood associations to file lawsuits
region. Participants may be neighborhood association
against the owners of vacant, run-down properties to
members, community leaders, resident volunteers,
force them to sell or repair their property.
community-based organization staff, business owners,
• Community assistance: Educates community groups about the legal tools available to prevent and reduce vacancy, and to assist them with legal organization and nonprofit incorporation through the Microenterprise Program.
local government staff or municipal elected officials. Participants who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate in Neighborhood Leadership from the Chancellor of the University of Missouri–St. Louis. More than 300 neighborhood and organization leaders from throughout the St. Louis region have participated in the NLA, learning the skills and building the networks necessary to create whole communities. CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 41
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS IDENTITY AND CULTURE Incorporate and connect local known and lesser known multicultural destinations, histories, narratives and traditions into the identity of the greenway’s design and
ON- AND OFF-GREENWAY
function.
AIP
DP
SI
PE
ART INSTALLATIONS & PROGRAMS
CULTURAL REPRESENTATION: DESIGN & PLACEMAKING
CULTURAL PRESERVATION: STORYTELLING & INTERPRETATION
CULTURAL REPRESENTATION: PROGRAM & EVENTS
Opportunities to engage
Opportunities to reference
Opportunities to
Opportunities for local
artists of color, women and
cultural narratives
include different
organizations to create
foreign born populations
(ecological, populations)
cultural narratives
programs and events
in the production of art
and universal ability
(ecological, populations)
related to specific cultural
inform both essential greenway
throughout the greenway
considerations in design,
and languages into
narratives about St. Louis.
elements such as paving and furnishing,
and programs that engage
and including community
communications, signage,
local residents in art-
members in the creation of
wayfinding and events.
making.
designing spaces.
There will be numerous opportunities to unearth and reveal the distinct personalities, cultures and traditions of neighborhoods, histories and communities. Local artists, cultural organizations and residents should
STRATEGY:
participate in the design, installation, and programming along the greenway that celebrate St. Louis. In collaboration
DEFINITION:
with artists and local arts and culture organizations, design and art can
as well as public art installations. Art can serve as both a temporary and permanent strategy to embody authentic neighborhood identity and character, and engage residents in the development of the greenway.
EXAMPLE METRIC:
• Number of artists and initiatives, by race, age, gender, geography • Distribution of installations and programs across study area
42 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
• Number of new cultural
involved in installations • Number of sites that are explicitly welcoming to people with disabilities
• Languages represented • Track number of interpretative sites acknowledged
events initiated, by race, geography, ethnicity • Number of partnerships with existing cultural organizations by race, geography, ethnicity
EQUITY: HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE INCLUSIVE & JUST EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS The Equitable Practice Evaluation Tool (map and chart) is intended to be used by GRG, its partners, and the community to evaluate existing conditions and prioritize the strategies most
EXAMPLE OF EQUITABLE PRACTICES STRATEGY AND METRICS
critical to achieving greater equitable outcomes in each greenway geography. The map below shows that based on need and existing assets within these geographies, the highest priority to elevate local cultural heritage through art and programming would be in Grand Center,
PE
Downtown, and Tower Grove.
FA I
RG R PA OUN RK D
THE HISPANIC FESTIVAL The Hispanic Festival, Inc. seeks to unite all Hispanics regardless
70
of their social, economical and political background, and share the rich and colorful Hispanic culture with the Greater St. Louis
Fairground
area. The Hispanic Festival mission is to increase regional
St. Louis Place
awareness of the spectrum of cultural contributions made by Hispanic musicians, dancers, artisans and chefs. This also serves to preserve these vibrant traditions and to educate the next Forest Park 70
generation.
Grand Center
FOREST P ARK
EXAMPLE PRIORITIZATION OF IDENTITY AND CULTURE STRATEGIES BY STUDY AREA
Downtown
RIVE
H ARC
MISS ISSI
Downtown West
44 44
Tower Grove
TOWER GROVE P ARK
PPI
Midtown
R
64
Higher Priority
Lower Priority
Priority Higher Higher Priority
Priority Priority
Lower Lower Priority
AIP
DP
SI
PE
Fairground Fairground Connector St. Louis Place St. Louis Place Grand Center Jeff Vander-Lou/Grand Center Downtown West Downtown West/Midtown Downtown Downtown Midtown Central Corridor/Central West End Tower Grove Tower Grove Connector Forest Park Forest Park Connector CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 43
CATALYST STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK: EQUITY EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES AND METRICS CIVIC AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION Create positive interactions, relationships and partnerships
ON- AND OFF-GREENWAY
with civic and community organizations and residents that help increase users and stewards of the greenway. These strategies are designed to ensure
EN
EAP
ST
LCB
ENGAGEMENT
EDUCATIONAL AWARENESS PROGRAMMING
STEWARDSHIP
LEADERSHIP & CAPACITY BUILDING
Practices that build
Opportunities to use
Opportunities to involve
Opportunities to create
relationships with
educational programs
a diverse demographic
a broader base of
immigrant, refugee,
and institutions to
of volunteers and
community leaders and
religious, LGBTQIA+, mental
raise awareness about
organizations to
organizational partners
health, justice-impacted,
greenways among
participate in the
and volunteers that
marginalized populations.
programming and upkeep
reflect the demographic
of greenways.
population of St. Louis.
broad and deep engagement is a part of every aspect of the greenway design, development, maintenance, and activation processes. This will require a
STRATEGY:
multi-pronged approach to increasing awareness and knowledge about the greenway—where is it, how to use it,
DEFINITION:
how to care for it, what to do around it—using multiple languages, formats, and communication outlets. A robust
indigenous communities,
stewardship program will be needed to
people with disabilities,
invite diverse local groups to become
older adults, younger
partners in the care and programming.
children, etc.
Partner organizations should be supported in their leadership and capacity growth to ensure an equitable level of care and activation across all 17 neighborhoods.
EXAMPLE METRIC:
• Demographics
• Increased participation
of participants in
users disaggregated
engagement activities
by race, ethnicity, age,
increase in volunteers,
disaggregated by
geography
disaggregated by age,
race, ethnicity, age, geography, ability • Demographics of volunteers 44 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
• Number of greenway
• Representation of partner organizations from all greenway study areas
• Number of and
race, gender, geography • Number of clean-ups by study area
in neighborhood assoc. near/on greenway • Funding provided to partner organization to support greenway events, programming, stewardship
CATALYST STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK: EQUITY EQUITABLE PRACTICE STRATEGIES The Equitable Practice Evaluation Tool (map and chart) is intended to be used by Great Rivers Greenway, its partners, and the community to evaluate existing conditions and prioritize the strategies most critical to achieving greater equitable outcomes in
EXAMPLE OF EQUITABLE PRACTICES STRATEGY AND METRICS
each greenway geography. The map below shows that based on the current lack of community participation activity, the highest priority area to increase civic and community participation is in the Fairground and St. Louis Place geographies.
LCB WEPOWER POWER BUILDING ACADEMY
COM
Over seven months, residents—AKA Power-Builders—work in a place-based class to learn, collaborate, and take action FA I
RG R PA OUN RK D
COMMUNICATIONS
to achieve policy change that strengthens outcomes for kids 70
in their community. Power-Builders learn how to lead policy change through training on racial and social justice, growing an understanding of how the current system works, completing
Fairground
St. Louis Place
data analysis of community engagement, researching and creating or improving existing policies, and launching a policy
Incorporate practices that
campaign.
use a “humble voice,” “show rather that tell” and
Forest Park 70
use diverse representation
Grand Center
in all forms of accessible
FOREST P ARK
communication that promote the principles
Higher Higher Priority Priority
Downtown
of diversity, equity and
of local residents in
H
44
• Distribution of geotag posts on social media by study area
EAP ST Lower Priority
EN LCB
EAP COM
ST
LCB
COM
PPI
44
content creation and storytelling
Priority EN
Fairground Connector Fairground Fairground Connector St. LouisPlace Place St. Louis PlaceSt. Louis Jeff Vander-Lou/ Jeff Vander-Lou/ Grand Grand Center Center Grand Center Downtown West Downtown West/Midtown Downtown West/Midtown Downtown Downtown Downtown Higher Priority Central Corridor/ Midtown Central Corridor/ Central West End Central West End Tower Grove Tower Grove Connector Lower Priority Tower Grove Connector Forest Park Forest Park Connector Forest Park Connector ARC
• Inclusion and diversity
Priority Priority LowerPriority Priority Lower
Higher Priority
MISS ISSI
Downtown West
RIVE
inclusion.
R
64
Midtown
EXAMPLE PRIORITIZATION OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION STRATEGIES BY STUDY AREA
Tower Grove
TOWER GROVE P ARK
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 45
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK Economic development along Chouteau Greenway will achieve multiple objectives that are common to other major linear open space investments, including: • Improving connectivity among neighborhoods, educational resources, employment centers, cultural districts and public spaces. • Creating welcoming and distinctive places with the effect of reducing vacancy, leveraging redevelopment potential, increasing public and private investment and enhancing
I mage from Global Cultural Districts Network
and uniting communities. Additionally, unique to Chouteau Greenway, economic development along the greenway will also achieve the objective of generating equitable growth opportunities at the individual, institutional and civic level, including strengthening relationships between educational institutions and local employers, encouraging the growth of industries with job pipelines for residents without college degrees, improving access to high-quality jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and
I mage from Global Cultural Districts Network I mage from St. Louis Post-Dispatch
I mage from St. Louis Magazine
preparing residents for jobs in growing industries.
I mage from T-REX
I mage from St. Louis Magazine
46 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
I mage from St. Louis Post-Dispatch
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK METRICS The following equitable economic growth metrics (grouped by with the Economic Development Working Group to measure progress toward the economic development objectives. Further development and application of the metrics should:
• Financial empowerment • Crime reduction • Increased non-white ownership
• Acknowledge Contemporary Realities: Success will be defined by a range of plausible outcomes, which may be directionally indicated by those achieved by regional peer and competitors. Benchmarks for success should also consider the experience of aspirational peers. • Seize Opportunity: Relative to its peers, St. Louis has unique opportunities to build start-ups, corporate and institutional strength and college student retention. • Address Weakness: Relative to its peers, St. Louis is burdened by significant racial income disparity, low job growth in national job growth segments and population decline. • Clearly Assert the Project’s Opportunities and Limitations: Success metrics must be plausible outcomes of investment in open space; additional, related, complementary capital and socio-political investments will be required; and the value of investing in the greenway needs to be part of a compelling narrative about the larger potential of the greater region and the city of St. Louis in particular.
SPACES
PEOPLE
people, space and business) have been created in collaboration
in neighborhoods with rising land value • Decreased unbanked and underbanked households • Decreased racial income disparity • Positive change to the racial
• Real estate development • Improved beautification and property upkeep • Maintained and improved housing affordability • Growth in property values in historically redlined neighborhoods • Decreased leakage of disposable income from historically disadvantaged neighborhoods and from the
index
City
eventual growth • Increased student retention (including trade schools) • Increased educational attainment • Positive impact on various quality of life indicators
monitoring
participation • Business retention and attraction • Business incubation • Business support and mentoring • Business financing and incentives • Continued and growing strength in start-ups and entrepreneurship, especially
• Increased capital flowing into under-valued areas in improvement areas with gap appraisals Greater diversity of residential price points in neighborhoods
• M/WBE participation and
• Workforce development and
and/or economic segregation
• Population stabilization and
BUSINESS
minority and women owned • Job growth in national job growth segments • Recognition of innovation districts and innovation economy • Maintained corporate and institutional strength • Equitable grant-making
• Skilled labor retention
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 47
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK CURRENT AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT Proposed, under construction and completed investment projects, as well as plans that affect the study area, have been mapped to evaluate where the future alignment is either following public and private investment or where it has the potential to be the initial catalytic investment that unlocks future value.
MAP LEGEND Proposed Development Completed Projects Projects Underway Plans Affecting Area of Study Sources: www.metrostlouis.org/tod-corner www.buildingstlnews.com/stl-projects.html www.stlouis-mo.gov nextstl.com
48 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS AND EMPLOYMENT DISTRICTS Evaluating potential alignments for economic opportunity also requires evaluating future alignment in the context of the city’s larger agenda for equitable economic growth. The St. Louis Development Corporation recently commissioned the St. Louis Equitable Economic Development Strategy, a planning process designed to outline specific policy and place-based strategies that advance business and job growth and wealth creation in the city. Five of the twelve existing employment areas in the city overlap with the potential greenway alignments and eight study areas, as well as one new employment area, the National Geospatial Agency (NGA). Advancing economic development and other equitable practice strategies in parallel to the development of the greenway in these areas will require careful coordination of district and neighborhood planning, resource allocation, strategic partnerships, governance and accountability to realize the fullest return on investment.
