Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Louis
Gateway Mall
Master Plan
October 2007
City of St. Louis
Planning and Urban Design Agency Funded by Gateway Foundation
Introduction & Background
T H O M A S B A L S L E Y A S S O C I AT E S
ARCTURIS B L I S S C O L L A B O R A T I V E
6
St. Louis
St. Louis
Gateway
Gateway
MallMall
Master
Master
PlanPlan
Millennium Park, Chicago
I -7
0
Mis
siss
ppi i
Riv
er
The history and fortunes of St. Louis’ Gateway Mall
have run in parallel with those of the City itself. The
DOWNTOWN initial concept for the Mall emerged at the turn of
ST. LOUIS
I-64
I-64
the last century, when St. Louis was an international
Forest Park city and among the five most populous cities in
America. The Gateway Mall was envisioned as a
5
I-5 grand, Beaux-Arts inspired design by landscape
I-44
architect and planner George Kessler in the city’s
1907 Plan. That plan envisioned Market and
Chestnut Streets as large boulevards extending
to Grand Avenue with a generous green space
Tower Grove Park
separating them.
ontext
MALL
The Mall in the 1920s, looking west
Beginning in the 1950s, St. Louis entered a decades- In the past decade, the downtown has undergone Anticipating these changes, in 1999 the city
long period of decline, losing much of its economic a tremendous rebirth due to the confluence of created the Planning and Urban Design Agency
base and population. During this period, several separate yet interconnected efforts: thousands and the Downtown Development Action Plan which
plans for the Mall were proposed but not realized. of residents are moving downtown; retailing is identified a series of strategies for the revitalization
The blocks west of Tucker were cleared decades coming back to the streets; the new baseball of downtown St. Louis. These complex strategies,
before the buildings east of Tucker came down in stadium is open, and plans for a vibrant mixed use ranging from downtown loft conversions to
the early 1980s. From its inception to the present, neighborhood adjacent to it are progressing. The increased levels of street retailing, have been
the evolution of the Mall has been piecemeal, cumulative opportunities created by these events will largely realized, with only one portion remaining:
characterized by the incremental assemblage of land help unlock the exceptional potential of the Gateway the completion of the “Public City”. This has
and disconnected design moves. Mall. begun, and is now strengthened with the rebirth of
the Gateway Mall.
1980s proposal to build on the Mall
The Mall runs between Market and Chestnut Streets from the Old Court House (at Broadway) to St. Louis
Union Station at 21st Street. Roughly at its center, it widens to the north, encompassing a triangle of four
additional city blocks. Key civic buildings within the Mall are the Civil Courts and the War Memorial. Several
The Mall By Numbers smaller memorials and public art of varying size are also housed within the Mall. The Gateway One building
and its associated plaza occupy one of the blocks within the Mall axis, though it is not part of the public
Length: 1.2 miles open space. The Mall is bordered by some significant civic buildings, including City Hall, the Municipal
Width: 160 feet to 740 feet Courts, Kiel Opera House, as well as key private buildings including AT&T and Bank of America Plaza.
Park Area: 22 acres
Road Area: 29 acres A physical analysis and interviews held with numerous stakeholders have revealed a number of challenges
Parking Spaces: 1250 and opportunities which the Master Plan must address.
Existing Trees: N
.
Mall are wide and inhibit safe and convenient
lvd
Mar
rB
ket S
t. pedestrian access, and pedestrian circulation
kec
along and through the Mall is fragmented.
Tu
Parallel parking on all edges of the Mall creates a
I 64
physical and visual obstruction between the Mall
I 70
and the city. Nearby highways create physical
and visual barriers to adjacent neighborhoods
and to the Arch Grounds and the Mississippi
River.
Union
Station
Race for the
Cure
Monuments
Ribfest • Non-Destination: There are only limited uses
Taste of and activities to attract people to the Mall
St.Louis throughout the day, week and year. Annual
Cardinals events are well attended, however, indicating
Rallies that if you build it, they will come.
3.0
St. Louis Gateway Mall Master Plan 13
Opportunities
In spite of the illustrated challenges, the Mall offers
incredible opportunities:
Market St. is the region’s principal parade route, where thousands gather and celebrate
The urban-scale changes envisioned in the Plan are based on a set of structuring elements, described in
the following pages.
