Landscape Architect Articles

NPS Has Plans for Gateway to the West10-28-08 | News

NPS Has Plans for Gateway to the West

The 630-foot tall catenary-curving stainless steel St. Louis Gateway Arch, designed by architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965, flanks the Mississippi River and is the tallest U.S. monument. The National Park Service is considering a design competition to revitalize the grounds, designed by landscape architect Dan Kiley. The site is a National Historic Landmark.

St. Louis Gateway Arch is Missouri?EUR??,,????'?????<

The National Park Service (NPS) wants to revitalize and add some amenities to the grounds to attract more people to the waterfront site. (Curious fact: Missouri and Tennessee border more states (eight) than any other state in the union.)

NPS has begun a general management plan (GMP) to allow public input on the ?EUR??,,????'?????<

An overlook on the other side of the Mississippi from the Arch at Malcolm Martin Memorial Park.
Barrier-free routes between the Arch grounds and the Mississippi riverfront.
Streetscape/riverscaping
Connective improvements via pedestrian bridges
Rerouting of Memorial Drive and creation of community plazas.

A common idea expressed at recent public hearings on improving the Arch grounds is for improved pedestrian walkways and a more welcoming entrance.

A design competition may ensue if funding is available.

The National Parks Conservation Association urges NPS to strike a balance between improving services/access and preserving the site?EUR??,,????'?????<

The Danforth Foundation, a private foundation that works to revitalize the St. Louis region, supports the addition of a ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Such an attraction is unlikely, given the NPS?EUR??,,????'?????<

The National Parks Conservation Association believes the site can be enhanced and respect the landscape, particularly if a new attraction is situated at the north or south edge of the site.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/jeff