County gives design update on Elm Street streetscape; major paving likely in 2027

County representatives updated the Webster Groves commission on the Elm Street streetscape design on the commission’s agenda, saying the project is in final plan development and on track for a fall bid solicitation.

The update matters because construction will affect Elm Street businesses and pedestrians: county staff said property acquisitions are well underway and that the team plans to submit plans to MDOT as the first formal submittal, with a final submittal anticipated by June. "We are still in final plan development and ... doing our first submittal to MDOT to get approval to proceed," the county representative said.

Why it matters: staff told the commission that, while some contract work could begin in winter, asphalt paving requires warm weather and is therefore likely to be completed in 2027. "We probably won't get asphalt done this this year. It'll probably be ... into 2027," the county representative said. Commissioners pressed staff for a timetable for final drawings; staff acknowledged a misplaced light on the draft set and said corrected plans would be provided for the commission's final approval.

The update included operational and design details that will affect small businesses: benches at the southwest corner will not be reinstalled because they conflict with ADA clearances, but the county will make the removed benches available for salvage. Staff also discussed curb and walkway details and utility coordination. On access for specific storefronts, staff said they are negotiating property takes and working with utilities and hoped to resolve a few holdouts "very close to wrapping things up."

Commissioners raised multiple ADA and exemption questions about constrained storefronts (notably at 8715 Big Bend), asking whether the city will apply grandfathering or property‑specific exceptions when existing building fronts prevent meeting current ramping standards. City staff advised documenting prior approvals and treating exceptions on a property‑by‑property basis, saying the building commissioner would interpret code and sign off if an exception applies.

What’s next: staff said corrected final plans should be available soon after comments are addressed and that a final MDOT submittal is anticipated in June; the commission will receive the final drawings and must approve them before construction bidding proceeds. The county representative offered to set up a separate meeting on access questions with the commissioner and county contact Kevin.

Ending: No formal action was taken; the presentation concluded with staff agreeing to provide corrected plans for the commission’s review and to coordinate follow‑up meetings on building access and final submittals.