As Laclede's Landing sees major rehab projects completed and underway, this post looks at developing a vacant lot at Lucas and First Street.
Shown Above: A drawing of the St. Louis Riverfront infill project looking southeast to the Eads Bridge.
As Laclede's Landing undergoes transformative rehabilitation projects, this post focuses on the development potential of a vacant lot at Lucas and First Street. Positioned at the city's front door, a proposal for riverfront infill in the district envisions a mixed-use project. This includes three urban townhomes and a seven-story, 40-unit midrise offering breathtaking views of St. Louis' bridges, the Gateway Arch, and the Mississippi River. Integrating street-level vibrancy, retail spaces are strategically placed at key intersections, contributing to the Landing's commercial vitality.
To the left is a map sketch of the Laclede's Landing neighborhood. The site depicted is shown in red.
Laclede's Landing, situated on St. Louis' riverfront, holds remnants of a lost era marked by cast-iron architecture and the city's steamboat heyday. Most of this historic riverfront succumbed to a 1930s depression-era project, which razed some 33 blocks of riverfront real estate. This would later become the site for the Gateway Arch.
Once a lively nightlife hub, Laclede's Landing has transitioned into a residential district within Downtown St. Louis. However, numerous parking lots now occupy spaces where 19th-century buildings once stood, creating an opportunity for this proposed mixed-use infill development. By replacing parking lots with residential units, the project provides diverse housing options within a quarter mile of the St. Louis light rail transit network.
Shown Above: Aerial View of Laclede's Landing, Downtown, and the St. Louis Riverfront
Townhomes
The proposal introduces three urban townhomes strategically positioned to accommodate ideal daylighting, and maximize views of the Mississippi River and the Eads Bridge. These homes offer a blend of contemporary design contrasted against St. Louis' red brick warehouses and cast-iron buildings.
Each townhome is designed to provide spacious living and easy access to the neighborhood. The townhomes back up to Commercial Street, setting the stage for versatile accessory dwelling unit spaces. These adaptable spaces can house retail ventures, market stalls, art studios, pop-up exhibitions, or additional residential units, fostering a dynamic and engaging streetscape on Commercial Street.
Shown Above: Section Perspective of the Proposed Townhomes
Midrise
At the corner of First Street and Lucas Avenue, a seven-story residential mid-rise would offer a range of approximately 40 units. This mixed-use building integrates ground-floor retail spaces, contributing to the district's commercial vitality. The space that is at-grade is imagined to be a large restaurant and bar with a terrace that celebrates the riverfront.
The residential floors above would include a range of affordable efficiency, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Because this development is within a one-quarter mile radius of light rail and is walking distance to St. Louis' Central Business District, no vehicular parking is included in the midrise plan.
North Riverfront Opportunities
North of Laclede's Landing, opportunities for development are abound. Large warehouses that have sat vacant for years are ready for new ideas. Many of those buildings are clustered between the Mississippi River and Broadway. Listing information can be found here. The proposed development aligns with the spirit of adaptive reuse, blending old and new within a context of refurbished brick warehouses.
This part of St. Louis has the makings of a vibrant neighborhood. Additional plans and projects include ongoing rehabilitation work from Advantes Group and open space development by Great Rivers Greenway. That entity is working with other partners to ensure the riverfront remains an accessible urban space. Envisioned in a 2016 plan is a mix of public space, including urban beaches, barge swimming pools, pavilions, and natural amphitheaters, further connecting the community to the waterfront.
This proposal enhances the residential landscape of Downtown St. Louis and contributes to the ongoing revitalization of Laclede's Landing. The riverfront infill project is a testament to St. Louis's commitment to sustainable, accessible, and vibrant urban living.
Additional Laclede's Landing photography links: Laclede’s Landing – Richard Sprengeler
In my exploration and visualization process, finding a fast and iterative medium for drawing has been a challenge. Traditional computer modeling lacks the desired control, and hand drawing can be cumbersome for layering and presentation purposes. For these visualizations, I've opted for my tablet and digital pencil, offering the perfect tools for drawing. If you're like me, reluctant to let go of paper and find 3D modeling programs frustrating, start here!