CORTEX Enters Phase II: RFP Explores MetroLink Options, TOD, Sustainable Development Plan

CORTEX, the 240 acre behemoth of a redevelopment zone that occupies a wide swath of land at the heart of the City of St. Louis, may have been quiet over the past several years, but extensive planning continues. The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for transit-oriented development consulting services. That may sound rather bland, but the result may be very significant.

Under consideration are a number of significant developments, including the construction of a 200,000 sq. ft. office building and the renovation of a 198,000 sq. ft. historic building, development of 2.2 acres for "park-like" area with open green space and bike lanes. A new intermodal transportation center, including a new MetroLink stop at Boyle Avenue, new intermodal car/bus/light rail parking garage with ground level retail and a new bus loop service. Moving the existing Central West End MetroLink station located between Euclid and Taylor to Kingshighway will also be considered, as will "a new east-west elevated people mover" running between Boyle and Euclid.