weiss-manfredi arch proposal - full narrative

8/9/2019 Weiss-Manfredi Arch Proposal - Full Narrative

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FULL CIRCLEFRAMING A MODERN MASTERPIECE

WEISS MANFREDI TEAM


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We are pleased to submit our summary report for Full Circle, our

design for the Framing a Modern Masterpiece Competition. The

content of this report re ects the efforts of the full

Weiss/Manfredi Team. Our design approach is committed to a

strategy that re ects the dynamic integration of architecture,

art, infrastructure, and landscape design. Just as the Arch

de ned a forward-looking moment for the City of St. Louis half

a century ago, our design demonstrates that a forward-looking

design, rooted in sustainable principles, can enhance the legacy

established of the Arch and the Memorial Grounds.

Full Circle establishes a renewed identity for the Arch, thecities of St. Louis and East St. Louis, and most importantly,

the Mississippi River, where cultural, recreational, ecological,

industrial and artistic activities are free to overlap and intersect.

Urban life, and nature are reciprocal conditions that together

can transform this extraordinary setting into a new cultural and

ecological paradigm. Landmark and landscape, city and water,

infrastructure and ecology, destination and retreat: the essence

and potential of this national park resides in celebrating these

multiple histories, identities and ecologies.

Our design is conceived as a continuous and continually

changing loop: pathways, new cultural and educational

programs, a series of landscapes and landforms, create

connections where separations have existed. Our design

transforms two isolated territories into one park and restores

the central identity of the river. Full Circle recovers and renews

narratives of culture, ecology, transportation, and t rade, de ning

the starting point of a larger journey and a national destination.

The reframed Gateway Arch will be the center of a new National

Park of the Mississippi River, a vision of sustainable urban

ecology, and a cultural center for our nation.

The team has made multiple visits to St. Louis. During these

visits and consultations with local St. Louis residents and

experts on the Arch, St. Louis, and the Mississippi, our passion

and interest in this extraordinary opportunity has grown

exponentially. We remain fully committed to realizing a new

vision for this dynamic territory. Our team would be deeply

honored to continue this journey of design and collaboration with

the full client team, to expand this dream, and to celebrate its

realization in 2015.

Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi


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FULL CIRCLE


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F U L L C I R C L E

2 0 1 5 A N D B E Y O N D

A P P R O A C H TO T E C H N I C A L I S S U E S

D E S I G N T E A M

F U L L C I R C L E B O A R D S

A D D I T I O N A L I N F O R M AT I O N

TABLE OF CONTENTS


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FULL CIRCLE

Visible for miles, the Gateway Arch is recognized and celebrated

around the world for its engineering and sculptural elegance.

Like the pyramids at Giza, the Taj Mahal, and the Washington

Monument, the Arch is timeless, compelling, and provocative.

How can new design preserve, enhance, and extend the identity

of this international icon?

The Gateway Arch is isolated, separated from the city and river

by criss-crossing roadways, highways, bridges, rail lines, and

barge traf c. The site suggests a history of transportation in the

region that has facilitated the ow of commerce and industry, yet

destroyed cultural landmarks, interrupted the regions ecology,and formed barriers within communities. The limestone bluffs of

the rivers edge were destructed to create the levee; the Native

American mounds of Mound City were destroyed and used for ll

in the construction of the railroads; and the regions plains, forests,

wetlands, and communities were sliced apart by new roadways

and highways. Full Circle capitalizes on the dynamic movement

and infrastructures of the site, celebrates the history of trade

and transportation that sustained the region for centuries, and

proposes a new layer of regenerative infrastructure that recovers

ecologies and historical narratives no longer evident on the site.

Full Circles regenerative infrastructure includes routes that

reframe and reorganize the park around an expanded recreational

and educational visitor experience. A set of welcoming gateways

forge connections between strategic corridors for residential,

recreational, commercial, and civic activities in St. Louis and East

St. Louis and new settings within the park. The park will leverage

existing and planned trails and greenways in the region as multiple

uses enhance the vibrancy and layered identities of the park.

Full Circle creates a linked sequence of public settings that

weave together uses to create an expanded park identity. Linked

Landmarks create a bold connection from Kiener Plaza and the

Old Courthouse across a landbridge and to an expanded Museumof Westward Expansion. Cultural Canopies connects the

renewed Memorial Grounds to an active cultural hub and parking


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paradigm. Landmark and landscape, city and water, infrastructure

and ecology, destination and retreat: the essence and potential of

this national park resides in celebrating these multiple histories,

identities, and ecologies. By envisioning the riverfronts cultural

ecosystem, Full Circle will become a unique addition to the larger

cultural network of the St. Louis region.

Our design will not be xed in only spatial terms but will initiate a

sequence of processes that will transform the site by 2015 and be

enriched by change as it continues to emerge over time. The new

park will form an active and inspirational destination for St. Louis

and the region and will become a catalyst for new development,new restorative urban ecologies, and a new civic identity. Full

Circle straddles two cities and two states. It will involve local,

state, and federal agencies, and it will depend on a combination

of public and private sponsorship. The success of this project will

depend on the clarity of the design vision, integrated technical

expertise across disciplines, and open communication between

the designers, the client, and the community.

Our team has the experience and technical capability to capitalize

on the important opportunities of the site and program and to

maintain a high design standard throughout a rigorous and highlypublic process. Weiss/Manfredi will lead the team to maintain

a clear and resilient vision throughout processes of design,

public presentation, approvals, and successful completion.

Weiss/Manfredi is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary

design practice known for creating legible and iconic settings in

complex and demanding environments. As Lead Designer, Weiss/

Manfredis efforts on the competition have been augmented by

garage that links

through Eads Bridge to

Lacledes Landing. New

Landmark Territories

create new connections

from the south end of

the park, through the

elevated expressways

to Chouteaus Landing.

New settings for

active recreation link the proposed Chouteau Greenway to a

bicycle rental within the park and potential recreational venuesin the surrounding area including mini-golf, basketball, and

skateboarding. Reciprocal Ecologies create a new educational

and cultural landscape on the east bank bringing together a

new museum with a dramatic and ecologically layered setting. A

new oxbow lake allows walking or kayaking along a meandering

route through dramatic new earthen mounds at the core of an

educational and ecological landscape. Finally, the New Rivers

Edge creates a dramatic waterfront setting for recreational and

cultural use that will provide a dynamic year-round vantage to view

the river as well as a riverboat ferry to provide pleasant and safe

passage between two banks.

Full Circle establishes a renewed identity for the Arch, the cities of

St. Louis and East St. Louis, and most importantly, the Mississippi

River, where cultural, recreational, ecological, industrial, and

artistic activities are free to overlap and nd new intersections.

Urban life, infrastructure, and nature are reciprocal conditions

that together can transform this extraordinary setting into a new

CONNECT, ENHANCE, AND EXTEND

A D I S C O N N E C T E D L A N D M A R K

CREATE A LONGTERM VISION


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a core team including civil and structural engineers Magnusson

Klemencic Associates (MKA), artist Mark Dion, St. Louis-based

landscape architects, SWT Design, D.I.R.T. studios regenerative

landscape designers, and Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and

Planners who bring experience with historic and landmarked

settings. These innovative thinkers form a core team that is

ideally suited to address the social, cultural, historical, ecological,

aesthetic, and infrastructural challenges that are intrinsic to the

challenge of Framing a Modern Masterpiece. Our efforts have

been further supported by a diverse range of professionals and

experts, many of whose contributions are included within thissubmission. We look forward to continuing the collaboration of

this unique team and to building a full team as the project moves

forward.

Reframing the Gateway Arch involves reframing the story of a

national memorial. How does a memorial help us to understand

who we are today by retelling a story of our past? How is our

past the beginning of a national narrative that de nes our future?

When St. Louis asked these questions with the creation of the

Arch 50 years ago, the story of westward expansion spoke to

values of determination and exploration. The courageous effort

to create a new territory resonated with our efforts to promote our

culture and values. American determination for political, economic,

and technologic progress is expressed through the bold form of

Saarinens Gateway Arch.

