2006: A Year of Progress for Ferguson Citywalk
FERGUSON, MO (December 20, 2006) – Business owners in the Ferguson Citywalk district are counting their blessings this holiday season, looking back on what has been a very prosperous year. In 2006, Citywalk made several leaps toward its goal of becoming a top arts and entertainment district, achieving the following milestones:
Nine new businesses: Citywalk welcomed nine new businesses this year, including GaGa’s Vintage Furniture, Quizno’s, 309 Antiques, El Palenque Mexican Restaurant, and the gourmet Italian bakery, Cose Dolci, which opened December 16. A new jewelry store and a comic book shop are expected to open soon.
New loft development: Local developer Joe Lonero recently finalized his purchase of 425 S. Florissant, a site with prime access to the new NorthPark redevelopment area. In February, Lonero will begin construction on an ambitious loft/retail/office project that will eventually include two buildings of up to four stories each.
Façade Renovations: Following the launch of Ferguson’s Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program in October, extensive façade renovations are currently underway at 299 and 305 S. Florissant. Property owners Neil and Mark Gellman will receive matching grants of up to $25,000 per project, with the intention of upgrading the buildings’ appearance and tenant mix. Façade renovations on several other district properties are set to begin in early 2007.
New art gallery: Renovations have begun at 27 S. Florissant, where UMSL’s fine arts faculty will soon enjoy more than 7,000 square feet of studio space. When completed in spring 2007, the building will also house the North Gallery, a community arts center and retail gallery operated by the Northern Arts Council.
UMSL lunch shuttle: In another creative partnership with UMSL, Citywalk launched a weekly lunch shuttle in October that provides faculty and students with a free ride to more than 20 restaurants. In 2007, the program will likely be expanded to nearby corporate campuses.
Award-winning farmers market: The Ferguson Farmers Market, open every Saturday from April to October in the heart of the Citywalk district, had a banner year in 2006, being named the Missouri Market of the Year. Drawing shoppers from every corner of the Bi-State area, the market has gained a reputation as one of the best in St. Louis.
Major infrastructure improvements: After years of preparation, the city of Ferguson recently finalized plans for the most comprehensive infrastructure upgrades the district has ever seen. In early 2007, Florissant Road and Suburban Avenue will receive more than $5 million in streetscape improvements, including new road surfaces, sidewalks, traffic lights, and landscaping.
“This was definitely a year to be proud of,” says Shannon Howard, executive director of the Citywalk district. “Maplewood and Belleville receive a tremendous amount of attention for their revitalization efforts, but we’ve been every bit as successful. More and more, people are starting to take notice of Ferguson, and I think we’re very close to seeing that critical mass we’ve been aiming for.”
The Citywalk district in historic downtown Ferguson is home to 160 diverse small businesses, including 25 restaurants. It also hosts some of St. Louis’ most talked-about special events and is within walking (or biking) distance to a number of charming vintage neighborhoods and the Ted Jones Bike Trail. For more information about Ferguson Citywalk, visit www.fergusoncitywalk.com.
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Contact: Shannon Howard
(314) 324-4298
fsbd@swbell.net
