recess

Since 2018, we’ve been working alongside the Delmar Maker District development team to transform the stretch of Delmar Blvd between Kingshighway and Union into a lively, distinct, creative district. Ideally located near Forest Park and Central West End, development had been challenged by the long-standing notion of The Delmar Divide, historically separating St Louisans by economics, and race. Instead of accepting Delmar as a dividing line, the DMD reimagines it as a bridge, aiming to connect communities, foster collaboration, and celebrate creativity.

Studying successful redevelopment strategies of similar areas educated our preliminary, district-wide urban planning concept. The strategy identified specific areas and anchor-tenants on which to concentrate the initial development effort, located where properties on either side of Delmar Blvd could engage one another, naturally encouraging connection, and creating notable pockets of public activity. Establishing these foundational amenities allows future development to infill organically as density and need arises.

Design, at a district-level, aims to preserve the existing building stock so as to maintain the unique sense of place. In contrast, new construction is decisively modern while being sensitive to scale, proportion and material. This balance allows old and new to coexist, elevating both rather than competing, and visually represents the connection of seemingly dissimilar things. Working at a controlled pace, each project is uniquely considered and distinctive in it’s own way, while relating to the whole.

Currently ongoing, the DMD has already seen the addition or renovation of over 70,000sf of maker space, 8 rebuilt historic single-family homes, 4 galleries, 3 retailers, and will soon be home to 11 food and beverage concepts from some of the regions top chefs. Monthly 3rd Friday events, Maker Markets and Food festivals now animate the streets, bringing people together from all over the city, and there’s still much more to come!