Key Potential Alignment Key MAP LEGEND Potential Alignment Geographies Alignment Potential Commercial Corridors Commercial Corridors Potential Geographies Employment Districts Employment Districts Commercial Corridors Source:
Employment Districts
Source: Louis DevelCorporation opment Corporation – St. Louis Equitable St. LouisSt. Development – Economic Development Strategy team St. Louis Equitable Economic Development Strategy team Source: St. Louis Devel opment Corporation – St. Louis Equitable Economic Development Strategy team
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 49
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK CURRENT START-UP ECONOMY Economic impacts will vary by study area, both along the alignment and within the study area around the alignment. Therefore, some metrics are likely to have more relevance to particular areas than to others. The current start-up economy has been mapped to show how certain metrics may be more or less relevant to different study areas. As an example, the existing start-up ecosystem is largely concentrated in the Midtown, Downtown and Grand Center Study Areas. The Midtown Study Area has 16+ incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, maker spaces and start-up funding sources. Within these study areas, St. Louis has the unique opportunity to continue to build its strengths in the innovation economy.
Key MAP Key LEGEND Potential Potential Alignment Alignment Potential Alignment Potential Geographies Study Areas Potential Geographies Number incubators, accelerators,coworking Number of ofCommercial incubators,Corridors accelerators, coworking spaces, maker spaces and spaces, maker spaces, and startup funding sources: Employment Districts startup funding sources:
1
Source: St. Louis Devel opment Corporation – St. Louis Equitable Economic Development Strategy team 2
4 >8 Source: EQ St. Louis Tech Ecosystem Map, accessed on February 26, 2019. Note: This map is illustrative and may not reflect a comprehensive or current representation of all incubators, accelerators, coworking spaces, maker spaces and start-up funding sources. The EQ St. Louis Tech Ecosystem Map includes the locations of additional components of the start-up ecosystem, such as start-ups, entrepreneur support organizations, civic/economic development, programs, talent and training universities, competitions, multinationals and networks.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK CIVIC, INSTITUTIONAL, CULTURAL AND EMPLOYMENT PARTNERSHIPS Success in improving described metrics will depend on the
entrepreneurs and it also serves as the satellite location
strength of civic, institutional, cultural and employment
of the Magic House children’s museum. The Magic House,
with local community institutions to better connect
partnerships. As in other cities undertaking transformative
created in partnership with MADE and Cortex, provides an
with neighborhoods and support equitable economic
development through catalytic investment in the public
opportunity for children to engage in STEAM experiences.
development efforts such as workforce training. As an
realm, the degree of success will depend on the alignment
Supporting the development of these emerging innovation
example, GRG currently partners with the Urban League for
of multiple capital and socio-political investments with a
districts could be an opportunity for collaboration with the
certain operations and maintenance functions.
compelling story.
greenway. These potential partnerships could also work to ensure that these emerging innovation districts engage
For instance: • Northwest of the Forest Park Study Area and on Delmar
with the residents of their communities. • The success of the Grand Center Study Area supports
Boulevard, Third Degree Glass Factory and MADE
additional redevelopment and investment further north.
are anchoring the development of a maker district.
The greenway could partner with existing and developing
MADE provides equipment, programs and space for
districts to work towards economic development goals.
• Chouteau Greenway could build upon its partnerships
• The greenway could draw on the strength of institutional anchors such as universities and corporations located within each study area.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK EXAMPLE BASELINE METRIC To assess progress and provide a foundation for holding governance entities accountable, a baseline of current performance by metric needs to be estimated and a methodology for estimating return on investment agreed upon. As an example of a baseline metric, the citywide per capita income of white residents is more than twice that of per capita income of black or African American residents. Among the four sample study areas shown on the map to the right, the disparity between white and black per capita income is the largest in the Downtown Study Area, where the average white per capita income is $67K and the average black per capita income is $18K. While the disparity between white and black per capita income is the least pronounced in the Fairground and Grand Center Study Areas, the average overall per capita income there is notably lower than the average per capita income in the Midtown and the Tower Grove Study Areas in South St. Louis. Nationally, white per capita income is approximately 1.5x higher than black or African American per capita income. As a success strategy, Chouteau Greenway could set a goal to work with the City and other stakeholders to reduce the disparity in per capita income in each study area. A goal would be set for each study area (e.g., 10% reduction from the gap today) and implement study area-specific strategies such as workforce development programs. Note: For each study area, the census tracts that each potential alignment intersects were identified. Data sources include ACS 2017 (5-Year Estimates), U.S. Census Bureau and ACS 2010 (5-Year Estimates), U.S. Census Bureau. The census tracts analyzed: Fairground: 1104, 1114, 1115 Forest Park: 1124, 1186,1191.01, 1191.02 Tower Grove: 1172, 1174, 1181, 1273 Downtown: 1255,1256, 1257, 1274, 1275
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FAIRGROUND Average per Capita Income:
$14k
White and Black per Capita Income Disparity:
1.1x
Population Change, 2010-2017:
-23%
FOREST PARK Average per Capita Income:
$41k
White and Black per Capita Income Disparity:
2.1x
Population Change, 2010-2017:
+9%
TOWER GROVE Average per Capita Income:
$33k
White and Black per Capita Income Disparity:
2.3x
Population Change, 2010-2017:
+5%
DOWNTOWN Average per Capita Income:
$34k
White and Black per Capita Income Disparity:
3.6x
Population Change, 2010-2017:
+43%
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD WORK EXAMPLE BASELINE METRIC Population change could be another baseline performance metric to evaluate. While the population of the Downtown Study Area grew 43%, that of the Fairground Study Area shrunk by nearly 25%. Although the central corridor between Forest Park and the Gateway Arch has maintained its population levels, the census tracts in North St. Louis have contended with significant population loss. The greenway could support continued population growth in growing study areas and stabilize the population in shrinking study areas.
ST. LOUIS PLACE Average per Capita Income:
$15k
White and Black per Capita Income Disparity:
2.0x
Population Change, 2010-2017:
-3%
GRAND CENTER Average per Capita Income:
$14k
White and Black per Capita Income Disparity:
1.01x
Population Change, 2010-2017:
+7%
MIDTOWN Average per Capita Income:
$21k
White and Black per Capita Income Disparity:
1.1x
Population Change, 2010-2017:
+9%
DOWNTOWN WEST Average per Capita Income:
$18k
Note: For each study area, the census tracts that each potential alignment intersects were identified. Data sources include ACS 2017 (5-Year Estimates), U.S. Census Bureau and ACS 2010 (5-Year Estimates), U.S. Census Bureau. The census tracts analyzed: St. Louis Place: 1271, 1266, 1275, 1212, 1115, 1104 Grand Center: 1115, 1212, 1111, 1193, 1211 Midtown: 1191.01, 1186, 1184, 1193 Downtown West: 1275, 1211, 1184, 1274
White and Black per Capita Income Disparity:
2.0x
Population Change, 2010-2017:
+25%
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 53
54 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
Draft concept of eastward view along the trestle connecting to the City Foundry development and the greenway weaving through a new open space under I-64
DESIGN HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL This section invites you to think about how the greenway can look and feel. It includes placemaking ideas, identity components, art, interpretation, design, landscape and building materials and lighting.
Draft concept of eastward view of the greenway next to Griot Museum on St. Louis Ave
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DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL ASPIRATIONS FOR DESIGN Listening throughout the extensive civic engagement process, the design team distilled from the community six aspirations for design to supplement the Key Principles and Intended Outcomes of the project to guide their work and help to inform the greenway’s roles and contributions to ecological, social, cultural and economic landscapes across St. Louis.
UNEARTH Expose and educate the region about lesser known histories; amplify natural beauty and uncover present
HEAL Foster reconciliation of historical and current cultural trauma; remediate ecological well-being of urban
stories of local culture, challenges, and identities.
environment and foster new social infrastructures.
CONNECT
CULTIVATE
grounded in the distinctiveness of St. Louis. Strategies
Bridge gaps that divide, cross real and assumed
Nurture opportunities, relationships and
around design, identity, economic development, equity,
borders and weave together city’s strengths.
understandings within and between communities.
PROVOKE
ENVISION
Boldly examine social and ecological challenges and
Imagine future outcomes and cultural possibilities.
These aspirations are rooted in an understanding of the city’s rich past and energetic present; they acknowledge the diverse and sometimes tough histories of this place as we have struggled for ideas and equality; and they positively look forward to a future that is bright, inspiring, uplifting and fun for all who come in contact with the project. The following six aspirations are unique to the project and
public art and cultural programming should build on and be guided by these aspirations to increase walkability and vibrancy throughout neighborhoods, bridge geographical and cultural divides, incentivize greater social and economic equity and deeply engage and reflect the diversity of cultures that exist in the city.
inspire regional dialogue and new ideas. 56 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL PLACEMAKING AND IDENTITY STRATEGIES Placemaking is the process of making a place out of space—a
of Chouteau Greenway can provide physical space and
place that reflects and invites the community in which it
opportunity to learn and reflect upon the complex history
resides. The open space, public art and landscape treatments
of St. Louis. Public art along the greenway can serve as a
and the design and form of infrastructure all contribute to
resource for property owners, artists, community organizations
the making of ‘place’ and foster a distinct identity for the
and developers. Art can serve as a medium through which to
greenway.
deepen the greenway’s equity strategies.
Placemaking cultivates cultural interactions by engaging
LANDSCAPE TREATMENTS
everyday residents and users. New activities serving a diverse
Drawing on the physical characteristics of the St. Louis
set of people will be introduced. Spaces for experimental art
region for inspiration (clay soils, limestone outcroppings,
and play might be found in the central corridor under the
river embankments, vast prairie landscapes, productive
Trestle and artistic memorials might mark sites of previously
orchards and agricultural fields), the planting design of the
hidden historical importance. The greenway will open new and
greenway serves as a visual and symbolic connector. Four
connected experiences, encouraging St. Louisans to explore
distinct planting palettes have been developed, three of which
their city and to see it and their fellow citizens in new ways.
correspond to native landscapes of Missouri while the fourth
OPEN SPACE
Krzysztof Wodiczko
introduces agricultural and cultivated species representative of the state’s farmlands.
The greenway will open access to existing, underutilized property and will lay the groundwork for new open spaces.
INFRASTRUCTURE
New and revitalized signature open spaces, such as civic
Paving, furnishings, bridges and lighting all contribute to
spaces at the west end of the Gateway Mall and community
the identity of the greenway as a whole. The design of these
oriented spaces near Fairground Park, coupled with the
elements should draw on the physical characteristics of the St.
strategy for treatment of vacant lots along the greenway, will
Louis region for inspiration. The components should be distinct
encourage reactivation of these spaces through art, play areas
enough to provide a cohesive identity to the greenway, yet
and ecological restoration.
be flexible enough to be adapted to the specific conditions of
PUBLIC ART
Basil Kincaid
various neighborhoods.
Art can foster a look, feel, personality and soul for the greenway. It is a tool to connect communities and educate people about the cultural contributions and histories of the places they work and live. Art also provides for expression and dialogue in a changing region. The arts component Ann Hamilton
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DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL PUBLIC ART opportunity to create new
HIGHLIGHTING INFRASTRUCTURE
permanent and temporary
One of the goals of art along
public art installations that
the greenway is to bridge
will activate the city in new
physical barriers in the city,
ways. Through partnerships
occupying and enlivening
that invite collaboration
infrastructure that once
between artists and
divided communities. The
community organizations,
greenway will pass under the
prioritization of local and
I-64 under the Trestle, and
neighborhood artists,
thread between the Armory
and process that centers
District and the City Foundry,
community engagement
spaces that are currently
The greenway provides an
often and early, greenway
Olaleka jeyifous
Rafael Lozano Hemmer
unwelcoming to pedestrians
users and neighbors can
and cyclists. Through art and
feel a sense of ownership,
programming, these spaces
pride and belonging along
can be transformed to become
the greenway. Its public art
iconic moments in the city.
will highlight the rich and
Artistic light projections and
unique culture we have in the
sound installations might
neighborhoods of St. Louis.
be used to animate these
The activations along the
underpasses. In this way, art
greenway will provide space
will undermine past divisions,
for people from all over the
inviting people to linger in
city, region and world to
spaces that once divided.
gather, celebrate and share
By drawing attention to the
ideas.
highways, railways and postindustrial buildings of the city, the art pieces will also bring to Candy Chang
Ai Wei Wei
light the industrial character of the city and the “St. Louis grit� as a material character.
