Dawn Griffin February 26, 2025
St. Louis is in the midst of a transformation, and while some projects spark excitement, others raise eyebrows. Development in our city is always a balancing act—revitalization vs. gentrification, modern upgrades vs. historic preservation, big investments vs. community impact. As we continue into 2025, several new projects are reshaping neighborhoods, promising fresh energy, but also sparking plenty of discussion. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in the pipeline and what it could mean for the city.
The long-vacant Millennium Hotel, adjacent to the Gateway Arch, is set for a significant transformation. The Cordish Companies have unveiled a $670 million plan to redevelop the site into a vibrant, multifunctional destination encompassing 1.3 million square feet. The proposed development includes upscale residential units, Class A office spaces, public areas, an amphitheater, a food hall, event spaces, and a potential home for the Gateway Arch National Park’s archives. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the riverfront and enhance the downtown experience.
Powell Hall, the home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, is undergoing a major revitalization project. The expansion includes a 3,660-square-foot Education and Learning Center, a three-story lobby with overlooking terraces, enhanced backstage spaces for artists, and improved accessibility features. The project aims to preserve the historic essence of Powell Hall while creating a state-of-the-art center for community engagement and musical innovation. The revitalized Powell Hall is scheduled to open in 2025, coinciding with the building’s 100th anniversary.
Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, the America’s Center Convention Complex is undergoing a $256 million expansion and facelift. Phase One is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2024 with Phase Two coming online in 2025. The plans for AC Next Gen include a new 72,000 square foot exhibit hall, enhancement of the Washington Avenue entrance, more than twice the number of loading docks for access to the exhibit space, and other improvements to meet the needs of today’s events.
Lambert International Airport is set to consolidate its existing terminals into a single, modern facility. HOK has been selected to lead the design. The Federal Aviation Administration approved the master plan in 2023, and enabling projects totaling $650 million have been greenlit. The new terminal will streamline operations and enhance passenger experiences. Full design efforts currently underway.
A 30-story, $145 million apartment tower is set to rise at 4974 Lindell Blvd., across from Forest Park. Developed by Koplar Properties and Albion Residential, the Albion West End will feature 305 apartments, a 10,000-square-foot lobby, retail space, coworking areas, and 308 parking spots. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a rooftop deck with a sports lounge and stargazing room. Construction is slated to begin in the summer of 2025.
Versa Development, in partnership with Rothschild Development, plans to transform the historic Optimist International headquarters at 4494 Lindell Blvd. into a seven-story hotel named “The International.” The design by HOK will preserve the midcentury modern architecture of the original 1961 pavilion, blending contemporary aesthetics with historic elements.
Subtext, in partnership with Larson Capital Management, is developing LOCAL on Delmar. This will be a 259-unit residential community in University City’s Delmar Loop. Scheduled for completion in summer 2026, the five-story building will offer studio to three-bedroom apartments, including townhomes. Amenities feature over 7,000 square feet of street-level retail space, a work-from-home hub, wellness suite, fitness center, and a pool terrace with grilling stations and cabanas. An attached five-story garage will provide nearly 400 parking spaces.
As St. Louis continues to evolve, these projects will play a big role in shaping the city’s future. Some bring much-needed investment and excitement, while others leave us wondering about their long-term impact. Do these developments align with what you want to see in St. Louis? Are they filling real needs in our communities, or do they feel out of touch with what residents actually want? We’d love to hear your thoughts—what do you think about these projects, and what kind of development would you like to see more of in the city? Let us know in the comments!
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