Transit Oriented

Development Study
For the PROPOSED NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT

prepared by H3 Studio

For the City of St. Louis & the St. Louis Development Corporation

Final Report
July 2013

Acknowledgements

CLIENT GROUP

PLANNING TEAM

The City of Saint Louis - Northside-Southside Alignment

H3 Studio
Lead Consultant

Honorable Francis G. Slay

Catherine Werner
Don Roe
Connie Tomasula

Mayor
Director of Sustainability
Director of Planning
Planning & Urban Design Agency
Urban Designer
Planning & Urban Design Agency

St. Louis Development Corporation

Otis Williams
Amy Lampe

Executive Director
Major Project Specialist

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Todd Antoine

Patrick Brown
Stephen Gregali
John Kohler
Paul Hubbman

Mark Phillips
Dale Ruthsatz
Joe Thele

Director for Planning

Great Rivers Greenway
Special Assistant to Mayor Slay
Special Assistant to Mayor Slay
Planning & Program Manager
Board of Public Service
Senior Manager
of Corridor and Long Range Planning
East-West Gateway Council of Governments
Long-Range Planner
Bi-State Development Agency/Metro Transit
Director of Commercial Development
St. Louis Development Corporation
Neighborhood Development Executive
Neighborhood Stabilization Office

John Hoal, Ph.D., AICP Principal-In-Charge

Timothy Breihan, A.AIA
Major Project Manager
Laura L. Lyon, VP, CNU

Project Manager
Bryan Taylor Robinson, AICP, LEED AP Sustainability Planner

Project Manager
Courtney Cushard, LEED AP
Urban Designer
Angie Hristova
Urban Researcher
Jonathan Stitelman
Urban Designer
Christopher Liao
Technical Staff
Reed Miller
Technical Staff
Andrew Luy
Technical Staff

Bernardin, Lochmueller & Associates
Transportation Sub-Consultant
Douglas Shatto, PE, PTOE Transportation Services Manager
Christopher Beard, PE, PTOE
Project Engineer
Christopher Joannes
Traffic Planner
Ryan Bumb
Traffic Engineering Specialist
Robert Innis
Principal, Innis Consulting
Development Strategies
Economic Sub-Consultant
Robert M. Lewis, AICP, CEcD
Principal
Larry Marks
Principal | Executive Vice President
Katie Medlin
Senior Analyst
M3 Engineering Group
Civil Engineering & Environmental Planning Sub-Consultant
Marjorie L. Melton, P.E., LEED AP
Marc W. Eshelman, P.E.

Principal
Principal

Vector Communications Corporation

Public Outreach Sub-Consultant

The work that provided the basis of this publication was supported by funding under an award with the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development through East-West Gateway
Council of Governments. The substance and findings of the
work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher
are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and
interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations
do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government or the
East-West Gateway Council of Governments.

Laurna Godwin
Rachel Powers

Partner
Consultant

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction 34

Background 40

Transit Neighborhood Typology

46

Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

66

Preferred Station: Cherokee

108

Preferred Station: Kingshighway

186

Appendix

1

2
3
4
5
6

Planning & Urban Design: H3 Studio

a. Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment: Station Typology Sheets
b. Technical Advisory Committee Meetings:
TAC Meeting #1 Presentation: April 23, 2013
TAC Meeting #2: May 1, 2013
TAC Meeting #3: May 24, 2013
TAC Meeting #4: June 5, 2013
Summary of Public Outreach Presentation:

Vector Communications, June 5, 2013
c. Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment Exhibit Boards
Public Engagement: Vector Communications Report
Economic: Development Strategies Report and Appendices
Transportation: Bernardin, Lochmueller & Associates Report
Civil, Sustainability & Environmental Planning: M3 Engineering Group
Opinion of Probable Costs: M3 Engineering Group

Project File Contents located at Planning and Urban Design Agency, City of St. Louis:
Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment Station Area Study and Profiles
Meeting Minutes of the Technical Advisory Committee Meetings (4): Vector Communications
In Project Files located East-West Gateway Council of Governments website:
Electronic files of this report and corresponding appendix. These files will be available on their website in
adherence to the criteria for funding under an award with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through East-West Gateway Council of Governments.

4 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

0 | Executive Summary

0 | Executive Summary | 5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
STUDY DEVELOPMENT, FUNDING, & ADMINISTRATION

This study is a joint effort by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, the
City of Saint Louis, and St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC). The Study is
funded with a portion of the $4.7 million Sustainable Communities Regional Planning
Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through
the East-West Gateway Council of Governments. The aforementioned grant is
funding additional sustainability planning efforts throughout the St. Louis Region.
The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is responsible for the project
administration. Amy Lampe, Major Projects Specialist, is in charge as project
1912 MAP OF ST. LOUIS

coordinator. The Client Group team consists of Don Roe (City of Saint Louis
Planning and Urban Design Agency), Connie Tomasula, project coordinator for the
Northside-Southside Alignment portion of the study (City of Saint Louis Planning
and Urban Design Agency), and Amy Lampe. The Project Team lead is H3 Studio,
performing project direction, planning, and project management, with partners
Bernardin, Lochmueller & Associates (BLA) with Innis Consulting; M3 Engineering
Group; Development Strategies; and Vector Communications Corporation.
PLANNING PROCESS

STUDY OBJECTIVE:

This study took place over the course of three and half months and involved

To assist the City of St. Louis,

its neighborhoods, and
developers with preparing for
and taking advantage
of transit investment
along the proposed
Northside-Southside Alignment.

regular interface between the Client Group and the Project Team. In addition, the
Project Team met with an assembled Technical Advisory Committee and conducted
stakeholder outreach during the planning process. These efforts allowed the
Project Team to collect a large amount of data whilst engaging institutional and
governmental staff and community members. The public outreach initiatives have
helped to build and enrich the studys recommendations for future efforts along the
corridor.
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

To do this, a system for determining

The role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was to provide directed

development potential and setting

guidance to the Project Team and to review in-progress work, materials and

aspirational thresholds for future

initiatives, and work products. The TAC was comprised of representatives from

conditions at each station area has

key agencies and institutions involved in the study, including the City of St. Louis

been developed. In applying this

Mayors Office, Planning and Urban Design Agency, Metro, East-West Gateway

system at the Kingshighway and

Council of Governments, Board of Public Service, Great Rivers Greenway District,

Cherokee Stations, each located

St. Louis Development Corporation, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Team.

along the Proposed Northside-

Please refer to the Acknowledgements section for a complete list. The Project Team

Southside Alignment, the scale of

held four coordination and review meetings with the Client Group team throughout

future development potential is

the course of the study for progress reports. In addition, the Client Group hosted

clearly demonstrated.

four work sessions and review meetings with the Technical Advisory Committee
with the Project Team throughout the course of the study for regular guidance.

6 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PUBLIC OUTREACH
The Northside-Southside Proposed Alignment for transit expansion is a long-term
process that will continue over many years and in many phases. The City and its
consultants have worked together with stakeholders and the community to develop
the potential for the City and for the individual neighborhoods served along the
corridor.
HISTORICAL MAP OF ST. LOUIS
In May 2013, Vector Communications continued their outreach along the proposed
alignment. They conducted stakeholder interviews with local leaders who represent
various interests within the two preferred station areas: Cherokee and Kingshighway.
These interviews offered key stakeholders the opportunity to envision their
respective areas future as having a transit station along with added Transit Oriented
Development. The discussions focused on benefits, challenges, opportunities, and
future visions for development in the area. These face-to-face interactions not only
facilitated meaningful dialogue, but also provided the interviewer an opportunity
to update stakeholders on the plan since the last round of public outreach. The
interview findings were presented to the TAC during the meetings to assist in guiding
the process. The summaries and complete transcripts are located in the appendices.
LIVABILITY IN THE REGION
St. Louis as a Transit City
From its inception, St. Louis was planned with an urban morphology well suited for

ST. LOUIS STREETCAR MAP

walkability with small blocks and tightly knit residential neighborhoods distributed
evenly throughout the City. During a period of post-War decline, common to many
other rust-belt cities at the time, the City began to empty, with many of its residents
leaving for the newer, outer-ring suburbs. Over the past couple of centuries, the
Citys grid layout has shifted due to the introduction of boulevards, streetcar lines,
and, later, highways; but, the City has remained a nexus of transit. For decades, the
Citys neighborhoods blossomed as traditional streetcar suburbs with may residents
who commuted to jobs downtown but accommodated their everyday needs close to
home. However, with many of its neighborhoods retaining their once strong urban
character and structure, these neighborhoods are primed for a return to their former
glory, all the while envisioning a vibrant future based on transit. Today, the City is
ready to re-embrace Transit Oriented Development along its historic corridors to
ensure connectivity of its residents to jobs, homes, shopping, and parks.
Encouraging the vision of an enriched and diverse culture, economy, and amenities
and connecting these assets to the residents and visitors is paramount. This report
explores the expansion of light rail service into St. Louis more residential districts
with the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment, a central component of Metros

0 | Executive Summary | 7

Moving Transit Forward: St. Louis Regional Long-Range Transit Plan (2010). Plans
for this new alignment have evolved over the past 15 years, from a conceptual
notion highlighted in the Citys Major Transportation Investment Analysis (2000), to
a specific alignment detailed in the Northside-Southside Study (2008).
This study builds upon the goals set forth in previous plans, while giving a strong
framework for decision-making regarding Transit Oriented Development, which ,as
defined by HUD, is compact, mixed-use development in close proximity to transit
facilities. Transit Oriented Development promotes sustainable communities by
providing people of all ages and incomes with improved access to transportation
and housing choices and reduced transportation costs that reduce the negative
impacts of automobile travel on the environment and the economy. This report
1966 KINGSHIGHWAY BUS
TRANSIT

aspires to meet these goals and study the Alignment at this higher level of detail,
with a comprehensive analysis of each of the proposed stations, a set of Station
Area Plans that describe detailed development programs, building form and
distribution, street improvements, and environmental analysis for the proposed
Cherokee and Kingshighway Stations. These two stations were selected because
they embody a similar range of challenges and opportunities to the other station
areas along the Alignment. In future studies of the other station areas, lessons from
Kingshighway and Cherokee can be readily applied.
St. Louis as a Sustainable City

Well-executed TOD
will allow our region to

improve mobility,
create sustainable
& livable
communities,
and improve transportation
options for the future. The
overall effort aims

to create a vision
and roadmap
for how to
encourage TOD
in the St. Louis region.

