ST. LOUIS – A long-vacant landmark in Downtown St. Louis is one step closer to a major transformation as a new developer steps in to revitalize the grounds of the Millennium Hotel.
The Gateway Arch Park Foundation has selected The Cordish Companies, a Baltimore-based firm, to lead the redevelopment. The initial $670 million plan includes demolishing the existing the hotel and transforming the site into a dynamic mixed-use development.
The Millennium Hotel has sat vacant for more than a decade. Originally opening in 1969, it was once the largest hotel in the City of St. Louis.
The hotel had 780 rooms, 19 suites, and a signature revolving restaurant at the top of the tall 28-story tower. However, years of declining conditions led to the property’s closure in January 2014.
New plans call for luxury residential spaces, public spaces, an amphitheater, a food hall, event space, a potential home for Gateway Arch National Park’s archives.
“We are delivering on our promise to take swift action to bring vibrancy once again to this critical downtown location,” said Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “By selecting a developer before closing on this property, we are continuing momentum with purpose and dedication. The Cordish Companies is a world-class U.S. developer, and their vision will be transformative for this site, creating a stronger, more connected downtown St. Louis and uplifting our entire region.”
‘As a result of a successful public-private partnership, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation stepping up for our community, and The Cordish Companies’ exciting plan, this property at the front door of our state will again be one that St. Louisans can be proud of, and which will contribute immensely to downtown,” said Mayor Jones. “This is what leadership and collaboration look like, and I want to thank everyone involved. I am thrilled that a trusted and successful developer like The Cordish Companies will bring this home.”
In November 2024, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation requested development proposals after securing a contract to purchase the Millennium Hotel site. Last month, it reviewed submissions from several local partners and independent experts to evaluate plans based on feasibility and community impact.
The RFP allowed for either adaptive reuse or demolition of the existing structures. Three qualified proposals were submitted, all opting for demolition.
Leaders sought a plan that either called for adaptive reuse or demolition of the vacant hotel. Many proposals recommended demolition.
Cordish’s plan stood out for its vision to enhance connection to St. Louis’ nearby landmarks, most notably the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium, while celebrating the city’s natural and cultural heritage.
“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.”
There is at least one formality that awaits before the plan can officially take effect. The $670M redevelopment plan is scheduled for review during the St. Louis Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) Board Meeting on Feb. 25.