dredger wrote:ArchCity, I can't share the same sentiment for Gateway as you do. Yes, Gateway no doubt successful and no doubt big logistics are seeing the benefit of the regions location.
I say that because I had a chance to go through CWE/Midtown for this first time in 2-3 years and impressed how things are changing and a nice Business Journal article noted that Cortex @ 4240 already has 65 companies with 457 employees. Each one of these 500,000 square foot warehouses probably has 50 to 100 employees at best.
I agree that CORTEX is showing itself to be a great asset and job creator for the region, I've written about it somewhere on this board. Nonetheless, in my opinion, I maintain, Gateway too has been one of the better recent economic assets for the Metro East and the St. Louis region.
Before Gateway Commerce Center, St. Louis was slipping fast - very fast - as a solid logistics hub. Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Kansas City and Nashville were getting distribution business that St. Louis was built for - in terms of infrastructure. They were catching up fast - especially in facility development.
Despite already having undeniable superior rail, interstate and port access than most cities, Gateway has helped to make St. Louis a lot more competitive and solid as a distribution/logistics hub. It is a viable option for developers and companies. Further, I believe Gateway's success has spawned other new logistics and port projects (and plans) in the metro area.
Also, personally I don't care about Gateway being in a flood plain. No, I didn't like it, but what's done is done. At 2,300 acres Gateway is one of the largest warehouse/distribution parks in the Midwest - and it competes against parks in Chicago. Plus, Gateway has a ways to go before it is built out too.
In regards to employment,
in 2005 KSDK reported that Gateway Commerce Center had 2100 workers. So 10 years later, I am sure more than that are employed there. Hershey alone spawned 250 jobs.
