Innovative redevelopment will bring new energy, connectivity and activity to downtown St. Louis.

Photos and renderings courtesy of Gateway Arch Park Foundation and The Cordish Companies

A once vibrant part of the St. Louis skyline will soon be resurrected from a long decay. Downtown St. Louis-based nonprofit Gateway Arch Park Foundation (“The Foundation”) recently announced that it has selected The Cordish Companies to redevelop the Millennium Hotel property, located at 200 S. 4th St. adjacent to the iconic St. Louis Gateway Arch. This milestone marks a major step toward revitalizing a key downtown site that has stood vacant since 2014.

“We are delivering on our promise to take swift action to bring vibrancy once again to this critical downtown location,” said Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “By selecting a developer before closing on this property, we are continuing momentum with purpose and dedication. The Cordish Companies is a world-class U.S. developer, and their vision will be transformative for this site, creating a stronger, more connected downtown St. Louis and uplifting our entire region.”

“Revitalizing this iconic site into a hub of activity is critical to the future of Downtown St. Louis. With its commitment to this project, Gateway Arch Park Foundation is once again proving how exceptional a civic organization they are,” said Dustin Allison, Interim CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “St. Louis is the best city in America, and this new project will help our ongoing efforts to once again have the safest, most vibrant, most beautiful, and best downtown in America.”

In November 2024, The Foundation issued a request for development proposals, just months after the nonprofit announced it was under contract to purchase the Millennium Hotel site. The Foundation reviewed submissions in January alongside partners from Greater St. Louis, Inc., St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), PGAV, and independent experts, evaluating each based on key criteria, including:

●consistency with local planning guidelines,

●feasibility of execution,

●highest benefit to the neighborhood and broader community, and

●alignment with the approved redevelopment plan for the site.

The RFP allowed for either adaptive reuse of the structures on the Millennium site, or demolition of the existing buildings. The Foundation received three qualified and complete responses to the RFP. All called for demolition of the existing Millennium structures.

Cordish’s development plan was exemplary in meeting the requirements and put forth a vision that will strengthen connections to downtown St. Louis’ most iconic landmarks—the Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, Busch Stadium, and Ballpark Village—by celebrating St. Louis’ rich natural history and cultural heritage through its design and amenities.

The nearly $670 million preliminary plan integrates 1.3 million square feet of residential, office, commercial, cultural, and public spaces to create a vibrant, multifunctional destination. Key proposed elements include upscale residential, Class A office space, public spaces, an amphitheater, a food hall, event space, a potential home for Gateway Arch National Park’s archives, enhanced streetscapes, pedestrian-friendly spaces, landscaping, and art installations.

Renderings

The Cordish Companies

For over a century, The Cordish Companies has created and managed an extraordinary portfolio of upscale mixed-use, entertainment and hospitality destinations throughout the United States. A fourth generation, family-owned company and one of the largest and most respected developers and operators worldwide, The Cordish Companies has been awarded an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence as a leader in transformative urban renewal projects in cities such as Baltimore’s renowned Inner Harbor; Philadelphia, PA; Charleston, SC; Arlington, TX; Kansas City, MO; and St. Louis, MO. In St. Louis, Cordish is partners with the St. Louis Cardinals on the highly successful Ballpark Village project, which has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown, driving growth and momentum that continues to benefit the city.

“The Cordish Companies is honored to have been selected by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation for this transformative project in downtown St. Louis,” said Blake Cordish, Principal of The Cordish Companies. “This development is a once-in-a-generation moment to reimagine and continue to reinvigorate downtown’s urban core. By linking new and existing assets to thriving corridors, this project will act as a catalyst for further revitalization, bringing more residents and visitors, attracting new businesses, and driving long-term growth and vitality for St. Louis and the region.”

“We are very excited about Cordish’s vision for this site and believe it will be a fantastic addition to the Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village neighborhood,” said Bill DeWitt III, President of the St. Louis Cardinals. "This redevelopment plan will transform the St. Louis skyline," said SLDC CEO and President Neal Richardson. "Working with Gateway Arch Park Foundation and The Cordish Companies

on this project will provide the rejuvenation St. Louis desperately needs to transition into a world-class city."

The redevelopment plan is scheduled for review during the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) Board Meeting at 3 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2025. McClure will make remarks on behalf of the Foundation. Mike LaMartina will represent the development team.

The Foundation is currently under contract to purchase the Millennium hotel site and will share updates on the closing timeline as they become available.

For the latest project details, visit archpark.org.

Gateway Arch Park Foundation Gateway Arch Park Foundation

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation Gateway Arch Park Foundation is the official philanthropic partner and conservancy for Gateway Arch National Park. Its mission is to ensure the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public spaces, and attractions are a vital, welcoming, well supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. It seeks to fulfill its mission by providing for ongoing conservation, preservation and education at the park, in addition to hosting, facilitating and promoting community programs that bring the park and its surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis to life. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association, and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit archpark.org. About The Cordish Companies The Cordish Companies’ origins date back to 1910 and encompass four generations of privately-held, family ownership. During the past ten decades, The Cordish Companies has grown into a global leader in Gaming; Commercial Real Estate; Entertainment Districts; Sports-Anchored Developments; Hotels; Residential Properties; Restaurants; Coworking Spaces; and Private Equity. One of the largest and most respected developers in the world, The Cordish Companies has been awarded an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for public-private developments that are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. The Cordish Companies has developed and operates highly acclaimed dining, entertainment and hospitality destinations throughout the United States, many falling under The Cordish Companies’ Live! Brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country. Welcoming over 60 million visitors per year, these developments are among the highest profile dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. Over the generations, The Cordish Companies has remained true to the family’s core values of quality, entrepreneurial spirit, long-term personal relationships, and integrity. As a testimony to the long-term vision of its family leadership, The Cordish Companies still owns and manages virtually every business it has created. For more information visit www.cordish.com or follow us on Twitter.