The Northside-Southside Proposed Alignment Study will use the St. Louis City
Sustainability Plan as a future measure of success since the intent of this study
matches the goals put forward by the Sustainability Plan. The initial analysis of
the aspirations of the Station Area Plans for the Northside-Southside Proposed
Alignment as compared to the St. Louis City Sustainability Plan demonstrates the
ability to address 46 out of the 50 objectives in the following functional categories:
Urban Character, Vitality & Ecology; Arts, Culture & Innovation; Empowerment,
Diversity & Equity; Health, Well-Being & Safety; Infrastructure, Facilities &
Transportation; Education, Training & Leadership; And Prosperity, Opportunity &
Employment.
Transit Oriented Development occurs around rail transit stations within cities. It is
inherently more sustainable than other types of single-use and auto-dependent
development. Rail lines are perceived as a more permanent type of infrastructure than
roads and highways , allowing for more a concentrated and compact development
to occur, thus preserving valuable land and resources. Lessening our reliance on
automobiles has enormous implications for our quality of life. By reducing carbon
emissions, we improve air quality, and by decreasing our household transportation
costs, we increase disposable income leaving more dollars available for savings
and investment. More disposable income, better air quality, more efficient and
productive land use, healthier lifestyles which include walking and bicycling, and
diverse communities all contribute toward the betterment of life.
APPROACH: TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY

8 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

STEP 1:
Where to start? The St. Louis TOD Framework Plan, commissioned by East-West
Gateway and Metro, established a framework for smart growth around existing
Metro stations. For the regional MetroLink network, the Framework Plan established
station area typologies for the varied development and land use patterns which exist
throughout the St. Louis region. The Framework Plan examined the potential for
economic development around the 37 existing MetroLink Stations by looking at the
regulatory environment and public and private financing options that are available for
Transit Oriented Development.

STEP 2:

What about aspirations for the Citys future? Although The Framework Plan
establishes much needed broad categories and subheadings for the regions
existing stations, including the Neighborhood Typology, it does not address the
finer-grain of use, character and diversity of the 39 neighborhoods touched by the
Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment within the City. To address this lack of
particularity and ensure quality placemaking, the Project Team developed a new
approach, the Neighborhood Typology was expanded and refined. Using the
Alignment as a prototypical cross-section of the City, the Project Team developed

STEP 3:

an integrated analytical system of nine Transit Neighborhood Typologies by 1) using

direct relationships of residents-to-workers and, 2) overlaying the Building Envelope
Standards assigned to each typology through the use of a Form-Based District.
This level of particularity produced a framework for desired scales of integrated
future development and population change. The Proposed Northside-Southside
Alignments 28 station profiles (due to the Downtown stations close proximity, the

Use Mix shift

28 stations were analyzed as 25 by the Planning and Urban Design Agency) were
further categorized into Transit Neighborhood Typologies. After much discussion
with the Client Group, the TAC, and stakeholders, two station areas were chosen
for further study and detailed planning: Cherokee Station and Kingshighway Station.
Intensity shift

LIVABILITY PRINCIPLES
STEPS FOR USING THE TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY SYSTEM

Program Distribution
STEP 4:

STEP 1: DETERMINE CURRENT STATION AREA TYPOLOGY

STEP 2: DETERMINE DESIRED TYPOLOGICAL SHIFT
STEP 3: DETERMINE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BASED ON DESIRED POPULATION INCREASE
STEP 4: LOCATE OPPORTUNITY SITES TO FULFIL SHIFT
(See side-bar to right)

Development opportunity sites example

0 | Executive Summary | 9

In order to correlate the aspirational vision and realistic needs of the residents
and business-owners with the desires of the future generations and visitors of St.
Louis, the Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Stations along
the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment is closely aligned with the goals of
the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities Livability Principles.
Sustainable Communities Livability Principle 1:
Provide more transportation choices. Develop safe, reliable, and economical
transportation choices to decrease household transportation costs, reduce our nations dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote public health.
This studys recommendations to meet Principle 1:
PEDESTRIANS READYING TO
BOARD THE BUS

Develop physical transit infrastructure to increase access to public transportation and provide reliable and economical transportation options to citizens of
all income levels;

Provide convenient transportation options for all citizens and reduce redundant
transit infrastructure by linking bus, bicycle, and pedestrian access routes at
inter-modal transfer stations along the Alignment;

Reduce household transportation costs by offering a flexible range of public

transport options;

St. Louis begins the

21st century with
the opportunity to
integrate, grow,
and balance
ambitions
for economic
prosperity, social
equity, and
environmental
health within its
communities
and the region.

Increase walkability to retail, employment, and recreational needs by using

street improvements to activate the streetscape at all hours of the day;

Reduce the need for car ownership by creating enticing retail and entertainment options in new mixed-use development at the station area; and

Improve air quality and manage stormwater by planting local species of street
trees and vegetation in curb bumpouts, public parks, and green roofs.

Sustainable Communities Livability Principle 2:

Promote equitable, affordable housing. Expand location- and energy-efficient
housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities to increase
mobility and lower the combined cost of housing and transportation.
This studys recommendations to meet Principle 2:

Increase residential density adjacent to new station areas to provide the most
efficient and reliable connection to public transportation;

Renovate vacant buildings and redevelop vacant parcels with contextually

scaled infill to provide residents at all income levels with well-built homes at
rates below current day new-build costs.

Attract and retain residents of all ethnicities, incomes, and ages with a variety

10 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

of housing options;

Reduce the need for daily car trips by developing necessary services in mixeduse complexes adjacent to the station area; and

Allow for incentives for renovation, redevelopment, and retention of affordable

market rate housing.

Sustainable Communities Livability Principle 3:

Enhance economic competitiveness. Improve economic competitiveness
through reliable and timely access to employment centers, educational opportunities, services and other basic needs by workers, as well as expanded business
access to markets.
This studys recommendations to meet Principle 3:

Attract business and employment opportunities at the station area to provide

a wide range of employment options for local residents;

Develop new mixed-use buildings to accommodate an array of business

types and sizes;

Provide fast, easy connection to Downtown St. Louis, the primary

regional employment center;

Leverage existing infrastructure assets, such as proximity to the highway

and historic greenways to assert identity and attract businesses

Create employment and provide job-skills training for local residents during
the redevelopment of vacant residential property;

Respond to the requests of community leaders for increased necessary

POTENTIAL STREETSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS

commercial and entertainment amenities for all members of the station area
community;

Consider Co-operative flex work space and continue to support

business incubators; and

Encourage Smart Technology and WiFi hotspots for mobility work force.

Sustainable Communities Livability Principle 4:

Support existing communities. Target federal funding toward existing communitiesthrough strategies like transit oriented, mixed-use development, and land
recyclingto increase community revitalization and the efficiency of public works
investments and safeguard rural landscapes.

DOWNTOWN RAINGARDEN
COLLECTS PAVED SURFACE
RUNOFF

0 | Executive Summary | 11

This studys recommendations to meet Principle 4:

Reduce market demand for urban sprawl by developing new Transit

Oriented Development at the station areas;

Minimize displacement of residents by focusing development on large

underutilized parcels on main streets adjacent to the transit station;

TRANSIT STATION AREAS

BECOME VENUE FOR PUBLIC ART

Increase new development into strong existing residential communities

by addressing community needs and aspirations;

Allow the existing communities will benefit from the influx of new services and
employment while residents and workers in the new development will benefit
from the existing character and quality of the surrounding neighborhoods;

Take advantage of the mixed-use nature of transit oriented development transit

oriented development will be mixed-use to make the station area attractive
for new residents and workers while serving the densest population possible.
These areas will attract transit ridership throughout the day as residents and
workers commute to and from the station;

Increase residential and employment population densities around the

station make for a highly efficient transit network, one in which resources
can be focused on serving the condensed population rather than on extending
out to serve dispersed populations; and

Integrate public art into streetscape improvements, making the new transit
infrastructure aesthetically pleasing while functionally effective.

The transit
improvements
described in the
Preferred Station
Area Plans operate
on the social,
economic, and
ecological
platforms
of the Citys
Sustainability Plan.

Sustainable Communities Livability Principle 5:

Coordinate and leverage federal policies and investment. Align federal policies
and funding to remove barriers to collaboration, leverage funding, and increase
the accountability and effectiveness of all levels of government to plan for future
growth, including making smart energy choices such as locally generated renewable energy.
This studys recommendations to meet Principle 5:

Utilize Federal, State, and Local government funds for improvements to

public streets, infrastructure, and historic buildings in pursuance of ecological
and economic goals.

Utilize Federal and Local funding options to finance public infrastructure,

land acquisition, commercial property renovations, and street improvements;

Utilize tax abatement to attract developers and individual property owners

to develop and invest in local communities;

12 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Utilize local funding for water management and stormwater remediation

practices to bring station areas into compliance with regional sustainability
initiatives; and

Identify development funding that is available from several local and Federal options at both Cherokee and Kingshighway Stations. These options will be used
leverage monies for implementation at all scales.

Sustainable Communities Livability Principle 6:

PUBLIC TRANSIT PROVIDES

ACCESS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

Value communities and neighborhoods. Enhance the unique characteristics

of all communities by investing in healthy, safe, and walkable neighborhoods
rural, urban, or suburban.
This studys recommendations to meet Principle 6:

Encourage civic engagement during all phases of the planning process to

ensure infrastructure improvements which are reflective of community aspirations and needs;

Increase greenscaped areas at all station areas to provide comfortable

places for community members to meet, relax, and utilize;

Utilize new walkable transit stations to connect adjacent neighborhoods;

Implement a fine mix of historic buildings and new Transit

Oriented Development;

Establish district-wide goals for populations of workers and residents to

help community leaders foster local character and guide future development;

PUBLIC AMENITIES AVAILABLE AT

PENROSE PARK

Create a cohesive, vibrant street environment reflective of the identity at the

station area by encouraging public art and creative activity in streetscape improvements, public space, and businesses;

Improve streets, increase pedestrian scale lighting, and increase the quality
and extent of bicycle infrastructure to create a safe, walkable environment;

Calibrate development program to support the character, history, and

scale of the surrounding areas; and

Establish a national model for sustainable, effective transit at every level of urban density and intensity.