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DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL PUBLIC ART UNEARTHING HISTORIES Art could also reveal and engage with histories of St. Louis, creating a fuller picture of what makes this city unique. These stories include buried histories and racial truths that St. Louisans must confront through courageous dialogue. For instance, an art piece might be commissioned near the site of the former Mill Creek Valley neighborhood, once home to 20,000 black St. Louisans in the central corridor that was demolished in the 1960s in the name of urban renewal. In North St. Louis, a vacant lot near the former Pruitt Igoe site might be used as a site for an artistic intervention. Art pieces to commemorate the role of black soldiers in the Union Army during the Civil War could also be commissioned
MAP LEGEND
nearby the former army training grounds at Fairground. Art can engage with these histories and create space for healing and community building.
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DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL SELECTION AND PLACEMENT OF ART A thoughtful and thorough set of criteria will be used to
• Lead a curatorial program that is responsive to emerging
inform site selection for public works; select local, national
social, political, cultural and ecological needs of the regions
and global artists; curate the art along the greenway; and
as they evolve.
inform art processes. Through these criteria public works of
• Design into art processes opportunities for neighborhood residents to be directly engaged. • Act as a resource for developers, property owners, arts and community organizations and artists wishing to initiate their
belonging in all communities in St. Louis. Equitable distribution
ARTIST PARTICIPATION, DIVERSITY AND SELECTION
and saturation of art could integrate communities that have
• Partner local artists with national and global artists.
historically received less arts and cultural resources, and
• Create opportunities for underrepresented artists.
• Engage elders in the creation of works.
weave together a larger network and narrative around cultural
• Engage artists through both direct commissions and public
• Partner with schools and youth groups to ensure youth
art can be made that are accessible and nurture a sense of
identity. These works would create new sites to gather, share experiences and debate and a platform to nurture and
calls for art. • Involve artists of color in the process of artist selection,
celebrate both difference and commonality. Through a solid
site placement and content of artworks to ensure
stewardship plan with the diverse communities of the city,
representation.
people will become central to the public art process and art will become a living part of the landscape. The following are considerations for the creation of the criteria:
• Prioritize local artists when possible.
AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS • Balance the range of media and temporality of works represented.
SITES AND STUDY AREAS • Respect the histories, cultures, preferences and expectations of current residents and stakeholders along the greenway when considering content for different sites and study areas. • Initiate new permanent and temporary public art
• Showcase a variety of public art content and programming that creates a sense of ownership and belonging by all St. Louisans. • Encourage the representation of a variety of cultural iconographies and aesthetic styles. • Include people with cognitive and physical disabilities into
installations and programs to activate the footprint of the
the design process and artistic program. Give equal priority
greenway.
in aesthetics.
• Distribute artworks and artistic programming equitably throughout the greenway, taking into account current
PARTNERSHIPS
public art saturation among neighborhoods.
• Generate new resources for public art.
• Provide artistic programming options that will be inviting to people of all ages and abilities.
• Build partnerships that invite artists and cultural organizations to participate and invest in new public art projects and programs.
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own public art projects along or adjacent to the greenway. • Cultivate a collective and regional funding model to sustain a budget for public art.
participation. • Develop a Youth Arts Council to engage young people in the future of art in their neighborhoods and city.
STEWARDSHIP PLAN AND CARE PARTNERS • Advocate for the care and stewardship of public art, as well as for policies that support public art and artists. • Create a capital maintenance strategy—greenwaywide structure to care for the upkeep and necessary maintenance of permanent artworks. • Involve neighborhoods in a stewardship program.
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL
HEAL
CONNECT
UNEARTH
ART METRICS ASPIRATIONS
METRICS (PROCESS)
METRICS (PRODUCT)
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLES
Expose and educate region about lesser known histories, amplify natural beauty and uncover stories of local culture, challenges and identities.
Stakeholders in all 17 neighborhoods are engaged to unearth locally-held histories of place, which can provide information for artists to work with.
Diversity of stories and narratives told by ethnicity, race and geography.
between barriers and banisters, Carlie Trosclair
Wage Islands: Immigrants, Ekene Ijeoma
Installation showcases imprints of residential dwellings and can help share stories about “home,” the built environment in St. Louis and generate public dialogue about preservation.
Sculpture that submerges a topographic map of NYC to visualize where low-wage immigrant workers can afford rent. This could help the greenway share economic realities faced by St. Louisans.
Bridge gaps that divide, cross real and assumed borders and weave together city’s strengths.
Number of partnerships with existing cultural organizations and events segmented by race, geography and ethnicity.
Number of artworks that create opportunities for dialogue.
River Cities Population Timeline, Ellie Balk
Pan Anthem, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
This ground mural of colorful graphs shows the total population and changes to population each year. Visualizing how St. Louis has changed and creating a sense of connection between the neighborhoods.
An interactive sound installation that plays hundreds of national anthems, initiated by the viewers’ approach. This type of work could share unique sounds or attributes of distinct parts of St. Louis to connect viewers to these differences.
Foster reconciliation of historical and current cultural trauma, remediate ecological well-being of urban environment and foster new social infrastructures.
Number of artworks that engage community in artist selected content creation, process and/or site placement.
Number of artworks and programs that create opportunities for reflection.
Wheatfield - A Confrontation: Battery Park Landfill Agnes Denes
Meditations and Movement, Dial Chambers
Number of historical elements of the region engaged, whether ecological, cultural or civic.
Number of sites that are welcoming to people with disabilities.
Number of artworks and artsrelated programs that address difficult subject matter.
CULTIVATE
Nurture opportunities, relationships and understandings within and between communities.
Number of neighborhood youth directly engaged in arts-related projects and programming in their area.
Number of stewards engaged.
Imagine future outcomes and cultural possibilities.
Number of schools and youth organizations engaged in public art and related programming.
Number of artworks that point to or provoke future possibilities.
PROVOKE
Number of artworks created in collaboration with local organizations that can continue to generate dialogue and engagement around current issues.
ENVISION
Neighborhood access to public art. Boldly examine social and ecological challenges and inspire regional dialogue and new ideas.
High engagement rate on digital content that feature provocative art and programming.
Increase diversity of attendance at arts programming over time. At least 50% minority representation.
A two-acre wheatfield was planted on a landfill paradoxically across from Batter Park in NYC. Such landart can help us think about the relationship between the built environment and urban life.
Addressing borders and divisions in the body, participants work to transform trauma in the body into joy by re-imagining and creating new narratives through gestures.
Drag Performance, Maxi Glamour
Brick House, Simone Leigh
Colorful and energetic drag performances that challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate queerness.
Sixteen foot tall bronze bust of a Black woman with a torso that combines the forms of a skirt and a clay house. This sculpture centralizes the black female experience.
The Porch Project, Heather Hart
St. Louis Poetry Slam, MK Stallings
Beautiful large scale porches can be convening spaces or new social infrastructures to bring people together on the greenway.
This event brings together diverse artists from the region. Hosting an event like this on the greenway could lend greater access to poetry and connect creative communities like never before.
Darker Gods, Damon Davis
Before I Die, Candy Chang
A combination of sculpture, installation, photo, collage and video that rewrite creation stories from an afro futurist lens. These types of artworks can help re-imagine new cultural possibilities.
The participatory mural invites visitors to fill in the blank: Before I Die, I Want to_____.
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DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL LANDSCAPE TYPOLOGIES Proposed greenway planting schemes have been assigned to specific routes as indicated in the diagram below, with Prairie/
UPLAND FOREST
When the greenway occupies wider tracts of land there is an opportunity to reference native woodlands and Mississippi
Savanna landscapes along the central corridor connecting
uplands. A continuous native tree canopy can be integrated
Gateway Arch to Forest Park, Upland Forest on the north
within the adjacent streetscape zones and will enhance the
to south links, Lowland/Wet in low areas and along the rail
climatic and aerial biodiversity within the greenway zone.
corridor and Cultivated Landscapes. The vegetation alongside the bike and pedestrian paths will establish both overall identity and new connections across the study area of the greenway. A bicyclist on the central loop,
PRAIRIE / SAVANNA
Missouri’s distinctive tall-grass prairies—a signature landscape that has mostly faded from this part of North America—are
for instance, might notice that the same cultivated orchards
landscapes dominated by grasses and wildflowers. Prairies
and plantings from her street in the Shaw neighborhood
provide a primarily herbaceous cover and are rich with
are the same as those around St. Louis Place, making a new
pollinator species. These tree canopy-free landscapes are
connection in her mind to a place, and perhaps some people,
well suited for introduction into the various rights-of-way and
she did not know before.
former industrial spaces that the greenway will occupy.
LOWLAND/WET
The greenway has the opportunity to relieve some of the load on the subterranean systems (of buried tributaries and controlled sewer systems) and improve the water quality within the new landscape spaces. Areas with riparian plantings for inundation, capturing and filtering water will be integrated into large landscapes for stormwater collection and the smaller streetscape interventions for infiltration opportunities.
CULTIVATED
Productive plants echo a time where much of what is now urbanized St. Louis was open farmland. There are many vacant lots along this route, which can be converted into orchards that spill out into greenway, inviting users to experience living gardens. Though this planting zone consists of fruit or nut bearing species, when used immediately adjacent to the greenway they will be the male non-fruiting species to minimize maintenance and safety concerns on paths of travel.
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DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL VACANT LOT STRATEGIES Vacant properties along Chouteau Greenway can contribute to placemaking as potential open spaces and as possible
TEMPORARY USE
infill development sites. A catalog of potential vacant lot reuse strategies can be used to host temporary activation, eventually transitioning into permanent proposals. Activities like outdoor yoga can immediately re-engage vacant lots to support new audiences. In addition to their social value, vacant lots can be reused to serve ecological functions. Temporary activation might also
Market
Event Space
Solar Collection
Orchard
Pollinator Garden
Agriculture
Grove
Seeding Lot
Retention Pond
involve elements that can be reused in the city afterwards, such as Interboro’s “Rest Stop,” which served as a tree nursery. Lots can also be re-made as stormwater retention ponds to alleviate flooding or as tree groves or prairie
URBAN AGRICULTURE
pockets to bring back native vegetation. Community gardens, like those of the local organization Gateway Greening, can produce fresh fruits and vegetables for the community and serve as an educational opportunity for children and adults alike. By looking at vacancy as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, the greenway can transform these overlooked spaces into community resources. Strategies for activating vacant lots will learn from and collaborate with existing organizations working to address
TREE NURSERY
vacancy in St. Louis. The work of the Vacancy Collaborative (VC), an organization committed to reducing vacant property in St. Louis, will be a critical source of knowledge and collaboration. The strategy for vacant lots along the greenway will reference the anti-displacement strategies, land use typologies and programming strategies that have been developed by the VC. Ultimately, the community in which the vacant lot resides will vet all reuse strategies.
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DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL A DISTINCT AND UNIFYING IDENTITY The making of the greenway will involve a set of aesthetic choices involving its color, texture, adjacent structures, crosswalk markings, railings, benches and bike racks. The challenge is for all of these decisions to promote a cohesive character for the greenway, one that reflects the city and welcomes all types of users. The following proposed conceptual options for paving patterns can guide the identity of the greenway. The designs find inspiration in nature— geology, soil, clay, hydrology—themes that can serve as a common ground for all users.
SPECIAL PATTERN A
“I can see the Arch!”
Caves
SPECIAL PATTERN B
TRANSITIONAL PATTERN
“This reminds me of the old Busch Stadium.”
64 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
“I see clasped hands like a symbol of unity.”
Characteristic Rock
Hills
Missouri State Tree Flowering Dogwood
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL POTENTIAL MATERIAL AND COLOR PALETTES The greenway’s material and color palettes should reflect the strong material identity and character of St. Louis while also
TAN / BROWN / PINK
BLUE / GREEN
standing out from its surroundings. The two material and color palettes described here are options that could achieve this. The first plays off the existing color of the public realm in the city, using intensified existing tans and pinks to both stand out and blend in. The second palette uses blues and greens, serving as a set of complementary colors to the existing cityscape. The colors are also chosen so that when the greenway is in the road and is subject to National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) standards, the colors will shift only slightly— turning more orange for the tan-pink family and more green for the blue-green family.
