Following up on a 2012 ULI St. Louis Technical Assistance Program, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and BLA this morning presented findings from the recently completed feasibility study for a possible new MetroLink station in the Cortex Innovation Community in Midtown St. Louis.

With all signs pointing to favorable ridership conditions, excellent potential for Transit Oriented Development, and initial station construction figures, CMT made a strong case for including a new station along the existing line at Cortex. Likewise, CMT called on ULI St. Louis to make a similar evaluation in 2012 through a TAP at the location – specifically addressing the idea of using a station to promote additional development in the area and to assist in the management of additional autos in the district (through parking consolidation and management). The ULI St. Louis TAP report can be found here.

Next steps announced today include:

• Finalize financing strategies
• Submit final plans to Metro and the FTA for approval
• Submit the project to East-West Gateway for adoption into its long-range plans
• Conduct environmental, design, and engineering studies
• Commence construction

While the idea of a station continues to draw attention, Cortex has recently issued a Developer Request for Proposals for the Silo Lofts Project at 4060 Forest Park Avenue and additional information can be found on Cortex’s website.