VIBRANT STREET CULTURE OF

CHEROKEE

0 | Executive Summary | 13

PROPOSED STATION AREAS

St. Louis begins the 21st century with the opportunity to integrate, grow, and balance
ambitions for economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental health within
its communities and the region. The Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment is
a transformative infrastructure improvement with the potential to increase density
and economic activity within the City and the region, and will establish a model for
similar developments nationally. After a thorough selection process, the Cherokee
and Kingshighway Stations were chosen in particular for having key transitsupportive attributes: the capacity to be a catalyst for the entire corridor, and as
valuable prototypes for discussion and advancement of transit in St. Louis for future
generations.
The Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment will link 39 neighborhoods with a
newly constructed light rail system, running within the boundaries of the City of
St. Louis. The alignment is comprised of 28 stations, 22 of which lie outside of the
Downtown area and fall into residential districts, while the remaining six have considerable overlap with the existing MetroLink system. Since the majority of stations
fall in residential neighborhoods, the City and community leaders should look to this
typological system, created to make distinctions among a range of residential and
highly developed urban areas, in order to make well-reasoned decisions regarding
the development program and building form at each station area.
At each station, the proposed Transit Oriented Developments surrounded by strong,
complete residential neighborhoods will establish a model for accessibility, diversity,
and prosperity within the City of St. Louis while highlighting key aspirations of the
Citys Sustainability Plan and Strategic Land Use Plan. The strategy at each station
is to infill and stabilize the surrounding neighborhoods, implement planned transit
infrastructure improvements, and support greater density development around the
transit station. After documenting vacant parcels and buildings on each block within
the one-half () mile transit shed, each vacant building should be renovated, and
each vacant parcel should be filled with the dominant residential building type for
that block. Vacant commercial buildings will be renovated to provide ground level
commercial space with the potential for office or residential space on upper levels.
The construction of the station will bring about significant streetscape improvements
to improve water infrastructure, pedestrian, bicycle, and bus networks, open space,
and walkability. These infrastructure improvements, particularly along primary
streets, will then be framed by new buildings with higher worker and residential
densities than the surrounding area.
The transit improvements described in the Preferred Station Area Plans operate
on the social, economic, and ecological platforms of the Citys Sustainability Plan.
The construction of the Alignment will reduce the demand for car ownership and the
emission of greenhouse gases. Walkability will increase within the station area, as
people are better connected to jobs, recreation, and services throughout the City.

14 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

STATION AREA PROFILE FOR CHEROKEE

STATION AREA PROFILE FOR KINGSHIGHWAY

The proposed transit stations provide people of all income levels equal access to
amenities, business opportunities, transportation, and safe and healthy neighborhoods.
The existing conditions of each station area are expressed in the images above.
Each of the two detailed station area plans, Cherokee and Kingshighway (in 5|0 and
6|0 of this report) lay the groundwork for a localized approach to Transit Oriented Development. Key measures in determining population increase and associated building program at these two station areas are explored in greater detail in the report.
This type of development has been shown to have significant benefits to the local
economy, environment, and overall quality of life.
0 | Executive Summary | 15

PHASED OVER 30 YEARS

2043

CHEROKEE

2023

16 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

2033

0 | Executive Summary | 17

CHEROKEE STREET: 2043

CHEROKEE
18 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

0 | Executive Summary | 19

PREFERRED STATION: CHEROKEE

Cherokee Street currently displays the key attributes supportive of Transit Oriented
Development in its use mix, intensity, urban form, connectivity, and parking. Additionally, several other highly desirable attributes are present within the proposed
Cherokee Station area.
Cherokee Street and Jefferson Avenue each form the border for four historic neighZONING

borhoods, making the station a potential conduit between adjacent communities.

Cherokee, as a center for entrepreneurship, creativity, and multi-cultural attractions
within the City, is supportive of a wide range of commercial uses. The transit sheds
were considered and modified according to these unique characteristics. The block
grid at Cherokee is extremely uniform, with small, walkable blocks averaging 7.4
acres, making it ideal for accessing the light-rail right-of-way. It is also primarily
residential and highly transit-supportive because of the low car ownership among
households in the area.
The Cherokee Station area is moderately transit-supportive, with a primarily residential use mix and a combined worker and resident population just below 7,000.
As proposed in the Preferred Station Area plan, population increase of both workers
and residents within the one-half () mile at the station area will maintain a use mix

LAND USE

that is still primarily residential but with a population of over 7,000, the threshold for
a highly transit-supportive area. Making space for all the new workers and residents
will be achieved through renovation and redevelopment of vacant property, and new
development of high-density Transit Oriented Development at the station area. Before the Alignment is constructed, neighborhoods surrounding the transit station are
completed by renovating vacant buildings and filling vacant residential property. Together, these developments invite 580 new residents to the Cherokee Station area.
This will increase the residential base of the station area and increase ridership once
the transit line is constructed. The overall development strategy, at full capacity, and
when taking into account all new and renovated property, will add 1,900 new residents and 1,600 new workers to an increasingly vibrant district.

STREETS

BUILDINGS

20 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

LEGEND

CHEROKEE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK PLAN

Connectivity
1.
Road diet.
2.
Extend bicycle path to Compton Avenue.
3.
Street improvements increase walkability and link station

area to Lemp Brewery.

NORTH-SOUTH ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL
INFILL PARCEL

Development
4.
Renovate and redevelop vacant land and buildings.
5.
Provide 450,000 SF of office and 350 newly developed

residential units at Lemp and Shepard School.
6.
New TOD units, management, and operations.

0 | Executive Summary | 21

REGULATING PLAN
LEGEND: BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS

TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1

TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 2
TRANSIT CAMPUS TYPE

CHEROKEE STATION FORM-BASED DISTRICT

Three Building Envelope Standards apply within the Cherokee Station
Form-Based District. Each building envelope standard regulates
building placement, height, type, encroachments, use requirements,
and parking requirements.
Each building envelope standard accommodates a particular range of
density and experiential character.

22 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

RENOVATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING
NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING
RENOVATED MIXED-USE BUILDING

0 | Executive Summary | 23

2043
PHASED OVER 30 YEARS

EXISTING CONDITIONS AT THE TRANSIT STATION SITE

KINGSHIGHWAY
24 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

0 | Executive Summary | 25

PHASED OVER 30 YEARS

EXISTING CONDITIONS AT THE TRANSIT STATION SITE

KINGSHIGHWAY
26 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

0 | Executive Summary | 27

PREFERRED STATION: KINGSHIGHWAY

The proposed Kingshighway Station is located at the intersection of Natural Bridge
Avenue and Kingshighway Boulevard in north St. Louis. The proposed NorthsideSouthside Alignment runs down the middle of Natural Bridge Avenue. This northern
portion of Kingshighway Boulevard is an expansive historic greenway with a 30 to
50 foot wide grassy median that includes trees and once lush planters. Kingshighway is lined by religious institutions, residential buildings, and light industrial buildZONING

ings. There are two city parks located within the station area, Penrose Park and
Handy Park, as well as City Academy and Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club. This
northern edge at Interstate 70 beckons to be renewed as an economic gateway for
the City. The transit shed was modified based on the areas neighborhoods, distribution of parks and future potential for development.
The Kingshighway Station is currently primarily residential in its use mix and has
a combined worker and resident population below 7,000 meaning it is moderately
supportive of a transit system. As proposed in the Preferred Station Area plan,
population increase of both workers and residents within the one-half () mile transit shed will create a use mix reflective of a more even proportion of residents
and workers and an combined worker and resident population above 7,000, the
threshold population for a highly transit-supportive area. Before the Alignment is

LAND USE

constructed, the surrounding neighborhoods should be completed by renovating

vacant buildings and filling vacant residential property. In addition, increasing the
density with new developments adjacent to the transit station along Natural Bridge
Avenue and extending north on Kingshighway Boulevard. Together, these developments would invite nearly 800 new residents to the Kingshighway Station area. This
will increase the residential base of the station area and increase ridership once
the transit line is constructed. The overall development strategy, at full capacity and
taking into account all new and renovated property, will add 3,100 new residents
and 6,700 new workers, elevating the Kingshighway Station area to a vibrant employment district situated amongst strong, complete residential neighborhoods.

STREETS

BUILDINGS

28 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

KINGSHIGHWAY CONSENSUS ISSUES MAP

1.
Natural Bridge Avenue is unfriendly to bicycles
and pedestrians.
2.
Discontinuous street grid.
3.
Historic greenway.
4.
Large adjacent parcels.
5.
Large, public parks.
6.
Significant residential and commercial vacancy.
7.
Available development sites occupied by low
density, car-oriented program.

8.
Natural Bridge Avenue is a significant barrier.
9.
Well-established civic amenities within the station
area (e.g. schools, churches, boys and girls club)
10.
Area previously served by streetcar, so block pattern easily configured for public transit.
11.
Easy access to highway.

0 | Executive Summary | 29

REGULATING PLAN
LEGEND: BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 2
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER TYPE 2
NEIGHBORHOOD CAMPUS TYPE

KINGSHIGHWAY STATION FORM-BASED DISTRICT

Four Building Envelope Standards apply within the Kingshighway
Station Form-Based District. Each building envelope standard regulates
building placement, height, type, encroachments, use requirements,
and parking requirements.
Each building envelope standard accommodates a particular range of
density and experiential character.

