3 minute read
THE FOUNDRY
Established in a historic Midtown building, the City Foundry STL has created a community space where you can gather, eat, work and play.
By Moe Godat Photography courtesy of City Foundry STL.
Midtown St. Louis was a manufacturing hub for the city 100 years ago when Century Electric first purchased the building now known as City Foundry STL, and both the area and the building use this rich history to promote a new wave of growth in the community. City Foundry STL houses first-to-the-area makers and merchants, old and new restaurants and musical performances. In the winter, the foundry houses many pop-tenants including Sanctioned Sneaker Collective, which plans to stay as a permanent tenant this year. Also expected in 2022 is the arrival of Puttshack, an upscale mini golf experience. A mural from internationally known street artist Case Maclaim wraps around an exterior wall on Foundry Way, showcasing a promising new affinity toward the arts. The heart of City Foundry STL comes from its hard working roots; Century Electric, the original building owner, was one of the top 3 manufacturers in the city, making motors and generators that were sold internationally. In fact, Century’s motors helped spark the development of small household appliances. While the foundry changed owners over the years, and the products produced there
changed, one thing did not: nearly 24-houra-day work continued on the site until 2007. The foundry’s walls tell a story that’s uniquely St. Louis. They speak of more than a century of grit, hard work and determination. But most of all, of constant transformation. It’s a transformation driven by inspiration, creativity and collaboration – and the vision to create something new. Located along I-64, Midtown is now a place to stop and experience rather than just to drive through. Opened in August of 2021, The Food Hall at City Foundry STL brings together the rich cultural backgrounds of St. Louisans in a hub of new restaurants. Here, you can find some St. Louis favorites in their new location and new additions to the area with flavors from across the globe. After eating, you can check out the many cultural and entertainment attractions available and walk through some of the new grocery and retail spaces, such as Fresh Thyme Market and VibeSzn. A proud part of the Midtown community, City Foundry STL wants locals and visitors alike to come in and be a part of a new creative movement in St. Louis.