via Flickr/Paul Sableman
Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis
Downtown STL, Inc. and city of St. Louis leaders announced yesterday the next major phase in the redevelopment of Washington Avenue’s historic Garment District.
New York–based Martinez+Johnson Architecture and St. Louis–based design firm TAO + LEE will work together on revamping the St. Louis Garment District.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Kathleen Bibbins, executive director of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund, described how the newly chosen Martinez+Johnson Architecture’s plan stood out from the proposals received from groups across the country.
“[They] really understood the challenges and nuances of St. Louis," she said. "Their plan is a thoughtful blueprint that is not only highly creative, but also is doable and cost effective.”
Although Washington Avenue has seen an increase in businesses, restaurants, and residents, there is still a number of empty buildings the area is looking to develop, including vacant 1500 Washington Avenue. Perhaps one of the most anticipated projects in the works is The Last Hotel, which will inhabit the International Shoe Building. The shoe-themed hotel will feature a rooftop bar and pool as well as a restaurant.
“St. Louis is creative,” added Steven Stainbrook, lead consultant at Martinez+Johnson Architecture. “What we are going to try and do is make that more visible.” Stainbrook explained that they are reaching out to many stakeholders, including current Washington Avenue businesses. “We are not here to start over, we are here to continue the work.”
“We want the Garment District to be a place where creative thinkers want to be," he said. "Where people can make and do and think and share, and where all of those communities can come together and thrive."
Stainbrook noted the following three principles they believe are key to the success of the Garment District’s revitalization: enliven, diversify, and sustain. Stainbrook is working toward the goal of making the Garment District more inviting to everyone, including visitors, creative talent, and existing residents.
BJH Advisors LLC will partner with Martinez+Johnson to ensure the plans are economically viable and that there is a sustainable financial model in place to foster partnerships and promote policies that will enable the creative industries to thrive. BJH strategic advisor Steven Jacobs has also been involved with the Delmar Loop and Cortex Innovation Community.
“I certainly understand the St. Louis context,” said Jacobs, who also stressed the importance of obtaining stakeholder input from local businesses, residents, and policy makers.
Over $6 billion has been invested into the downtown area over the past two decades, said Otis Williams, director of the city's St. Louis Development Corporation. “Among other signature initiatives and investments, we see the rejuvenation of the historic Garment District to be a key towards the continued strengthening of downtown.”
