Constructing a Connector | Arch Project Makes an Impact | BJC Leader Announces Retirement
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Now Underway, Tower Grove Connector to Extend Impact of Brickline Greenway
St. Louis’ elected officials and business, civic, and community leaders gathered this week at the Missouri Botanical Garden — a member of the Greater St. Louis, Inc. Investor Council — to help kick off construction on the Tower Grove Connector, a new urban infrastructure project that will extend the reach and impact of the Brickline Greenway and drive economic growth along its path.
“This project connects neighborhoods and economic and cultural centers in a way that will help us compete with other regions across the country,” said Andy Taylor, Executive Chairman of Enterprise Mobility and Founding Chair of GSL. “This is a model for how St. Louis can lead and win.”
The Bottom Line: The Tower Grove Connector is a 1.8-mile protected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure project that will connect Tower Grove Park with the Cortex Innovation Community and ultimately, the Brickline Greenway. Its impact lies not just in its ability to physically connect neighborhoods and people, but in its capacity to bring St. Louis together and move us forward.
“The Tower Grove Connector is a powerful example of what’s possible when government, business, and civic leaders come together with a shared vision for growth and progress,” said Penny Pennington, Managing Partner of Edward Jones, Co-Chair of the Brickline Greenway Campaign, and GSL Board Member. “We are united in our commitment to the Brickline Greenway and its potential to drive inclusive economic development and strengthen community connections across St. Louis. This is a transformative project—one that sets a national standard.”
The CityArchRiver Project is proving to be one of the region’s most successful public-private investments in recent history. A new economic impact study commissioned by Gateway Arch Park Foundation — a member of GSL’s Investor Council — indicates that the recently renovated Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis Riverfront, and Kiener Plaza generated more than $486.4 million in economic impact for St. Louis City and County and more than $572.1 million throughout the St. Louis region in 2024.
The Bottom Line: The goal of the CityArchRiver Project was to connect the Gateway Arch to St. Louis, but its results indicate an event richer outcome. “The CityArchRiver Project was a monumental undertaking. But, even years after the Arch grounds’ reimagining, it’s an endeavor that continues to bring economic benefits to the St. Louis region through an enhanced, worldclass visitor experience,” said Ryan McClure, executive director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “These findings show that continued investment in Gateway Arch National Park and surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis, will keep paying dividends for the St. Louis region.”
BJC Health System has announced the retirement of CEO Rich Liekweg, a member of the GSL Board of Directors. Liekweg’s leadership, Interim CEO Dustin Allison said, has grown BJC into “one of the country’s leading health systems and one of the St. Louis region’s largest employers and biggest economic drivers.” (Greater St. Louis, Inc.)
Great Rivers Greenway Announces New Leader
GSL Investor Council Member Great Rivers Greenway has named its next CEO. Mark Perkins, currently the City Administrator of Creve Coeur, will succeed Susan Trautman, who will retire in July. Perkins will serve as the third leader of the public agency, taking the helm as it continues an upward growth trajectory. (Great Rivers Greenway)
Geospatial Industry Vet Mark Munsell to Lead GeoFutures
One of the national geospatial industry’s most respected and well-known leaders has signed on to guide St. Louis’ geospatial ecosystem into its next phase of growth. Former NGA executive Mark Munsell will serve as the new Project Lead for GeoFutures, the strategic initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc. working to advance St. Louis as the global center for geospatial technology. (Greater St. Louis, Inc.)
Olympic Legacy
Homegrown Olympic Champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee and American Figure Skating Gold Medalist Brian Boitano last week led hundreds of St. Louis area youth around the track at Washington University’s Francis Olympic Field, site of the 1904 Olympic Games, in observance of World Olympic & Paralympic Day. Organized by the St. Louis Sports Commission, the celebration is a St. Louis tradition. ▶️ St. Louis Sports Commission
This Week's Headlines
Ingram investing $50 million in St. Louis to enhance cargo handling (High Plains Journal)
For Jerome and Cathy Jenkins, North County is home—and a place to do business (St. Louis Magazine)
TinyHomeSTL teaches teens trades while building homes for St. Louis tornado victims (St. Louis Public Radio)
Getting Up to Kode
With roots in St. Louis, Karlie Kloss’ Kode With Klossy coding camps celebrate 10 years of working to close the gender equity gap in tech.
