SAINT LOUIS, MO (KMOX) - Amos Harris has been called a "true believer" of what downtown St. Louis could be. He's invested millions in the city and has his hand in numerous properties. He even raised his family in a downtown loft. Harris helped bring the National Blues Museum on Washington Avenue to life. After nearly ten years in existence, the museum's board was forced to close it abruptly earlier this year due to lagging attendance. KMOX's Megan Lynch walked through a key corridor of the city with Harris as he shared his thoughts about what could make downtown a cultural and entertainment scene worthy of new, young residents. Hear more at the link below.
When the National Blues Museum closed at the end of March, lack of foot traffic in the city was cited as a factor.
Harris says what downtown really needs to support entertainment and culture is a dynamic daily experience for people who live and work in the heart of St. Louis. He'd love to see one entity that's focused solely on downtown to be the catalyst.
Harris suggests using 7th street as a corridor for hosting weekly, small-scale, after-work events to start to create that vibrancy. It's just had upgrades, and is a connector between the Convention Center and Ballpark Village. He adds that US Bank Plaza would create a cozy venue for not much investment. And nearby buildings in need of renovation -- for example the historic Railway Exchange -- could get a street level facelift by local artists to add more appeal. Add some welcoming lighting also, and Harris believes it could be the start of reenergizing a cultural district. He cites Nashville and Kansas City as examples of downtowns that started small and got big rewards.
Harris says he's concerned that without evidence of a vibrant community, any attempt at office-to-apartment conversations will fail to be a draw.
Or course the plaza is short walk to the site of the National Blues Museum on Washington, known not only for its artifacts but also live performances. Harris says he's giving it a year to see if he can raise the capital needed to get it back open and keep it afloat.
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KMOX's Megan Lynch walked through downtown with developer Amos Harris to listen to his ideas for launching a vibrant culture in the city's core.
KMOX's Megan Lynch walked through downtown with developer Amos Harris to listen to his ideas for launching a vibrant culture in the city's core.
