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“The Tower Grove Connector is a powerful example of what’s possible when government, business, and civic leaders come together with a shared vision for growth and progress”
Key Takeaways
- 1.8 miles of protected bicycle-pedestrian lanes will connect Tower Grove Park to Cortex, extending reach of the Brickline Greenway
- Tower Grove Connector demonstrates benefits of public-private partnership
- $18 million investment will drive economic development and growth
- Includes beautification measures and new public art project
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis’ elected officials and business, civic, and community leaders gathered today at the Missouri Botanical Garden to help kick off construction on the Tower Grove Connector, a new urban infrastructure project that will extend the reach and impact of the Brickline Greenway and drive economic growth along its path. The Tower Grove Connector is a 1.8-mile protected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure project that will connect Tower Grove Park with the Cortex Innovation Community.
“Great cities have great infrastructure that strengthens connection,” said St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, herself an avid bike rider. “This project builds connection across St. Louis and creates world-class infrastructure for all to use and enjoy.”
Led by the City and supported by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and other partners, Tower Grove Connector was developed in coordination with the Brickline Greenway and will expand the reach of the Brickline to connect with even more neighborhoods across St. Louis.
“This project connects neighborhoods and economic and cultural centers in a way that will help us compete with other regions across the country,” said Andy Taylor, Executive Chairman of Enterprise Mobility and Founding Chair of GSL. “This is a model for how St. Louis can lead and win.”
The Power of Public-Private Partnership
The Tower Grove Connector stems from a public-private partnership, with the majority of funding for the nearly $18 million project coming from federal construction grants through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, administered locally by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments. Additional funding for the Connector came from the City of St. Louis, GSL investors, and local businesses, foundations, and organizations.
“The Tower Grove Connector is a powerful example of what’s possible when government, business, and civic leaders come together with a shared vision for growth and progress,” said Penny Pennington, Managing Partner of Edward Jones, Co-Chair of the Brickline Greenway Campaign, and GSL Board Member. “We are united in our commitment to the Brickline Greenway and its potential to drive inclusive economic development and strengthen community connections across St. Louis. This is a transformative project—one that sets a national standard.”
The Tower Grove Connector
The Tower Grove Connector was informed by public engagement, reflecting the input of the community. In addition to the nearly two-mile stretch of protected lanes that will provide safe bicycle-pedestrian access from places people live to places people work and play, the project will:
- Make improvements to sidewalks and crosswalks
- Reconfigure the challenging intersection at Vandeventer and Tower Grove Avenue
- Institute traffic-calming measures
- Repave Tower Grove Avenue
Construction for Phase 1 – the 1.4-mile-long stretch that runs along Tower Grove Avenue and Vandeventer – is now underway and is expected to wrap up in summer 2026. Design of Phase 2 – the 0.4-mile-long stretch that runs along Sarah Street north from Vandeventer to Forest Park Avenue where it connects to the Brickline Greenway – is expected to be completed later this year with construction beginning in 2026.
Driving Economic Investment & National Attention
Urban infrastructure projects like the Brickline Greenway have helped draw development, economic investment, and even national attention to the communities that built them.
“Similar projects like the High Line in New York, the Atlanta Beltline, and the Cultural Trail in Indianapolis have brought economic development, investment, and national attention to those cities,” said T. Christopher Peoples, Director of Equity and Economic Impact for Great Rivers Greenway, which leads development of the Brickline Greenway. “I work with communities to ensure that the Brickline Greenway creates a ripple effect of thoughtful, sustainable support and opportunity to surrounding neighborhoods. We are already seeing it bring energy and momentum here to St. Louis, and the Tower Grove Connector will only strengthen that.”
Greater St. Louis, Inc. commissioned an economic impact study that examined the economic impact the Brickline Greenway will have on St. Louis. In short, the Brickline Greenway is projected to:
- Result in $462 million in gross economic output
- Increase property values for homeowners near the Greenway
- Improve transportation safety and increase transportation choices
- Drive local business spending, adding up to $82 million to the economy and supporting over 900 jobs per year
Public Art, Beautification Part of Project
This project will not only add safe, new bike-ped infrastructure to the City, but it will bring additional beautification efforts. As seen along other parts of the Brickline Greenway, streetscaping, trees, and other enhancements will bring added beautification and vibrancy throughout.
Additionally, Greater St. Louis, Inc. is funding a new public art project under the I-44 overpass to create a sense of welcome reflecting the unique character of the adjacent neighborhoods and to support the use of the Connector.
Note to media: you can download renderings of the Tower Grove Connector HERE.
Media Contacts:
Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | Tony@GreaterSTLinc.com
Kristen Otto | 314-503-2040 | Kristen@GreaterSTLinc.com