On August 28, ULI St. Louis hosted the St. Louis Development–Developers Panel Discussion at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, where local and national developers shared their perspectives on breathing new life into Downtown. Panelists included Charles Goldman (Goldman Group), Bob O’Loughlin (Lodging Hospitality Management), Mike Sarimsakci (Alterra International), Alex Oliver (Oliver Properties), Mike LaMartina (Ballpark Village St. Louis / The Cordish Companies), and Brian Pratt (AHM Group). The discussion was moderated by Aaron Williams (Penn Services / 4theVille) with opening remarks from Christie Brinkman (ULI St. Louis Chair / McCarthy Building Company).

The conversation highlighted both opportunities and challenges facing St. Louis, from the importance of walkability and pedestrian safety to the need to amplify the city’s strengths rather than its negative narratives. As Bob O’Loughlin noted, “That’s really the exciting story of downtown…Billions of dollars of redevelopment, construction, entertainment districts and activation is happening in downtown today.” Panelists emphasized that revitalization won’t come from one project alone—it requires multiple strategies working in concert.

As part of its mission, ULI St. Louis continues to convene conversations like this to share best practices in real estate development and to foster collaboration that shapes a stronger, more vibrant region.

A huge thank you to Lodging Hospitality Management for sponsoring this important event.

More information on this event can be found here and here.