A key component of CityArchRiver’s redevelopment project is now complete. Luther Ely Smith Square and an adjacent land bridge spanning Interstate 44 opened to the public on Wednesday.
The upgraded greenspace is designed to better connect the Gateway Arch grounds to the rest of downtown. Improvements include more than 300 feet of benches, new lighting and 220 additional trees.
The park is also designed with underground cisterns that can hold up to 65,000 gallons of rain water for irrigation. A temporary viewing platform has been installed so visitors can watch as construction continues on the $380 million project.
The park will eventually lead to the new entrance of the renovated museum and visitor center, which is expected to open in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1lemxNJYKM