While this narrative continues to resonate today, we see our

design as an opportunity to tell a broader story and activate

the larger region. Full Circle will transform the site by 2015 by

re-connecting to the city, creating new ecologies, and forging anew civic identity focused on the river. The design is deliberately

open-ended, envisioning new networks, programs, connections,

and ecological corridors that will expand with time and reinforce

the mission of existing cultural and ecological organizations in

the region. Full Circle will recover narratives of culture, ecology,

transportation, and trade to create a layered tapestry that weaves

together city and river and links communities to a compelling

vision of the future.


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LINKED LANDMARKS

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Strategic interventions create

lively programming opportunities

while preserving the character of

the Gateway Arch, the Museumof Westward Expansion, and the

Memorial Grounds. A new park

landscape extends from the citys civic axis through to the river;

forming a connection between city and river. Enhanced park

features and new arts programs enliven the important civic space

of Kiener Plaza. A new Visitor Orientation center provides an

introduction to the educational and historical vitality of the Park

and allows universal access to the

Old Courthouse. A newly imagined

Luther Ely Smith Plaza forms a green

public platform that spans over I-70

to boldly connect city to park.

At this new plaza, two arcing paths begin near the Old Courthouse

and gradually ascend to meet the monumental alles of the Kiley

Memorial Grounds while a stepped green plaza descends gently

from the Old Courthouse to a welcoming entry for the expanded

Museum of Westward Expansion. The new entry to the museum

faces downtown to enhance its connection to the city. The drama

of the existing lawn is tilted to provide a dramatic canopy for an

expanded below-grade museum. A new

clerestory arc of glass, a shadow of

the Arch, brings light into the museum

which includes a caf, improved

visitor center, and expanded exhibition

space. A new window in the museum

is inscribed into the grand stairs opening dramatic views of the

Mississippi River.

ARCH

LAWN STAGE

CONNECT TO THE RIVERAND THE PARK

NATURAL LIGHT

CANOPY

MUSEUM

PROMENADE

A new green platform crosses I-70 and connects the city to the

park and the park to the river


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K I E N E R P L A Z A

RIVER OVERLOOK


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CULTURAL CANOPY

FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS ANDEVENTS

ACTIVATE GARAGE EDGE

EXPAND CONNECTIONS

CONNECT TO LACLEDESLANDING

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A landscaped pedestrian and bike path

replaces two lanes of traf c across the

Eads Bridge and offers panoramic views

of the Mississippi River, the GatewayArch, and the Memorial Grounds.

Strategic openings through the existing garage transform a barrier

into an inviting threshold. Pathways through the Eads Bridge link

Lacledes Landing to an ascending stair with views of the Arch

and access to the park. Building on the

residential and commercial vibrancy of

the Washington Avenue Corridor, retail

spaces and a Park Ranger Station

are embedded in the street-facing

edge of the garage, activating thestreet and adding to the commercial activity at Lacledes Landing.

The lower levels of the garage remain available for parking while

the upper deck is transformed with the addition of an undulating

glass and steel canopy of photovoltaic

panels that provide energy for the

accompanying programs: a farmers

market, dining events, childrens

interpretive play area, lm screenings,

performances, and winter ice skating.

CULTURAL CANOPIESElegant architectural and landscape settings frame enhanced

cultural programs and bring new life to the northern edge of the

park


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WASHINGTON AVENUE

CULTURAL CANOPY


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On the west bank, strategic

improvements enliven and complete

the Kiley landscape. Accessible

pathways wind down to the pondswhose subsurface design has

been re-engineered to meet new

sustainable standards. Selective

plantings recast the landscape within a larger ecological vision

preserving the clarity of the original design.

An immersive educational and recreational landscape on the

east bank weaves an ecological narrative of the Mississippi

River with a story of the dramatic Mississippian earthen mounds.

Restored habitat ranges from aquatic and riverine settings, to

wetland species of the oodplain, to upland forests and wild ower meadows. Birds, butter ies, and other species are drawn to a

mosaic of habitats long gone from the urban waterfront. Visitors

walk, jog, or kayak through natural areas and are surprised as

a turn in the path reveals views of the Gateway Arch. Nature

enthusiasts learn ethnobotanical histories of indigenous species.

Birdwatchers are thrilled to spot the range of species that pass

through this important intercontinental yway. Temporal and

changing artistic interventions continually provide surprise and

delight.

A new network of earthworks,

waterways and paths extend

the mission of conservation and

regenerate natural settings.

Nurseries grow a range of

species for the park and

surrounding communities, catalyzing a movement towards a

greener city. Emerging sources of energy include photovoltaic

elds, geothermal, wind turbines, and farming of bio-fuel crops.

Agricultural elds grow fresh food for local urban centers, adding

health and economy to the neighboring communities.

MULTIMODALCONNECTIVE LOOPS

RESTORED ECOLOGYAND HABITAT

HYDROLOGY ANDTOPOGRAPHY

RECIPROCAL ECOLOGIESRenewed landscapes tell a story of the Mississippi River and

present a new model of urban ecology


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M E M O R I A L G R O U N D S


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INFRASTRUCTURALNETWORKS

ACTIVITY LOOPS

REVITALIZEDCHOUTEAUS LANDING

PROGRAMS AND ECOLOGY

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Full Circle extends the civic axis

of St. Louis through the Gateway

Arch and across the river to the

new Mississippi River Cultural and

Ecological Center. This center tells

the ecological and cultural histories

of the Mississippi region. As the

fourth largest river in the world, the Mississippi River and its vast

watershed has the potential to become an important global model

for understanding and managing natural systems. New earthworks

recall the Cahokia Mounds, create new ecologies, and frame

views of new wetlands. The programs

of the center continue into theexpansive landscape where outdoor

learning and research environments

reinforce the mission of the park.

Chouteaus Crossing is reconceived as a critical intersection of

pedestrian and bicycle trails. The south entry to the park is framed

by an outdoor amphitheater where the activities of the renovated

maintenance building become part of the visitor experience.

Just south, the curving interstate highway overpasses become

canopies for active recreation,

including a mini-golf course, askateboard/BMX park, bicycle

rental, urban rock climbing,

basketball courts, and artist studios

in the existing buildings. Multi-level

paths are woven between columns to create a dynamic southern

gateway to the Memorial Grounds.

II I I III I I I

NEW LANDMARK TERRITORIESEducational and recreational destinations are linked by a

meandering loop trail


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N AT U R A L A M P H I T H E AT E R

C H O U T E A U S C R O S S I N G


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ACTIVATED WATERFRONTLOW LEVEL

ACTIVATED WATERFRONTHIGH LEVEL

A NEW RIVERS EDGENew topography creates a dynamic public experience of the

powerful Mississippi River

A meandering path links the

east bank of the Mississippi to

the Memorial Grounds along a

suspended route anchored to the

Poplar Street Bridge. Pedestrians

and cyclists cross the river and

come full circle to reconnect with the

Memorial Grounds, the Mississippi River Trail, and the proposed

Chouteaus Greenway trails.

The redesigned waterfront celebrates the power of the river; the

Mississippi Rivers historic cobbled levee is strategically reshaped

to accommodate programsand events that creatively

incorporate the inevitability

of uctuating water levels.

This new riverfront creates

rising landforms that shelter

an accessible route to the

waters edge reminiscent of

the break in the original limestone bluffs that led Pierre Laclede to

found the city of St. Louis. As the river level rises, the new bluffs

emerge as islands linked by pedestrian bridges that slope down

from the Memorial Grounds.

A new riparian landscape is introduced at Leonor K. Sullivan

Boulevard. Ramped routes along the face of the bluff provide

access and safe docking for river boats and barges regardless of

the level of the river. The terraced, cobbled embankment provides

a exible new public space for sitting, relaxing, and viewing

special events with the river as a dramatic backdrop. New docks

are starting points for riverboat cruises providing views to the city

and linkages to new program dispersed along the riverfront via

a ferry that travels between the Memorial Grounds and the east

bank.


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F E R RY L A N D I N G

P O P L A R S T R E E T B R I D G E


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2015 AND BEYOND


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2015 AND BEYOND

FULL CIRCLE: A VISION FOR OCTOBER 28, 2015

Full Circle is conceived as a regenerative process of urban and

ecological renewal that will begin in 2010, radically transform the

site by October 28, 2015, and instigate a process of change that

will catalyze positive development in the region.

