GSL, Area Chambers of Commerce Discuss Regional Growth at Economic Outlook Breakfast, Saint Louis Zoo Offers a Glimpse at $50M Destination Discovery Experience, and more
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“Delivering the American Dream”: GSL, Area Chambers of Commerce Discuss Regional Growth at Economic Outlook Breakfast
More than 450 attendees from across the 15-county bi-state metro gathered this week to discuss the importance of working together as one unified metro to drive inclusive economic growth at the annual Economic Outlook Breakfast, a collaboration between Greater St. Louis, Inc. and regional chambers of commerce.
Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer and Head of Strategic Advocacy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, joined GSL CEO Jason Hall and Emcee Michelle Li, host of Today in St. Louis on KSDK-5 — a GSL Investor — for a discussion on current trends in the national economy and how the St. Louis metro is building economic momentum.
“I would suggest the work you’re doing in St. Louis, the work we’re doing at the U.S. Chamber, really is about delivering the American Dream,” said Bradley.
$232M Downtown West Development to Break Ground Next Year
A 12-acre mixed-use development is approved to break ground in Downtown West in 2025. The $232 million project spearheaded by AHM Group will redevelop two buildings and construct three new ones, including a 29-story mass timber high-rise, adding a mix of commercial, office, and residential space “to create a neighborhood that serves everyone.” Arch to Park Equity Fund, coordinated by GSL, made an investment that helped AHM Group acquire the property for the development.
“This project will bring density, vibrancy, and activation to the urban core of our metro and help connect existing and up-and-coming developments around it. It will be a great addition to Downtown West and we are happy to have helped AHM Group advance this plan,” said Dustin Allison, Chief Real Estate Investment Officer for GSL. “This is exactly the type of catalytic development we seek to invest in.”
AB In-Bev Invests $8M in Hometown Brewery’s Infrastructure
Over the last five years, Anheuser-Busch, an executive-level member of the GSL Chair’s Council, has invested $165 million in its St. Louis location. Now, it will invest another $8 million in capital infrastructure projects at the flagship facility. “Our continued investments in our St. Louis brewery benefit not only our local team, but also our hometown, which continues to be a core part of our identity after more than 165 years,” said CEO Brendan Whitworth.
Sneak Peek: Saint Louis Zoo Offers a Glimpse at $50M Destination Discovery
A new video released this week offers a look at the $51 million Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery experience at the Saint Louis Zoo, a GSL Chair’s Council member. The 2.8-acre project broke ground earlier this year and has a planned opening of 2026. Recognized globally for innovation and conservation, the Saint Louis Zoo announced earlier this year that its WildCare Park project under development in North St. Louis County will generate an estimated $660 million in economic impact over the next 10 years.
New York Times: David Hoffmann Wants to Bet Big on Local News
The New York Times had an eye on the St. Louis metro this week, profiling David Hoffmann’s interest in buying a controlling stake in Lee Enterprises, parent company of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, a GSL Chair’s Council member. The goal is to preserve community news, said the native of Washington, Missouri, a billionaire businessman whose Hoffmann Media Group already owns about 12 newspapers. “These local newspapers are really important to these communities. With the digital age and technology, it’s changing rapidly. But I think there’s room for both, and we’d like to be a part of that.”
Local coffee brand Kaldi’s this year celebrates its 30th anniversary with a new title — best coffee chain in the United States, according to the USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Awards. Founded as a neighborhood coffee shop near Forest Park, Kaldi’s now has 14 locations in the St. Louis area and four in Atlanta.
“Quality, Affordable Housing”: New Development Breaks Ground in Metro East
Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation broke ground on a new development this week, transforming once-blighted properties into low-income housing in Cahokia Heights, Illinois. “This partnership represents a pivotal moment for the area for improving the living standards of residents and the overall community,” said Vera Jones, Executive Director of St. Clair County Housing Authority, a partner in the project.
Born in Alton, Illinois, jazz legend Miles Davis is now venerated on a mural in his hometown, marking what would have been his 100th birthday. “Hosting this incredible work of art on my building makes me feel like I am part of the community, and will be another eye-catching reason for people to visit the Downtown Alton district before or after their drive on the Great River Road,” said Hiram Lewis, on whose Alton Main Street property the mural is displayed.
