ST. LOUIS—The Gateway Arch Park Foundation on Wednesday announced the selection of The Cordish Companies to redevelop the former Millennium Hotel site in downtown St. Louis adjacent to the Arch grounds.

Cordish, the Baltimore-based real estate firm which developed Ballpark Village, looks to make the 4.2-acre site “shine on behalf of the front door of the city of St. Louis.”

“The connectivity of our great landmarks in downtown St. Louis are great… from Kiener Plaza to the Arch grounds, up through Ballpark Village and Busch Stadium. This site sits right in the middle of all of that,” said Mike LaMartina, Ballpark Village President and development spokesperson. “These are sites that draw millions of visitors every single year, whether St. Louisans, regional or international travelers… This is an opportunity that's very unique. We can create placemaking through residential assets… public common spaces and environmental enhancements.”

Cordish was one of three developers to submit bids. All created proposals that called for demolition of the former hotel, which has been vacant for a decade and an eyesore for city planners.

“This development is a once-in-a-generation moment to reimagine and continue to reinvigorate downtown’s urban core,” said Blake Cordish, Principal of The Cordish Companies. “By linking new and existing assets to thriving corridors, this project will act as a catalyst for further revitalization, bringing more residents and visitors, attracting new businesses, and driving long-term growth and vitality for St. Louis and the region.”

In its place, the parties announced plans for a project estimated to cost roughly $670 million that includes 1.3 million square feet of residential, office, commercial and public spaces featuring an amphitheater, a food court as well as a possible location for the Arch National Park archives. 

“This is a project that integrates a lot of mixed use aspects that are necessary…we acknowledged some baseline expectations of that, and we’re very excited to take that to the next level.” LaMartina said. “This is a true testament to public and private partnership. When we double down on efforts and lock arms together, we can make great things happen. This is the first step. It's a big step and we couldn't be more honored.”

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is under contract for the site but has not closed on the sale. But Ryan McClure, executive director of the foundation says he’s optimistic about the development. 

“Six months ago this site was not under local control,” McClure said. “The fact that we have a development partner chosen at this point, it’s frankly ahead of the game…There’s so much going on in St. Louis. I just hope, as a St. Louisan, that my fellow St. Louisans embrace this moment and feel the momentum.”

The project will go before the St. Louis Land Clearance for Redevelopment Board on Feb. 25.