Full Circle proposes a clear and resilient design to galvanize

disparate conditions and technical considerations into a clear

and attainable vision. Though Full Circle proposes a sequence

of solutions to the site that are achievable by 2015, we are fully

cognizant of real challenges including land ownership, partnership,

environmental review, and city, state, and federal agencyapprovals. Given this set of challenges, Full Circle proposes

solutions that mitigate the risk of project delays and plan the most

signi cant design solutions within sites that pose the least risk.

Should partnerships, land acquisitions, and review and approvals

processes be initiated in the next 12-24 months, Full Circle will

express a comprehensive vision by October 28, 2015. Should

acquisition or approvals be delayed, Full Circle proposes a vision

that can be designed from day one and continue to grow and

extend across the entire site in subsequent phases.

ACHIEVING DESIGN GOALS As a landscape planning, programming, and design challenge,

the site requires a powerful vision to galvanize its many settings:

it must operate as both a system and as a place with variety

and distinctions. Full Circle frames a transformative sequence

of experiences that engages the complex layers of histories and

identities that de ne our communities, cities, and nation. Full

Circle must be measured by its ability to meet the design goals of

the competition. The following outlines how the design goals will

be achieved by October 28, 2015

1. Create an iconic place for an international icon, the Gateway Arch

Visible for miles, the Gateway Arch is recognized and celebrated

around the world for its engineering and sculptural elegance.

Like the pyramids at Giza, the Taj Mahal, and the Washington

Monument, the arch is timeless, compelling, and provocative. Full

Circle will create an equally compelling sequence of experiences

in an expanded park that integrates educational, recreational, and

ecological activities. Full Circle will reframe the Gateway Arch in a

vital setting for the city, the nation, and the world.

2. Catalyze increased vitality in the St. Louis Region

Full Circle builds on the success of the Downtown Now action

plan, aims to support vibrant, walkable cities, and offers residents,

workers, and visitors a world-class park experience. New

park programs will extend visitor experiences, link to potential

commercial opportunities in the neighborhood, and become a

catalyst for development in the city and region.

3. Honor the character de ning elements of the National Historic

Landmark

Full Circle will enhance the legibility of the Gateway Arch, the

Memorial Grounds, and the Old Courthouse. Each landmarkwill be linked in a sequence of cultural experiences that weaves

together multiple historical narratives, honors the character

de ning elements of the National Historic Landmark, and creates

and expanded cultural and educational experience.

4. Weave connections and transitions from the City and the Arch

Grounds to the River

Full Circle creates a set of dynamic connections between the

city, arch, and river. A bridging landform extends Luther Ely Smith

Plaza over I-70 and extends the Gateway Mall to the park. A

northern gateway is created as strategic cuts through the existingparking garage allow routes through the Eads Bridge anchorage to

ascend stairways with open views to the arch. Washington Avenue

extends to the river bringing the vitality of the mixed-use corridor

all the way to the rivers edge. New programs activate a southern

gateway from Chouteaus Landing and link to the proposed

Chouteaus Greenway. The riverfront is reactivated by a sloping

path down from the Memorial Grounds to two dynamic landforms

at the rivers edge which shelter a landing for a cross-river ferry.

Full Circle capitalizes on the dynamic movement and

infrastructures of the site, celebrates the history of trade andtransportation that sustained the region for centuries, and

proposes a new layer of regenerative infrastructure that recovers

ecologies and historical narratives no longer evident on the site.

5. Embrace the Mississippi River and the east bank in Illinois as

an integral part of the National Park

Full Circle proposes three new links to the east bank: a ferry

crossing, a pedestrian/bicycle link across Eads Bridge, and a

new pedestrian and bicycle bridge appended to the Poplar Street

Bridge. New recreational and educational programs are centered


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around the Mississippi River Cultural and Ecological Center

and a topographically rich restored river ecology. Key corridorsextend through St. Louis, across the river, and into East St. Louis

to activate Broadway and Downtown East St. Louis as well as

Trendley Avenue and core residential communities.

6. Reinvigorate the mission to tell the story of St. Louis as a

gateway to national expansion

The expanded site provides an opportunity to weave the

narrative of westward expansion with a broader set of cultural

and ecological stories and to de ne the site as both a point in a

journey and a center to a region and our nation. The reframed

Gateway Arch will become part of a National Park of theMississippi River, a new vision of sustainable urban ecology, and

a cultural center for our nation. Full Circle will recover narratives

of culture, ecology, transportation, and trade to create a layered

tapestry that weaves together city and river and links communities

to a compelling vision of the future.

7. Create attractors to promote extended visitation to the Arch, the

City and the River

Full Circles regenerative infrastructure includes routes that

reframe and reorganize the park around an expanded recreational

and educational visitor experience. Visitors to the park willnd more to do, more to learn, more reasons to stay, and more

reasons to come back. This expanded visitor experience will

stimulate investment in the region and increase the role of St.

Louis in the region.

8. Mitigate the impact of transportation systems

Full Circle integrates transportation systems to facilitate JNEM

visitor accessibility and circulation through and around the site

as well as bridge the gap across the river to connect pedestrian

spaces. A grand loop of transportation facilities includes three

complete circuits: a new and complete pedestrian/bicycleconnection linking to existing and planned city-wide pedestrian

and bicycle pathways, a shuttle bus route linking the east and

west sides by land, and a water ferry loop linking the east and

west sides by water. The activity and vibrancy of the park will be

enhanced by the multimodal connections throughout the park.

9. Develop a sustainable future

Full Circle proposes a comprehensive set of initiatives that will act

to catalyze economic and ecological development in the region.

By conceiving of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial as

an expanded national park centered around the Mississippi River,St. Louis and East St. Louis will join in the effort to optimize the

collective cultural and natural heritage of the two cities as both

a municipal and regional economic engine. As a living urban

landscape, the park will continue to emerge over time to create an

increasingly healthy, active, and sustainable park infrastructure at

the center of the region.

10. Enhance the visitor experience and create a welcoming and

accessible environment

Full Circle embraces accessibility in the broadest terms. The

park should be accessible to all social and economic classes,all ethnicities, and all ages. It should be accessible to people

with disabilities, families with children, and international tourists.

Access to the park and park precincts will be provided by well

designed routes and paths, multiple gateways, and strong

transportation systems.

Access to the park experience must be more carefully considered.

Strong architecture and landscape design has the potential to

intensify natures and enhance experiences to fully engage all of

the senses. The layered site will create rich experiences where

the sound of wind through the trees will be accented by birdcalls and footsteps on the boardwalk of a wetlands trail. Views

of the river will be augmented by sites where visitors can step

down to the rivers edge and put their feet in the water. The fresh

wild ower meadows and the wooded upland forest will each add

a layer of rich scents while community gardens and seasonal

markets provide an opportunity to taste local produce. Each layer

of experience will enhance the parks mission and allow greater

access to the story of the memorial.

LONG TERM VISION: 2015 AND BEYOND

Our approach will move beyond the tendency to x the design inpurely spatial terms. Instead we promote the understanding that

the design will continue to emerge over time. We advocate design

strategies that are intelligently phased and enriched by change

as new ecologies emerge. Full Circle instigates a regenerative

process that will extend throughout the competition site and

radiate beyond, embracing East St. Louis, St. Louis, and the

region.


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Connect east and west withRiver Ferry Loop and shuttlebus to River Center and Casino

Connect Trendley AvenueCultural Corridor to Park

Create the River Centerand Oxbow Lake and Park

Extend WashingtonAvenue Corridor to theriver

Connect and activateChouteau's Landingwith new programs

Activate Lacledes Landing with theCultural Canopies and Grand Stair

Fulll JNEM Culturaland Natural Heritage

Landscape

Expand and revitalize visitorscenter and museum with newprograms

Connect Gateway Mall tothe Memorial Grounds

Connect to Illinois Route 3providing direct access andimproved visibility to East st.Louis and to Malcolm W.Martin Memorial Park / RiverCenter

Connect Gateway Mall to the Memorial Grounds

Expand and Revitalize Visitors Center and Museum with new

programs

Ful ll JNEM Cultural and Natural Heritage Landscape

Activate Lacledes Landing with the Cultural Canopies and Grand

Stair

Connect and Activate Chouteaus Landing with new programs

A VISION FOR 2015: TRANSFORM, REJUVENATE AND CONNECT

Connect the city to the park, east and west banks, and the parks to the river.

