Unseen STL History Talks: May 2024
Downtown Demolitions: The Riverfront and Gateway Mall
Our next Unseen STL History Talks will be on May 16th at Spine Bookstore and Cafe.
Read on to learn about this event that focuses on two different organized demolition efforts in Downtown St. Louis. Following that, learn about some of the other events coming up in Unseen STL History Adventures, as well as our new Facebook group.
Unseen STL History Talks
Join us on May 16th, 2024, for the next Unseen STL History Talks. This month, we will dig into the history of two controversial urban development projects in Downtown St. Louis. You may love the outcomes of these urban projects, but you might feel conflicted when you learn how they came to be.
The talks will take place at Spine Bookstore and Cafe, located at 1982 Arsenal St. Doors open at 6 pm, with the talks starting at 7 pm. There will be a $5 cover.
The Talks
The Lost Gateway Mall Project
Steve Sorkin will take us back to a critical moment in St. Louis’s urban history with his talk on the Gateway Mall project. This ambitious urban renewal effort ended in the demolition of three historic high-rises and several smaller buildings, a move that was widely opposed by the public. Through this case study, Steve will explore the powerful corporate influences of the era and their impact on city planning, shedding light on the complex dynamics between corporate ambitions and public opinion.
The Controversial Beginnings of the Gateway Arch
Jackie Dana's talk will explore the origins of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (today known as the Gateway Arch National Park), which began as a contentious plan spearheaded by Mayor Bernard Dickmann and attorney Luther Ely Smith. Despite claims of revitalizing a rundown neighborhood, the plan led to the displacement of numerous businesses and residents and the demolition of historic 19th-century architecture. Jackie will discuss the inflated real estate schemes, the controversial bond elections, and the prolonged battle that preceded the iconic Gateway Arch, highlighting the complexities and conflicts involved in this transformative project. While we love the Arch today, it’s also important to acknowledge the complex history that led up to it.
The Speakers
Steve Sorkin: A lifelong resident of St. Louis, Steve Sorkin's commitment to the city's urban landscape is profound. With a BA in Urban Affairs from George Washington University, his career has spanned various advocacy roles in public health, environmental protection, and historical preservation. His experiences range from campaigning against local developments to serving on boards such as the Missouri Coalition for the Environment. He brings a deep understanding of St. Louis’s urban challenges and a dedication to its historical integrity.
Jackie Dana: A St. Louis native and University of Missouri-Columbia history MA graduate, brings a unique blend of historical scholarship and creative storytelling to her talk. After years in Austin, TX, Jackie returned to St. Louis, channeling her passion for history into the Unseen STL project. Her investigative work into the city’s past was initially inspired by her fiction writing, which makes her presentations rich with narrative depth and historical insight.
If these talks sound interesting, we’d love it if you’d share this post with a friend!
STL History & Preservation on Facebook
For those interested in history conversations and preservation topics, we have a new FB group called STL History & Preservation. Join us to talk about St. Louis history, discuss endangered buildings, share news, and become part of the community.
Join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/stlhistorypreservation
Upcoming Unseen STL History Adventures
Here are the dates of some of the upcoming activities with our meetup group, Unseen STL History Adventures:
May 11: Tour of the National Building Arts Center (if you love old buildings/history/architecture, this is a must-see!)
May 19: Train ride and talk at the Wabash, Pacific and Frisco Railroad
June 6: Trolley tour at Bellefontaine Cemetery + visit to Velvet Freeze
July 20: Using the Missouri Historical Society's Library & Research Center (2nd date since the first filled up!)
To join in on the fun, be sure to join our meetup!
If you value the work that goes into Unseen St. Louis, please consider a paid subscription. Your contribution helps make all the research and event planning possible.
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Reportedly my stepfather’s longstanding family business was long located where the south leg of the Arch stands.