SUSTAINABLY SOURCED, EASY TO MAINTAIN Material selection should follow the standards for bikeways set by the Great Rivers Greenway, as well as other local and national regulations such as NACTO and MODOT. The
Regular Paving
Regular Paving
Special Moments Paving
greenway should be a leader in the use of sustainably sourced materials, using recycled and local materials. Easy to maintain materials should be selected, ensuring that the use and aesthetics of the greenway will not deteriorate over time. For instance, color integrated asphalt is preferred over painted
Concrete
Colored asphalt
asphalt, and though the upfront cost is higher, the material will require less maintenance and retain its appearance for longer. Similarly, color integrated rubber, which holds its color for
Stencil blast pattern to expose aggregate
Bike/ Helix 48 MATERIALS | METAL PANELS MATERIALS | METAL MESH Pedestrian Regular Separator Paving Product Specifications Flexible, one direction Material Open Area Weight Max. width
AISI Type 316 SS 48% 0.98 lbs/sqft 20'
System Components
Flats with flat eye StealthLok StealthLok Sprung WIB - hooks and springs WIB - eyebolts top and bottom WIB - hooks and eyebolts
North American Headquarters North America GKD-USA, Inc.
825 Chesapeake Drive Cambridge MD 21613
Regular Paving
Special Moments Paving
Bike/ Helix 48 MATERIALS | METAL PANELS MATERIALS | METAL ME Pedestrian Separator Product Specifications Flexible, one direction Material Open Area Weight Max. width
AISI Type 316 SS 48% 0.98 lbs/sqft 20'
N G
8 C
PERFORATED METALMETAL MESH || BAR GRATE WIRE MESH
PERFORATED | | METALMETAL FABRIC ROUND PATTERNS HOLES VARY
Applications PERFORATED MD Solar Management METAL M 4 Ceilings HOLES HEX CHAIN LF Partitions
KEY FEATURES KEY FEATURES PLANAR HIGH DURABILITY
KEY FEATURES KEY FEATURES PLANAR HIGH DURABILITY
KEY FEATURES KEY FEATURES PLANAR PLANAR
KEY FEATURES KEY FEATURES PLANAR HIGH DURABILITY
KEY FEATURES KEY FEAT PLANAR HIGH DUR
metalfabrics@gkdusa.com
HIGH DURABILITY MULTIPLE TRANSPARENCY HIGH DURABILITY MULTIPLE TRANSPARENCY RIGID HIGH DURABILITY OPTIONS OPTIONS HIGH TRANSPARENCY HIGH TRANSPARENCY HIGH DURABILITY HIGH TRANSPARENCY TENSIONED INSTALLATION TENSIONED INSTALLATION PANELIZED INSTALLATION ON PANELIZED INSTALLATION ON HIGH TRANSPARENCY Granite Exposed Colored asphalt Recycled PANELIZED INSTALLATION ONglass FRAME FRAME FRAME PANELIZED INSTALLATION ON
aggregate concrete
Vertical Markers
Seating
Play Areas
Railings
Vertical Markers
Limestone
Limestone
Rubber
Metal Mesh
Aluminum
FRAME
aggregate (or rubber)
m
HIGH DURABILITY MULTIPLE TRANSPARENCY HIGH DURABILITY MULTIPLE OPTIONS OPTIONS HIGH TRANSPARENCY HIGH TRANSPAREN TENSIONED INSTALLATION TENSION PANELIZED INSTALLATION ON PANELIZED INSTAL Granite FRAME FRAME
Seating
Play Areas
Railings
Granite with painted reflective surfaces
Rubber
Metal Mesh
During the future phases, materials will be tested in situ to
requirements.
N H
Applications PERFORATED METAL || or Direct: 410.901.8429 Solar Management METAL MESH 410.901.8428 Ceilings HOLES HEX Fax: 410-221-0544 CHAIN LINK Partitions
MATERIAL TESTING
identity, sustainable properties and ongoing maintenance
Flats with flat eye StealthLok StealthLok Sprung WIB - hooks and springs WIB - eyebolts top and bottom WIB - hooks and eyebolts
PERFORATED | | METALMETAL FABRIC ROUND PATTERNS HOLES VARY
longer periods of time, is preferred over painted surfaces.
determine the most successful options in terms of material
System Components
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 65
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL PAVING AND FURNISHINGS The drawings below demonstrate schemes for how the
designed spaces along the greenway. Attention should be
Chouteau Greenway can set the bar for quality and design of
greenway components—its benches, markers, play spaces
paid to how the pieces work together to create an experience.
the public realm in St. Louis. Depicted here and in the following
and vegetated areas—could be integrated into the language
As shown here, the individual elements can be combined in
pages are initial design proposals to be vetted and refined over
of the paving system. The bold and distinctive design of the
specific ways to foster unique conditions along the greenway
the course of project design implementation.
components are tied to each pattern, creating cohesively
for playing, resting, and gathering. The elements along
1
Stoop Every half mile to one mile Provides rest stop and community gathering space
Social Seating Cluster At bus stops and important sites
Benches Individual
1
3 Play Area
2
2
66 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
Benches Medium
Benches Long
Grass Play Mounds
3
Rubber Play Mounds
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL PAVING AND FURNISHINGS
4 Vertical Marker Every half mile
Marker
6 Bike Rack
7 Planting
8 Dogwood Seating
During Special Moments
Marker + Bench
4A 4 6
7
8
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 67
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL PAVING APPLICATION EXAMPLE The majority of the greenway should be a simple and low-
Where appropriate, the paving could also extend into adjacent
cost pattern. The more intricate patterns could be revealed
lots, continuing the language of the greenway and inviting
at special moments, such as when the greenway passes an
users to linger and enjoy the open spaces along the length
institution or destination. Moments of historical importance
of the greenway. Street crossings should be developed
along the greenway could be indicated with vertical markers
to maximize continuity with the greenway design, and
and new material that crosses the greenway. This could take
negotiations with MODOT and other regulatory authorities
the form of a corten steel band that is engraved with quotes
should argue for the importance of design consistency across
from historical figures or community members.
the roadway.
SPECIAL MOMENT PATTERN A
TRANSITIONAL PATTERN
CROSSING
ADJACENT OPEN SPACE
68 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
HISTORIC OVERLAY
SPECIAL MOMENT PATTERN B
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL BRIDGE DESIGN
BRIDGE TYPOLOGIES
The greenway bridge designs should combine the physical and St. Louis—its rivers, railways and highways. By adapting the formal language of these systems, including river bends, interstate off ramps, bypasses, rail yards, switch tracks and others, new types of public spaces can be created that, along
TRESTLE
formal language of the infrastructure that built the city of
with the expected greenway effect, will propagate countless
The following proposed bridge designs are highly performative, solving for multiple issues including technical, aesthetic and safety concerns, through the deployment of a deceptively simple system of components. The main component is a singular perforated metal figure that fluidly adapts to the varying site-specific requirements and emphasizes the
SWITCHBACK
ELBOW
new opportunities for experiencing the city.
universal identity of the project. The railings carefully conceal lighting and other systems, while the perforation of the surface adaptability of the bridges allows for the development of wider spaces where desired—to capture a view, create a space for public gatherings, install public art or provide an elevator. The perforation also adapts to display motifs that may be related
SIDECAR
provides transparency and lightness in a safety barrier. The
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DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL BRIDGE EXAMPLES CITY FOUNDRY DEVELOPMENT
ARMORY DISTRICT
ELEVATED TRAIL THROUGH THE TREES
PARK TO CITY
INTERSTATE OVERPASS
PARK OVERLOOK
A bridge structure overlook at City Foundry
A bridge structure with planting components
70 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
A bridge structure with the paving pattern
A bridge overpass structure with planting and paving
A bridge structure elevated across to Forest Park
A bridge overlook towards Forest Park
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL BRIDGE EXAMPLES OVERPASS
Example of the bridge structure’s fluidity and adaptability
2' - 7"
5' - 5" 4' - 0"
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 71
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL
SITE LIGHTING GOALS Civic Well-Being: Urban, residential scale street lighting (not ‘security’ lighting) promotes a sense of safety by facilitating facial recognition of who is on the street and by promoting community identity.
LIGHTING TYPOLOGIES GREENWAY PATHS
LIGHTING DESIGN
Connectivity: Properly conceived municipal lighting using color
existing institutions, attract new customers to retail and dining
INTEGRATED
Economic Growth: Lighting can support nighttime use of
lighting approaches also limit the impact of lighting on fish, bird and wildlife habitat. Healthy Lifestyle: Studies indicate that sections of the population that may have the greatest need to walk and exercise (elderly for example) avoid poorly lit streets. Good street lighting promotes walking and biking after dark.
WAY-FINDING BEACON
limit light pollution and light trespass into residences. Sensitive
greenway. Optional accent lights highlight special features along the path.
Integrated lighting into above grade greenway to accent structures. Lighting incorporated into railings to
WAY-FINDING BEACON Post mounted, illuminated vertical markers highlighting entrances or trailheads.
SEATING AREA SEATING AREA
Environmental Leadership: Efficient well-shielded lighting will
assemblies to illuminate the
illuminate the greenway.
establishments and promote the growth of new nighttime destinations.
Shielded performance fixture
INTEGRATED
or form tied to other street furnishings can create identity and coherence across a large urban landscape.
GREENWAY PATHS
Lighting at breakout spaces along greenway for broad ambient and accent lighting.
permanent art installations with embedded light elements can create moments of delight and fascination for the community and a destination for visitors.
72 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
GREENWAY MARKERS
Exceptional Experience: One of a kind temporary and
GREENWAY MARKERS Bollards and marker lighting along greenway where light levels can be lower.
DESIGN STRATEGY: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD LOOK & FEEL LIGHTING EXAMPLES SITE LIGHTING APPROACHES Create a kit of parts or family of fixtures to be layered
TYPICAL CONDITIONS HIGH VACANCY RESIDENTIAL
TYPICAL CONDITIONS WIDE COMMERCIAL
throughout the different site typologies. • Lighting contributes to the visual identity for the greenway. • A variety of types (post mount, bollard, catenary), form, color (light and fixture) can be used to organize space. LOW LEVEL BOLLARD
Increase frequency of lighting locations to amplify and distinguish the greenway adjacent to ambient light from roadway and commercial properties
For the greenway paths: • Light the path from above with a post mounted or arm mounted light for the most impactful lighting. • Downward directed light is efficient and sensitive to the
Apply house side shield to lighting adjacent to residential properties
environmental surroundings.
EXISTING ROADWAY LIGHTING
GREENWAY FIXTURE
EXISTING ROADWAY LIGHTING
• Lighting should be comfortable for greenway users. For the greenway spaces: • Use lighting in a way that complements the goals of the site specific design. • Light spaces for their programmed use(s). Utilize existing structures or artifacts to mount lighting,
When the greenway runs adjacent to a residential area,
When the greenway is located in a wide commercial area with
shielding can be added to lighting to mitigate any light
existing fixtures that provides ambient light, lighting can be
trespass into the homes adjacent to the greenway. When
added as necessary to supplement the existing light. Low level
the greenways runs adjacent to a lot that may have areas
bollards can be added along the pedestrian path to distinguish
for seating, additional accent lighting can be added to the
between the bicycle path and the walking path without adding
greenway light fixtures to illuminate these areas.
light in excess.
especially where poles or other fixture types cannot be accommodated. • From guardrails on bridges or elevated structures. • From overhead structures (existing overpass infrastructure). • From abandoned urban industry in a sensitive way. Utilize reflective pavement types or light colored surfaces to amplify existing light sources if no new lighting can be added.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 73
IMPLEMENTATION HOW THE GREENWAY CAN BE REALIZED
74 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
Draft concept of southward view of the greenway running down South Grand Blvd to Tower Grove Park
IMPLEMENTATION: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE REALIZED IMPLEMENTATION PRINCIPLES The following discussion of likely sources of capital and
5. Effective governance respects the commitment and
operating funding, as well as governance, is premised on eight
interests of funders. Governance of the alignment should be
implementation principles, which were reviewed and discussed
capable of responsible, transparent and efficient collection
in draft by the Economic Development and Governance
and distribution of funding.
Working Groups and focus group. 1. Committed, sustained leadership will be required for longterm stewardship of the vision. 2. Achievement of the breadth of objectives of the project
6. The entities responsible for delivering on the objectives established for each study area should have the capacity and power to succeed. Achievement of the equity and inclusion objectives of the project require development of governance structures more accommodating of grassroots
requires development of governance structures that
community involvement than is the norm in most
recognize that one size likely does not fit all; multiple
transformative urban efforts.
governing and advisory bodies will be involved in various aspects of project implementation. 3. Governance entities should align with work underway by other community organizations. Both governance of the alignment and management of the economic development and equity goals in the surrounding neighborhoods will take place in the context of multiple other governmental, quasi-governmental and civic organizations advancing similar objectives in overlapping study areas.
