So not to poor cold water on this but they want to put a tourist destination in the middle of an industrial zone...? The nice thing about creating tourist destinations is they bring people in who then spend money. What money are they going to spend here?

I love the design, and the subject is more than worthy of a memorial but lets not pretend it going to generate anything more than a few construction jobs.

Aquire the land, put a memorial statue, and plaque explaining its purpose for users of the riverfront trail. Then wait because in 30-50 years there might be justification to build this thing. But spending money to complete the vision as shown here would be a bit silly from an economic development perspective.

Better yet, use the money to help with the establishment of the big public research U the city lacks.

I say build it. I would even contribute to it like I have the National Blues Museum.

I would also say the project, based on what I know now, is not extensive enough. Ever been to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Museum in Cincy? Nothing in the U.S. dedicated to the Underground Railroad compares to it. It would be nice if St. Louis was able to get something as nice.

Historically, so much happened on St. Louis' riverfront. St. Louis needs more cultural and history related attractions - especially attractions that catalog aspects of the region's African-American history.

The region is loaded with history so why not give people - who want to visit such an attraction - the opportunity.

It's a learning opportunity for locals and visitors.

^ I agree. Regardless of the exact nature of the design, a well-executed site will add more cultural understanding at large and more sites of interest to the North Riverfront Trail. Things like the Bissinger's opening, Cotton Building mural, upcoming substantial North Riverfront Park enhancements and I believe plans from GRG for Laclede's Landing and Old Chain of Rocks Bridge are all adding to the attractiveness of the trail and are good to see. The Trestle would be cool, too.

The economic development impact of all these are yet to be seen, but nevertheless are amenities that improve our quality of life.

Things like the Bissinger's opening, Cotton Building mural, upcoming substantial North Riverfront Park enhancements and I believe plans from GRG for Laclede's Landing and Old Chain of Rocks Bridge are all adding to the attractiveness of the trail and are good to see. The Trestle would be cool, too.

Just to be clear they propose building this at the base of the Merchants Bridge. Not the Musial Bridge, and not even the McKinley Bridge. No one but Amtrak riders will see it as they cross the river. Riverfront trail riders would see it as they whizzed by on their bikes.

Anyone ever go to the Grand Staircase at the site of the old Fort BelleFouintaine. Its as impressive as it is sad. If this is built i suspect it will be similarly forgotten. Like i said I love the design and support the subject as something worthy of a memorial but what is it worth. If people don't know about it, visit it and understand it, it's cultural value is nonexistant.

STLEnginerd wrote:
Just to be clear they propose building this at the base of the Merchants Bridge. Not the Musial Bridge, and not even the McKinley Bridge. No one but Amtrak riders will see it as they cross the river. Riverfront trail riders would see it as they whizzed by on their bikes.

Anyone ever go to the Grand Staircase at the site of the old Fort BelleFouintaine. Its as impressive as it is sad. If this is built i suspect it will be similarly forgotten. Like i said I love the design and support the subject as something worthy of a memorial but what is it worth. If people don't know about it, visit it and understand it, it's cultural value is nonexistant.

I understand where it is. Again, I'm not sure how many visitors it will get but it would still have value regardless of its tourism/ economic impact; I do believe that many riverfront trail users would stop by. I love Fort Bellefontaine.... one of the great secret treasures of Saint Louis. Also other spots in North County's Missouri River area such as Sioux Passage County Park and Sunset Park.

OK I just wanted to make sure there wasn't confusion.

I guess I am approaching this from a view point there are limited dollars for African American cultural sites and that right now that money would be much better spent on something in the part of the city where people go and live.

For instance...
Restoring the Castle Ballroom
Restoring the Palladium
Expanding the amenities/attractions around Scott Joplin State Historic site.
Constructing a permanent home for the Black Repertory Theatre

That said everyone is entitled to their point of view.