Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) recently hosted a virtual “Talking Transit” event to take an in-depth look at the results of a study completed by the ULI St. Louis Technical Assistance Panel (TAP), which brought together the finest experts in the fields of real estate, planning and development to address possible development opportunities around the Grand MetroLink Station.

The panel featured Justin Carney, principal of Development Strategies; Brooks Goedeker, Executive Director of St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation; Toyin Oduwole, broker/owner of St. Louis Realty Partners; Bonnie Roy, principal of SWT Design; and Will Smith, director of asset management and investments at New + Found. It was led by Chris Beard, director of traffic engineering and planning for the Lochmueller Group.

Attendees were first briefed on the abundance of redevelopment efforts underway in the Midtown area, including a new Fresh Thyme Marketplace; City Foundry STL, which features a Food Hall, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and more; an Elements by Westin hotel; The Armory District, featuring the REC HALL drinks and recreation venue; and a number of mixed-use development spaces that consist of apartments, lofts, restaurants and other businesses. From there, the discussion transitioned into the importance of establishing an identity of connectivity in Midtown through a “Community Mobility Hub,” promoting multi-model transportation options centered around the Grand MetroLink Station – which offers access to MetroLink, MetroBus, I-64, and the Brickline Greenway and boasts walkability features. This hub would position Grand Avenue as the primary north-south linkage for all modes.