7. The pacing of development should both build on strengths and invest in lower density neighborhoods that have historically seen less public and private investment. Pacing objectives should be clear from the outset. 8. The scale and intensity of programming activities at the alignment and neighborhood levels will require continuous attention to achievement of activation, value creation, revenue-generation and equity objectives.
4. Achievement of goals will manifest differently on the alignment and in individual abutting study areas, and capacities and interests of leadership focused on delivering the benefits of the greenway alignment are likely different from those focused on abutting study areas.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 75
IMPLEMENTATION: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE REALIZED CAPITAL AND OPERATIONS FUNDING The following discussion of capital, operating and governance
or economic development objectives discussed throughout
prerequisites, together with discussion of the likely means of
the focus group and Working Group processes. Others have
In the early years of operations, the greenway will need to
addressing those needs, relies on both national precedents and
expressed interest in the recreational and public health
consider short term funding strategies including earned
many conversations with local stakeholders, including those in
opportunities. The approach to fundraising from these and
income sources (e.g., concessions) and contributed income
the Economic Development and Governance Working Groups
other philanthropic sources should respect the commitment
(e.g., program sponsorships) and ensure that development and
and focus group. As the success and scale of initial capital
and interests of funders and rely on a mix of donors who will
implementation of these funding sources are consistent with
fundraising becomes clearer, this conceptual discussion should
fund the project, generally, in addition to donors who are
the Implementation Principles and overarching Key Principles
be refined to include initial capital and operating budgets and
seeking to fund a specific element of the greenway.
and Intended Outcomes of the project.
Great Rivers Greenway will be responsible for:
The scale and multi-year pacing of greenway development will
pilot governance structures, including augmentation of GRG’s capacities, as further discussed below.
CAPITAL FUNDING FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Based on cost estimates for the 20-mile greenway, capital costs are expected to total about $300 million, or $15 million per mile. There are a variety of public sources of infrastructure funds that may be potential sources for capital funding of the greenway (see partial inventory of sources in Appendix A), all of which should be vigorously pursued. Access to major public infrastructure funding requires broad public consensus about the priority of the investment. In the early pacing of construction, the greenway will likely need to be funded largely through philanthropic sources. A demonstration of significant philanthropic interest will be helpful in building consensus for public capital investment and/ or operating investment. To this end, there are a variety of stakeholders and institutions along the proposed alignment and more broadly regionally that have expressed their commitment to the equity and/
76 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
• Continuing design and development of the greenway. • Fundraising and advocating for the capital needs of the greenway. • Managing the construction of each of the greenway
require GRG to expand its existing capacity, including adding staff and supplementing existing resources, to take on the development and operating functions of the alignment itself. This includes: • Overseeing routine operations and maintenance, capital
alignments through various phases, ensuring appropriate
maintenance and programming of the greenway, including
contracting opportunities for local contractors.
identifying community-based contractors, vendors and other partners to perform those functions.
OPERATIONS FUNDING FOR MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING Based on precedent operating costs of other urban trails with community-building aspirations, including $285,000 per mile along the Dallas Katy Trail, $200,000 per mile along the Atlanta BeltLine, and $7 million per mile along the New York City High Line (which hosts far greater visitation than other urban trails, hence the greater cost), operating costs along the greenway are estimated to range between $250,000$500,000 per mile per year, or $5-$10 million per year in total at build-out.
• Leading a contributed and earned income program that meets operating needs and addresses project goals. • Overseeing the development of community engagement approaches within each study area. • Partnering with the governance entities of the abutting study areas to ensure responsible allocation and spending of value capture mechanism funding established to ensure the continued support of the greenway and, thereby, its catalytic impacts.
IMPLEMENTATION: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE REALIZED GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE As build-out proceeds and the greenway begins to create value, value capture (e.g., special assessment districts) should be considered as a tool to expand sources of revenue for the incentivizing investment along the greenway corridors
At the neighborhood level, the entity will need to oversee: • Engaging in meaningful community dialogue. • Creating neighborhood plans that coordinate with existing
and resourced to take on this additional responsibility. Some local stakeholders have suggested that such an organization should have the legal capacity and experience operating as an umbrella organization with financing and regulatory authority,
and operations and maintenance of the greenway. Value
neighborhood plans and development plans by the City
while overseeing subsidiaries focused on neighborhood-
capture sources include assessment district models such as
and institutional partners.
focused project management responsibilities, such as
Community Improvement Districts (CIDs), Special Business Districts (SBDs), and Transportation Development Districts (TDDs), all of which exist in the City of St. Louis today, but which have varying funding and governance structures.
• Developing land use aspirations and controls, potentially involving rezoning. • Developing metrics for equitable economic development
affordable housing delivery, small business assistance, and programming. There are many national precedents of such organizational structures, most of which are redevelopment authorities. Choice of this model requires the ability to identify
Operating structures of precedent trails suggest that the
within each neighborhood and soliciting and packaging
an existing entity that has credibility with the diversity of
variety of funding sources, the relative cost-efficiency of trail
incentives for small-scale development to support
stakeholders, including initial capital investors, needed to
operations (versus other kinds of open space investments),
advancement of those objectives (e.g. urban homesteading,
ensure the current momentum carries forward.
and the expected return on investment of the greenway could,
new multifamily development, small business support,
over the long-term, enable the greenway to be self-sustaining
workforce training, etc.).
and would not require significant ongoing public subsidy.
ACHIEVEMENT OF EQUITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES Achievement of the equity and economic objectives laid out in the Framework Plan will require the designation or creation of an entity that can oversee the pursuit of regional objectives and participate in the deployment of multiple funding sources to achieve those objectives; strategically manage neighborhood-specific issues; and coordinate with GRG and City agencies to ensure complementary programming and management. The entity’s ability to achieve regional economic development and equity objectives will be strongest if the entity has its own financing capacity (e.g., through a CID, SBD, TDD or similar structure), as well as land use regulatory powers.
• Creating partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders. • Developing value capture funding strategies, potentially including the creation of assessment districts. • Advocating for neighborhood philanthropy.
MODELS OF GOVERNANCE There are local and regional precedents for at least three models of governance that could effectively coordinate with GRG while also delivering on regional and neighborhoodspecific objectives. First, an existing public, local or regional economic development organization with contemporary goals similar to those established for this project could be designated
Second, a non-profit organization with credibility established by virtue of its leadership and with publicly-delegated powers could be established, similar to the model of many universityanchored innovation districts. Such an organization could be created as an outgrowth of the advisory bodies that have advised this planning effort, including the Steering Committee and Working Groups. Determining how such a group would derive its quasi-governmental powers given the number of existing quasi-governmental organizations currently operating in the alignment’s abutting study areas could be challenging. Whether and how additional institutional stakeholders could be identified to develop organizational credibility in the neighborhoods where equity concerns loom largest needs to be considered. Third, a new regional economic development entity could be created via legislation. Such an organization could be purpose-built to accomplish the aims of the project, including CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 77
IMPLEMENTATION: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE REALIZED GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE structuring its board, staff complement and organizational
Successful shared governance models for open space allocate
structure to ensure credibility with other funders and the
responsibilities based on partners’ strengths. Governance must
neighborhoods; identifying a dedicated source of public
also respect the commitment and interests of funders.
funding to provide it with, at least, operating funding; and defining how it will work with other governmental entities. In this case, the model used to create GRG could be used, albeit with a different mission.
GOVERNANCE Choice of this model will require time to continue to generate excitement about the project and build relationships with
MORE PUBLIC
ROUTINE OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
additional governmental entities. Assuming GRG’s willingness and capacity to experiment with ad hoc, more neighborhood-
COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
focused implementation structures in the initial pacing of development, this model may be the most advantageous,
FUNDING PUBLIC FUNDING Direct funding from public agencies
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
particularly given its potential to pilot a vehicle for more
VALUE CAPTURE
comprehensive regional economic development, a result that
CAPITAL MAINTENANCE
would have enormous benefit for the St. Louis region.
Real estate assets, BID, TIF, etc.
SECURITY MANAGEMENT
EARNED INCOME Concessions, programming, events
EARNED INCOME PROGRAM PROGRAMMING MORE PRIVATE
78 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
FUNDRAISING & ADVOCACY
CONTRIBUTED INCOME Sponsorships, philanthropy, etc.
IMPLEMENTATION: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE REALIZED GOVERNANCE PRECEDENTS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PRECEDENTS In considering the governance of each study area, and of
There are multiple models for urban greenway and other
Additionally, the precedents offer some guidance regarding
the alignment itself, there are few models for effective,
transformative open space management. These include:
the scale of fundraising needs. Using the Katy Trail and
inclusive citizen engagement. The usual models are advisory
Beltline as guidelines, annual operations and maintenance
committees with little authority and token representation on
The Katy Trail in Dallas connects residential neighborhoods,
(O&M) costs of the Chouteau Greenway could amount to
decision-making boards. The following different governance
following the path of the former MKT Railroad. The trail is 3.5
approximately $250,000 per mile each year, which equates
models informed discussions with the Governance Working
miles long and draws over one million annual visitors.
to $5 million across the entire alignment each year and $50
Group around creating a new and effective project model.
million over 10 years.
Effective community engagement strategies could reference
The Atlanta Beltline connects established and emerging
the following precedents:
residential and commercial areas along a former rail corridor.
For a more conservative estimate, consider a cost of
The Beltline corridor is 22 miles long, and its trails attract over
$500,000 per mile each year, which would require $10 million
two million annual visitors.
annually and equate to $100 million over 10 years.
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING The Vallejo City Council established the first citywide participatory budgeting process in the US in 2012, where citizens recommend projects as part of the annual budget. The City of Vallejo, CA has allocated over $8.3M and engaged over 20,000 residents through this process.
BELTLINE
Katy Katy Trail Trail KATY TRAIL
BeltLine BeltLine
High Line High Line
LARGE-SCALE SURVEYING AND OUTREACH The City of Portland’s Budget Office is conducting a citywide survey designed to ensure that the diverse perspectives of all Portland communities are included in the budgeting process. The outreach strategy includes in-person canvassing, dissemination through community-based networks, and translation into multiple languages.
Length (miles) Length (miles)
3.5
Annual visitation Annual visitation
1,000,000+ 1,000,000+
2,000,000+ 2,000,000+
Operations and maintenance/mile Operations and maintenance/mile
$285K$285K
$20 0 K$20 0 K
Operations and maintenance/visitor Operations and maintenance/visitor
$1
Length (miles)
Annual visitation
PROGRAMMING The Seattle Central Waterfront is initiating interim programming of this new signature park that is significantly defined and organized by community groups. In addition, its entire F&B program will be managed by a local non-profit
I mage from Explore Georgia Georgia I mage from Explore
I mage from Travel Leisure I mage from+Travel + Leisure
Operations & maintenance/mile Operations & maintenance/visitor
3.5
3.5 1,000,000+
11 (open) 11 (open)
11 (open)
1.7
7,000,000+ 7,000,000+
2,000,000+
$1.1 $1.1
$1
1.7
I mage from DS+R I mage from DS+R
$7M $7M $1.7
$285k
$200k
$1
$1.1
$1.7
working with immigrant entrepreneurs and start-ups.
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 79
IMPLEMENTATION: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE REALIZED PROMISE AND OPPORTUNITY ZONES Funding strategies in the abutting districts of Chouteau Greenway should be cognizant of the potential to tap into other sources of funding, notably federal sources. Potential alignments overlap with both a Promise Zone and an Opportunity Zone in St. Louis. Promise Zones are high-poverty communities in which the federal government partners with local leaders to increase economic opportunities and encourage investment. An Opportunity Zone is an economically distressed community where new investments are potentially eligible for tax incentives. Across the entire area, local institutional partners’ interest in supporting the objectives of the project should be explored and encouraged. All study areas may consider directing a portion of incremental value generated within a given study area to continued investment in that study area and, to the extent feasible, to projects across the larger area. Vigorous efforts to ensure equitable funding of different study areas may nonetheless require different governance bodies reflective of local conditions and concerns, metrics to be affected and the interests and capacities of leadership.
MAP LEGEND Key Promise Zone Promise Zone Opportunity Zones Opportunity Zone Potential Alignments Potential Alignment Potential Geographies Potential Study Area
80 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
IMPLEMENTATION: HOW THE GREENWAY COULD BE REALIZED SPECIAL DISTRICTS The governance of the abutting study areas should also be cognizant of the strengths and weaknesses of existing structures in St. Louis, such as transportation development districts, community improvement districts and special business districts. Transportation development districts appear to offer the greatest ability to deliver on broad and ambitious promises; however, there are limitations on eligible investments, potentially out-weighing that advantage. Community improvement districts are the most familiar of these three types, but they require carve-outs for existing districts. In order to collect an ongoing assessment, the governing entity may operate similarly to a special business district, which is the easiest to form and allows the overlap of existing and potential districts. Operation as a subsidiary of an existing public economic development entity with the capacity to create a “holding company� that advances the common economic and community development aims of the entire abutting study area also merits exploration and has been recently employed with success.