30 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PREFERRED KINGSHIGHWAY PLAN

LEGEND
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING
NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING

0 | Executive Summary | 31

IMPLEMENTATION
Patterns of revitalized downtowns and areas in walkable and desirable places are
drawing new populations back to urban centers. People of all economic scales are
choosing to live closer to convenient transit, which increases demand for housing,
creating development, creating jobs, and inviting residents to frequent local businesses. The local economy increases. It pulses at these nodes of transit at a higher,
broader rate, becoming a destination for visitors, and more residents. The cycle expands with residents continuing to invest in their property, community, and social
infrastructure. The character and identity of the area continue to grow and flourish,
which transforms it into a destination for friends, family, and visitors, who in turn join
in the economy of placemaking.
These relationships, in combination with successful implementation of capital improvement projects (streetscape and park development; transportation and accessibility improvements; and new walkable, compact development) and ongoing policy,
programming, and partnership initiatives, frame proposed neighborhood improvements and recommendations through the lenses of environment, equity, and economics. This system supports and mutually leverages the relationships between
people, place, economics, and transit are described in this report.
The recognition of time and phasing of development before and after the construction of the Alignment features heavily in the Preferred Station Area Plans which assert the completion of neighborhoods served by new transit as the first phase of
development, in order to establish and ensure highly transit-supportive communities along the new transit line. It is highly recommended that the community remain
part of the ongoing process. Throughout a long-term planning process, maintaining
public interest can be a challenge; however, continued engagement is key to the
success of any plan. The effort to keep the public engaged can: 1) maintain stakeholders sense of ownership in the process and outcomes; 2) demonstrate the Citys
commitment to moving forward; and 3) inform, consult, and involve multiple invested
stakeholders throughout each phase. Providing the foundation for all levels of development throughout the City will allow early implementation at all scales of ownership.
Locating gap financing should be pursued to support the long-term success of the
Station areas as TOD. It is critical that each financing package be carefully scrutinizedideally by both City officials and the working groupto determine the best
use of public or private funds for an individual project. A general framework for the
use of public and private redevelopment tools is listed further in the report.
In conjunction with ensuring funding mechanisms, the implementation of the TOD
areas must meet the Citys goals for development/redevelopment. All Form-Based
Districts within the City of St. Louis must be concurrent with the Strategic Land Use
Plan (SLUP; PDA-155-04-CMP), established by the City of St. Louis on January 5,

32 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

2005. The purpose of that plan is to guide, at a very broad level, development and
preservation throughout the area in a comprehensive manner. As the intent of the
Station Area Planning Process is to establish a vision and development plan for the
Preferred Station Areas, it will be necessary to make modifications to the Strategic
Land Use Plan in order to ensure that it is concurrent with the Form-Based District.
The Form-Based Districts offer a high market adaptability while assuring a better
public realm for the community. In section 5|0 and 6|0 of the report are the recommended changes to the Strategic Land Use Plan detailed to make it concurrent with
the Building Envelope Standards used within the proposed Form-Based Districts.

0 | Executive Summary | 33

34 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

1 | Introduction

1 | Introduction | 35

INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
As outlined in Moving Transit Forward: St. Louis Regional Long-Range Transit Plan
(adopted by Metros Board of Commissioners in 2010), the Northside-Southside
Alignment is one option in a preliminary set of options for transit service expansion
within the St. Louis region. While the Northside-Southside Alignment has been
studied extensively and planned through community input, it should be considered
conceptual. This Alignment has been adopted by the City of St. Louis as the proposed
WALKABLE TRANSIT ORIENTED
STREETSCAPE PROPOSAL AT
KINGSHIGHWAY

light rail option within the City and is shown on the Citys Strategic Land Use Plan.
The next step in the process is an Environmental Impact Study; however, to date,
no funds have been identified for this purpose. The Project Team studied, but not in
depth, the entire alignment prior to preparing plans for two of the Proposed Stations
along the Northside-Southside route: Cherokee Station and Kingshighway Station.
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) represents the creation of compact, walkable
communities centered on a high-quality rail system, creating a sense of place and
economic opportunities. Well-executed TOD will allow our region to improve mobility,
create sustainable and livable communities and improve transportation options
for the future. The overall effort aims to create a vision and roadmap for how to
encourage TOD in the St. Louis region.
This study is one component of an overall TOD effort within the Regional Plan for
Sustainable Development (RPSD) planning process and should complement TOD

Transit Oriented

planning already completed or underway under the RPSD. Both the St. Louis

Development

(EWG) are contracting for Station Area Plans, which, together, will provide

Development Corporation (SLDC) and East-West Gateway Council of Governments

comprehensive plans for eight MetroLink station areas along the existing MetroLink

promotes sustainable

route. EWG is working collaboratively with local municipalities, Metro, other partner
agencies, and the private sector within the study area, to develop a master plan that

communities by

will be used as the framework to encourage economic development around light rail
stations.

providing people
This study is funded with a Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant

of all ages and

(Grant) that was awarded to EWG from the U.S. Department of Housing and

incomes with

for Sustainable Development (RPSD), which is aimed at building the capacity of

Urban Development (HUD). The goal of the Grant is to create a Regional Plan
local and regional actors to implement sustainable practices by sharing knowledge,

improved access to

best practices, and resources, and to connect local and regional planning efforts.
Ultimately, the implementation of the RPSD will create and protect sustainable,

transportation.

equitable, and livable communities within the St. Louis Region.

36 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

STUDY OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the Transit Oriented Development Study of the Proposed
Stations along Northside-Southside Alignment is to assist the City of St. Louis, its
neighborhoods, and developers with preparing for and taking advantage of transit
investment along the proposed Northside-Southside Corridor. To do this, a system
for determining development potential and setting aspirational thresholds for future
conditions at each station area has been developed. In applying this system at the
Kingshighway and Cherokee Stations, both located along the Proposed NorthsideSouthside Alignment, we are better able to show the scale of future development
potential.
STUDY DEVELOPMENT & FUNDING
This study is a joint effort by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, the
City of Saint Louis, and St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC). The Study is
funded with a portion of the $4.7 million Sustainable Communities Regional Planning
Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the
East-West Gateway Council of Governments. This grant is funding additional
sustainability planning efforts throughout the St. Louis region. The Transit Oriented
Development Study for the Proposed Stations Along Northside-Southside Alignment
is closely aligned with six the goals of the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable
Communities Livability Principles which are: Provide More Transportation Choices;
Promote Equitable, Affordable Housing; Enhance Economic Competitiveness;
Support Existing Communities; Coordinate and Leverage Federal Policies and
Investment; and Value Communities and Neighborhoods.
PARTNERS & ADMINISTRATION
The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is responsible for the project
administration. Amy Lampe, Major Projects Specialist, is in charge as project
coordinator. The Client Group team consists of Don Roe (City of Saint Louis
Planning and Urban Design Agency), Connie Tomasula (City of Saint Louis Planning
and Urban Design Agency), and Amy Lampe. The Project Team lead is H3 Studio,
performing project direction, planning, and project management, with partners
Bernardin, Lochmueller & Associates (BLA) performing transit planning and ridership
scenario modeling with Innis Consulting providing transit policy and operations
recommendations; M3 Engineering Group performing civil and environmental
planning and costing; Development Strategies providing the economic and
development framework; and Vector Communications Corporation leading the public
outreach and communication efforts.

1 | Introduction | 37

PLANNING PROCESS
This study took place over the course of three and one-half months and involved
regular interface between the Client Group and the Project Team. In addition, the
Project Team met with an assembled Technical Advisory Committee and conducted
stakeholder outreach during the planning process. These efforts allowed the Project
Team to collect a large amount of data whilst engaging institutional and governmental
staff and community members. The public outreach initiatives have helped to enrich
the recommendations of the study and have helped to build recommendations for
the future efforts along the corridor.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS NEAR
THE CHEROKEE STATION SITE

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was to provide directed
guidance to the Project Team and to review in-progress work, materials and
initiatives, and work products. The TAC was comprised of representatives from key
agencies and institutions involved in the study, including the City of St. Louis Mayors
Office, Planning and Urban Design Agency, Metro, East-West Gateway Council of

The public
outreach initiatives
have helped
to enrich the
recommendations
of the study and
have helped to build
recommendations
for the future
efforts along the
corridor.

Governments, Board of Public Service, Great Rivers Greenway District, St. Louis
Development Corporation, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Team. Refer to the
Acknowledgements section on page 2 for a complete list. The TAC was identified by
the Client Group to serve as a representative cross-section of project partners and
stakeholders for decision-making and feedback.
The Project Team held four coordination and review meetings with the Client Group
team throughout the course of the study for regular guidance and review of materials
and work products and to review in-progress work, materials, and initiatives. The
Client Group hosted four work sessions and review meetings with the Technical
Advisory Committee with the Project Team throughout the course of the study for
regular guidance and review of progress, materials, and work products.
Technical Advisory Committee Coordination and Review Meetings:

TAC Meeting #1 April 23, 2013

TAC Meeting #2 May 1, 2013

TAC Meeting #3 May 24, 2013

TAC Meeting #4 June 5, 2013

PUBLIC OUTREACH
In May 2013, Vector Communications conducted seven stakeholder interviews
with local leaders who represent various interests within the two selected station
areas: Cherokee and Kingshighway. These interviews offered key stakeholders the
opportunity to envision their respective areas future as having a transit station along
with added Transit Oriented Development. Stakeholders also provided ideas for
evaluating the new developments.

