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Key Takeaways
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Program is a partnership between Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Development Corporation focused on attracting new businesses, increasing street-level vibrancy Downtown
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Businesses include cocktail lounges, beauty and skin care business, and restaurants
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Grants support pop-ups, new space buildouts, and outdoor expansions
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“We believe in Downtown St. Louis” – Ashley Morgan, Whip It Goods Skincare
ST. LOUIS – Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Development Corporation today announced the first group of businesses receiving grants through the Downtown Retail Incentive Program – a recently formed partnership between the two organizations focused on attracting new businesses and increasing street-level vibrancy in Downtown St. Louis.
“Downtown St. Louis is the cultural hub of our region, and locally owned businesses are the heart of that hub,” said Tishaura O. Jones, Mayor of the City of St. Louis. “Through this public-private partnership, we are investing in Downtown to make it safe, vibrant, and beautiful for all who live, work, or visit our wonderful city!”
Adding Vibrancy to Downtown
With exciting attractions, over 10,000 residents, new activations, new residential developments and restaurants, a thriving entertainment and sports scene, Downtown St. Louis is experiencing significant momentum right now.
“Our goal is to increase vibrancy and activity Downtown by attracting and growing businesses at street level, and there has been a very positive response so far,” said Kurt Weigle, Chief Downtown Officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc. “These new establishments and the additional businesses we hope to announce soon are the next step in our efforts to strengthen Downtown as the vibrant, dynamic, walkable neighborhood at the heart of the St. Louis metro.”
The first group of businesses receiving funding through the Downtown Retail Incentive Program include cocktail lounges, restaurants, and beauty and skin care businesses. All recipients are renovating or expanding street-level spaces Downtown.
“Existing businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy, so it’s exciting to see the first round of investments go toward supporting entrepreneurs who are committed to expanding their presence in Downtown by bringing new energy and amenities along Washington Avenue,” said Neal Richardson, President and CEO of SLDC.
The first group of Downtown Retail Incentive Program awardees are:
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Pour Decisions. This mobile cocktail provider is using a pop-up grant to establish their first brick-and-mortar location, The Passport, at 1321 Washington Avenue.
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Whip It Goods Skincare. A local skincare company that specializes in crafting high-quality, plant-based products will open a pop-up location at 1304 Washington Ave. that will introduce a first-of-its-kind retail concept to St. Louis, that combines traditional retail with experiential skincare workshops.
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Levels Nigerian Cuisine. Levels will use a grant from the “Inside Out” program to transform their outdoor storefront at 1405 Washington Ave into a more inviting and functional area, activating the streetscape and expanding their service capacity.
“We believe in Downtown St. Louis and are excited to be part of the retail momentum here,” said Ashley Morgan, owner of Whip It Goods Skincare. “From visitors looking for locally-made products to our St. Louis-based customers, we’re thrilled to not only sell our products in the heart of Downtown, but also to introduce our first-of-its-kind skincare workshops. This space will serve as both a retail and production hub, where customers can experience creating their own custom skincare products.”
GSL and SLDC partnered to provide over $350,000 for the incentives, which are aligned with recommendations made in Design Downtown STL, the community-informed plan that was adopted as the official neighborhood plan for Downtown neighborhood by the City of St. Louis.
Media Contacts
City of St. Louis: Conner Kerrigan | 314-857-8741 | KerriganC@StLouis-mo.gov
Greater St. Louis, Inc.: Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | Tony@GreaterSTLInc.com
St. Louis Development Corporation: Sara Freetly | 816-820-0916 | Sara@JustBeCandid.com