Grand Center Inc., which oversees development in the Midtown arts district, will be led by Karin Hagaman starting in mid-September. Currently head of project development at Cortex Innovation Community, Hagaman has experience in planning and executing the large-scale developments there.
Hagaman’s work at the 3.5 acre Cortex development included “streetscape redevelopment,” according to a news release. Improving streets and public spaces will be the next phase of work in Grand Center.
Tom Voss, co-chair of the search committee, said, “The board is highly impressed with Karin’s urban development experience and her passion for our city and the arts.”
Before Cortex, Hagaman was with the St. Louis Development Corp., Development Strategies and St. Louis 2004. She has degrees from Harvard and Washington universities.
She will be taking over from Vince Schoemehl, who announced his retirement several months ago. Schoemehl has been president and chief executive of Grand Center since 2001. Before that, he served three terms as mayor of St. Louis.
