Kiku Obata & Company

In an effort to revitalize downtown St. Louis, city officials identified four areas for regeneration. The first project implemented was the redevelopment of Washington Avenue, St. Louis’ historic garment district. We were commissioned to study the largely abandoned urban area and develop a design strategy to inform planning. Our recommendations led to the removal of angled parking, the widening of sidewalks and the creation of a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Leading the design in collaboration with Wallace Roberts & Todd (WRT), our responsibilities included overall concept development, streetscape design, architecture, lighting design and signage.

Washington Avenue features a unique mix of beautiful, late 19th and 20th century brick, stone and terracotta buildings that were in need of revitalization. We took a sensitive approach to contemporary design within this historic environment, establishing guidelines for new retail and the preservation of original buildings. With the help of these guidelines, developers have sensitively converted buildings into residential and commercial lofts with retail on the ground floor. The revitalized street has attracted $4.5 billion in investment and a new generation of loyal residents. It was named one of the Ten Great Streets in America by The American Planning Association in 2011.