Downtown St. Louis just got a major glow-up—and it’s not just cosmetic. On Friday, city leaders cut the ribbon on the long-anticipated 7th Street Project, officially completing the corridor between Ballpark Village and Washington Avenue, linking the homes of the Cardinals and the Battlehawks with a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly stretch of infrastructure.

Mayor Cara Spencer nailed it when she said, “The downtowns that people flood to aren’t the ones with the widest roads. They’re the ones that invite you to slow down, take in your surroundings, stop for a treat, and move around safely—no matter how you get there.” That’s the new 7th Street in a nutshell: a modern corridor built for connection, not just commuting.

Here’s what the facelift includes:

  • Protected bike and pedestrian lanes
  • New street lighting and trees
  • Wider sidewalks and ADA-compliant crosswalks
  • Repaved roadway from Walnut to Washington
  • Smart traffic calming and traffic management tools

But this isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about creating a safer, more connected experience for everyone downtown. Bill DeWitt III, President of the St. Louis Cardinals and one of the key private backers of the project, highlighted the impact: “The increased public safety presence and stepped-up activations have made a real difference. You can see and feel the positive momentum.”

The project doesn’t stop at asphalt and LED lampposts. It also includes:

  • A link to the Brickline Greenway at Market Street
  • Enhanced storefronts and public art installations
  • Solar-powered benches with charging stations
  • Informational kiosks with maps and business directories
  • Student-led murals and live pop-up performances during the opening

And yes, there were pop-up vendors, local food artisans, live music, and glowing evening lights to celebrate. Several local businesses even announced new storefront plans—evidence that this isn’t just a street upgrade, it’s a spark for economic revitalization.

This public-private partnership brought together the City of St. Louis, community foundations, regional development organizations, and local businesses—all invested in turning 7th Street into more than just a route. It’s now a destination.

Welcome to the new Historic 7th Street: where mobility meets community, and where St. Louis steps boldly into a more connected future.

Project Team: St. Louis-based Raineri Construction is the general contractor for the project. Subcontractors include ATK Safety Supply, Metron Surveying, DJM Ecological Services, Gerstner Electric, GS Grinding Services, PLS Plumbing and E. Meier Contracting.