A year ago, nextSTL covered the beginning of another effort to reinvigorate Soulard Market. The story started this way, “A decade ago Soulard Market was described as “falling into disrepair”, “dirty, drab, dark”. Sales were reportedly slipping and people complained that the open-air market was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. In stepped the Danforth Foundation, forming Soulard Restoration, Inc. to develop a rejuvenation plan for the market. A board was formed and a plan hatched. Problem was, the vendors themselves roundly rejected proposed changes and the plan wilted faster than the greens on the floor of stall 38 in early August.” Now, a new survey gathering input from various constituents including visitors, neighbors, and vendors has led to a new master plan.
It remains true that if we wish to improve Soulard Market, the focus should be on the market’s surroundings. Seventh Street, what should be Main Street Soulard, is uninviting to be charitable. The best part, in theory, is that projects east of 7th aren’t constricted by Soulard’s historic standards. Innovative, dense development can occur here. Of course, so can strip malls and stand-alone Starbucks. For better or worse, the City of St. Louis owns Soulard Market and could push better surrounding development via zoning and development incentives. This survey focused solely on the market itself, and in this regard, has produced many worthwhile suggested updates that would greatly improve the visitor’s experience. Take a look and let us know what you think in the comments.
{a view of Soulard Market today}
{rendering of the proposed east entrance to Soulard Market}
{a view of Cincinnati’s Findlay Market}
{rendering of the proposed north side of Soulard Market with new doors and trash collection}
{rendering of Soulard Market with new exterior vendor doors and refurbished interior}
{parking at Soulard Market}
{possible alterations to crosswalks and Soulard Market park}
Master Plan for Soulard Market and Park – St. Louis, MO