• Unifying the Mall: The Urban Hallway running set of sustainable strategies relating to storm architectural excellence and will provide necessary
along the entire south edge of the Gateway water runoff, renewable energy, and so forth, services and shade/shelter, becoming attractions
will use trees, benches, signage, lighting, will be followed. Additional detailed strategies in themselves.
and textures to establish a common identity are outlined later in this report and also in the
throughout the Mall. This element will be visible Appendices. • Gardens in the Mall: Ornamental gardens, with
from bordering streets, from within the Mall and a prevalence of native species, will be located
perhaps just as important, from the hundreds • Art and Culture in the Mall: Art and culture, in throughout the Mall. The Hallway’s amenity zone
of offices in flanking buildings, drawing office the form of sculpture and annexes to existing will contain gardens that form an edge in more
workers out into the space. This unity will be galleries and museums, will have a large presence passive rooms of the Mall. Showcase gardens will
strengthened by a limited number of street throughout the Mall. The Hallway will offer a be located in highly visible and active rooms such
closures, namely the portion of 17th Street linear venue where a progression of temporary as Kiener Plaza, the Terminus, the Urban Garden,
that traverses the Mall, and the frequent and or permanent art pieces or exhibits could be and the block south of the Library. Additionally,
potentially permanent closing of a portion of installed. Urban treehouses, multimedia follies gardens will contribute to the sustainability of the
Chestnut Street between 15th Street and Tucker and architectural remnants are some smaller Mall by improving water infiltration and detention.
Boulevard. repeating elements that could be introduced.
• Water in the Mall: Water in various forms, ranging
• A Sustainable Park: All reasonable efforts • Structures in the Mall: A series of structures, from channels to fountains to splash pads and
will be made to ensure that changes to the relatively small in scale, will be located throughout play areas, will be a common theme throughout
Mall respect the principles of sustainability. the Mall to provide culture, seating areas, food, the Mall.
Existing trees, particularly specimen trees, will drink, goods, and restrooms. These structures,
be retained wherever feasible, and a broader often in the form of pavilions or kiosks, will be of
Master Plan
5.0
Master Plan
5.0
Gardens Water Programming Activated Frontages
Master Plan
7', MIN. 5' 6' 10', MIN.
DOUBLE
SIDEWALK PARKING DRIVE DRIVE PARKING WALK PROGRAM SPACE WALK AMENITY WALK BIKE LANE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE PARKING
12' MIN.,VARIES 8' 11' 11' 8' 5' 10' 5' 10' 15' 6' 8' 3' 11' 11' 11' 11' 11' 8' 16', MIN.
5.0
CHESTNUT STREET MARKET STREET
38' TYPICAL 74' TYPICAL
Chestnut Street
Master Plan
Market Street
UNION STATION
KIEL OPERA HOUSE
5.0
civic
urban garden kiener plaza
room
MAIN LIBRARY
Tucker Blvd.
SOLDIERS
MEMORIAL
CIVIL
COURTS
GATEWAY ONE
to
arch
OLD COURT
HOUSE
Master Plan
Market Street
CITY HALL
5.0
St. Louis Gateway Mall Master Plan 27
Seating areas
Market St.
Master Plan
5.0
Master Plan
6’
5.0
Light wands
During parades and events, the entire length of Market Street will be converted to accommodate The Hallway will be the key element that binds
the Hallway could serve as a viewing area and the bike lane, and should have a small median to the Gateway into a cohesive space and will help
circulation corridor. The sidewalk also will allow physically separate bicycle and vehicular traffic. transform the Mall into a recognizable regional
ample room for strollers and joggers by providing destination. Its success will depend upon each block
a consistent surface for the length of the Mall. In most rooms, the amenity zone will contain in the Gateway forming a part of the Hallway. The
The paving pattern of the Hallway will continue additional hardscape areas with a cadence of first stage of the Hallway will be completed as part of
across the streets that bisect the Mall to further seat walls to allow for seating areas and flexible the Urban Garden.
tie together the individual rooms. Although there space in which concession stands can be located
will be consistency in elements and materials, the during events. In the more passive spaces such
layout of the amenity zone will vary slightly from as the Neighborhood Room, the amenity zone will
room to room to reflect the individual character be characterized by garden edges with striated
and program elements. plantings, seat walls, and shade structures.