MAP LEGEND Key Transportation Development District Transportation Development District Community District Community Improvement Improvement District SpecialBusiness Business District Special District Potential Alignment Alignments Potential Potential Study Geographies Potential Area CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 81
82 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
Draft concept view along the greenway in north St. Louis
SYSTEM WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO The Framework process began with an armature (a framework on which something is constructed) as described on pages 16-17 of this document. The armature proposed potential greenway routes and signature projects for analysis and study. This map emerged from extensive conversations with partners and stakeholders and community input over the summer and fall of 2018 and was informed and evolved by the ideas generated during the design competition. It will continue to evolve as civic engagement continues. This section of the Framework Plan summarizes the analysis and evaluation of the potential routes proposed in the armature and provides initial route recommendations. To maximize the impact of investment in the nearby neighborhoods, weighted evaluation criteria were determined. The study was broken down into the eight study areas, which were developed in consideration of the potential routes. The criteria acknowledge the need to balance connections in the north and south by bridging general connectivity gaps and providing equal access to amenities and community resources including health facilities and transportation. Nodes of activity guide the physical placement of the corridors, while ample rights-of-way and vacant land provide additional opportunities for activation and development. There are also city sustainability goals that can be built upon to develop a rich environment through green infrastructure, improved air quality and healthy community practices.
Greenway Armature
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 83
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO POTENTIAL GREENWAY ROUTES Individual corridors within neighborhoods or those that connect a set of adjacent neighborhoods were considered and evaluated relative to one another. These corridor segments were determined by how they function as distinct components of the overall system. While they were evaluated individually against one another as shown, the implications of having multiple individual corridors as part of a longer singular alignment were also factored in. From this set of studies and evaluations, a number of
p.88
combinations of individual corridors are possible. The ultimate goal in future phases of work is to determine what
p.94
combination of routes works best for the neighborhoods and how they contribute to the overall greenway concept.
p.100
The analysis of the potential routes, priority of equity strategies and opportunities, as well as initial recommendations for the
p.98
area are presented for each study area on the following pages. This work will be further tested and refined, and only then, finalized in a more extensive series of public outreach and engagement efforts, in concert with detailed design studies in the future.
p.120
p.108 p.110
p.104
p.116
Key Promise Zone
MAP LEGEND Corridor Comparison Groups
A1
Opportunity Zones
Segment Identification Potential Alignments
Potential Geographies Study Areas
84 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO EVALUATION CRITERIA
EVALUATION PROCESS & REPORTING
The criteria to evaluate the potential greenway corridors
With the inclusion of Experience as an evaluation criterion in
The results of the Feasibility, Connectivity and Impact analysis
and the process by which they would be rated was created
addition to the technical criteria of Feasibility, Connectivity
are shown in a circle graph to visually show how well the route
in collaboration with the Working Groups and Steering
and Impact, the evaluation process was a mix of art and
measured up to the criteria. The circular graph represents the
Committee. Through analysis and discussion, the criteria
science, of qualitative and quantitative assessments, of issues
cumulative score of the three quantitative criteria with each
deemed appropriate were grouped into four broad categories.
that can be tracked and measured precisely and ones that
color bar representing a separate category.
Within each category are multiple sub-criteria (37 in total), all
require dialogue, debate and judgment.
of which are detailed in the appendix to this report. The four categories are:
FEASIBILITY Degree to which a particular alignment can positively influence economic growth, equity and environmental strategies—the greater the impact, the greater the potential ability to leverage funding and substantiate costs.
CONNECTIVITY Degree to which a particular alignment can connect people to each other, to the city’s known and lesser-known assets, and to a range of everyday places and destinations—the more improved the degree of connectivity to more things, the higher the potential impact.
IMPACT Degree to which a particular alignment is technically and logistically possible—a combination of the critical factors of complexity and cost.
EXPERIENCE Overall quality and uniqueness of the individual and composite
Each criterion was rated on a scale of either one to four or one The technical team engaged in a data-driven analysis that
to five with one being the lowest possible score and four or
determined evaluations within the Feasibility and Connectivity
five being the highest possible score. A baseline score of three
categories and also contributed, with the insights and
indicates that an alignment sufficiently addresses a technical
projections of the broader planning and design team, to the
or character criterion. Scores below the baseline (one or two)
Impact category.
indicate that an alignment’s performance for a particular criterion is insufficient. The more complete the circle is on the
These three sets of evaluations (Feasibility, Connectivity,
graph, the higher the rating is for that criterion.
Impact) were then compared to the opportunities inherent in each of the areas studied to begin to project the potential Experience that could be developed in each of the corridors. This openly acknowledges the relative nature of the evaluation process. For example, a truly great experience could maximize
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
a range of economic, environmental and social impacts that in turn could enhance connectivity locally and throughout the system, and thus overcome technical feasibility challenges and costs to ultimately determine a final alignment and design. This is the first round of evaluations and recommendations, all of which need to be further tested in close dialogue with neighborhood members and stakeholders in future phases of design development. Only then can a truly ideal set of routes and designs be developed and informed.
encounters, observations, feelings and emotions that a potential alignment and design could invoke—whether it’s the unique, the quintessential, the everyday or the spectacular. CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 85
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO OPPORTUNITIES & EQUITY
study area that was presented in the Equity section of this
more green landscapes; and a clear and unifying identity. The
report. The strategies are summarized here is for convenience
As stated in the Opportunities section, the greenway brings
greenway can also act as a catalyst for economic opportunity
and are also presented in the analysis of each study area that
many opportunities to the city as a whole and to the areas in
and growth, culture that prioritizes the arts, and community
follows for easier comprehension of the relationship of the
which it will pass. It creates the opportunity to celebrate the
and social interactions.
strategies to the area and alignments under evaluation.
Fairground St. Louis Place Grand Center Downtown West Downtown Midtown Tower Grove Forest Park
LEGEND Higher Priority
Priority
Lower Priority
86 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
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AH
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Com m
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Stew ardsh
Anti-
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ent Real Estat e Dev elopm
RE
Busin e Incen ss Financ ing & tives
WKF
Busin
DBP
Busin e Attra ss Retent ion & ction
STUDY AREA
unica tions
OPPORTUNITIES
Lead er Build ship & Ca ing pacit y
opportunities for programs, placemaking and connections;
ip
Below is a summary of the priority of equity strategies by
Educ at Prog ional Aw arene ramm ss ing
range of assets and destinations. The greenway can also bring
Com m Capa unity Dev el city B uildin opment & g Com muni ty Pla nning Art In stalla tions & Pro gram s Cultu ral Re Desig prese n n&P lacem tation: aking Cultu ra Story l Preserv a tellin g & In tion: terpr etatio n Cultu ral Re Prog prese ram & n Even tation: ts Enga geme nt
and equity strategies discussed in this Framework.
p
EQUITY STRATEGIES
Work fo Parti rce Deve cipat lopm ion ent/
city’s residents and neighborhoods and the richness and wide
M/W B Moni E Particip torin ation g &
The evaluation of experience must consider the opportunities
COM
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS FEASIBILITY
IMPACT The presentation of analysis and recommendations for each study area includes: • Key maps highlighting the segments being evaluated. • Circle graph showing the results of the Feasibility, Connectivity and Impact evaluation. • Summary of the prioritization of equity strategies. • Detailed map and rendering of a potential signature project. • Map showing the segments being evaluated in context. • Discussion of the recommended alignment(s). THE SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO FAIRGROUND STUDY AREA N. GRAND BLVD
St. Louis Place
Jeff Vander-Lou/ Grand Center
OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
Fairground Connector
Forest Park Connector
Downtown Central Corridor/ Central West End
Downtown West/ Midtown
Tower Grove Connector
EQUITY STRATEGIES
The N. Grand Blvd and MLK Dr/Vanderventer Ave segments
Higher Priority
were evaluated. N. Grand Blvd had a stronger ranking for connectivity with proximity to everyday destinations, cultural and civic institutions, open spaces and neighborhood attractions. Its higher ranking within feasibility is due to space availability. Overall, N. Grand has a stronger potential and is therefore the recommended route.
View of temporary market installation in the vacant lot at the corner of N. Grand Blvd and Cass Ave
Opportunities for the recommended alignment: • Clusters of vacant parcels, existing development and existing everyday destinations (MLK Plaza, Mother’s
CONNECTIVITY
EXPERIENCE
Fish, Boys & Girls Club, etc.) to leverage new mixeduse developments.
Priority
• Potential Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District at Fairground Park and proposed MetroLink station. • A new mixed-use neighborhood hub around Vashon High School.
This is followed by a more detailed presentation of the signature project(s) including images of the existing condition and computer renderings of the potential redesign. Additionally, the first study area presented contains additional images to depict the concept of paced development showing how the area may develop over time. SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO
DOWNTOWN NGA WEST
FAIRGROUND STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING VASHON HIGH SCHOOL VASHON HIGH SCHOOL
• Vacant lot activation • Play space opportunity
DUNBAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIVING SCHOOL YARD
• Urban orchards • Redevelopment opportunities
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PLAYGROUND
INTERACTIVE PLAY NORTH GRAND
URBAN PRAIRIE CASS AVE
MARKET PLAZA
NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
PLAY + ART ORCHARDS
WETLAND POND
View of potential vacant lot activation and development in north St. Louis along N. Grand Blvd
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 87
THE SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO FAIRGROUND STUDY AREA N. GRAND BLVD IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
The N. Grand Blvd and MLK Dr/Vandeventer Ave segments
EQUITY STRATEGIES
were evaluated. N. Grand Blvd had a stronger ranking for
Higher Priority
connectivity with proximity to everyday destinations, cultural and civic institutions, open spaces and neighborhood
DBP
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attractions. Its higher ranking within feasibility is due to space availability. Overall, N. Grand has a stronger potential and is therefore the recommended route. Opportunities for the recommended alignment: • Clusters of vacant parcels, existing development and existing everyday destinations (MLK Plaza, Mother’s Fish, Boys & Girls Club, etc.) to leverage new mixed-use developments. • Potential Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District at Fairground Park and proposed MetroLink station. • A new mixed-use neighborhood hub around Vashon High School.
88 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
View of temporary market installation in the vacant lot at the corner of N. Grand Blvd and Cass Ave
Priority BRA
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OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 89
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO FAIRGROUND STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING VASHON HIGH SCHOOL • Vacant lot activation • Play space opportunity • Urban orchards • Redevelopment opportunities
90 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
DOWNTOWN NGA WEST
VASHON HIGH SCHOOL
DUNBAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIVING SCHOOL YARD
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PLAYGROUND
INTERACTIVE PLAY NORTH GRAND
URBAN PRAIRIE CASS AVE
MARKET PLAZA
NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
PLAY + ART ORCHARDS
WETLAND POND
View of potential vacant lot activation and development in north St. Louis along N. Grand Blvd
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 91
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO FAIRGROUND STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING PACED DEVELOPMENT
92 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO FAIRGROUND STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING PACED DEVELOPMENT
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 93
VE
Mt Olive SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO Baptist Church
ST ST. LOUIS PLACE STUDY AREA LO OPPORTUNITY U
Griot Museum Of Black History
IS
St. LouisAVE Place
George B. Vashon Museum
ST. LOUIS AVE IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
VE
CA SS AV E
George B. Vashon Museum
Crown Candy Kitchen
NGA Headquarters West
The St. Louis Ave and Cass Ave segments were evaluated.
ST. LOUIS
The leading category for St. Louis Ave over Cass Ave is in
Higher Priority
impact, largely due to the potential to leverage residential and employment assemblages that build off of an emergent TH
strength. In connectivity, St. Louis Ave shows stronger Crown Candy institutions, museums, galleries and art making destinations. Kitchen
N
ST
20
Draft concept of eastward view of the greenway next to Griot Museum on St. Louis Ave
E
bicycle and mobility linkages, as well as proximity to
ISSANT AV
St.Gateway Louis Ave hasST. slightly greater space availability feasibility. Middle School LOUIS Overall St. Louis Ave shows stronger cumulative potential
N FLOR
and is therefore the recommended route. Opportunities for Old theNorth recommended KIPP Inspirealignment: Academy ISSANT AVE
EQUITY STRATEGIES
Excel Center
• Continuous vacant lot assemblage anchored by a mixedOLD NORTH
Old North Excel Center
OLD NORTH
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N FLOR
use nodes on both ends. Priority
• Build off of commuter momentum between NGA West development and proposed MetroLink Station.
