urbanSTL

I have always hesitated using the phrase "game changer" simply because most single projects seem to fall short of promised impact, but thus far the stadium (for not even being complete) has had a profound impact on Downtown West. I can not think of another project that has spurred at least the promised spin-off development. Of course I reserve final judgement till I see cranes going up.

Am a bit amazed that people are picking at the design, I have seen games in 2 MLS stadiums and from what I have seen so far Centene will be better then those, honestly I think it will be one of best in the league.

Got some snaps the other night of the lighting scheme

Impact Are there any impact fees on the projects that are going on around  St Louis downtown West? The roads definitely will need serious attention when these projects denouement
It's not just Jefferson Market Olive it's the  side roads that have had a pounding from all the trucks and construction what not
What if any of these projects pay to remediate the roads?
And yes the Jefferson at 40 exit/on ramps are still clogged because of lane blocks that has been up there for multiple upon multiple months ridiculous
ty

Roads around the stadium will be re-done. the team already paid to replace the market bridge where the former highway ramps went under 

sc4mayor wrote: ↑

Jul 16, 2022

Sod is down on the first practice field:

Thanks for posting sc4mayor.   

Just kidding but I almost don't want to see another photo of the practice field until LHM is building something on their prime surface lots conveniently located soon to be 3 major pro sports teams, fair share of entertainment options, convergence of multiple means of travel connecting you to most everything you want to be connected to in St. Louis (light rail to two airports, buses, Amtrak, and yes freeways) and if not mistaken, literally a block or two away from future brickline and Chouteau greenway trails.   On top of it, the inner soccer fan can scream off his or her balcony at the players for dogging it during practice.  

LHM certainly has an opportunity to corner a nice piece of downtown tourism all to themselves. 

It'll be interesting to see whether their next significant investments come inside the building, under the shed, or on the lots. And it will be interesting to see when they decide to announce their next move. 

Some posters were talking about how Foundry could stand to have a small children's museum, ala Play Street in St. Charles, but what if Union Station beats them to it? A small train & river-themed children's museum might make a welcome addition to the aquarium, ferris wheel, restaurants, and other attractions. 

It's probably a dumb idea, but it'd be interesting to see if they would consider maintaining the water theme for the area and opening a new indoor water park with an attached hotel on a surface lot.  

It's always fun spending someone else's money, but... seriously, I think they have the potential to drive a ton of activity in downtown St. Louis. 

^I'm surprised we haven't heard anything about expansions, especially with the 2023 season rapidly approaching. The stadium should attract lots of people to downtown west.

I love the water park idea. St. Louis city needs a larger water park-like attraction. As long as they don't half @ss it. The lot to the west of Union Station/ south of Centene Stadium would be the perfect location. Hopefully we actually get development on a surface lot surrounding a stadium *cough* Busch Stadium *cough*

Are there any examples of an urban waterpark done before? If executed correctly, a water park could be really interesting in this context.

I can't think of any urban waterparks. Maybe that would add to the appeal for it. 

The Aquarium just sets up a water theme for the area. 

^I suppose that depends on what you mean by "water park." Are we talking amusement park style here, or would something simpler count? There's a long history of swimming and bathing features in parks around town, including amusement parks. Tower Grove has long had a wading pool. There was the waterfall fountain at Kiener Plaza. Used to always see kids splashing around in that when I was downtown in the summer. There are and were swimming pools in several city parks, and there used to be public bath houses as I understand it. (Maybe even for actual bathing.) There was a huge public indoor pool in a historic arena downtown and there was a fairly impressive multi-story one at the Highlands at one time. (No roof, but balconies overlooking it from all sides.) Most of our still extant recreational water features are getting a little long in the tooth, but there's some there. And there used to be quite a lot. (We have always had hot summers. And lots of water.)

All that said, I do think a good recreational water feature would do well here. Either public or private.

RockChalkSTL wrote: ↑

Jul 17, 2022

I can't think of any urban waterparks. Maybe that would add to the appeal for it. 

The Aquarium just sets up a water theme for the area. 

Aquaboulevard Paris: 




Thermal Baths in Budapest



Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia


Dino Beach, Shanghai



Any of these would be cool. Or a signature rollercoaster. But best of all would a signature tower with maybe a water feature/coaster. Coasters and this kind of thing would be great at Forest Park or Fairgrounds Park. We have so much green space where this would fit better.

East St. Louis skyline anyone? 

Streets Beach in Brisbane along the Brisbane river:

I think Downtown/ the riverfront desperately needs an attraction like this that is well maintained, secure, and family-friendly. I think that it would bring hundreds of thousands of people a year to wherever if built. We wouldn't be Chicago or Miami, but it would give city/ county residents a beach that's not an hour away and has the added bonus of walkability. I think a concept like this is the only way the north riverfront can be built up.

pattimagee wrote: ↑

Jul 18, 2022

I can't say enough about how much something like the above would be (imo) welcomed and celebrated in STL - my family alone would frequent that weekly. We already go to Maplewood for their walk-in pool for kids... if we could buy drinks and have a sand area for kids (investors take note), I would spend some good money on that an often... 

Completely agree.  We should embrace the family friendly aspect of St. Louis a huge draw and execute more projects like this to complement what we already have.

^ Getting off topic, I loved the proposals for reviving Chouteau Lake but I would have taken it further and added beaches and kayak rentals and ways to interact with the water beyond just looking at it. If the water were clean and clear, people would flock to the area and I could see small restaurants and patio areas lining the banks.

Relocate or remove the rail lines and flood out the area from Busch Stadium down to Enterprise Center and we have an instant attraction. But, alas, none of that will ever happen.

I feel like the city of Saint Louis should embrace becoming a great family city, the suburbs of Saint Louis already have that reputation among people. We should focus on being a great city for all people and families not just the next white gentrified hipster hub.

https://upperlimits.com/maryland-height ... agrABPvcl8

Team kicks out upper limits from its hq building

Really disappointing to hear.