A two direction bicycle path will run immediately Graphic pylons will extend along the Hallway to serve
south of the Hallway for the length of the Mall, a as sculptural markers at street intersections, also
move to strengthen the regional bicycle system containing necessary wayfinding and interpretive
by providing a safe, dedicated space through the information. The pylons will identify the park during
heart of the city. This will provide the park and its the day as well as in the evening with illuminated text
pedestrians with additional separation from the and glowing beacons.
vehicular traffic on Market Street. The curb lane of
Master Plan
5.0
Two direction bicycle path Seat walls and plantings Shade structure and light wands
Master Plan
5.0
The Hallway is the key element that will transform the Mall into a recognizable regional destination.
Master Plan
5.0
Interactive fountains that can be illuminated in the evenings Grass lawns provide variable seating areas
Master Plan
5.0
St. Louis Gateway Mall Master Plan 35
Master Plan
5.0
The Urban Garden, located on three blocks to the To the West of 11th Street, the raised podium and
west of Kiener Plaza, will be a welcome urban oasis, stairs of the Civil Courts Building will provide an
a reprive from the City’s hustle and bustle, providing overlook of the Urban Garden and will contain a
much needed amenities for downtown patrons. water garden of native grasses and forbs. The water
Double rows of trees to the north and south of the garden will serve a dual function as an aesthetic
garden, as well as generous plantings within it, will foreground and functional, sustainable bio-filtration
frame a number of shaded and sunny spaces for garden. The Hallway will continue through this block
lunchtime activities and afternoon and evening to provide Mall continuity through to the Civic Room.
escapes.
Between these blocks is the sculpture “Twain” by
The setting will take advantage of a change in Richard Sera. One of his earlier works, the City
topography to create a series of spaces for people is fortunate to have this often “misunderstood”
to sit and enjoy, also allowing views of exceptional sculpture. The piece is an important component
permanent sculpture and temporary art installations. of the emerging Urban Garden. Once the
Walkways through the garden will allow visitors to improvements to the two eastern blocks of the
view the sculpture from all angles and create a garden have been made, the space surrounding
variety of views and vistas of the sculptures and Twain should be considered to see how it can
gardens. Water will be prominent through the space, integrate into the redesigned blocks to the east and
providing white noise that contributes to the creation west.
of this urban oasis.
Master Plan
design.
5.0
Temporary and permanent scultpures set amid gardens
Master Plan
Visualization of Chestnut Street closure that will enhance the area and promote additional uses
5.0
St. Louis Gateway Mall Master Plan 39
Civic Room Details
The Mall’s water theme will be repeated with the The blocks to the east and west of the Soldier’s
presence of an interactive fountain on a dual axis Memorial will provide large, flexible open spaces. On
with the Soldier’s Memorial and the Chestnut Street the east and west edges of these blocks, sites will be
corridor. During large civic events or festivals, the allocated for open pavilions / stages or cultural and
fountain could be turned on in hot weather, or arts annexes of the city’s established institutions.
turned off and emptied to provide additional space The open lawn and stages will provide venues for
for events and vendors, or to allow traffic to use single or multiple concerts and performances.
the street. In the non-rush hour period, pneumatic
bollards similar to those in the vehicle paths at the The block containing the War Memorial has
Arch could then be lifted to block Chestnut St. from the potential to be transformed over time. The
all but emergency vehicles, and the fountain turned Memorial’s design discourages visitors and, in some
back on. ways, characterizes the state of the Mall presently:
underused and under maintained. Even Veterans
The block north of the Soldier’s Memorial and south Day ceremonies do not meaningfully engage the
of the Library will serve as a forecourt connecting structure, occurring on the street instead. Over time,
these important buildings. A pond will be set at the some thought should be focused on improving the
core of this block with gardens along the streets. setting for the monument.
Intimate shade structures and groves of trees will
provide outdoor reading rooms for library patrons. The southern half of the block fronting the Kiel Opera
To the east and west, shaded plazas will respond to House should contain a formal garden pattern that
the adjacent developments. Additionally, the Plan could be programmed with a reopened Opera House.
anticipates greater use of the block by children for The trees of the Hallway will be partly opened on the
activities programmed through the library, and may three southern blocks to create a stronger visual link
be an appropriate site for oversized and interactive with the important buildings to the south.
children’s games such as chess.