38 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

All interviews were conducted in person at the interviewees offices to make the
meetings convenient and time efficient for the interviewee. On average, the interviews
were 60 minutes in duration. The questions presented to the interviewees were
developed to provoke thought about what can become of their areas. The discussions
focused on benefits, challenges, opportunities, and future visions for development
in the area. These face-to-face interactions not only facilitated meaningful dialogue,
but also provided the interviewer an opportunity to update stakeholders on the plan
since the last round of public outreach. Additionally, the interviewer reiterated the
breadth and length of the project planning process. The interview findings have been
summarized and complete transcripts are located in the appendix.
LONG-TERM STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Northside-Southside MetroLink expansion is a long-term process that will occur
over many years and in many phases. Thus far, the City and its consultants have
worked together with stakeholders and the community to develop the potential for
the City and for the individual neighborhoods impacted. Throughout a long-term
planning process, maintaining public interest and engagement can be a challenge.
The effort to keep the public engaged can:

Maintain stakeholders sense of ownership in the process and outcomes;

Demonstrate the Citys commitment to moving forward; and

Inform, consult, and involve multiple invested stakeholders throughout each

phase

The following are recommended strategies to maintain phased engagement through

a continued long-term planning process:

Engage directly with impacted stakeholders (as needed): stakeholder meetings,

open houses, community events;

Build/utilize partnerships with stakeholders and invested groups and individuals;

Attend community/organization meetings: i.e. wards, business associations,

block units, advocacy organizations, etc.;

Create a standing Northside-Southside Citizens Advisory Committee;

Share online: through Social Media, and the City website;

Provide progress reports through: Website, mail and e-newsletter

1 | Introduction | 39

40 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

2 | Background

2 | Background: St. Louis As A Transit City | 41

BACKGROUND

ST. LOUIS AS A TRANSIT CITY

From its inception, St. Louis was planned with an urban morphology well suited for
walkability, with small blocks and tightly knit residential neighborhoods distributed
evenly throughout the City. For decades, the Citys neighborhoods blossomed
as traditional streetcar suburbs with many residents commuting to jobs located
Downtown, but still able to accommodate their everyday needs close to home.
During a period of post-War decline, common to many other rust-belt cities at the
time, the City began to empty, with many of its residents leaving for the newer, outerIMAGE OF HISTORIC ST. LOUIS

ring suburbs. Over the past couple of centuries, the Citys grid layout has shifted
due to the introduction of boulevards, streetcar lines, and later, highways; but, the
City has remained a nexus of transit. However, as many of the neighborhoods along
the Proposed Alignment retain a tight knit residential base, there is momentum within
the City to foster new development and sustainable infrastructure to support these
residential communities as they strive to grown and prosper. Today, the City is ready
to re-embrace Transit Oriented Development to support connectivity of all residents
to jobs, homes, shopping, and parks.
Once the countrys fourth largest city, much of St. Louis early development and

Total trackage
in 1881 was
119.6 miles; the
companies owned
2280 horses and
mules and 496 cars,
employed more than
a thousand workers,
and carried 19.6
million passengers.

intensity was tied to the various forms of early transit. According to St. Louis Local
History Network, streetcars first made their appearance on the streets of St. Louis on
July 4,1859, on horse drawn streetcars which ran down Olive Street between Fourth
and Tenth Streets. After overcoming some technical difficulties, the horse drawn
streetcar on rails overtook the horse drawn omnibus (which was a large stage coach)
with increased passenger capacity and a much smoother ride. By the early 20th
century, the City had an extensive electric streetcar network, connecting the north,
south, and western reaches of the City with Downtown. Lines were expanded to not
only serve areas of the City of St. Louis but much of St. Louis County as well. In the
early 1960s the decision was made to discontinue streetcar service and modernize
transit by switching to buses. The last streetcar in St. Louis ceased operation in 1966.
Less than a decade later, automobiles took to the forefront of local commutes with
the opening of the new interstate highway system and because bus transportation
never obtained the wide appeal that the old streetcars once entertained. In 1993,
Metro began operating the regions first light rail system, MetroLink.
Encouraging the vision of an enriched and diverse culture, economy, and amenities
and connecting these assets to the residents and visitors is paramount. This report
explores the expansion of light rail service into St. Louis more residential districts
with the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment, a central component of Metros
Moving Transit Forward: St. Louis Regional Long-Range Transit Plan. Plans

James Neal Primm,

for this new Alignment have evolved over the past 15 years, from a conceptual
notion highlighted in the Citys Major Transportation Investment Analysis (2000),

Lion of the Valley

42 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

to a specific Alignment detailed in the Northside-Southside Study (2008). This

report addresses the Alignment at a higher level of detail, with a comprehensive
analysis of each of the proposed stations along the Alignment, a set of Station Area
Plans that describe detailed development program, building form and distribution,
street improvements, and environmental analysis for the proposed Cherokee and
Kingshighway stations. These two stations were selected because they embody a
similar range of challenges and opportunities to the other station areas along the
Alignment. In future studies of the other station areas, lessons from Kingshighway
and Cherokee can easily be applied.
PLANNING INITIATIVES & STUDIES:

HISTORIC STREETCAR
IN ST. LOUIS

NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE PROPOSED ALIGNMENT

& CONCURRENT EFFORTS
MAJOR TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT ANALYSIS (2000)
The Northside-Southside Alignment emerged from a transit planning strategy begun
in 1998, with an East-West Gateway funded Major Transit Investment Analysis
(MTIA). Published in 2000, the MTIA explores improvements and additions to the
multi-modal transportation systems which serve the Northside and Southside Study
Areas. Several potential light rail alignments were detailed in the report, but it was
not until a second study, also commissioned by East-West Gateway and published
in 2008, that the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment, as configured today, was
established.
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE STUDY (2008)
The Northside-Southside Study, which was approved by the EWG Board of Directors
as a Locally Preferred Alternative for the Northside-Southside Corridor (exclusive to

HISTORIC STREETCAR MAP OF

ST. LOUIS

the City of St. Louis) in October 2007, was commissioned by East-West Gateway
and published in 2008. It outlines two Alignment alternatives, including station
locations, platform configurations, and a matrix detailing development prototypes
including proposed future characteristics for each station area. This study provides a
basis for projecting the future character of each proposed station.
STREETCAR FEASIBILITY STUDY (2013)
As part of a major expansion of rail transit in St. Louis, the Streetcar Feasibility Study
describes a modern streetcar system connecting areas of Downtown, Midtown,
Central West End, and North St. Louis. One line would loop on a single track, passing
through the middle of Downtown and Kiener Plaza. West of 14th Street, the line
would use two sets of tracks along Olive Street and Lindell Boulevard through Grand
Center to Taylor Avenue and the Central West End MetroLink station. A second line

HISTORIC TRANSIT ON
CHEROKEE STREET

2 | Background: St. Louis As A Transit City | 43

HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership
for Sustainable Communities
Livability Principles
would run between MetroLinks Civic Center station and St. Louis Avenue along
Provide more transportation
choices; Develop safe, reliable,
and economical transportation
choices to decrease household
transportation costs, reduce our
nations dependence on foreign
oil, improve air quality, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and
promote public health;

14th Street and North Florissant Avenue. Although slower than MetroLink trains, the
streetcars ten minute frequency of service and numerous stops would provide the
connectivity needed to promote commercial and residential development.
ST. LOUIS TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD)
FRAMEWORK PLAN (2013)

Promote equitable, affordable

housing; Expand location- and
energy-efficient housing choices for
people of all ages, incomes, races,
and ethnicities to increase mobility
and lower the combined cost of
housing and transportation;

Commissioned by East-West Gateway and Metro, the St. Louis TOD Framework

Enhance economic
competitiveness; Improve
economic competitiveness through
reliable and timely access to
employment centers, educational
opportunities, services and other
basic needs by workers, as well
as expanded business access to
markets;

environment and public and private financing options that are available for Transit

Support existing communities;

Target federal funding toward
existing communitiesthrough
strategies like transit oriented,
mixed-use development, and land
recyclingto increase community
revitalization and the efficiency
of public works investments and
safeguard rural landscapes;
Coordinate and leverage federal
policies and investment; Align
federal policies and funding to
remove barriers to collaboration,
leverage funding, and increase the
accountability and effectiveness
of all levels of government to plan
for future growth, including making
smart energy choices such as locally
generated renewable energy; and
Value communities and
neighborhoods; Enhance the
unique characteristics of all
communities by investing in healthy,
safe, and walkable neighborhoods
rural, urban, or suburban.

Plan establishes a framework for smart growth around existing Metro stations.
For the regional MetroLink network, the Framework Plan establishes station area
typologies for the varied development and land use patterns which exist in the St.
Louis Metropolitan area. The Framework Plan examines the potential for economic
development around the 37 existing MetroLink Stations by looking at the regulatory
Oriented Development.
ST. LOUIS AS A SUSTAINABLE CITY
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS SUSTAINABILITY PLAN (2013)
The City of St. Louis spent nearly two years collaboratively developing the Citys
first sustainability plan. The process started in early 2011, with a robust public
engagement effort that included Community Workshops and Technical Worksessions
and culminated in a Draft Sustainability Plan for Public Review in October 2012. The
city-wide plan includes hundreds of strategies to advance sustainability in the City
and can be found at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/sustainability.
During the sustainability planning process, the City learned from its stakeholders
that they envision a Sustainable City of St. Louis as being vibrant, progressive,
prosperous, integrated, diverse, and a leader; and that they see these characteristics
being built upon the solid foundation of the Citys neighborhoods, the rich architecture
of its built environment, a better connection with natural resources, and the talent,
innovation, and knowledge that emanate from outstanding local industry, cultural
organizations, and higher educational institutions.
The Northside-Southside Proposed Alignment Study will use the St. Louis City
Sustainability Plan as a future measure of success since the intent of this study
matches the goals put forward by the Sustainability Plan. The initial analysis of
the aspirations of the Station Area Plans for the Northside-Southside Proposed
Alignment as compared to the St. Louis City Sustainability Plan demonstrates the

44 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

ability to address 46 out of the 50 objectives in the following functional categories:

Urban Character,

Vitality & Ecology;

Arts, Culture & Innovation;

Empowerment, Diversity & Equity;

Health, Well-Being & Safety;

Infrastructure, Facilities & Transportation;

Education, Training & Leadership;

And Prosperity, Opportunity & Employment.

