Committee approves Gateway Foundation amendment to convert CityGarden terrace to visitor center

The St. Louis City Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee advanced Board Bill 131 on a unanimous vote to amend a cooperation agreement with the Gateway Foundation and allow the Terrace building in CityGarden to be repurposed as a visitor center.

Sponsor Auto woman Jamie Cox Antoine told the committee the building had been used primarily for restaurants but is now vacant; the change would expand permitted uses to include a visitor center, concession stand and gallery space available to artists and residents. "What we would like to do is to amend that cooperation agreement to expand the purpose of that use," she said.

Dr. Heather Sweeney, executive director of the Gateway Foundation, described the organization’s plan after being sworn for the record. She said the proposal would create a "community hub" that extends the CityGarden experience indoors, offers grab-and-go concessions for families and positions the space as an arts and culture destination for St. Louis. "We want this to be a community hub and a space in City Garden," Sweeney said.

Committee members expressed support during a short discussion. Alderman Aldridge asked to be added as a sponsor; several members noted the proposal could help activate downtown and make better use of a currently vacant building. With no public speakers signed up, the committee voted to advance the bill with a due-pass recommendation; the clerk recorded seven ayes.

The measure will move to the full board with the committee’s recommendation.