An official groundbreaking ceremony was held this Tuesday (October 27, 2020) to kick off the $90 million, mixed-use Expo at Forest Park project.
Tegethoff Development, the private developer, plans to bring residential living and new retail to the Skinker-DeBaliviere area, located just north of Forest Park.
“Expo at Forest Park is a wonderful example of thoughtful, impactful investment that strengthens our communities and drives economic growth,” said St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson.
The new development will include 287 market-rate, luxury apartments and 30,000 SF of retail space, all within walking distance of the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Transit Center.
The transit-oriented development (TOD) will include garage parking for Metro Transit commuters and enhanced access to the St. Louis region’s MetroBus network and MetroLink light-rail system.
Development plans also call for an adaptive-reuse of the existing transit infrastructure and real estate at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Transit Center, including improving security, amenities and overall transit experience of MetroLink riders.
“The Metro Transit system has an important role as an economic engine for our region, not only through our services, but also as a resource that helps attract new investment into our communities,” said Taulby Roach, president and CEO of Bi-State Development.
Expo at Forest Park consists of two separate multifamily buildings – the south building is 284,500 SF and eight stories (one below grade) of apartments (184,700 SF) and amenity space, with 5,800 SF of retail and a 94,000-SF parking garage.
The north building is 172,600 SF and six stories (one below grade) of 94,000 SF of apartments and amenity space, with 24, 3000 SF of retail and a 54,300-SF parking garage.
“At Tegethoff Development, we create ‘Irreplaceable Buildings in Irreplaceable Locations.’ The opportunity to transform this intersection and the north entry to Forest Park fits perfectly into our continued commitment to bring world-class residential and mixed-use developments to St. Louis,” said Jeff Tegethoff, president of Tegethoff Development.
Brinkmann Constructors, a St. Louis-based general contractor, is handling the construction of the entire project, including updating public utilities in the surrounding area.
Brinkmann, along with architect Trivers & Associates, Bi-State Development and Tegethoff Development, has been working closely with neighborhood associations and city officials from the beginning of the planning process.
“Expo at Forest Park is an example of how strong partnerships can make communities even stronger,” said Bob Brinkmann, founder and CEO of Brinkmann Constructors.
“By coming together with like-minded organizations and working hard to build vibrant, livable spaces for residents with quick and easy access to public transportation, people are provided a better place to live, work and play,” Brinkmann said.
Other development Partners include Fireside Financial, City of St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, Missouri Historical Society and Forest Park Forever.
Expo at Forest Park is expected to be complete in late spring 2022.