BRA
HW
Preservation Square
n Square
N
1
H 4T
ST
94 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
TH
N
14
ST
REC
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O PGA Golf Course
U AT N L RA I BR
Eastern Star Baptist Church
Lindell Bank
G D
Mother’s Fish
E AV
D LV
DB
N RA
E
OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
NG
andy
Mt Olive Baptist Church St Louis Community College
Griot Museum Of Black History
Vashon High School
ST
LO U
IS
AV E
George B. Vashon Museum
Dunbar Elementary School
CA SS AV E
Crown Candy Kitchen
NGA Headquarters West ST. LOUIS
DR MA IN
RT
H
ST
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HE
T LU
N
T 20
NG
KI
ISSANT AV
R
Gateway Middle School
Old North Excel Center
DR
N FLOR
OLD NORTH
KIPP Inspire Academy
Preservation Square
H
N
BIDDLE
T 14
ST
0
1/8
1
/4 miles
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 95
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO ST. LOUIS PLACE STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING ST. LOUIS AVE AT THE GRIOT MUSEUM • Art and music activation • Local artisan market • Stoop as neighborhood hub
96 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
GRIOT MUSEUM
PERMANENT PAVILION
PROPOSED GREENWAY ALONG
STOOP
ST. LOUIS AVE.
Draft concept of westward view of a permanent pavilion installation and vacant lot activation next to the Griot Museum on St. Louis Ave
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 97
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO ST. LOUIS PLACE / DOWNTOWN STUDY AREAS 14TH STREET IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
The N. 14th/N. Florissant and N. 20th St segments were
EQUITY STRATEGIES
evaluated. The N. 14th/N. Florissant corridor strength is in
Higher Priority
the connectivity category with leading scores in pedestrian and bike mobility, as well as linkages to cultural, civic, open space and everyday destinations. Potential impact score is largely due to the opportunity to build on the presence of local institutions and potential partners, as well as adjacency to existing and planned multi-family residential development. N. 20th feasibility ranks slightly higher due to the time needed
Draft concept of view along the greenway in north St. Louis
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FE
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LCB
for development, permitting and implementation though N. 14th strongly leads in space availability and ultimately the space over time factor leads the recommendation to N. 14th/ N. Florissant as the preferred corridor. Opportunities for the recommended alignment:
Priority
• Build on the presence of local institutions, potential partners and existing/planned multi-family residential developments. • Build multi modal transit nodes with proposed MetroLink corridor. • Potential for a Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District on the southwest corner of Cass Ave and N. Florissant. 98 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
BRA
HW
REC
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OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 99
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO A C
RA
SS
NG
E V
E
AV
EN
EV
D AN
R TE
A
GRAND CENTER STUDY AREA OPPORTUNITY
D
LV
B ND
VE
Jeff Vander - Lou SPR Grand CenterN
A ING
Cardinal Ritter College Prep
Vashon High School
V
S. SPRING AVE
N. GRAND BLVD
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
Burnt Church
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
Sweetie Pies
EN R IG T H
AN
R NG
E
V
A D
LV
B
E
SQ
V
A
EL
SS
A
D
N
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A
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C
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NG
D
LV
B ND
VD
L DB
In the evaluation of N. Grand Blvd and N. Spring Ave, School
EQUITY STRATEGIES
Clyde Miller Career Academy
N. Grand Blvd hasVashon a stronger cumulative ranking overall. High
Higher Priority
Feasibility shows stronger property acquisition potential
GRAND CENTER
and opportunity for improved crossing and operations.
DBP
WKF
RE
BRA
BSM
BFI
FE
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MOB
AH
AD
CD CB
CP
AIP
DP
SI
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EN
EAP
ST
Connectivity has stronger potential for linking neighborhood amenities and community facilities. Enright Ave is a required fire exit and therefore limits technical feasibility as well as
Draft concept of eastward view of a temporary event on Delmar Blvd through Grand Center
connectivity potential. From Delmar Blvd north, N. Grand and from Delmar south, S. Spring Ave are the recommended routes, as well as and Delmar Blvd and Grandel Square. Opportunities for the recommended alignment: • Build on existing and proposed commercial assemblage and
AS
HI
mixed-use hub.
• Reduce collisions and greatly improve pedestrian safety HARRIS STOWE through connectivity of education to everyday facilities. 100 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
BI
TO
AV
E
OL
Square to vehicular traffic or temporary Delmar Blvd event closures.
NG
N
• Strong potential for strengthening neighborhood amenities and institutional connectivity through closing Grandel
Priority
W
SLU vacant lot activation near N. Grand and Cass Ave to create
IV
ES
T
LCB
COM
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R
.M
A
Jeff V G
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TI
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IN
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OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
D
LV
DB
A
C
N RA
SS
NG
A V E
E
AV
G RIN
P
NS
Cardinal Ritter College Prep
Vashon High School
LIN
Olive West Development DE
LL
Burnt Church
BL
Sweetie Pies
R
D
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A
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V
A
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NG
SQ
D
LV
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D
B
N
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A
B ND
H
M
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G
LV
IG
EL
D
EN
VD
Clyde Miller Career Academy
GRAND CENTER
City Foundry
E
NG
AV
FO
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S
SP
ST
PA
RK
Armory
AV
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W
SLU
AS
HI
D AN
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NG
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VD
BL
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OL
IV
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s
0
1/8
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CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 101
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO GRAND CENTER STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING DELMAR AT GRAND CENTER • Temporary event road closures • Activating / reimagining parking lots • Opportunity for art
102 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
GRAND CENTER ARTS ACADEMY
VA MEDICAL CENTER
THE SUN THEATER
MURAL WALL SWEETIE PIES
DOWNTOWN
DELMAR AS MIXED USE ST.
Draft concept of eastward view of the greenway heading through Grand Center along Delmar Blvd
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 103
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO DOWNTOWN WEST STUDY AREA METRO CORRIDOR
MARKET ST
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
In the evaluation of Forest Park Ave/Market St, Washington
EQUITY STRATEGIES
Blvd, Olive St and the Metro Corridor, Forest Park Ave/Market
Higher Priority
St consistently ranked high in all three categories over the other corridors and is therefore the recommended route. In
BRA
feasibility, Market St would require structural configuration at
AH
SI
Priority
the intersection of S. Compton Ave. Its potential in improving environmental impact and its proximity to leverage employment
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
Draft concept of eastward view of a potential Mill Creek Valley Project installation next to the greenway along Market St
DBP
WKF
RE
BSM
BFI
in this recommendation.
EL
HW
REC
MOB
PS
Opportunities for the recommended alignment:
AIP
PE
EN
ST
LCB
COM
site assembly due to emergent strength are the largest factors
• Potential to enhance the user experience along a continuous civic boulevard from educational hubs to the Arch grounds. • Potential to improve connectivity between major institutions
Lower Priority
and cultural venues. • Long-term potential for uninterrupted and uniquely St. Louis greenway experience along the rail.
BI
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CP
DP
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• Environmental improvement and cleaning contaminated sites along rail.
104 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
AD
OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 105
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO DOWNTOWN WEST STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING MILL CREEK • Bold commemorative installation • West Mall bookend • Interactive and reflective space
106 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
NEW DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
DOWNTOWN
GATEWAY ARCH UNION STATION
SOIL SCULPTURES URBAN PRAIRIE
KITCHEN GARDENS
MARKET ST.
PROPOSED GREENWAY FORMER HOME FOOTPRINTS
Draft concept of eastward view of a potential Mill Creek Valley Project installation next to the greenway along Market St
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 107
opment tunity
BIDDLE
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO OPPORTUNITY
TH
DOWNTOWN STUDYDowntown AREA
N
Aloe Plaza New Social Space/Plaza Redesign
ST
14
MARKET ST
ation DELMAR
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
Refurbished Memorial Enterprise Center
STATION
The Market St, Washington Ave, M Olive St and I-64/MacArthur
EQUITY STRATEGIES
AR
Bridge segments wereT evaluated. KMarket St ranked high in ET S
Higher Priority
S
T H all three categories 4T over the other corridors and is therefore 1
N the recommended route. Market St’s feasibility score is
YMCA at the MX
due to space availability and cost/affordability. The impact CIVIC CENTER category shows opportunity to improve environmental impact
DBP
WKF
RE
BRA
BI
BSM
BFI
AH
CP
AIP
DP
SI
PE
HW
REC
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AD
EN
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ST
LCB
and disrupt high-crime areas, as well as strong proximity to existing/planned multi-family development. Opportunities for the recommended alignment: • Potential to enhance the user experience along a
YMCA at the MX
continuous civic boulevard from Arch to Park. VD
ER
BL
H
8T
• Potential for iconic impact along a distinct civic corridor.
T
G
Busch Stadium
T
LO
Open Space Opportunity
ST
Old Courthouse
STADIUM
• Potential crime reduction. GR
K UC
KIENER PLAZA
Ballpark Village Phase 2
Lower Priority
ouse
EL
HI
ST
OR
IC
U.
S.
GATEWAY ARCH
66
108 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
M
RT
CA
A
EWAY
Priority
FE
MOB
CD CB
COM
DR
MA
RT
IN
LU
TH
ER
KI
NG
W
AS
HI
N
DR
H 0T
ST
2
NG
TO
N
AV
E
OL
IV
OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Mill Creek Valley Project as New End Point
ES
T Development Opportunity
BIDDLE
MA
RK
ET
H
ST N
Aloe Plaza New Social Space/Plaza Redesign
T 14
ST
Union Station
Proposed MLS Soccer Stadium
DELMAR
Refurbished Memorial Enterprise Center UNION STATION MA
.
S
H 8T
1
N
ST
I-6
TE
AU
AV
E
ET
ST
1
YMCA at the MX
CIVIC CENTER
4
CH
OU
H 4T
RK
ST
H 4T
KIENER PLAZA
. ST
TH
S1
ST
Old Courthouse
8 VD
R KE
STADIUM
BL
G
GR
C
TU
HI
Busch Stadium
T LO
Open Space Opportunity
ST
OR
IC
U.
S.
Ballpark Village Phase 2
GATEWAY ARCH
66
A
M R
HU
RT
CA BR
1/8
1
/4 miles
E
G
ID
0
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 109
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO MIDTOWN STUDY AREA FOREST PARK AVE
METRO CORRIDOR
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY
The evaluation of the Forest Park Ave and the Metro Corridor
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
EQUITY STRATEGIES
segments show they have balanced overall comparative
Higher Priority
rankings with Metro Corridor ranking high on potential impact and Forest Park Ave ahead in connectivity and feasibility.
BRA
BI
BFI
DBP
WKF
RE
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REC
AD
CD CB
CP
AIP
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EN
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LCB
BSM
Both are recommended corridors as Forest Park Ave offers to connect the main civic boulevard from Arch to Park, while the Metro Corridor connects directly between two MetroLink stations and offers an industrial spur trestle connection to the City Foundry. Opportunities for the recommended alignment:
AH Draft concept of eastward view along the trestle connecting to the City Foundry development and the greenway weaving through a new open space under I-64
Priority
• Unique urban greenway experience along the MetroLink rail and trestle. • Connecting Saint Louis University, Saint Louis University
MOB
School of Medicine, City Foundry and Armory District with a comprehensive greenway network. • Potential to activate underutilized parcels under the existing trestle as Under Trestle Park. • Potential signature bridge and crossing experience along Spring Ave through the I-64.