Master Plan
5.0
Interactive fountain can be turned on and off Stage and open lawn for large and small performances Chestnut Street closure with market stalls
Master Plan
5.0
St. Louis Gateway Mall Master Plan 41
Master Plan
5.0
Master Plan
5.0
Creative playground
Located at the northwest corner of this room, an frolic and visitors can view the water displays. The
urban dog run could activate the Chestnut Street shade pavilion to the south, which may contain
frontage and provide an amenity for the growing chess and checkers tables for visitors of all ages to
residential community of downtown St. Louis. Urban gather and socialize, will provide a respite to view the
dog runs can provide a low maintenance space for fountain.
dogs and their owners to socialize. It is envisioned
as being paved with colored concrete, containing A series of lawn mounds scattered among the
challenging obstacles and play features for dogs recreation areas will create distinct spaces,
with built in elements of varying heights. For dog topographic relief, play areas for children, and
owners, benches, shade structures, double lock opportunities for viewing.
gates, plastic bag dispensers, and dual use drinking
fountains will form a creatively designed space that A variety of children’s playgrounds will cater to
will provide a gathering space and social setting toddlers and older children. In addition to the more
for dogs and their owners. More importantly, this traditional playground equipment, a highly creative
space should ensure 16 hours of daily activity in the play area is proposed with artistic and wonderful
Mall throughout the year. Urban dog owners often structures similar to those at the City Museum.
rally for the creation of these spaces and provide
sustained support for their maintenance, creating Beach volleyball courts and a multi-purpose playfield
a proven ingredient in an urban park’s success. lawn will provide active recreation opportunities for
residents on weekends and evenings, as well as
An interactive fountain, shade tree grove and a lunch time and after work activities for downtown
shade pavilion with restrooms and a seasonal food workers. Beach volleyball facilities have proven
and beverage kiosk will be the core of activity for to be successful in encouraging workers to linger
the Neighborhood Room. The interactive fountain downtown longer and extend the park activity well
with synchronized jets will provide an active space into the warm season months.
adjacent to the playgrounds where children can
Master Plan
5.0
Master Plan
5.0
West view
Cahokia Mounds, Illinois Lawn covered earthwork as a terminus feature Iconic lighting installations Urban adventure sports park to the west of the icon
Master Plan
5.0
Wintertime ice skating Structures to provide food, drink, and rentals
Terminus Details
20TH ST.
Master Plan
5.0
St. Louis Gateway Mall Master Plan 49
50 St. Louis Gateway Mall Master Plan
6.0 Detail Design Elements
In addition to the guiding framework established by the Master Plan, direction is provided on more detailed
elements of design.
Green roof technology in Forest Park 1. A sustainable urban park, fiscally, socially and
economically, is a priority for the Master Plan.
This park should set the standard for other city
parks to follow.
and sidewalk lighting can provide an outline hours. These forms are unique and require a
or illuminated frame for the newly envisioned considered approach to lighting design. Tree
Gateway Mall. For this purpose, the fixture-forms canopies and trunk dimensions should be
as well as the lighting effects are important. taken into account when locating fixtures. To
6.0
Graphic Pylons and Shade Pavilions are shown as repetitive elements to mark corners (pylons)
and the Hallway edge (pavilions) in the master plan. Illuminated, they will continue their role of
orientation after dark. Lighting design for these structure-types will be specific to their form and
materials.
Additional Recommendations
Street and sidewalk Consider a unique, innovative street and pedestrian light pole family for Market, Chestnut
lighting and cross-streets in the Mall district
Building facades Initiate a program for historic and “blank façade” buildings (see Appendices)
6.0
Features such as trees can be punctuated with illumination Lighting of sculptures can add drama to the night Building facades can be activated with creative lighting
Gateway.
6.0
el
num
An event such as Race for the Cure increases the range of visitors The presence of people attracts people Events can generate a reliable income stream for the Mall
Implemenation
7.0
Revenue from kiosks helps fund operating costs Consistent maintenance and horticultural care will keep the Mall enjoyable for all users
Implemenation
weekdays and weekday evenings.
7.0
Park Rangers/Ambassadors act as eyes and ears