Event will spotlight new and existing attractions on The Landing as the St. Louis Riverfront prepares for the biggest crowds in years

Laclede’s Landing, downtown St. Louis’ oldest district and only riverfront entertainment/dining destination, is teaming up with Great Rivers Greenway to host an Open House featuring information from a variety of businesses and attractions that are investing nearly $20 million in transforming The Landing into a must-visit destination. The event will be held from 4 – 7 p.m., Wed., June 13, at VUE, one of the newest venues on Laclede’s Landing, located at 612 North 2nd Street. The amazing 5th floor special event space features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the newly renovated Gateway Arch grounds and the Mississippi River, providing those attending the Open House with a spectacular setting in which to learn about all the excitement brewing on The Landing. Free snacks courtesy of Great Rivers Greenway and drinks courtesy of the Landing.

With Laclede’s Landing soon welcoming its first-ever multifamily residential development, office spaces being dramatically transformed to suit today’s businesses, and more than half-a-dozen new restaurants, special event venues and attractions putting down roots on The Landing, the historic community is garnering attention as an up-and-coming live, work, play destination. Perched in the shadow of the Gateway Arch adjacent to the Mississippi River, it’s also the perfect base from which to experience the newly renovated Arch grounds, enjoy the return of Fair St. Louis to its original home under the Arch or take advantage of any of the great excursions and amenities along the riverfront, from the Gateway Arch Riverboats and helicopter tours to bike rentals or a stroll along the Mississippi Greenway.

“When we decided to co-host this Open House, we reached out to organizations that have projects planned or underway on The Landing and the many existing venues and attractions already open that are eager to welcome new neighbors and visitors,” said John Clark, president of the Laclede’s Landing Community Improvement District. “We’re thrilled that many of them are planning to participate so the public can have one easy spot to catch up on all the great things happening here on The Landing.”

Open House attendees will be able to visit with representatives from several organizations developing new residential, retail and office spaces on the Landing such as Advantes Group and Drury Development as well as new restaurants Kimchi Guys, Miss Java, and Mas Tequila Cantina. There will also be displays showcasing new event spaces along with representatives from some of the the establishments that have long called The Landing home, including Morgan Street Brewery, Last Call on the Landing, The Old Spaghetti Factory and others. Click here for the full list of participants.

Attendees can learn all about Great Rivers Greenway’s plans to develop The Katherine Ward Burg Garden, the first step in the organization’s long-term plan to redevelop the St. Louis Riverfront north of the Eads Bridge and Gateway Arch. Located along the Mississippi Greenway, this half-acre site featuring stepped terraces, curving seatwalls and an iconic trellis, will provide a place to enjoy views of the Mississippi River, passing trains and the Eads Bridge as part of a uniquely St. Louis experience. Situated adjacent to the Eads Bridge, this will be a wonderful, welcoming spot once people exit the MetroLink at the Laclede’s Landing stop.

This plaza design seeks to create a flexible and welcoming open space which attracts visitors north from the Arch grounds to explore Laclede’s Landing or welcomes people to the Arch grounds from the Landing. This new meeting place incorporates an iconic trellis, stepped terraces and curving seatwalls offering a comfortable spot for respite, a meeting place to start an adventure and a site that can be adapted for special events and programs. The gently sloped landscape allows for accessible ramp access from First Street down to Commercial Street, a way for all people to move down toward the river, eventually connecting to the future improvements along Commercial Street to other parks and developments to the north.

The Katherine Ward Burg Garden will go into construction in Fall 2018, made possible by a generous estate donation via Katherine W. Burg’s trust.

“Katherine (‘Kitten’) Burg always loved St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and the chance to connect with nature. Her legacy lives on in the form of this vibrant new space for visitors to enjoy forever,” said Kimball McMullin, trustee of the Katherine W. Burg Trust.

For those planning to head down to the riverfront this summer, the Open House will provide a great opportunity to experience the enhanced connectivity between The Landing and the Arch grounds, and to explore all the great options Laclede’s Landing offers to extend their visit to the Arch into a day full of fun and food.

“With the new Gateway Arch Museum opening, and Fair Saint Louis coming back to the Arch grounds, there’s no question that the St. Louis Riverfront will be a hot spot this summer and for years to come, and we’re excited to be continuing our investments there with our latest project on The Landing,” noted Susan Trautman, chief executive officer, Great Rivers Greenway, which recently rebuilt and raised Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and extended the Mississippi Greenway from the Biddle Street Trailhead south to Chouteau Avenue. “We encourage area residents to join us at the Open House and hope they will plan to take time to enjoy the evolving riverfront while they are here.”