The Cordish Companies’ $670 million redevelopment plan for the long-vacant Millennium Hotel site in St. Louis is moving forward. Here’s what you should know.
The Gateway Arch Park Foundation has chosen The Cordish Companies to redevelop the long-vacant Millennium Hotel site in downtown St. Louis, a long-sought milestone towards bringing the long-dormant property back to life. At 200 S. 4th St., next to the Gateway Arch, the property has been vacant since 2014.
Cordish set out its initial vision for the property, a $670 million mixed-use development that will raze the existing hotel towers and replace them with 1.3 million square feet of residential, office, commercial, and cultural space. The property sits between Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch National Park and one block east of Cordish’s Ballpark Village district.
A Transformative Vision for Downtown St. Louis
Ryan McClure, executive director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, underscored the speed of the project, noting that choosing a developer prior to officially taking possession of the property illustrates the foundation’s determination to move quickly. “Cordish brings a superior vision to this location that will make downtown St. Louis a more connected and vibrant place,” McClure said.
Greater St. Louis, Inc.‘s interim CEO, Dustin Allison, had similar thoughts, citing the importance of the redevelopment to the city’s future. “Converting this property into a lively center is important to the downtown success story. The foundation has once again shown leadership in putting St. Louis on the map as one of the nation’s most lively urban destinations,” Allison said.
McClure explained that the choice process, with guidance from St. Louis Development Corp., Greater St. Louis, Inc., and independent consultants, preferred proposals that were in conformity with the redevelopment goals of the site. “It had to be economically viable, interesting, and contribute to the city skyline while including public spaces. Cordish’s proposal checked all the boxes,” he added.
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Project Highlights and Future Impact
Cordish’s initial plans feature a mix of Class A office space, high-end residential units, an amphitheater, public gathering spaces, food hall, and event space. The Gateway Arch National Park archives may also be included in the development.
Blake Cordish, managing principal with The Cordish Companies, characterized the project as a stimulus to further investment. “By making strong linkages between current and new development, this project will attract more visitors, businesses, and residents to St. Louis, creating long-term prosperity for the city,” he said.
Project details include over 200,000 square feet of office and over 600,000 square feet of residential use. Those figures can be further refined as planning proceeds. Cordish has already begun negotiations with prospective office tenants.
“This type of project takes strategic partnerships, and we know that companies are willing to invest in St. Louis in a significant way,” said Cordish executive Nick LaMartina. He also indicated the company is exploring ways to more directly connect the site to surrounding areas, including Ballpark Village and the Arch grounds.
One long-term possibility is bridging the gap over Interstate 44 to enhance pedestrian access between the site and the Arch grounds, similar to past improvements made to the park. “While it’s not part of the initial plan, we’re considering it as a future addition,” McClure noted.
The redevelopment plan is to be considered on February at the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) Board Meeting. Additional details on the project timeline will be given when they become available. The project is currently in the pre-construction phase, with necessary approvals and agreements pending before construction can commence.
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Millennium Hotel Site Redevelopment Factsheet
Location: 200 S. 4th Street, St. Louis, MO
Adjacent to Gateway Arch National Park
One block east of Ballpark Village
Between Busch Stadium and Gateway Arch
Developer: The Cordish Companies
Selected by: Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Project Scope: $670 million mixed-use development
Total Area: 1.3 million square feet
Office Space: 250,000+ sq ft (Class A)
Residential Space: 600,000+ sq ft
Additional Features: Amphitheater, food hall, event spaces, public gathering areas
Potential inclusion of Gateway Arch National Park archives
Millennium Hotel Site Redevelopment: Key Features:
The proposed redevelopment plan includes demolishing the existing hotel structures and constructing a 1.3 million square foot mixed-use complex. Key components of the project are:
A 41-story residential tower with 585 apartments.
A 10-story, Class A office building with 250,000 square feet of space.
A 35,000 square foot food hall and winter garden.
An amphitheater and public plaza.
A 1,000-space parking garage
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Project Goals:
Enhance downtown St. Louis vitality
Create stronger connections between city landmarks
Attract new businesses, residents, and visitors
Contribute to city skyline
Provide public spaces
Current Status:
Property vacant since 2014
Developer selected ahead of property acquisition
Initial tenant negotiations underway
LCRA Board review scheduled for February 25, 2025
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