Redevelopment of the Former 14th Street Mall Area

On Thursday, July 29 we celebrated the completion of the Crown Square redevelopment of the former 14th Street Pedestrian Mall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Grand Opening Street Festival.  Even if you missed the big day, you can still get a glimpse into the excitement of the occasion by clicking on the following link to view a short video from the big day:  Crown Square Celebration Video.

After 33 years as a pedestrian mall, the 2600 and 2700 blocks of N. 14th Street re-opened to vehicular traffic at the end of October, 2010.  We invite you to drive down the street and enjoy all of the sites of Crown Square.  Although the street is open for automobile traffic, pedestrian safety and convenience have been taken into consideration, with "bump-outs" at the intersections and at mid-block as traffic-calming devices.  With new street lights, benches, bike racks, trash cans, street trees and landscaping, you can enjoy a nice stroll or bike ride along the new sidewalks as you take in the views of the restored buildings lining the street and the views of the Gateway Arch and the downtown skyline down the street.

Re-creating the "town center" of the community with the historic rehab of 27 buildings into 80 historic loft, apartment and "live/work" units, and 34,000 square feet of commercial space on the former pedestrian mall and adjacent blocks, is Crown Square. The $35 million comprehensive revitalization includes the re-opening of 14th Street from Warren to St. Louis Avenue, re-connecting this local commercial district with the surrounding neighborhood. The development includes the installation of new street and pedestrian lighting, public green spaces and landscaping, and a "transit plaza" that facilitates ease of use and transfer of vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, and public bus transportation. The development has enhanced the "walkability" of the neighborhood and solidifies the goal of maintaining economic diversity in the community.

Construction started in mid-August of 2007, and work has been completed on all 27 of the buildings.  Thirteen "off-the-mall" buildings on Warren Street, Blair, Montgomery, St. Louis Avenue, and the 2700 and 2800 blocks of N. 14th Street were finished by spring of 2009, and nearly all of the apartments in these buildings are now occupied.  In November of 2009, tenants started moving into commercial spaces, as well.  Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, for instance, is now working out of the building at 2700 N. 14th Street; attorney Norah Ryan has moved her office from Clayton to 2708 N. 14th Street; and Ebony Wilson opened Therapy, a fashion boutique at 2717 N. 14th in October of 2010.  Collectively, these buildings provide a solid example of the quality and attention to historic detail that is embodied in the Crown Square development. The beginnings of a dramatic transformation are evident. The progress to date offers a good illustration of the impact that this large scale revitalization effort can have on the neighborhood.

Apartments and Commercial Spaces are READY for leasing! For information about the apartments at Crown Square, please contact the leasing agents at 314-588-7267. For information about leasing commercial space in Crown Square, please contact Duffe-Nuernberger Realty at 314-771-5335.  For general information about the whole project, contact our staff (info@onsl.org) at the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group.