110 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
Lower Priority FE
DP
EAP
COM
PS
OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 111
SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO MIDTOWN STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING ARMORY DISTRICT & CITY FOUNDRY • Infrastructure ‘portal’ lighting at I-64 • Connect Saint Louis University north and south • Signature bridge
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© Mike Belleme
© Mike Belleme
FAIRGROUND PARK
GRAND CENTER SPRING ST. SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
FOREST PARKWAY CITY FOUNDRY TRESTLE
GOODWILL
PORTAL
I-64
ARMORY DISTRICT
GREEN SPACE / BEER GARDEN
Draft concept of view of the greenway weaving north between the Armory District and City Foundry developments
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SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO MIDTOWN STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING UNDER TRESTLE PARK • Interactive art and sound • Signature trestle experience • Activities and spaces for all ages, all abilities
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© Mike Belleme
© Mike Belleme
I-64
CITY FOUNDRY
S. VANDEVENTER AVE.
ART / SOUND
BASKETBALL RENOVATED TRESTLE STOOP
Draft concept of eastward view along the trestle connecting to the City Foundry development and the greenway weaving through a new open space under I-64
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SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO TOWER GROVE STUDY AREA S. GRAND BLVD IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
In the evaluation of S. Grand Blvd and S. 39th Ave, S. Grand Blvd leads in all three categories with connectivity at the top where it ranks higher in linking everyday destinations to population, jobs, healthcare,and civic and
EQUITY STRATEGIES Higher Priority BSM
cultural open spaces. In impact it has strong potential to improve environmental impact, as well as immediate
AH
AD
CP
AIP
DP
SI
DBP
WKF
RE
BRA
BI
FE
HW
REC
PS
CD CB
AIP
DP
SI
PE
EN
EAP
ST
LCB
proximity to existing/planned multi-family residential and commercial development. In feasibility it is a clear leader in
PE
space availability. Priority Opportunities for the recommended alignment: • Improve connectivity from Saint Louis University main campus to their medical campus through City Foundry, Armory District and Grand MetroLink Station. • Potential to connect both new and potential developments from 14-acre site to Tower Grove Park through Saint Louis University medical campus. • Connect the strong existing open spaces of Compton Hill Reservoir Park up to Tower Grove Park.
Lower Priority BFI
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EL
MOB
COM
OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
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SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO TOWER GROVE STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING SOUTH GRAND • Improved connectivity
EXISTING
EXAMPLE GREENWAY
• Signature bridge opportunity • Saint Louis University Medical Campus to Tower Grove Park
EXISTING
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EXAMPLE GREENWAY
COMPTON HILL WATER TOWER
THE SAUM & HUTCHESON ARMS COMPTON HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
TOWER GROVE PARK
COMPTON HILL RESERVOIR PARK
S. GRAND AVE.
PROPOSED PARKWAY / GREENWAY
Draft concept of southward view of the greenway running down South Grand Blvd to Tower Grove Park
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SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO FOREST PARK STUDY AREA FOREST PARK AVE
CHOUTEAU
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
In this area, Forest Park Ave, the Metro Corridor, Lindell Blvd
EQUITY STRATEGIES
and Chouteau Ave were evaluated in the east/west direction
Higher Priority
and S. Newstead Ave and S. Taylor Ave as the north/south connection. Multiple corridors are recommended due to
WKF
RE
AH
AD
BRA
complementary connection opportunities in the larger network. As in Midtown, both Forest Park Ave and the Metro Corridor are recommended up to S. Taylor Ave. Forest Park Ave from S. Taylor Ave to Kingshighway Blvd ranks similarly to Lindell Blvd in connectivity and impact, though Forest Park Ave
Draft concept of eastward view of the greenway crossing from Forest Park over Kingshighway Blvd
Priority DBP
BFI
EL
HW
AIP
PE
EN
ST
shows feasibility advantage due to higher space availability and less crossings due to a proposed bridge to connect into
REC
PS
LCB
COM
Forest Park. S. Newstead Ave/Chouteau Ave is recommended due to opportunity to connect to open space and potential development. Opportunities for the recommended alignment: • Experiential potential for a direct and improved civic boulevard from Arch to Park.
Lower Priority BI
BSM
FE
MOB
CD CB
CP
DP
SI
EAP
• Link two major employment hubs, BJC and Cortex. • Potential transformative signature open space opportunity that safely connects the medical campus to Forest Park. 120 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019
IMPACT CONNECTIVITY FEASIBILITY
OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS
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SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO FOREST PARK STUDY AREA: ENVISIONING KINGSHIGHWAY CROSSING • Connect to Steinberg Rink • Sculpture Garden Opportunity • Safe Forest Park Connection • Elegant Bridge Gateway
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FAIRGROUND PARK
CENTRAL WEST END
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
CORTEX
BJC MEDICAL CENTER SHRINERS HOSPITAL
CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF
TREE GROVE / SOUND BUFFER STEINBERG SKATING RINK
THE GROVE
ART PARK
FOREST PARK
Draft concept of eastward view of the greenway crossing from Forest Park over Kingshighway Blvd
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EXISTING
124
EXAMPLE OF GREENWAY AT ARMORY DISTRICT
EXISTING
EXAMPLE OF GREENWAY AT DELMAR AT GRAND CENTER
EXISTING
EXAMPLE OF GREENWAY AT GRIOT MUSEUM
EXISTING
EXAMPLE OF GREENWAY KINGSHIGHWAY AND FOREST PARK
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Draft concept of eastward view of the greenway going through downtown
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RECOMMENDATIONS BY INTENDED OUTCOME
EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE Chouteau Greenway is a series of dynamic spaces where vibrant activities are happening daily, throughout the year. It is a regional gathering place where people linger, learn and engage in memorable experiences that connect them to St. Louis and to each other. Create rich experiences blending design, ecology and connectivity in such a way that the canopy and streetscape of the greenway feels park-like, inviting residents to move from their doorsteps, down their block through the neighborhood and out to the city to explore. Dedicate design quality to ensuring local love for the greenway and global distinction for St. Louis. Ensure a clear design identity and branding strategy that is woven through all aspects of the greenway and its projects and that it is aspirational and innovative in its approach. Develop an art master plan that elevates the design, embraces local and international artists, and provides opportunities to engage artists of all backgrounds with neighborhood residents in creating delightful places to learn and explore. Ensure cultural representation in design, place making, storytelling, interpretation, programs and events throughout the year so that all people feel welcome. Think broadly about the importance of connectivity and experience as fundamental to linking dynamic spaces, creating new places, revitalizing vacant lands and encouraging connection of both beloved and lesser known destinations. Incorporate design features that support people feeling safe and welcome, such as lighting, open sight lines and view sheds.
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RECOMMENDATIONS BY INTENDED OUTCOME
CIVIC WELLBEING Chouteau Greenway is a transparent, accountable and inclusive project that boosts civic pride, care and consideration, leaving a legacy for future generations. Chouteau Greenway is common ground that unites communities and strengthens relationships. Create a transparent design and community development process that is welcoming for all, opening up opportunities and widening horizons for access and connectivity and providing ways to gather all members of the community on common ground. Design and implementation should meet people where they are, encouraging active participation from a variety of stakeholders including neighbors, businesses, schools, churches, health centers, and city leaders. It should challenge people to think beyond their neighborhoods to the wider region and its opportunities for growth and equitable development. Embrace families, youth and seniors by promoting and encouraging movement and exploration through design, art and programming that supports discovery of destinations and neighborhoods across the City.
Ensure that engagement processes include culturally-sensitive approaches and both broad and deep ways to engage so that all people in St. Louis can feel ownership over and belonging to the greenway, its projects and process. Develop a long-term, sustainable governance model that ensures investment of time, talent and treasure from a variety of resources. Create opportunities for individuals and institutions alike to contribute through fundraising, volunteering and ownership models ensuring opportunities for all to build a legacy through the greenway process. Identify and build relationships with partners to address and implement the 26 areas of capacity building from the equity plan .
Incorporate Universal Design principles in all aspects of the project, welcoming all people regardless of age, gender and ability.
Seek opportunities in partnership with other organizations to provide support in underinvested communities so they can more fully participate in neighborhood revitalization.
Find partners who will assist in supporting economic and equitable practices, policies and resources that help to maintain both residential and commercial affordability and ownership by existing residents for the long-term.
Provide programming that allows people to understand a diversity of cultures to help promote positive social interactions.
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RECOMMENDATIONS BY INTENDED OUTCOME
CONNECTIVITY Chouteau Greenway connects St. Louis’ iconic neighborhoods, institutions, transit, employment centers, business and arts districts, innovation hubs and public spaces. Given the lack of investment and need, prioritize north city as a focus area for lead greenway projects. Work with residents, stakeholders and partners to establish and develop greenway projects connecting Fairground Park, the Griot Museum, and key institutions, churches, schools and business centers. Be opportunistic in enhancing and connecting transit stops and centers to the greenway corridors providing greater and safer access for more people. Prioritize the connection between the Cortex MetroLink Station to the Grand MetroLink Station as a demonstration project. Pace greenway projects to ensure momentum that is supported by the neighborhoods, partners and stakeholders and delivers continuous opportunity for growth and expansion of the greenway and adjacent investment. Use the Framework Plan feasibility matrix to work with neighborhood, stakeholder and civic leaders to ensure that neighborhoods, institutions, employment centers, business, arts districts, innovation hubs are linked. Coordinate and collaborate with the City and other organizations to ensure additional trails and on-street bike routes are connected to Chouteau Greenway.
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RECOMMENDATIONS BY INTENDED OUTCOME
ECONOMIC GROWTH Chouteau Greenway creates equitable opportunities for growth and inspires continued catalytic public and private investments by building places for people to come together to live, work, play and visit. ADJACENT GREENWAY RECOMMENDATIONS: Encourage courageous collaboration among city residents, city leaders, community development organizations, developers, institutions and other stakeholders that demonstrate the power of working together to achieve investment both on and adjacent to the greenway. Working with St. Louis City, partners, stakeholders and residents focus on community development opportunities, setting neighborhood goals for affordable housing, workforce, business enterprises and additional needs of the surrounding neighborhoods. Prioritize Chouteau Greenway alignment routes that are within or closely adjacent to St. Louis City Equitable Economic Development districts. Integrate St. Louis City’s equitable economic development districts into greenway Framework Plan. Incorporate City targets for job, business, and residential population growth into the future greenway neighborhood planning efforts.
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Partner and collaborate with developers, community development organizations and nonprofits to attract and retain businesses, including Minority/Woman Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/ WBE) workforce, startups and entrepreneurs that offer a range of high and low skilled jobs at a living wage. Seek and advocate for partners and programs that provide capital and financial services to MBE/WBE and local resident businesses. Partner with the City of St. Louis and local agencies to promote vacancy reduction tools, and identify and secure strategic land assembly parcels in neighborhoods near the greenway corridors. ON GREENWAY RECOMMENDATIONS Ensure that planning and design of greenway projects is aspirational in its focus on community development and attracting investment particularly in areas of highest need. Work with the City and partners to set goals and prioritize MBE/ WBE contracts, workforce participation and monitoring on all greenway projects that reflect the demographics of the city, beyond the contracting requirements of the City of St. Louis (25% MBE, 5% WBE).
RECOMMENDATIONS BY INTENDED OUTCOME
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP Chouteau Greenway is a model for excellence in ecology with engaged communities who are stewards of our natural resources. Recognizing that a lush green landscape provides a multitude of benefits to urban residents, the planning, design, and community development efforts around all greenway corridors should enhance the City’s environment and native ecologies. Create connected greenway environments that allow people opportunities for personal peace, restorative space, and immersion in nature. All greenway projects should provide high quality native landscapes, best of class ecological practices, increasing tree canopy and promoting urban conservation and revitalization of the city’s unique biodiversity and natural resources. Design for climate change and seek sustainable and resilient designs, maximizing opportunities for promoting energy efficiency by utilizing renewable sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and toxins in the environment. Adopt performance metrics to measure outcomes of resiliency and sustainability. Educate, engage and involve community members in understanding the greenway environment, volunteering to care for it, and take ownership in developing gardens, orchards and neighborhood pocket parks. Incorporate educational programs and interpretive signage that enhance understanding of native landscapes, benefits of trees and plants and water quality.
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RECOMMENDATIONS BY INTENDED OUTCOME
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES Chouteau Greenway is a network of accessible and inviting places and paths that encourage exploration, exercise and active transportation in daily lives, enhancing physical and mental well-being for all ages and abilities. Working with the community and partners, design the greenway to provide for physical and mental health and vibrancy of people of all ages and abilities along the greenway by creating access to recreation, transit and everyday destinations. Work with community and institutional partners to provide programming that gets people outdoors and active, understanding options for exercise, fun and transportation. With partners, enhance access to local health systems, sources, and information by incorporating them into the communications, engagement and programming. Incorporate amenities into design and operations to ensure 24/7, 365-days-a-year usage. Plan, design and educate for active vibrancy of the greenway to assist in crime prevention, create opportunities for community ownership of greenway segments and projects that ensure people have a sense of personal well-being and security.
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MOVING FORWARD As with other greenways around the region, as any given segment moves forward, the process will include much more civic engagement to plan and design it together. We are listening. Please add your voice and be part of this process: www.greatriversgreenway.org/makingof
Draft concept of southward view of the greenway along South Grand Blvd
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View of potential vacant lot activation and development in north St. Louis along N. Grand Blvd and Cass Ave
View of potential vacant lot activation and development in north St. Louis along N. Grand Blvd and Cass Ave
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