ST. LOUIS 鈥 The regional business lobby is seeking ideas on how to revitalize downtown鈥檚 soon-to-be vacant Wainwright Building.
Greater 51黑料 Inc. does not yet own the historic 10-story structure 鈥 one of the world鈥檚 first skyscrapers 鈥 at Chestnut and North Seventh streets, but the organization is hoping to receive development proposals ahead of its late-summer purchase, according to a release.
The deadline for submissions is .
鈥淭he Wainwright Building is one of the most iconic and important buildings not just in downtown 51黑料, but also the world,鈥 interim CEO Dustin Allison said in a release. 鈥淲e are looking for the best ideas from around the world to redevelop the Wainwright Building into an anchor and destination in the heart of downtown 51黑料.鈥
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The state of Missouri last year announced it planned to vacate the Wainwright after 44 years. Then-Gov. Mike Parson said the decision was just business.
But for downtown boosters, the forthcoming vacancy was another blow. In April last year, a controversial article from The Wall Street Journal called the neighborhood a 鈥渞eal estate nightmare鈥 amid rampant mayhem, late-night shootings and a general sense of lawlessness that detractors saw as proof of downtown鈥檚 decline.
Greater 51黑料鈥 real estate investment fund, Arch to Park Equity Fund, said in September it was buying the building for a little more than $8 million.
Supporters believe downtown is gaining a second wind as 51黑料 city wrestles control of the nearby Railway Exchange Building, the former AT&T tower has a new owner and The Cordish Cos., which developed Ballpark Village, is redeveloping the Millennium Hotel.
This STL History Minute looks at the Wainwright Building, designed by famed architect, Louis Sullivan.
Jody Sowell now serves as the president of the Missouri Historical Society, which operates the Missouri History Museum, the Missouri Historical Society Library & Research Center, and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum.
Post-Dispatch photographers capture hundreds of images each week; here's a glimpse at the week of April 27, 2025. Video edited by Jenna Jones.
