As Phase 2 at City Foundry is underway, speculation grows for what a City Foundry Phase 3 might look like.
In the span of two decades, St. Louis' Midtown has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, evolving from a landscape dotted with dilapidated structures to a hub of development and change. The neighborhood's resurgence is epitomized by the fervent embrace of adaptive reuse, breathing new life into once-neglected buildings. Since the turn of the 2000s, Midtown has not only witnessed a revitalization of its architectural arsenal, but has also experienced a significant influx of residents, reshaping the community and contributing to the area's vibrancy. At the heart of this revitalization lies City Foundry, a project that seamlessly blends adaptive reuse with much-anticipated new construction.
City Foundry
Exploring St. Louis' dynamic urban core, we uncover the transformative City Foundry project—a visionary $220 million, 15-acre initiative spearheaded by the Lawrence Group and CEO Steve Smith. Rooted in Smith's inspiration from successful mixed-use developments in Atlanta, City Foundry seeks to revitalize the former Century Electric Company, blending recreation and commerce in an industrial complex at the heart of Midtown St. Louis.
With its biophilic design, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and connection to the Brickline Greenway, City Foundry prioritizes social connections, aiming to become a vibrant destination in the city. As the project progresses in phase two, curiosity mounts about the potential developments in phase three, particularly examining the lots east of the existing Foundry footprint used for Fair St. Louis and the Vandeventer and Foundry Way site.
Phased Development
Shown above is a sketched footprint of the City Foundry Development in Midtown St. Louis. The completed phase one, which includes the popular Food Hall, is centered, while phases two and beyond are highlighted in orange. Phase Two, which includes a 14-story residential tower and mid-rise cross-laminated timber office building are under construction now. To the north, the Marshall, a 508-bed student housing development is also underway.
While the Lawrence Group has yet to make official announcements, the sketches below provide a visual glimpse into the exciting prospects of the City Foundry's ongoing evolution. The envisioned mix of residential, commercial, and educational spaces suggests a thoughtful integration that aligns with the project's overarching goal of revitalizing Midtown St. Louis and creating a vibrant, multifaceted destination for the community.
Originally slated for an office tower, the parking lot at Vandeventer and Foundry Way has the potential to redefine the cityscape. Considering the weakened demand for traditional office spaces, this may be an opportunity to shift toward residential developments or a hotel component. This adaptation aligns with broader trends observed in St. Louis and in other peer markets.
Shown below is an aerial concept sketch illustrating iterative housing designs, versatile event spaces, market space, and even the prospect of incorporating St. Louis University classroom spaces. The concept envisions a dynamic expansion beyond the completed phase one, using Clark Street as a central hallway to connect to the pedestrian-dedicated Foundry Way.
As the Foundry continues to redefine St. Louis's urban fabric, the community eagerly awaits the official plans and anticipates the seamless integration of City Foundry Phase 3 into the city. The mid-2020s promise a captivating chapter in St. Louis's evolution, where innovative development and community mobility take center stage.