ST. LOUIS – Washington University has decided to no longer move forward with plans to build new baseball and softball fields off Big Ben Boulevard in Clayton.

After 18 months of negotiations, the Clayton Board of Alderman formally withdrew the zoning changes consideration during their meeting. The changes were necessary for the project to move forward.  

On Jan. 8, Wash-U’s decision was announced in a letter sent to the city, with Vice Chancellor JD Burton citing zoning restrictions as the primary reason for withdrawing the project.

The proposed athletic fields were part of a plan to consolidate the university’s sports facilities on the Concordia Seminary property.


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This included venues for intramural sports and events that could host up to 600 attendees. An earlier plan, which included seating for 5,000 spectators, was rejected by the city.

Critics voiced concerns about increased traffic, noise, tall buildings, bright lights and the continued expansion of the university into neighborhoods.

Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris expressed disappointment in these plans falling through, describing the project as one of the most extensive community outreach efforts the city had ever taken on.

Concordia Seminary, which owns the land and partnered with Washington University on the project, stated they support the university’s decision to withdraw the zoning request.

They do remain committed to future plans for the property.

Mayor Harris noted that Washington University could revisit the project with changes in the future, and at least one alderman expressed his skepticism over whether the university is truly walking away from the project.