ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – After more than a year of negotiations, Washington University has decided not to move forward with plans to build new baseball and softball fields off Big Bend Boulevard in Clayton.

The decision was announced in a letter sent to the city on January 8, with Vice Chancellor JD Burton citing zoning restrictions proposed by the city 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. 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, tall buildings, bright lights and the continued expansion of the university into neighborhoods.


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In an article from our partners at the Post Dispatch, 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 but remain committed to future plans for the property.

Clayton staff are recommending that the city’s Board of Aldermen formally withdraw the zoning consideration during their meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Mayor Harris noted that Washington University could revisit the project with changes in the future.