Chouteau Greenway Framework Plan

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.

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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.

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• 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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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.

18 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019

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

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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

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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.

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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

CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 57

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.

60 | CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019

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

to the character or culture of a specific neighborhood or to represent aspirations of the city on a broader level.

CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 69

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

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OPPORTUNITIES

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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

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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

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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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use nodes on both ends.

Priority

• Build off of commuter momentum between NGA West development and proposed MetroLink Station.

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Preservation Square

n Square

N

1

H 4T

ST

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N

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O PGA Golf Course

U AT N L RA I BR

Eastern Star Baptist Church

Lindell Bank

G D

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OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

NG

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Mt Olive Baptist Church St Louis Community College

Griot Museum Of Black History

Vashon High School

ST

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George B. Vashon Museum

Dunbar Elementary School

CA SS AV E

Crown Candy Kitchen

NGA Headquarters West ST. LOUIS

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H

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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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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

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OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

CHOUTEAU GREENWAY FRAMEWORK PLAN | FALL 2019 | 99

SYSTEM: WHERE THE GREENWAY COULD GO A C

RA

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NG

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GRAND CENTER STUDY AREA OPPORTUNITY

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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

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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.

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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

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Square to vehicular traffic or temporary Delmar Blvd event closures.

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• Strong potential for strengthening neighborhood amenities and institutional connectivity through closing Grandel

Priority

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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

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in this recommendation.

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Opportunities for the recommended alignment:

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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.

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• Environmental improvement and cleaning contaminated sites along rail.

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AD

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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

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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

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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

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• Potential for iconic impact along a distinct civic corridor.

T

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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

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GATEWAY ARCH

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Mill Creek Valley Project as New End Point

ES

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Union Station

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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.

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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.

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Lower Priority FE

DP

EAP

COM

PS

OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

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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.

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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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