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Moving Downtown Forward: 7th Street Project Continues Momentum
St. Louis leaders on Friday cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of construction on 7th Street between Ballpark Village and Washington Avenue. In doing so, they highlighted the public-private partnerships driving real change and momentum in Downtown St. Louis.
The project includes new, protected bicycle-pedestrian lanes, new trees and lighting, the repaving of 7th Street from Walnut to Washington, sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, and new traffic management upgrades, all of which provide a safe, well-lit, and more beautiful connection between two major Downtown anchors, Busch Stadium/Ballpark Village, and Washington Avenue/the America’s Center.
The Bottom Line: When Downtown St. Louis streets are active, they’re safer, more vibrant, and more welcoming. Explained Kurt Weigle, Chief Downtown Officer, Greater St. Louis, Inc.: “We know that truly revitalizing Downtown won’t happen overnight, but this project – when coupled with the establishment of the new Downtown Entertainment District, the Public Safety Ambassadors, the Millennium development, and new activations and events – are all proof points that we are well on our way.”
International Institute Continues Efforts to Increase St. Louis’ Population
The International Institute of St. Louis is adamant: it intends to keep working to grow the region. After significant shifts in federal funding and policies, the organization is pivoting, focusing not on bringing in immigrants from outside the U.S., but on inspiring citizens and green card holders — including Hispanic and Asian American populations — to look to St. Louis as a great place to call home.
The Bottom Line: Last year, U.S. Census data showed that the 15-county bi-state St. Louis metropolitan area recorded the highest percentage increase in foreign-born population among the 30 largest metro areas in the United States from 2022-2023. To continue that momentum, we must innovate in how we grow a declining population.
“We think it’s so important for all of St Louis,” said Karlos Ramirez, Vice President at the International Institute. “I don’t want people to get so bogged down on ‘it’s the International Institute, so we’re bringing immigrants.’ I want people to understand we’re trying to bring population to St. Louis.”
New Saint Louis University President Edward Feser understands the challenges facing higher education in 2025. And he understands the mutual bearing St. Louis and its’ namesake university — an executive-level GSL investor — have on one another’s success. But those challenges, he said, made the job all the more appealing: “I’ve always felt like the best time to lead is when the need is high.”
The Bottom Line: The growth of St. Louis is dependent upon leaders willing to face challenges and work together to meet common goals. Economic development, Feser said, relies on “particular action by leadership in a unified, collaborative way. Business, civic and educational leaders cannot succeed if they aren’t all at some level thinking about the success of a region as a whole.”
Dr. Dena McCaffrey, President of Jefferson College, a member of the GSL Investor Council, has been appointed to the Association of Community College Trustees Advisory Committee of Presidents, a distinguished national committee that provides guidance and leadership on issues impacting community colleges across the country. Advancing student success.
Downtown Summer Nights Expand to Saturdays
A GSL-hosted Downtown event series is expanding to Saturdays, with fan-favorite, St. Louis-based bands including Dr. Zhivegas and the Fabulous Motown Revue set to perform at the weekly events through August 30. Attend and activate Downtown.
At America’s Central Port, Students Build Their Futures
For the third consecutive summer, a grant from the Madison County Employment and Training Department gave a group of high school students access to an immersive trades workshop at America’s Central Port, hoping to inspire a new generation of trades professionals. Inspiring future success.
