Drew Langenberg
FOCUS Marketing and Communications Director
The redesign of the Gateway Arch grounds, which felt so far away when it was first announced, just became much more tangible. We (the public ) got our first glimpse of what could be the archgrounds’ future this morning when the remaining five design finalists put their visions for the Arch on display. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must mention here that FOCUS is a consultant on the Weiss/Manfredi team but was not involved in the creation of concept plans.
The images of all of the concepts are refreshingly diverse and spectacular — walking paths that cross the river, gondolas over the river, underground museums, amphitheaters, ecology centers and so much more! The designs also all make the redesigned grounds look like bustling centers of activity.
The next step in the competition is a public hearing next
Thursday, August 26. The finalists will present their ideas to the eight-judge panel throughout the day. The public is not invited to actively participate in that discussion, but you can give your two cents to the judges before the discussion begins. You can make your voice heard in two different ways. First, you can go to
http://www.cityarchrivercompetition.org/, view the design images and click on the icon in the center of the home page to give your input. Second, see the design images in person at the arch or at one of several traveling exhibits over the course of the next week (
click here for the exhibit schedule). Each exhibit will have a paper feedback sheet for members of the public to fill out. Remember, you have to give your opinions before next
Monday, August 23 to be considered by the judges.
No matter which design is chosen, this is an exciting time for St. Louis, and not just downtown. The revitalized archgrounds will, hopefully, become a gathering place and icon for everyone in the St. Louis region, on both sides of the river.