Laclede’s Landing eager to welcome return of visitors

ST. LOUIS — The opening of the North Arch Grounds earlier this spring was a welcome milestone for the businesses and attractions in the adjacent nine-block historic Laclede’s Landing.

Now, as St. Louis natives and visitors return to the St. Louis riverfront to check out all the improvements to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, there is great anticipation that those same individuals will make time to rediscover the wealth of easy-to-access offerings right next door in St. Louis oldest district and only riverfront and dining destination.

With visitor traffic expected to grow from 2.3 million to 2.7 million once the remaining work on the Gateway Arch grounds is complete, the newly developed Purina Dog Park, eight restaurants, museums, entertainment venues and casino lining the cobblestoned streets of The Landing are eager to welcome them and help turn their visit to the Arch into an all-day experience.

Served by the Riverfront Trail and MetroLink, and offering the most convenient place to park for easy access to the Gateway Arch, the hope is that visitors will consider The Landing as home base for their visit and round out their “Journey to the Top” with stops at one of the great restaurants and other unique attractions just a few steps away.

“While the renovation of the Arch grounds was underway, we were making improvements of our own to help enhance the experience for our visitors,” noted John Clark, president of the Laclede’s Landing Community Improvement District. “Chief among those is completion of phase 1 to renovate and rebuild our infamous cobblestone streets to improve the surface for both pedestrians and automobiles.”

Originally surveyed by Pierre Laclede in 1763, many of the historic cobblestones have been reset to allow visitors to soak up the history with a smoother ride in a horse-drawn carriage, or even walk gracefully in high heels as they experience the vibrant nightlife, while being careful to preserve and enhance their historic appeal. Work on Second Street has already been completed, and the remaining cobblestones along First Street and adjoining sidewalk and streetscape will be completed in the coming years.

“Once a hub for manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping on the riverfront, The Landing is rich in St. Louis history dating back to the 1700s,” said Clark. “The preservation of the streets and architecture help to tell the great stories of our city’s past and create an inviting environment to experience all that The Landing has to offer today.”

Several longtime restaurants are still operating — The Old Spaghetti Factory, Last Call on the Landing, Morgan Street Brewery and various dining options at the nearby Lumiere Place casino. Plans are in the works for several new eateries that are expected to open in coming months.

“We are excited to reintroduce visitors to Laclede’s Landing and all that it has to offer,” said Clark. “With a rich history, numerous dining and entertainment options, and an accessible, safe downtown location, The Landing continues to shine as one of St. Louis’s best places to visit.”

Laclede’s Landing is downtown St. Louis’ oldest district and only riverfront entertainment/dining destination. To learn more visit www.lacledeslanding.com.

The Illinois Business Journal welcomes business, community and government releases of general interest. Send items to Editor Dennis Grubaugh, dgrubaugh@ibjonline.com