Revitalization Project: St. Louis Nonprofit Acquires Vacant Millennium Hotel for Redevelopment
ST. LOUIS – The Millennium Hotel, a once-iconic structure in downtown St. Louis, is set to receive new life as a local non-profit organization, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, has announced its acquisition of the property. This move comes after years of the hotel sitting vacant off South 4th Street since its closure in 2014.
Originally opened in 1969, the Millennium Hotel was at one point the largest hotel in St. Louis, boasting 780 rooms, 19 suites, and a renowned revolving restaurant at the top of its 28-story tower. However, over time, the property fell into disrepair, leading to its closure in January 2014.
The impending acquisition of the Millennium Hotel by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation marks a significant step towards revitalizing this historic building. Mayor Tishaura Jones had previously called for bold action regarding the future of the Millennium, and now the foundation is stepping up to breathe new life into the property.
Redevelopment Plans and Partnerships
The Gateway Arch Park Foundation will collaborate with the St. Louis Development Corporation, the city of St. Louis, and Greater St. Louis Inc. to develop a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the Millennium Hotel. This partnership aims to leverage the foundation’s success in transforming the Gateway Arch National Park, the Riverfront, and Keiner Plaza to revitalize the downtown area.
In a statement, Ryan McClure, the executive director of the foundation, expressed optimism about the future of the Millennium site, highlighting its potential to enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike. He emphasized the foundation’s mission to create a vibrant, accessible, and memorable environment that connects Gateway Arch National Park with downtown St. Louis.
The redevelopment of the Millennium Hotel is seen as a crucial component in building on the current momentum in downtown St. Louis. The foundation views this project as an opportunity to further integrate the Gateway Arch National Park and its surroundings with the rest of the downtown area, creating a cohesive and engaging urban landscape.
Future Prospects and Community Impact
The acquisition of the Millennium Hotel by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation signals a significant investment in the revitalization of downtown St. Louis. By repurposing this vacant landmark, the foundation aims to contribute to the economic growth and cultural vitality of the area, attracting both local residents and tourists to experience the city’s rich history and modern amenities.
The redevelopment of the Millennium Hotel is expected to generate new opportunities for job creation, tourism, and community engagement. As a key player in the ongoing transformation of downtown St. Louis, the foundation is committed to ensuring that the project aligns with the needs and aspirations of the local community, fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents.
In addition to the Millennium Hotel, the future of the Railway Exchange Building, a historic structure in downtown St. Louis, is also under scrutiny. Greater St. Louis Inc. and the St. Louis Development Corporation have made an offer to purchase the building from its current owners, Hudson Holdings in Florida.
Friday marks the deadline for Hudson Holdings to accept the offer, or the city may resort to using eminent domain to take control of the Railway Exchange Building. Once home to Famous-Barr and later Macy’s, the building has remained vacant for years, facing challenges such as break-ins and theft. Efforts to revitalize this historic property are underway, with the potential to further enhance the cultural and economic landscape of downtown St. Louis.
As St. Louis continues to evolve and adapt to changing urban dynamics, the acquisition and redevelopment of iconic landmarks like the Millennium Hotel and the Railway Exchange Building reflect a commitment to preserving the city’s heritage while embracing innovation and progress. The collaboration between the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, city officials, and community partners underscores a shared vision for a vibrant and inclusive downtown that celebrates its past and looks towards a promising future.