Extend Washington Avenue corridor to the River

Create the River Center and Oxbow Lake and Park

Connect Trendley Avenue Cultural Corridor to Park

Connect East and West with River Ferry Loop and Shuttle Bus to

River Center and Casino

Connect to Illinois Route 3 providing direct access and improved

visibility to East St Louis and to Malcolm Martin Memorial Park /

Mississippi River Cultural and Ecological Center


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Extend Eads Bridge GreenPromenade west to east

Connect BuschStadium to Park

Complete MultimodalLoopsCreate active recreational

facilities under highway atChouteau's Landing

Complete East RiverfrontIndustrial Heritage Park,promenade and riverfrontbikeways and trails

Complete East SideGateway, RV Orchard,Picnic, Play + ParkingGroves

Complete theEcological Park

Connect Poplar StreetPedestrian Bridge toEast St. Louis

Create Waterfront UrbanBluffs, Esplanade and Trails

Create Waterfront Urban Bluffs, Esplanade, and Trails

Extend Eads Bridge Green Promenade West to East

Connect Poplar Street Pedestrian Bridge to East St. Louis

Complete the Ecological Park

Complete East Side Gateway, RV Orchard, Picnic Play and

Parking Groves

Complete East Riverfront Industrial Heritage Park, Promenade

GROW AND EXTEND

Complete land acquisitions and expand partnerships and programs.

and Riverfront Bikeways and Trails

Cultivate the Landscape with Urban Nursery for the two cities

Create Active Recreational Facilities under highway at

Chouteaus Landing

Complete Multimodal Loops

Connect Busch Stadium to Park


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Cultivate landscapewith Urban Nurseryfor the two cities Create the Urban Forestry

Cooperative

Expand the MississippiRiverboat Experience

Expand economic vitalitywith urban agriculture,community gardenscenter and riversideenergy systems

Expand EcologicalGreenway andreconnect toCahokia Creek

Connect City to River Boulevardat Memorial Drive to weave thecity to the parkExtend a vision of

Sustainable UrbanEcology

Create a National Parkof the Mississippi River

Connect City to River Boulevard at Memorial Drive to weave

the city to the park

Expand Ecological Greenway and reconnect to Cahokia Creek

Expand economic vitality with Urban Agriculture, Community

Gardens Center, Riverside Energy Fields and the Urban Forestry

Cooperative

Cultivate Landscape with Urban Nursery for the two cities

2015 AND BEYOND: EXPAND THE CIRCLE, EMBRACE THE REGION

Extend river restoration and urban connections. Create a new international icon for green urbanism.


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APPROACH TOTECHNICAL ISSUES


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CITY AND REGION: URBAN DESIGN

Full Circle has been developed to continue the success of

recent St. Louis planning efforts and to catalyze new investment

and increased connectivity between downtown neighborhoods.

Efforts of the Downtown Now action plan implemented over the

past ten years have created a burgeoning live/work community

of downtown residents and attracted developers to invest in

historic building renovation and new development. Full Circle

will aid in the transformation of downtown St. Louis and East St.

Louis into vibrant, walkable communities by offering residents,

workers, and visitors a new world-class neighborhood park.

Walking south from Lacledes Landing, north from Chouteaus

Landing, or east from the heart of downtown, new, legibleentrances and recreational and cultural event spaces will

welcome park visitors. These new entrances also capitalize

on three major walkable corridors identi ed in the Downtown

Next 2020 plan: Chouteau Greenway, the Gateway Mall, and

Washington Avenue.

In the development of Full Circle, our cultural analysis of the

city identi ed distinct characters for these corridors based

on important institutions or sites of cultural value within their

vicinity, ranging from sports and recreation facilities to open

public spaces and cultural landmarks to mixed use retail andresidential. Cities become vibrant through diversity of activities.

Full Circle enhances the legibility of these corridors and

connects them through the park, across the Mississippi River,

and into East St. Louis.

EADS BRIDGE/MIXED-USE COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR

The Eads Bridge/Mixed-Use Commercial Corridor follows

Washington Avenue. In Midtown this corridor extends west on

Lindell Street and ties to Washington University through Forest

Park. This critical axis passes over the Eads Bridge and ties

directly into the heart of East St. Louis. Along this axis visitors

can experience Lacledes Landing, the Convention Center, a

vibrant mixed-use lofts district, City Museum, Grand Center

and the Central West End Business District. Full Circle aims toincrease the activity of this corridor and bring additional activity

to Broadway and historic downtown East St. Louis.

CIVIC+CULTURAL CORRIDOR

The Civic+Cultural Corridor follows the historic axis of the city

that guided Saarinen in the placement of the arch. For many

blocks, a series of linked open spaces form the Gateway Mall

and connect the great civic places of downtown. West from

the Memorial Grounds, the Old Courthouse, Federal Reserve

Bank, Kiener Plaza, City Garden, The Old Post Of ce, Louis

Sullivans Wainwright Building, City Hall, and St. Louis UnionStation represent many of the important institutions and

historically signi cant buildings. The interwoven nature of the

corridor provides the opportunity to awaken the cultural soul

of East St. Louis. Expanding across the Mississippi River,

a new Interpretive River Center ties this corridor back into

East St. Louis along Trendley Avenue, connecting to a heavy

industrial area, a neighborhood of long-time residents, and a

new community center. A memorial to the luminaries of East St.

THE OLD COURTHOUSE IS PART OF THE CIVIC+CULTURAL CORRIDOR


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Louis, from jazz and ragtime composers to lm directors and

athletes, is placed in the park on axis with this corridor.

ECOLOGICAL+RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR

The Ecological+Recreational Corridor follows the rail lines

and former course of Chouteaus lake. Large sports venues

like Busch Stadium, Scottrade Center, and Chaifetz Arena

anchor this recreational axis while organizations like Great

Rivers Greenway District and Bike St. Louis have established

connections to the Missouri Botanical Gardens and Forest Parkon the west end of this corridor. The greenway also connects

to new developments to the west, the historic Soulard and

Lafayette Park neighborhoods, and runs between the Memorial

Grounds and historic Chouteaus Landing. Expanding active

recreational facilities under the onramps to the Poplar Street

bridge infrastructure, this south entry to the Park includes new

wetlands and skating and biking trails. Crossing the river on

a new bridge dramatically suspended from the Poplar Street

Bridge, this corridor connects pedestrians and bicyclists

from the Memorial Grounds to East St. Louis and provides

new opportunities for recreation and sustainable living for neighboring communities as well as for visitors and the region.

Entering along one of these corridors, park visitors will nd

Full Circle organized around a series of continuous-loop trails.

These paths connect key places along multiple routes, so

that each time a visitor may experience the different views of

the Mississippi, the Gateway Arch, or new emerging habitats.

Set on both banks of the Mississippi and in two very different

cities, a unifying narrative emerges of many journeys linkedC O R R I D O R S M A P P I N G

Ecological/Recreational Corridor 1. Choutea us Landing2. Busch Stadium3. Scottrade Center 4. Rail Cooridor/Chouteaus Greenway5. Chaifetz Arena6. St. Louis University Bio-Research District7. Missouri Botanical Garden8. Forest Park

1. Old Courthouse2. Federal Reserve Bank St. Louis3. City Garden4. Old US Post Of ce

5. Thomas F. Eagleton Federal Courthouse6. City Hall7. St. Louis Public Library8. US Post Of ce

9. St. Louis Union Station

1. Lacledes Landing2. Convention Center 3. Washington Ave. Entertainment District4. City Museum5. Harris-Stowe State University6. Grand Center 7. St. Louis University8. Cortex Biotech Facility9. Central West End Business District10. Washington University/BJC11. Queen Casino

Civic & Cultural Corridor Mixed-Use Commercial Corridor

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by common destinations. Full Circle envisions two cities

linked together by one park. By establishing new multimodal

connections across the river, Full Circle can be a catalyst for

new development in the downtown metropolitan areas.