St. Louis Sustainability Plan Community Survey Conclusions:

The survey respondents, who were primarily City of St. Louis residents,
desire to have a safe City that provides the infrastructure for sustainable
living. At a minimum, this includes an equitable recycling program, walking
paths, bicycle lanes and expanded, convenient public transportation especially MetroLink. Contrasting the qualitative or open-ended questions
with the closed-ended rating question, it is evident that residents are

Triple Bottom Line

Sustainability
As we enter the
21st century,

we have a timely
opportunity to
integrate, grow,
and balance our
ambitions for

economic
prosperity,
social equity, and
environmental
health.

most concerned with the quality of public education, followed by crime

reduction and expanded police presence.
Community Survey Question 1 What words or phrases would you use to describe
the qualities, features and/or programs that make a Sustainable City?
The ten most mentioned characteristics of a sustainable city were:

Safe streets and neighborhoods (9%)

Good public transit (9%)

Equitable recycling and composting programs (8%)

Strong public schools/good education (7.5%)

Green surroundings (7.2%)

Bike-friendly (7.2%)

Walkable/Pedestrian-friendly (7.2%)

Great parks (5.2%)

Clean (5.2%)

Livable wage jobs (5.1%)

Diverse (4.6%)

St. Louis already

has an urban
morphology suited
for walkability, with
small blocks and
tightly knit residential
neighborhoods
distributed evenly
throughout the city.
2 | Background: St. Louis As A Transit City | 45

46 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 47

TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY

OVERVIEW
The Transit Neighborhood Typology is a set of six typologies that refine the broad
subheading of the Neighborhood Typology established in the St. Louis TOD
Framework Plan prepared for East-West Gateway. Each of the six distinctive Transit
Neighborhood Typologies sits within a specific threshold of intensity and use mix.
When combined with the Building Envelope Standards assigned to each typology, a
ST. LOUIS TOD FRAMEWORK
PLAN

framework for desired scales of future development and population change at each
station can be established.
LONG TERM IMPACTS OF TRANSIT-ORIENTATED DEVELOPMENT

Transit Oriented
Development is
compact, mixed-use
development in close
proximity to transit
facilities. Transit
Oriented Development

Transit Oriented Development often occurs in cities around rail transit. It is inherently
more sustainable than other types of single-use and auto-dependent development.
Rail lines are perceived as a more permanent type of infrastructure than roads and
highways and in turn allow for more concentrated and compact development to occur, thus preserving valuable land and resources. Increasing access to rail-based
transit lessens our reliance on automobiles and has enormous implications for our
quality of life. By reducing carbon emissions, we improve air quality, and by decreasing our household transportation costs, we increase disposable income leaving
more dollars available for savings and investment. More disposable income, better
air quality, more efficient and productive land use, healthier lifestyles which include
walking and bicycling, and diverse communities all contribute toward the betterment
of life.
Transit Oriented Development has been shown to:

promotes sustainable
communities by
providing people of
all ages and incomes
with improved access
to transportation,
diverse housing
choices, and reduced

Increase land and property values in the station area;

Improve access to employment for all citizens of all

income levels;

Reduce car trips and greenhouse gas emissions;

Reduce costs for infrastructure upkeep and construction;

Increase walkability within the transit shed by bringing

needed services to the station area;

Create opportunities for affordable housing

at the

station area and within the transit shed;

Assure developers, entrepreneurs, and residents that

transit service will be sustained; and

Create a unique feature within the city to attract

residents, workers, and visitors.

The City of St. Louis has adopted a multi-faceted strategy: the triple-bottom-line
approach to planning. This strategy acknowledges the three pillars of sustainabil-

transportation costs.

ityenvironmental stewardship, improved social equity, and increased economic

48 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

developmentas equal in their impact on allowing current generations to meet their

needs while protecting the ability of future generations to do the same. Furthermore, it recognizes that when taken together, these three pillars can be leveraged
to increase positive outcomes on multiple fronts. This is due to the fact that most
sustainability initiatives that occur in the sphere of cities, regardless of their specific
focus, require some degree of investment of city funds. If one of the effects of the
initiatives is to increase property values or stimulate economic activity, the tax base
may increase enough to fully offset the cost of the initiative or beyond. In addition,

TOD can be attractive

when it is part of a
complete community
A complete community is opportunity-rich; all people have access to
quality housing, education, employment opportunities, open space and
recreation, retail, places of worship,
healthcare, and transportation. This is
to encompass the needs for households
with children, which may be overlooked in
areas around transit planning.- Center for
Transit-Oriented Development

an increase in property value improves the investment of individual residents, makes

the community more desirable, and may lead to an increase in other investments,
both public and private. This has the effect of increasing social equity by improving
each individual residents investment in their community and its return.
Triple-bottom-line success will be central to numerous, multi-faceted, sustainable
projects and initiatives. This type of success can be illustrated with the development of public transit along with Transit Oriented Development. Through increased
efficiency, mass transit lowers the per-capita carbon emissions when compared to
transportation by car. This has a measurable impact on environmental sustainability.
Proximity and access to public transit can also raise property values, which provides
a positive economic impact to both the City (through an increased tax base) and individuals (through an increase in their real estate value). Regular use of public transit
also reduces annual transportation costs to households, which increases individual
real wealth. This increase in wealth can have a positive effect on both individual
economic prosperity as well as social equity, because it enhances individual empowerment within a community. People will choose to live closer to convenient transit,
which increases demand for housing, creating development, creating jobs, and inviting residents to frequent local businesses. The economy will increase its pulse at
these transit nodes as residents continue to invest in their property, community, and
social infrastructure. The character and identity of the area will continue to grow and
flourish, transforming it into a destination for friends, family, and visitors, who in turn

COMPLETE COMMUNITIES ARE

ATTRACTIVE TO FAMILIES WITH
CHILDREN WHEN THEY OFFER:
A sense of community and place
through investment in parks, libraries and
community events;
A neighborhood where kids can run and
bicycle on streets through investment in
streetscape and bicycle and pedestrian
improvements;
Transit-accessible schools which are integrated into the community, rather than
separate from it;
Access to regional amenities such as
zoos and large parks;
Convenient access to daily shopping
such as groceries, clothing, or school
supplies; and
Access to regional employment opportunities via high-quality transit
THE BENEFITS OF COMPLETE COMMUNITIES FOR FAMILIES ARE BROAD
AND INCLUDE:

join in the economy of placemaking.

These relationships, in combination with successful implementation of capital improvement projects (streetscape and park development; transportation and accessibility improvements; and new walkable, compact development) and ongoing policy,
programming, and partnership initiatives, frame proposed neighborhood improvements and recommendations through the lenses of environment, equity, and economics. This system to support and mutually leverage the relationships between
people, place, economics, and transit is described in this report.

Reduced spending on transportation by

owning fewer cars and driving less;
Reduced childhood obesity through increased physical activity;
Reduced household stress through
shorter commute times and more time for
family activities; and
Improved educational outcomes through
access to stable housing and a range of
supportive and enriching activities

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 49

FACTS FROM
ST. LOUIS CITIZENS FOR MODERN
TRANSIT:
Cultural activities help bring a sense
of vibrancy to transit-centered communities, making them more intriguing
destinations and livelier places to live.
Examples include community promotion of the arts, festivals, concerts and
farmers markets.
People use public transit in Missouri
to get to jobs. Since the complete restoration of the service on November
29, 2010 in St. Louis since passage
of Proposition A, 97% of all jobs in St.
Louis City and St. Louis County can be
reached by riding Metro transit according to Metro.
Transit generates growth. To date,
more than $16 billion in new development has occurred within a ten minute
walk of MetroLink, with additional development in the works for many of the
station areas.
St. Louis families spend 23.1% of their
household budgets on transportation,
making it the second largest household
expenditure after housing (24.5%).

ST. LOUIS TOD FRAMEWORK PLAN NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY:

TYPOLOGICAL SYSTEM CREATED FOR
THE NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
The 28 stations along the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment connect 39
mostly residential neighborhoods within the City of St. Louis. Twenty of the 28 stations encompass local and national historic districts. Each of these distinct neighborhoods combines to form the residential base of the City. Investment in the NorthsideSouthside Alignment will bring new infrastructure, street improvements, jobs, and
population growth to attract a wave of new, dense development within the historic
residential neighborhoods of the City. The exception is the east and west couplets
for Washington, Olive, and Clark in Downtown. For study purposes, in the Proposed
Northside-Southside Alignment Station Area Study & Profiles, they were treated as
one station due to the extreme overlap of their transit sheds. With this, a new station typology system has been established to categorize each station area along the
Proposed Alignment.
The system used in this study of the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment is a
refinement of the typological system developed for the St. Louis TOD Framework
Plan, which established five typologies by which to understand the general character
and scale of the areas surrounding proposed and existing stations on the regional

Transit creates jobs during initial design, construction and post construction where new developments arise
along the line.
Transit Oriented Development can
play a key role in getting the Missouri
economy back on track and creating
jobs.

MetroLink system. By necessity, these typologies had to be quite broad in order to

accept the station types of the regional transit network, which range from suburban
areas to commuter hubs, to major regional destinations.
The Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment, however, is smaller than the
regional MetroLink alignment and traverses a swath of the City composed primarily
of residential neighborhoods, each with their own specific character, population

In St. Louis each day, more than

100,000 individuals board a Metrobus,
train or van, amounting to 53 million
riders a year.

density, connection to transit, and urban form. Attempts to classify the Proposed

10% of Metrobus and 7% of MetroLink

riders are students traveling to school.

most prevalent typology was found to be the Neighborhood Typology, described as

Northside-Southside Alignment using the typologies found in the St. Louis TOD
Framework Plan reveal significant differences between the proposed stations. The
Neighborhood stations include primarily residential areas that are well-connected
to local transit as well as the regional transit network. Housing is usually mixed
with local-serving retail. Commercial uses are limited to small businesses or some
small-scale industry. Development is often oriented along a well-connected street
grid that is served by a secondary transit network. Transit is often less of a focal
point for activity here than in the urban center, suburban town center, or downtown.
Because of the generality of the Neighborhood Typology, it was found to apply to
90% of the stations along the Northside-Southside Alignment, making it impossible
to discern difference between the stations servicing varied residential areas. In order

50 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PROPOSED NORTHSIDESOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT

The Northside-Southside Study was
completed in 2008. The proposed
Northside-Southside Alignment
connects 28 stations through 39
neighborhoods.

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 51

to make well-reasoned planning decisions, a typological system capable of teasing

out the unique qualities of these stations was developed. This system establishes a
sound classification of the station areas as they exist, an aspirational logic for future
population change, priorities for development, and a development program for each
station area without straying too far from the original typologies defined in the St. Louis
TOD Framework Plan.
The resulting Transit Neighborhood Typology system creates new sub-types within the
Neighborhood Typology, which allow planners to assert varied development approaches
among the 28 station areas on the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment based on
quantitative demographic thresholds. The system is based on a station areas intensity,
defined as worker population plus residential population, and use mix, defined as
worker population divided by residential population and uses a station areas values on
those two criteria to assign it to one of nine typologies within the Transit Neighborhood
Typology. Because the system is based on quantitative features of the station area,
which in turn describe the scale and blend of uses at the station area, differences can
now be distinguished between small, primarily residential neighborhoods, more densely
populated mixed-use residential areas, and even the most robust urban environments
in the region. When the Transit Neighborhood Typology is used to categorize each
of stations along the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment, a more fine-grained
depiction of character emerges along the length of the transit network.

