The redevelopment of the Washington Avenue Loft District will demonstrate both the strength of the residential market of Downtown and the ability to convert older structures to modern uses. Immediately surrounding the district are the sites for the new convention headquarters hotel and garage, America's Center, St. Louis Centre, and Southwestern Bell's headquarters. The Old Post Office is the local landmark in the Central Business District around which revitalization will focus, turning it into a mixed use, vibrant District that supports students, office workers, and residents. The condition of the buildings and other infrastructure in the District at this time is deplorable. Several large facades are deteriorating rapidly due to deferred maintenance, thus creating an unsightly and uninviting atmosphere for pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
Retail storefronts stand vacant, with more establishments closing each month.
Pedestrian amenities are few and poorly marked. Laclede's Landing is already successful thanks to long-term planning, consistent leadership, and an incremental development strategy championed by the Laclede's Landing Redevelopment Corporation. This action plan seeks to build on that success and extend the District northward to include existing industrial and vacant property. Key development activities will include rehabbing historic buildings for loft, office and retail uses, expanding the District's entertainment facilities, creating new construction residential units and providing support services for residents and workers. The District will create new options for potential Downtown residential living.