Before Old St. Louis was cleared to make way for the Jefferson

National Expansion Memorial, many citizens of St. Louis could

experience a connection with the original lifeblood of the city,

the Mississippi River. Today, the infrastructural barriers to

the Memorial Grounds make it inconvenient for citizens to

make the river a part of their daily lives. Furthermore, due to

uctuations in the river level, enticing program options, such aswaterfront restaurants nd it hard to do business. As such, the

historic levee has become an underutilized resource with an

incredible cultural history. On the east side, levee walls, active

railroads, and other industries make it impossible to access

the water. By developing a new riverfront embankment on the

west side, Full Circle allows park visitors easy access to water

amenities. Adjacent to the grand staircase at the arch, the new

inclined pier allows vessels to dock at any water level, enabling

continuous operation of riverfront business throughout the

year. Across the river on the east bank, a new riverfront trail is

accessed from a bridge and cantilever projecting over the levee

wall, allowing access to the Illinois riverfront for the rst time

in many years. By reestablishing connections to the river, Full

Circle reintroduces the common heritage shared by these two

communities.

NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT POPLAR STREET


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I -70 /MEMORIAL DRIVE

Full Circles goal of increasing pedestrian mobility between the

city of St. Louis and the arch and riverfront includes important

changes to the ow of downtown traf c. The most signi cant

barrier impeding access between the city and the Memorial

Grounds is Memorial Drive and Interstate 70, parallel roadways

on multiple levels comprising ten lanes of traf c. The wide right

of way is underutilized during the rest of day and encourages

motorists to drive faster than the posted speed limit. Although

crossing this stretch of roadway is possible and streetlights

and sidewalks to direct pedestrians are in place, the perceived

barrier preventing movement between the city and the park

is the unre nement, noise, and perceived danger of crossing

this busy roadway. High speeds combined with few street

trees and the lack of a parked car buffer lane compromise

the pedestrians sense of safety and characterize the area as

unwalkable.

Re ecting the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis efforts to

transform downtown into a walkable community, the design of

Full Circle proposes changes to Memorial Drive that will create

a more desirable pedestrian experience while maintaining good

motorized circulation. To allow ease of movement betweendowntown and the arch, Full Circle proposes a reconsideration

of the east terminus of the Gateway Mall including closing one

block of Memorial Drive between Market and Chestnut Streets

to construct a pedestrian plaza connecting Luther Ely Smith

Square directly to the Memorial Grounds including a landbridge

over I-70. Additionally, two southbound blocks, orphaned by the

Memorial Drive closure will be repurposed to create a public

space for temporary light structures, and one southbound lane

will be closed between Washington Avenue and Spruce Street

to enhance the pedestrian realm by widening the sidewalk and

planting street trees. The combination of the new landbridgeand street changes, distinctive paving and traf c calming, and

the extension of the Market Street bike lane to the Memorial

Grounds will create a legible front door to the pa rk.

These changes to Memorial Drive re ect a desire expressed

by the city, in the JNEM General Management Plan, and

many citizens of St. Louis to facilitate easier access between

downtown, the Memorial Grounds, and the riverfront. These

changes will have a highly bene cial long-term impact to

pedestrian and bicyclist mobility, aligning with the National

Parks Service JNEM General Management Plans expectationthat closure of Memorial Drive would result in overall moderate

long-term bene cial impact to transportation and access

(GMP 2-53). According to Route Directness Index modeling of

the proposed changes, pedestrians will spend 40% less time

passing from downtown to the arch. The removal of the noise

and perceived danger of the Memorial Drive crossing will be a

signi cant additional bene t.

TRANSPORTATION

PathLoop

BusLoop

FerryLoop

BikeTrails

MississippiTrails

ParkingAreas

ProposedIL-3

500Cars

75Carsx4

1000Cars

800Cars

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS


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The construction process of the Luther Ely Smith Plazalandbridge will allow the depressed interstate to remain fully

functional throughout the construction period. The modular

structure, which can be lifted into place from above the

interstate, combined with effective management of equipment,

debris, and construction material, will require only a few

modest, short-duration weekend closures.

We have reviewed the proposal of the City to River group to

replace the I-70 infrastructure at Memorial Drive with a new

at-grade boulevard. The design of Full Circle does not preclude

the creation of this boulevard should the option be pursued.

Full Circle will increase the pedestrian friendly nature and

walkability of the downtown area by reestablishing a native

green canopy throughout St Louis and East St Louis. Full

Circle is envisioned as a comprehensive green machine: a

sustainable Urban Forestry Cooperative is implemented on

the east bank as a tree nursery. A new plant nursery on the

east bank will begin the extension of the park into the city as

new street trees green the blocks surrounding the Memorial

Grounds and create improved pedestrian links.

LEONOR K. SULLIVAN BOULEVARD

Currently, Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard is used for two-way

vehicular circulation, bike lanes, and Mississippi River trail

routes. Full Circle creates a new riverfront embankment that

removes pedestrians from the roads edge, bringing them towards

the river on a path separated from the road. The construction of

new bridges spanning the road will allow pedestrians, bicyclists,

and large visitor groups a safer grade-separated crossing to the

riverfront at Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard.

P E D E S T R I A N S E N J O Y T H E E A D S B R I D G E D U R I N G T H E 1 9 0 3 F L O O D

VIEW FROM THE NEW EADS BRIDGE PROMENADE


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EADS BRIDGE

Full Circle proposes utilizing half of the upper deck of the historic

Eads Bridge for a new pedestrian and bike path, enabling a

surface connection between the Illinois and Missouri sides

of the park. As discussed at the Mid-Course Reviews, Full

Circle transforms the bridge from four lanes of vehicular traf c

to two lanes of vehicular traf c with two lanes dedicated to

pedestrians and bicyclists. Currently, a narrow sidewalk allows

pedestrians to walk across the bridge, though its width is too

narrow to accommodate even light congestion of pedestrians and

bicyclists. Full Circle anticipates a sharp increase in the number

of park visitors traveling to and from the east side on the Eads

Bridge and it will be important that they have suf cient room to

experience the historic crossing. A new elevator will be installed

in the tower across from the north overlook of the Memorial

Grounds to allow greater accessibility to the upper deck of the

bridge. The upper deck will also be used for a new shuttle bus.

The lower deck of the Eads Bridge will continue to be right of way

for MetroLink. These modi cations ttingly bring the Eads Bridge

full circle into the multimodal facility originally conceived of and

implemented by James B. Eads with vital rail, car, bicycle and

pedestrian cross-river links.

The Eads Bridge is the only cross-river route that physically

connects the heart of both river-side cities and as such is used

by many locals for everyday trips. The conversion of Eads

Bridge from four lanes to two lanes will retain this important

community bene t and is considered to have only a modest

effect on the ow of traf c on the currently underleveraged

upper bridge deck. The increase in right of way for pedestrians

and bicyclists will result in a major multi-mobility bene t to the

community, especially considering the connections offered to

existing riverfront trails on the east and west sides and the

new recreational paths within Full Circle. Through all of these

changes, the historic Washington Avenue view corridor is

maintained.

ILLINOIS ROUTE 3

Full Circles shuttle bus and vehicular access loop builds upon

the Illinois Route 3 infrastructure, providing direct access and

improved visibility to East St. Louis and to Malcolm Martin

Memorial Park. Plans for a new IL-3 show the right of way

running through the east boundary of the competition site.

Currently, access to this area is from Trendley Avenue and from

Front Street, via Broadway from the east or Eads Bridge from

the west. Due to heavy truck traf c in the area and a need to

reach new parts of the site, the design of Full Circle includes

a shuttle bus running along the east boundary of the site. Full

Circle can be implemented without interfering with plans for

roadway updating that were described in the Stage III team

brie ng.

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAILS

Because of its location at the center of the metropolitan region,

Full Circle will be an important link between the bicycle and

pedestrian networks on the boards of Illinois and Missouri.

Trails and recreational facilities are currently developed by

several organizations in the region.

