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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
1
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
23
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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4
5
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
67
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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8
9
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
8
7
46
5
2
1
3
1
1
11
45
2
6
3
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9
810
235
489
7
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Malcolm MartinMemorial Park
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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
S 4 T H S T
F R O N T S T
T R E N D LE Y AV E
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44
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Route to Site
Route from Site
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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