PROPOSED ALIGNMENT:
TRANSITIONING FROM
TYPOLOGICAL STATION AREAS
TO TRANSIT SHEDS

Transit Neighborhood Typologies relate to Use Mix and Intensity

52 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Transit Neighborhood Typologies applied to each station on the Proposed Alignment

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 53

PRECEDENTS
TOD planning methodologies, specifically the typological systems of selected U.S.
cities with light rail transportation systems, were analyzed to assist in the development of the new Transit Neighborhood Typology system briefly described above.
The analysis revealed a variety of relevant transit-supportive criteria used by transit
systems throughout the nation. The most pertinent criteria were reviewed in relation
to the Transit Neighborhood Typology system. The typological systems of Allegheny,
SEATING AND LIGHTING
PROVIDED FOR PEDESTRIANS
WAITING FOR BUS TRANSIT

Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, and Seattle were analyzed. While there are
significant differences in the status, size, and development of each transportation
system, it is clear that the nature of the citys typological system reflects the goals
and standards of each city. While some of the precedents were informative, none of
the systems were entirely applicable to the specific conditions of St. Louis.
LESSONS LEARNED & APPLICATION
Transit typology systems that use spatial and demographic information are the most
appropriate for designing Transit Oriented Development, which is responsive to local
character and scale. The relative similarity of urban form, block size, land use, and
building scale among stations, particularly those in residential neighborhoods on the
Proposed Alignment, required the development of new categories/subtypes which
accounted for demographic information as well as spatial information related to station use and to allow planners to make distinctions between proposed stations. The
quantitative demographic information is required to determine the number of people
served by transit and the mix of uses within the station area. Demographic figures
are accompanied by a station-by-station account of localized conditions and issues
related to connectivity, barriers to development, available land, and economic and
educational demographics. The combination of a quantitative system, by which real
differences could be discerned between small scale residential and high intensity
urban conditions, and localized snapshots of each station areas conditions provided
a clear path forward to catalog and analyze the 28 potential station areas along the
Northside-Southside Alignment.
While no other city has a system that is totally applicable to the conditions present in St. Louis, some transit planning systems and goals were considered for a
finer-grained station area analysis. Los Angeles establishes a similar method for
determining station area differences based on demographic and spatial information.
Seattle emphasizes urban quality & form which sets standards for improving the
quality of life, walkability, access to green space, and activities for all ages. The TOD
planning systems developed for Allegheny and Portland explore the notion of time as
part of the typological system to prioritize development along planned and existing
transit routes. The recognition of time and phasing of development before and after
the construction of the Alignment features heavily in the Preferred Station Areas.

54 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 55

PRECEDENTS
TOD PLANNING SYSTEMS
STUDIED
St. Louis

Allegheny

Denver

The St. Louis TOD Framework Plan,

Alleghenys Transit planning meth-

Denvers Transit Oriented Develop-

by East-West Gateway establishes

odology, as described in Transit-Ori-

ment Strategic Plan (2006) outlines

five broad typologies by which to

ented Development Typology Strat-

a typological system to classify all

understand the general character

egy for Allegheny County (2013),

existing and proposed stations as

and scale of the areas surrounding

establishes five typologies: Educate

one of seven typologies: Downtown,

proposed and existing stations on

& Envision, Plan & Partner, Connect,

Major Urban Center, Urban Center,

the regional MetroLink system. By

Catalyze, and Infill & Enhance. The

Urban

necessity, these typologies had to

typologies most amenable to near

Town Center, Main Street, Campus/

be quite broad in order to accept the

term Transit Oriented Development

Special Event. Each typology has

station types of the regional transit

are the Connect and Catalyze Ty-

a specified land use, housing type,

network, which range from suburban

pologies, because at each of these

commercial/employment type, pro-

areas to commuter hubs, to major

stations, small improvements to

posed building scale, and transit

regional destinations. However, it

the streetscape, small high-density

function.

provided a foundation for this study

developments, and public outreach

to further detail applicable transit ty-

at each station would create highly

pologies for the City of St. Louis.

transit-supportive station areas.

56 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Neighborhood,

Commuter

Portland

Seattle

Los Angeles

Portlands Transit Oriented Strategic

Seattle Transit Communities (2010)

Los Angeles has developed a multi-

Plan categorizes each station as one

establishes four Transit Oriented

faceted station area assessment

of three Place Types, Plan & Part-

Development Typologies within the

system, as described in Creating

ner, Catalyze & Connect, and Infill

city, each rooted in a qualitative

Successful Transit Oriented Dis-

& Enhance, according to the values

assessment of station area perfor-

tricts in Los Angeles (2010). In re-

of two criteria: Transit Orientation,

mance. The systems most impor-

cent years, Los Angeles has been

a holistic assessment of transit-

tant feature is its integration of urban

a national model for making serious

supportiveness, population density,

form and quality into its assessment

steps towards reducing reliance on

quality of service, walkability, physi-

of the station areas. The systems

cars and fostering dense develop-

cal form of the urban environment,

weakness is its lack of quantitative

ment with easy access to public

and mix of commercial and residen-

criteria by which to assess the sta-

transportation. To inform these deci-

tial uses; and Market Strength, a

tion, making it difficult to discern dif-

sions, the city has developed a multi-

three tiered, assessment based on

ferences between two stations of the

faceted approach to TOD planning

the average commercial and real es-

same typology.

at the alignment and station levels

tate prices per square foot over the

through the analysis of intensity and

preceding decade.

use mix at the station area level, in

addition to taking into consideration
physical features which support or
hinder access to public transportation.

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 57

TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY

Transit Neighborhood Typologies are classifications that, based on demographic information, and in combination with associated Building Envelope Standards, establish criteria for a station areas transit-supportiveness and future development. The
typological system builds on the St. Louis TOD Framework Plan which establishes
DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS
METROLINK

the role of Transit Oriented Development within the City and identifies station area
typologies and development potential at each of the 37 existing MetroLink Station
Areas within the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. The existing MetroLink stations are
classified according to a regional typological system that, because of the large area
it must cover and the variety of land use patterns in the region, generalizes station
areas into one of five broadly defined typologies. When the typological system of
the Framework Plan is deployed at each station on the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment, 90% of the stations fall into the same Neighborhood Typology.
Because of the similarities in use and scale of each of the proposed station areas
along the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment, the system for assigning station
area typologies must attain a level of resolution capable of recognizing the nuanced
distinctions among them. By contrast, when the Transit Neighborhood Typology is
deployed along the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment, six different station

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER TYPE 2

types emerge. This finer grain of resolution will help make more informed planning
decisions based on the specificity of character and development potential at each
station.
At each station, Transit Oriented Developments surrounded by strong, complete residential neighborhoods establish a model for accessibility, diversity, and prosperity
within the City of St. Louis while highlighting key aspirations of the Citys Sustainability Plan and Strategic Land Use Plan. The strategy at each station is to complete the
surrounding neighborhoods, implement planned transit infrastructure improvements,
and support greater density development around the transit station. After documenting vacant parcels and buildings on each block within the half () mile transit shed,
each vacant building should be renovated and each vacant parcel should be filled

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL
TYPE 3

with the dominant residential building type for that block. Vacant commercial buildings will be renovated to provide ground level commercial space with the potential
for office or residential space on upper levels. The construction of the station will
bring about significant streetscape improvements to affect water infrastructure, pedestrian, bicycle and bus networks, open space, and walkability. These infrastructure
improvements, particularly along primary streets, will then be framed by new buildings with higher worker and residential densities than the surrounding area.

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL
TYPE 3

58 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 59

SYSTEM TO DETERMINE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM,

BUILDING FORM, AND USE BASED ON FUTURE GOALS.
Development program and future population are assigned by shifting a stations curLEMP BREWERY COMPLEX

rent Transit Neighborhood Typology to its proposed future Transit Neighborhood Typology. Using this system, each station is classified according to its current use mix
and intensity and then cross-referenced against the aspirational Station Prototype
established for that station in the Northside-Southside Study (2008) to determine the
ratio of workers and residents required to meet population goals within the transit
shed. Each Transit Neighborhood Typology has associated zoning recommendations by which to guide the physical form of future build-out. The most beneficial
method to enhance the built environment would be to engage a form-based code
district. This would allow for corresponding Building Envelope Standards to establish the suitable development program and building form to be used to meet the
aspirations for a future population within the transit shed. One can then determine
the required increase in workers and residents, along with the subsequent development required to house these additional people needed in order to shift the typology

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 3

from its current state to its recommended future Transit Neighborhood Typology. This
localized approach will make it easier for designers, planners, and developers to
integrate Transit Oriented Development into the historic neighborhoods of St. Louis
in the future.

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 2

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1

60 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

STEPS FOR USING THE TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY SYSTEM

STEP 1: DETERMINE CURRENT STATION AREA TYPOLOGY

STEP 2: DETERMINE DESIRED TYPOLOGICAL SHIFT

LOS ANGELES
LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM

STEP 3: DETERMINE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BASED ON DESIRED POPULATION INCREASE

Intensity shift

Use Mix shift

STEP 4: LOCATE OPPORTUNITY SITES TO FULFIL SHIFT

Development opportunity sites example

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 61

TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY FRAMEWORK APPLIED

The following typologies describe transit-supportive development patterns. A single
station may support multiple typologies; however, its aspirational typological characterization is based on the densest condition feasible at that particular station.
Applied Building Envelope Standards
Each typology represents an important feature of the city and each is supportive of
public transport. While the Transit Neighborhood Typological distinction describes
the overall condition within the station area, the transit shed will also accept zoning
regulations via multiple Building Envelope Standards, fundamental characteristics of
a fine-grained, walkable area, capable of accommodating a diverse population and
varied use.