Metro East Parks and Recreation District is charged with

developing a public system of interconnecting parks and trails

throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. Clinton,

Jersey, Macoupin, and Monroe Counties will likely be connected

through future trail developments. Full Circles network of paths

will tie into the existing levee trail running along the river in East

St Louis and has the potential to be an important link in Metro

Easts long term vision of eighty ve miles of interconnected

trails. Full Circle will allow Metro Easts recreational users

access to the west bank of the riverfront and connections to

trails throughout Missouri.

Great Rivers Greenway District works for a clean, green,

connected St. Louis region. The District is spearheading the

development of The River Ring, an interconnected system of INTERSTATE CONNECTIONS TO AND FROM SITE

ND R M AR T IN LU T H E R K IN G B R ID G E

E AD S B R I D G E

P O P LAR S T B R I D G E

W AS H I N G T O N AV E

P I N E S T

S B R O A D W A Y

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greenways, parks, and trails that will encircle the St. Louis

region, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Eventually, the River Ring will comprise a 600-mile web of more

than 45 greenways that will crisscross the region and provide

access to regional trail and greenway projects. Full Circle will

be an important urban element connecting downtown St. Louisto the Mississippi River Greenway section of the River Ring.

Traveling north on this route, recreational users will be able

to travel to the Chain of Rocks Bridge and eventually to Alton,

Illinois.

Multiple organizations will likely be interested in promoting the

connections offered by Full Circle. Trailnet and Bike St. Louis

have spent years promoting active and healthy lifestyles. Bike

St Louis is leading an effort to promote and increase public

awareness of safety, encouraging people to consider health

and environmental bene ts of cycling. Similarly, Trailnetsmission is to foster healthy and active communities through

innovative programs, planning, and policy that promote walking

and bicycling throughout the St. Louis bi-state region. Other

regional trail proposals include the Mound Heritage Trail that

links the Cahokia Mounds to other mound sites in St Louis and

East St. Louis.

PARKING Parking in Full Circle is dispersed along the perimeter of the

proposed transportation loops. The bulk of parking will be

provided in three facilities: the existing garage at Lacledes

Landing, under Luther Ely Smith Square, and at Chouteaus

Landing. This decentralized parking strategy can intercept

regional traf c sooner, and thereby reduce unnecessary vehicle

trips on Downtown streets, particularly along the Washington

Avenue corridor near the existing parking structure.

A key component to this dispersed parking strategy is the

introduction of a shuttle linking east and west JNEM. Thedispersed parking in combination with the shuttle consolidates

the majority of visitor vehicles near the JNEM front door but

still allows visitors multiple means to connect between east and

west. This will reduce overall vehicle trips and allows better

utilization of JNEM land. The proposed shuttle route would

travel in a circuit over Eads Bridge west-to-east and across

Poplar Street east-to-west.

5 Mile

15 Mile

10 Mile

Pere Marquette LodgeBrussels Ferry Crossing

Portage des Sioux/Marina

Two Rivers NationalWildlife Refuge

National Great Rivers Museum (Melvin Price Lock & Dam #26National Great Rivers Research & Education Center

Upper Mississippi Waterfowl Area

Riverlands Migratory Bird SanctuaryMaple Island Conservation Area

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and Water Intake TowersNorth Riverfront Park

Lambert-St. LouisInternation Airport

Mosenthein Island

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary/County Park

Grants Farm/Ulysses S. GrantNational Historic Site

Cliff Cave County Park

Bee Tree County Park/Teszars Woods Conservation Area

Mastodon StateHistoric Site

Kimmswick Historic Site

Lewis and Clark StateMemorial Park (Historic Site)

Malcolm Martin Memorial Park

River City Casino

McKinley Bridge

Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing

Lumier Casino

Horseshoe Lake State Park

Cahokia MoundsState Park

Lock #27

Future Chouteau Island Recreation Area

Eads Bridge

Parks College AirportShrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Middle Mississippi River NationalWildlife Refuge

Eckerts Orchard and Farm

Edward Ted and Pat Jones-Confuence

Point State Park

John M. Olin Nature Preserve

Alton, IL/Marina/Amphitheater

Great River Road (scenic route)

Piasa Bird Historic Site

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

R E G I O N A L D E S T I N AT I O NS A L O N G T H E M I S S I S S I P P I

THE GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY NETWORK


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Full Circle includes a new embankment on the levee in front of

the arch that offers access to moored vessels at any river level.

The Mississippi River at St. Louis is a busy route with heavy

barge traf c and consideration as to the navigation channel

and effects of passing barges has been an important part of the

design of Full Circle.

In evaluating the design of the waterfront strategy of Full Circle,

Weiss/Manfredi reviewed previous proposals for the same

stretch of Mississippi River and developed a list of criteria that

a new design had to meet.

HYDROLOGICAL

How does the new design impact currents, scour, and

sedimentation?

The embankments will have little impact on river currents

since their projected area in the direction of the current is quite

modest and when taken as a percentage of the overall river

breadth is a very small percentage. In addition the northern

embankment which the current experiences rst is shaped

in a hydrodynamic manner that encourages smooth ow

around it. The southern mound is in the current shadow of the

northern mound and will therefore not create any extraordinaryturbulence. Lastly, the mounds are shaped in such a way that

the overall current in from the north and out to the south results

in no change in current situation as the river enters and then

leaves the embankment precinct.

SEDIMENT

In the new design, how will sedimentation occur, and what

dredging and maintenance will be required?

The embankment is surfaced with materials that resist scour.

Hard surfacing of recycled levee cobblestones and concrete

terracing will be virtually scour proof while planted faces will

be carefully detailed with plantings that provide the rst line

of defense and a barrier of rip-rap will be provided under all

landscaped faces as a second, impenetrable line of defense

against scour.

NAVIGATION Is there adequate room for a tow to pass? Does it produce

glare or psychological effect on boat operators?

The layout of this embankment and its associated moored

vessels has been carefully scrutinized to retain the full

navigation channel width available today and will not affect the

safe navigation of barges and other watercraft in the Mississippi

River. The riverward faces of the embankments are armored

with recycled levee cobblestones, concrete terraces and some

implanted trees. The appearance of these surfaces to passing

tug operators etc will be no different than the appearance of the

current walls, landscaping and stair of the JNEM river frontag e.

THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

ACTIVATED WATERFRONTLOW LEVEL

ACTIVATED WATERFRONTHIGH LEVEL


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DRIFT AND DEBRIS

Will debris accumulate in new design and how will it be dealt

with? Will debris barriers for new scheme negatively affect

navigations?

The embankments will provide little opportunity for debris

to build up upon them. The northern embankment which the

current experiences rst is shaped in a hydrodynamic manner

that encourages smooth ow of debris around it. The southern

mound is in the current shadow of the northern mound and will

therefore not experience much debris accumulation either. Any

debris owing into this precinct from the north will simply pass

on either side of the mounds as it makes its way south.

ICE

How will ice be treated, will design be closed due to ice?

Ice will have no different effect within this precinct whether

the embankments are present or not. In other words, the

embankments themselves will deal with ice in t he same manner

as any other part of the shoreline. However, no matter what

the river stage, moored vessels will have to make appropriate

provisions and precautions while moored at the embankments

during ice conditions.

WHEEL WASH

How does a new waterfront design deal with wake from river

traf c?

The armored nature of the embankments makes them quite

tolerant of wash and wake from passing vessels. Like any

marina-type facility, the barge access structures will be detailed

to tolerate both the vertical changes in river stage and the

continual onslaught of wash and wake induced undulations.

THE EAST SIDE

The East Side riverfront path will commence at the ferry stop

and rise up to enable visitors to traverse the face of the levee

and arrive at the River Center. This path will be of boardwalk

SECTIONS SHOWING RIVERFRONT EMBANKMENT AT LOW AND HIGH WATER LEVELS


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construction and readily tolerate the ebb and ow of water

as the river stage changes. Much like a boat launch, this

boardwalk will extend down to the minimum anticipated river

stage and simply have a portion of its length submerged when

the river is higher. The edge of the boardwalk will be out tted

with multiple mooring points that enable the ferry to change its

mooring position to suit any river level. Fender piles will protect

the boardwalk structure from vessel impact loads.

