This Week in the Region: Making Way for Downtown Revitalization, Growing Hispanic Chamber Offers Opportunity to Business Community, and More
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Making Way for Downtown Revitalization, Office Conversion Bills See MO Bipartisan Support
Bills that encourage the conversion of vacant unproductive office space into vibrant residential space are gaining bipartisan support in the Missouri legislature. Supported by Greater St. Louis, Inc., the bills are sponsored by Rep. Travis Wilson and Rep. Marty Joe Murray in the House and Sen. Steve Roberts in the Senate. If passed, they would not only catalyze the redevelopment of major vacant buildings in Downtown St. Louis but revitalize main streets and commercial corridors in communities throughout Missouri.
The Bottom Line: These bipartisan bills advance GSL’s efforts to revitalize our region’s urban core and foster investment in Downtown St. Louis — an STL 2030 Jobs Plan imperative.
“Game Changer:” Cordish Explores Plans for Millennium Hotel Site
Announced last week, plans for the redevelopment of the Millennium Hotel property in Downtown St. Louis include an amphitheater, retail and office space, a food hall, and more, development firm Cordish Companies said. “It will be a game changer, and that’s why we wanted to be a part of it,” said Zed Smith, COO of Cordish, which was tapped by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation for the project.
In partnership with the Advanced Pharmaceutical Innovation Center, a new research and development lab now open at the University of Missouri St. Louis will help strengthen the U.S. supply chain for pharmaceutical ingredients. “UMSL and APIIC share a vision to solidify St. Louis as a national hub for domestic (active pharmaceutical ingredients) development and production,” said Kristin Sobolik, Chancellor of UMSL, a GSL Chair’s Council member.
Growing Hispanic Chamber Offers Insight and Opportunity to Business Community
At 43 years old, the Hispanic Chamber of Metro St. Louis is still growing. The group now has 500 members and is working harder than ever to support the Hispanic and Latino business community, even launching a Hispanic Business Success program, which guides participating businesses to a revenue of $1 million. And it’s looking for ways to connect with the regional business community and help customers, employees, and suppliers engage with a growing population.
GSL’s Kost Wins ‘Economic Development 40 Under 40’ Award
Maggie Kost, Chief Business Attraction Officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc., has been announced as a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, a biennial honor recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry. Interim GSL CEO Dustin Allison called Kost’s work “pivotal to the resurgence we are building here.”
Maryville University, a GSL Executive-Level Investor and the third fastest growing university in the country, has named Daniel Shipp as its next president. He succeeds Mark Lombardi, who has served in the role for 18 years.
Join GSL and GSL Investors Schnuck Markets, Inc., Purina, Washington University, St. Louis County Library, and more the week of March 8 - 14 to celebrate 314 Day, a weeklong celebration of all the things that make our metro so special and so St. Louis. Whether your area code is 314, 636, 618, or 573, you're part of 314 Day. Add your event, celebration, or special deal to the calendar and show your pride in being STLMade.
The Bottom Line: 314 Day generates significant civic pride in the metro — last year, we saw a more than 100% increase in #314Day hashtag use — which helps bolster St. Louis’ reputation in the metro and beyond.
WashU’s ‘Business of Health’ Aims to Improve Well-Being
Washington University’s Olin School of Business has launched a new Business of Health initiative, designed to drive health impact by empowering the academics, executives, innovators, and investors across a variety of sectors who can improve the well-being of both individuals and communities.
Agtech firm Solis Agrisciences will expand its research services, thanks to Series A funding from Cultivation Capital, a GSL Chair’s Council member. The company’s offerings compliment and support the metro’s diverse agtech industry, called out in the STL 2030 Jobs Plan as a next-generation sector with significant growth potential.
Tipping Point: Main & Mill Drives Change in Festus
Festus Main Street in Jefferson County is thriving today with restaurants, retail stores, and coffee shops, thanks in part to the foresight of Barry and Denny Foster, the father-son duo who founded STLMade brewery Main & Mill. “We felt if we spent our time and money investing in the community and creating something a lot of places don’t have, that people would support it,” said Denny.
For 15 years, Randy and Jeff Vines at STL Stylehouse have promoted St. Louis and played a vital role in the city’s community fabric — including Cherokee Street’s eclectic identity.
April 26: Set in the heart of Downtown St. Louis, the Greater St. Louis Marathon race weekend will offer fresh courses, historic sights, and vibrant neighborhoods on Saturday, April 26. Now in its 25th year, the Marathon weekend brings together 10,000 participants from around the world and showcases the very best of St. Louis. Rally the Lou.
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Engage in Trade: International Women’s Day 2025: Inspiring Inclusion. Register here.
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Tours & Pours returns to Downtown St. Louis. See the sites.