Allowing safe, year round access to the waterfront has been

an important part of the design of Full Circle. By constructing

two terraced embankments on the west side levee, pedestriansand park visitors will be able to come up to the edge of the

river up to historic high water levels. Additionally, commercial

riverboats will be able to maintain their operations year round.

The ll needed to build these embankments will be harvested

from the new garage and museum expansion excavations. The

amount of Mississippi River oodplain that is displaced by their

construction will be created in a new waterway on the east side

of the river. Full Circle actually creates more ood plane than

exists today.

The Mississippi River levees protecting East St. Louis have

been identi ed as de cient due to seepage of water underneath

the levee. The Army Corps of Engineers plans to install

numerous relief wells to intercept this under-seepage along

the projects entire Mississippi frontage; collected water would

then be pumped to areas north and south of the site. Full

Circle provides a receiving area for this water where it will be

combined with other harvested rainwater in the new waterwayssurrounding the new Mississippi River Cultural and Ecological

Center and earthen mounds. In this way, Full Circle can play

an integral role in helping address a potentially hazardous ood

condition and otherwise discarded water can be put to use for

ecological and recreational uses.

THE ACTIVATED RIVERFRONT


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PROPERTY OWNERSHIP

Full Circle proposes a vision that extends across multiple

existing properties within the competition site. We thoroughly

understand the current ownership status of each property

and have considered the potential risk each presents to t he

completion of the full vision by October 28, 2015. Based on

these considerations, Full Circles initial vision to transform

and connect the East bank requires no land acquisition. Upon

completion of work on this portion of the site, the Full Circle

vision will be clearly expressed. Full Circle also incorporates

additional properties within the competition scheme that require

land acquisition. Should partnerships and land acquisitions beinitiated in the next 12-24 months, Full Circle will express a

comprehensive vision by October 28, 2015. Should acquisition

be delayed, Full Circle proposes a vision that can be designed

from day 1 and continue to grow and extend across the entire

site in subsequent implementation phases. In the long term,

Full Circle aims to instigate a regenerative process that will

extend throughout the competition site and radiate beyond,

embracing East St. Louis, St. Louis, and the region.

CONTAMINATION

With a history of two centuries of industry, the condition of the soils on the East St. Louis shore is generally degraded

and, in some areas, polluted to varying degrees. Full Circle

proposes a suite of remediation strategies to address these

conditions that can be deployed over time, choreographed to

correspond with the development of the proposed landscape.

Made speci c as precise data from testing for contaminants

of concern becomes available, Full Circles alternatives for

remediation techniques will prioritize progressive, biologically-

based technologies.

Addressing contaminated ground, a typical operation would beone of excavation and mounding then capping with clean soil

and stabilizing the surface with paving or vegetation. Although

this method is considered time ef cient, this cap and cover

method is not ideal for sustainably tackling the issue of t he

contamination.

Preferred remediation methods would target the elimination

of pollutants through several methods of degrading toxic

substances. Biologically-based remediation processes such as

landfarming and bioremediation would enact t his more holistic

approach. Remediation of the soils should be an integral and

ef cient part of reshaping the ground. Furthermore, the 150

acres of this post-industrial land could be a living laboratory

for emerging remediation technologies, and another economic

opportunity for a new green industry for East St. Louis.

To construct the proposed landforms on the east side,

preliminary calculations estimate that one million cubic yards

will be needed. This material will be excavated to create the

new waterways and Oxbow Lake. A balance of cut and ll

is achieved with the intent that all soils would be reused on

site, avoiding the great expense of importing additional ll or

trucking excess off site.Though the material excavated on site

is suf cient to create the proposed earthworks, generating

clean ll from river sediment is another opportunity to create

a sustainable industry. There is a signi cant body of research

and examples of eld applications proving that river sediment

is a viable material for soil production. Often amended with

biosolids, this enriched material is a valuable commodity for

urban regeneration projects.

Located within a large railyard of abandoned tracks, the

proposed Soil Depot will be a part of the Industrial Heritage

Park, pointing to a productive future. Here, barges ll train cars

with river dredge, creating long lines of soil production. If not

THE EAST BANK

MAP SHOWING CONTAMINATION ON THE EAST BANK


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for use on the new landscape of t he Mounds, this material will

be distributed throughout the two cities to regenerate degraded

urban land. With access to shipping by rail and river, this new

industry may extend to other cities to help with the restoration

of the enormous Mississippi River watershed.

ACTIVE RAIL

We are embracing and maintaining all active rail lines. The east

side of the site is characterized by heavy rail usage. The design

of the east side of Full Circle has in every way been driven by a

desire to keep the active rail networks as an exciting and visiblesign of the industrial character of the site. The new landforms

and grading on the east side have been carefully designed

around the right of ways of these rail lines. To construct the

design of the east side, some rail traf c may be temporarily

diverted while new bridge structures are built.

BARGE LOADING

Current barge loading on the Mississippi River in front of Cargill

and just north of the Poplar Street Bridge will be maintained.

CASINO QUEEN AND CARGILL

Existing business including Casino Queen and Cargill can

continue full operation throughout the implementation of Full

Circle. The frequent heavy truck traf c on Front Street can

continue to operate continue to operate as well as Cargills

truck staging area to the north of the project site.

MALCOLM W MARTIN MEMORIAL PARK AND GATEWAY

GEYSER

Recent improvements to the public realm on the east bank,

including the new Malcolm W Martin Memorial Parkoverlookand the Gateway Geyser have been retained within the design

and enhanced as important elements of Full Circle. Full Circle

incorporates these two elements as part of an integrated

system and heightens the experience of both of these events.

The overlook, partially covered by a new earth mound, now

serves as a circulation leading to a new, expanded overlook

that cantilevers over the rail yard and offers sweeping views

of the arch and Mississippi. The geyser is incorporated as an

anchor to the design of Oxbow Lake.

MAP OF CARGILL TRANSPORTATION


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Full Circle is designed in conformance with ADA accessibility

guidelines, ICC ANSI 117.1-2003 and as amended by local

codes. In transforming the experience of the Jefferson National

Expansion Memorial, Full Circle will improve accessibility

throughout the Memorial Grounds, at the Old Courthouse, to

the rivers edge, across the Mississippi River, and throughout

the east side of the site.

In St Louis, updates to the pedestrian realm begin at Kiener

Plaza with new wide and accessible sidewalks leading all the

way east to the arch grounds. At the Old Courthouse new

accessible ramps allow access to the front and back entryplatforms. The previously treacherous crossing at Memorial

Drive is eliminated by means of a new accessible landbridge.

This one block, at-grade crossing eliminates the north and

southbound lanes of Memorial Drive between Market and

Chestnut Streets creating a barrier free crossing where

there are currently ten lanes of traf c. Other Memorial Drive

improvements on the far west side of the street include the

elimination of one lane of traf c for the expansion of the

pedestrian realm and the planting of street trees. Arriving into

the arch grounds, ramps bring visitors down to a new museum

entry or upward to the park grade and base of the arch. Visitors

arriving from Chouteaus Landing will nd accessible ramps

ascending into the park, while at Lacledes Landing, new

prominent, accessible vertical circulation is installed at the entrypoints.

ACCESSIBILITY

NEW ACCESSIBLEWATERFRONTS

NEW ACCESSIBLE RAMPTO MUSEUM

NEW ACCESSIBLE CONNECTIONSFROM CITY TO PARK

NEW ACCESSIBLE PATH

TO REFLECTING POOLS

NEW ACCESSIBLE BRIDGESTO WATERFRONT

NEW ACCESSIBLE ELEVATORAND RAMP TO EAST

WATERFRONT

NEW ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIANRAMP TO OVERLOOK

NEW ACCESSIBLEPEDESTRIAN PATH

NEW ACCESSIBLESHUTTLE BUS LOOP

NEW ASSESSABLE ELEVATOR TOFRONT STREET METROLINK STATION

NEW ACCESSIBLE ELEVATORTO ARCH METROLINK STATION

NEW ACCESSIBLE ELEVATOR ATWEST TOWER OF EADS BRIDGE

NEW ACCESSIBLE ELEVATOR ATMARKET CANOPY

NEW ACCESSIBLE RAMPS ATFRONT + BACK OFCOURTHOUSE

NEW ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIANBRIDGE AT POPLAR ST.

ACCESSIBILITY DIAGRAM


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Once on the arch grounds, new accessible paths allow access

to the edge of the historic re ecting pools for the rst time.

Traveling to the riverfront, visitors currently have to descend

the steep grand staircase. Full Circle transforms the riverfront

by creating two new accessible embankments. Passing from

the Memorial Grounds via new bridges over Leonor K. Sullivan

Boulevard, visitors now can descend all the way to the grade of

the road via accessible ramps offering views of the Mississippi

River. On the east bank of the Mississippi, a new accessible

riverfront esplanade offers barrier free access to the riverfront

for the rst time, connecting into the pedestrian bridge in the

south, the accessible overlook in the middle, and the elevator at

the Front Street MetroLink station.

Traveling between the east and west sides of the park,

Full Circle offers ve accessible methods of transportation:

accessible paths, accessible shuttle bus, accessible water

ferry, the MetroLink, or personal transportation. Recon gured

approaches to the Eads Bridge allow accessible entry to the

upper level pedestrian and bike lanes. New elevators allow

access to the Arch MetroLink platforms within the bridge

structure and also to the top deck. At the south end of the

site, a new accessible pedestrian bridge is attached onto thePoplar Street bridge and has accessible entrances on both the

east and west sides. The shuttle bus travels the extent of the

site, while the water taxi gives visitors a unique water crossing

experience. Parking lots distributed throughout the park offer

drivers the ability to drive close to their destinations.

Full Circle embraces universal accessibility in the broadest

terms. The park should be accessible to all social and

economic classes, all ethnicities, and all ages. It should be

accessible to people with disabilities, families with children, and

international tourists. Access to the park and park precinctscan be achieved through well designed routes and paths,

multiple gateways, and strong transportation systems. Access

to the park experience must be more carefully considered.

Strong architecture and landscape design has the potential to

intensify natures and enhance experiences to fully engage all of

the senses. The layered site will create rich experiences where

the sound of wind through the trees will be accented by bird

calls and footsteps on the boardwalk of a wetlands trail. Views

of the river will be augmented by sites where visitors can step

down to the water and put there feet in. The fresh wild ower

meadows, and the wooded upland forest will each add a layer

of rich scents and community gardens and seasonal markets

can provide an opportunity to taste local produce. Each layer

of experience will enhance the parks mission and allow greater

access to the story of the memorial.

NEW ACCESSIBLE PATHS ALLOW ACCESS TO THE REFLECTING POOLS

NEW APPROACH TO THE MUSEUM FROM DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS


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GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Full Circle has been designed around the framework of the

General Management Plans preferred alternative 3 Program

Expansion. The rst priority of program expansion is to

preserve existing resources and integrity of the original design.

These elements lend the park its cultural signi cance and have

lead to the sites designation as a National Historic Landmark.

The monumental arch and landscape form a complete

designed experience, an immersive setting framing a beautiful

monument.

As identi ed in the GMP JNEM Management Zones, the

northern and southern zones of the Memorial Grounds are

the appropriate locations for new facilities to be developed.

Within the cultural landscape, Full Circle has concentrated new

facilities in the appropriate zones. Within the original landscape

zone, Full Circle proposes subtle changes including new,

accessible pathways to the re ecting pools and waterfront that

re ect Alternative 3s stipulation for greater connectivity. Full

Circles design for the east bank re ects Saarinens original

vision and the NPS stated desire to enhance and protect

natural resources in the East St. Louis addition. Within the east

bank, Full Circle offers a sequence of paths and platforms from

which to view the arch and explore a restorative landscape that

invites interpretation of an expanded park story.

The current visitor experience has been noted for its lack

of activity choices, visitor conveniences, and interpretive

opportunities. Full Circle meets the goals set out in the

preferred alternative of the General Management Plan,

Program Expansion. Full Circle proposes a wealth of newprograms set on a continuous-loop path, offering a sequence of

experiences that begin and end with the Gateway Arch.

NEW PROGRAMS AND VISITOR SERVICES

The Old Courthouse is better connected to the arch grounds

via a new landbridge and integrated as a legible part of the

memorial. New accessible entrances and increased educational

NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE

0 300 600 t

Original Landscape

Heritage Education andVisitor Amenities

Below-grade Heritage

Education

Legend:

NHL Boundary

Base of Arch

Streetscape / Riverscape

Connective Improvements

Park Boundary

Streetscape / RiverscapeOutside of Park Boundary

Orientation

Service

Below-grade Orientation

NOTES:

- The ultimate confguration and use o thesouth end o the Memorial would be deter-mined by the results o a design competition- The proposed boundary in East St. Louis isapproximate and may be urtheradjusted to 100 acres.

1 5 '

2 4 '

Old Courthouse

Luther Ely Smith Square

Old Cathedral

Chouteaus Landing

South Overlook

Underground Arch Complex

Lacledes Landing

North Overlook Northwest Plaza

Mississippi River Overlook inMalcolm Martin Memorial Park (Metro East Parks & Recreation)

Eads Bridge

Poplar Street Bridge

Increased connectivityand improvements to pedestrianenvironment determined bydesign competition.

Trend le y A venue

Orientation is below grade, andHeritage Education and VisitorAmenities could be both above andbelow grade.

Final management zoning maybe changed dependent uponthe winning design.

JEFFERSON NATIONAL EXPANSION MEMORIAL MANAGEMENT ZONES


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and interpretive facilities make the Old Courthouse an important

stop on the Full Circle loop.

Previously sequestered underground, the Museum of

Westward Expansion is expanded and opened up to light and

the city, creating a clear front door to the memorial experience.

New educational and cultural facilities are established at the

north and south ends of the park, welcoming visitors from the

neighboring communities to use the park on a regular basis.

Luther Ely Square is transformed into an integral link between

the memorial and the city. This new interstitial space offers

generous space for gathering and becomes a hospitable

anchor for streetfront retail developments and temporary light

structures for visitor convenience.

The memorials expansion into East St. Louis, where new

paths take visitors on an immersive experience through

emerging habitats, historic rail yards, and a plant nursery,

enables the park to reframe its story in the context of the 21st

century.

The new, expanded memorial bene ts from an accessible

internal transportation loop that enables convenient transitions

from one park zone to the next. The route of the shuttle is

aligned with the important destinations of the park.

The historic Old Cathedral is maintained and enhanced

through connections to new pedestrian paths in the historic

landscape.

ACCESS/SECURITY

The park will bene t from a comprehensive security program

developed as part of its expansion. New ranger facilities and

monitoring systems will be located throughout the park.

New, accessible routes combined with a comprehensive,

accessible internal transportation system allow all visitors to

access the park.

The new entrance to the Museum of Westward Expansion

solves the problem of long lines at security screening due to the

current con guration.

CONNECTIVITY

Connectivity throughout the park is vastly improved by a

sequence of continuous-loop paths including pedestrian and

bike, shuttle bus, and ferry loop, new legible identities for

different park areas, and new, unifying streetscape designs

around the perimeter of the park.

A new riverfront embankment offers year round accessible

mooring for waterfront vessels. A redesigned Mississippi

River promenade increases visitor use of the waterfront andtemporary light structures are encouraged.

OPERATIONS

Along with its renewed park story, the memorials maintenance

facility becomes a showcase of sustainable resources

stewardship.

Parking facilities to memorial are vastly improved through the

creation of distributed lots.

V I E W O F T H E W E T L A N D S O N T H E E A S T B A N K


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Full Circle, the competition entry of the Weiss/Manfredi Team,

will revitalize and re-vision the iconic Gateway Arch and

surrounding grounds in order to make them more appealing

and relevant to todays visiting tourists as well as local citizens.

The Section 106 process will assess effects of the proposed

intervention on the historic site and nearby historic properties

and seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse

effects. Even though the proposed scheme is a bold vision for

the future, it is highly deferential to the brilliant Saarinen arch

and Kiley landscape and seeks as an overarching strategy to

create no direct or indirect adverse affects to these monuments

of American de

weiss-manfredi arch proposal - full narrative

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