62 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Transit Neighborhood

Transit Neighborhood

Transit Neighborhood

General Type 1 (TNGeneral Type 1)

General Type 2 (TNGeneral Type 2)

General Type 3 (TNGeneral Type 3)

Low to medium density residen-

Station areas of this typology are a

Station areas of this typology is pri-

tial areas clustered just behind the

blend of tightly knit low density resi-

marily residential, however because

primary streets of the station area.

dential areas with a concentration of

of the size of the population at these

These residential areas are the foun-

mid- to high-rise residential buildings

station areas, prominent consolidat-

dational residential districts within

which support some commercial and

ed commercial use may be present.

the city, organized in tightly knit and

office use along stretches of primary

well-defined neighborhoods. They

and secondary streets. These areas

Intensity value between 7,000 and

will deliver a solid ridership base for

can benefit from the varied commer-

21,000 indicates a highly transit-sup-

the proposed Alignment, support and

cial and service industries attracted

portive station area.

desire the development spurred by

by Transit Oriented Development

new transportation initiatives, and

and hold the potential in the future

Use mix below 0.5 indicates primarily

gain density and market value as

support higher density residential

residential use.

Transit Oriented Developments fill in

communities.

around the station area.

Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Intensity value below 7,000 indicates

Neighborhood General Type 3 at

Intensity value below 7,000 indicates

lower density land use within the nor-

most intense condition.

lower density land use within the nor-

mal range of an urban neighborhood.

mal range of an urban neighborhood.

Moderately supportive of transit.

Zoning: Transit Neighborhood Gen-

Moderately supportive of transit.

eral Type 3 is zoned using NeighborUse mix between 0.5 and 1.5 indi-

hood General Type 3 Building Enve-

Use mix below 0.5 indicates primarily

cates near equal mix of residential

lope Standards at its most intense

residential use.

and employment use.

condition though Neighborhood General Type 1, Neighborhood General

Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Neighborhood General Type 1 at

Neighborhood General Type 2 at

most intense condition.

most intense condition.

Zoning: Transit Neighborhood Gen-

Zoning: Transit Neighborhood Gen-

eral Type 1 is zoned using Neighbor-

eral Type 2 is zoned using Neighbor-

hood General Type 1 Building Enve-

hood General Type 2 Building Enve-

lope Standards at its most intense

lope Standards at its most intense

condition.

condition.

Type 2, and Campus Type may also

be applicable in some areas.

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 63

Transit Neighborhood

Transit Neighborhood

Transit Neighborhood

Center Type 1 (TNCenter Type 1)

Center Type 2 (TNCenter Type 2)

Core Type (TNCore)

Station areas of this typology are

Station areas of this typology are

Station areas of this typology are

evenly mixed between residential

primarily residential use, however

highest population density areas with

and employment use, with employ-

because of the very high population

the most even mix of employment

ment activity distributed throughout

at these stations, significant retail op-

and residential use.

the ground and upper levels of build-

tions may be present.

ings.

Intensity value above 21,000 indiIntensity value above 21,000 indi-

cates highly transit-supportive sta-

Intensity value between 7,000 and

cates station area supportive of the

tion area.

21,000 indicates highly transit-sup-

highest frequency transit options.

Use mix between 0.5 and 1.5 indi-

portive station area.

Use mix between 0.5 and 1.5 indi-

Use mix below 0.5 indicates primarily

cates nearly equal mix of resident

residential use.

and worker populations.

cates nearly equal mix of resident

and worker populations.

Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Neighborhood Center Type 2 at most

Neighborhood Core at its most in-

intense condition.

tense condition.

Zoning: Transit Neighborhood Center

Zoning: Transit Neighborhood Core

Type 2 can be zoned using a variety

can be zoned using a variety of Build-

Zoning: Transit Neighborhood Center

of Building Envelope Standards, in-

ing Envelope Standards, including

Type 1 can be zoned using a variety

cluding Neighborhood Center Type 2,

Neighborhood Core, Neighborhood

of Building Envelope Standards in-

Neighborhood Center Type 1, Neigh-

Center Type 2, Neighborhood Center

cluding Neighborhood Center Type 2,

borhood General Type 3, Neighbor-

Type 1, Neighborhood General Type

Neighborhood Center Type 1, Neigh-

hood General Type 2, Neighborhood

3, Neighborhood General Type 2,

borhood General Type 3, Neighbor-

General Type 1, and Campus Type 1.

Neighborhood General Type 1 and

Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Neighborhood Center Type 1 at its

most intense condition.

hood General Type 2, Neighborhood

General Type 1, and Campus Type 1.

64 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Campus Type 1.

Transit Office / Industrial District

Transit Business District

Transit CBD/Special District

(T-Office/Industrial)

(T-Business)

(T-CBD/Special)

Station areas of this typology are pri-

Station areas of this typology are pri-

Station areas of this typology are

marily employment use with little to

marily employment use with little to

primarily employment or special use

no residential use present.

no residential use present.

with little to no residential use.

Intensity value below 7,000 indicates

Intensity value between 7,000 and

Intensity above 21,000 indicates a

a moderately transit supportive pop-

21,000 indicates a highly transit sup-

population supportive of the highest

ulation

portive population

frequency transit system.

Use mix above 1.5 indicates predom-

Use mix above 1.5 indicates predom-

Use mix above 1.5 indicates predom-

inantly employment use and at times

inantly employment use and at times

inantly employment use and at times

may be absent of residential use.

may be absent of residential use.

may be absent of residential use.

These areas may be zoned for low

These areas may be zoned for medi-

These areas may be zoned for very

density commercial, civic, institution-

um to high density commercial, civic,

high density commercial, civic, in-

al, industrial, and business uses.

institutional, industrial, and business

stitutional, industrial, business, and

uses.

special uses.

3 | Transit Neighborhood Typology | 65

66 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 67

PROPOSED NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE
ALIGNMENT
OVERVIEW
The Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment will link 39 neighborhoods with a newly constructed light rail system, running within the boundaries of the City of St. Louis.
The Alignment is comprised of 28 stations, 22 of which lie outside of the Downtown
area in residential districts, while the remaining six have considerable overlap with
the existing MetroLink system. Since the majority of stations fall in residential districts, it is imperative that development program and building form are determined
by a typological system resolved to make distinctions between residential and highly
developed urban areas.
TRANSIT SHED OVERLAP

NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND APPLIED TYPOLOGY

The Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment is comprised of 28 stations, the majority of which lie in primarily residential districts within the boundaries of the City of St.
Louis - from Interstate 70 & Goodfellow via Natural Bridge, through Downtown where
it intersects with the existing MetroLink route, and south to Interstate 55 & Loughborough via Jefferson & Interstate 55. The Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment
varies greatly from the existing St. Louis MetroLink Alignment which serves a variety
of station areas, from the suburbs within Metropolitan St. Louis to the regionally significant Central Business District and Civic Centers seated in Downtown St. Louis,
to Lambert International Airport. The Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment will
be a major regional amenity, linking 39 St. Louis neighborhoods which fall within the
combined transit sheds of each station. It will spur new jobs, recreational activities,
development, and infrastructure initiatives at each station area within the City.

68 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

TRANSIT SHED AND

NEIGHBORHOOD TYPE OVERLAP

4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 69

STATION AREA TYPOLOGY

The purpose in creating a set of typologies is to characterize the 28 stations along
the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment and then to identify two station areas
for further study. Station selection was informed using the Transit Neighborhood Typologies. For each station along the proposed alignment, a catalog of key transitsupportive planning and urban design attributes has been developed as an aid in
decision making. The eight attributes are: Current Intensity, Use Mix, Connectivity,
Urban Quality & Form, Transit Function, Station Type, Development Opportunity, and
EVENING COMMUNITY EVENT AT
ST. LOUIS PLACE

Potential Program. Our study also establishes future Transit Neighborhood Typology
distinction. Detailed descriptions of each of these measures are described below:
INTENSITY
Intensity is the combined total of worker and resident populations within the transit
shed and is used to establish three tiers of population thresholds, distinguished at
7,000 and 21,000. An intensity value below 7,000 generally describes a neighborhood which is moderately conducive to a public transport system. Intensity values
between 7,000 and 21,000 connote an area which is highly transit-supportive and
can support a high frequency transit network. Intensity values above 21,000 occur
in high density urban environments which can support the highest frequency transit
systems. Intensity gives an indication of the baseline number of fixed riders upon
which to base ridership estimates. This criterion is enormously beneficial in drawing
distinctions between station areas.

Station construction
will bring about
significant streetscape improvements
to affect water

infrastructure,
pedestrian, bike

USE MIX
Use mix is the ratio of workers to residents within the one-half () mile transit shed
and is divided into three amplitudes. Use mix below 0.5 means that the area is has
primarily residential use. Between 0.5 and 1.5, the mix of residents and workers is
fairly even, and above 1.5, the primary use tends towards employment. Use mix
allows planners and designers to establish appropriate building form, type, and distribution based on the ratio of the station area intended for employment or residential
use.
CONNECTIVITY
Connectivity is the assessment of the quality and extent of multi-modal transportation
networks in the station area. This measure catalogs the number of bus routes,

and bus networks,

open space, and

dedicated bike routes, and the mean walkscore of the neighborhoods within the onehalf () mile station area. A catalog of connectivity allows planners to understand
the extent to which new public transportation measures will build on existing
infrastructure and positively affect multi-modal mobility for those who live and work

walkability.

in the station area.

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 71

URBAN QUALITY AND FORM

Urban quality and form highlights criteria that have been shown to positively affect
public transportation use and impact. This measure catalogs mean block size and
the number of neighborhoods within the one-half () mile station area. While the City
of St. Louis on the whole has historically been planned for walkability and public transit, some station areas are configured in a more transit-supportive way than others.
Block size is a common measure that impacts walkability, variability of urban form,
POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
AROUND TRANSIT STATION

and gives measure to pedestrian experience around the station area.

TRANSIT FUNCTION
Transit function describes how the station area will operate within the context of
the whole alignment. As described in the Northside-Southside Study (2008), some
stations will operate as commuter hubs, outfitted with ample Park-and-Ride space,
while others will be inter-modal transfer facilities, bundled with bus and bike networks throughout the City. The majority of stations are walk-up stations which serve
the adjacent neighborhoods and can be easily accessed by pedestrians and cyclists
using the existing street infrastructure.

STATION TYPE
Station type, established by The Northside-Southside Study (2008), assigns one
of seven prototypes for the physical organization of the transit station according
to the varied right-of-ways on which the Alignment runs. Each prototype has been
designed to fit within the existing right-of-way at each proposed station area. The
station organization may also be adjusted to conform to the transit function, as listed
above.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
Development opportunity catalogs the amount and value of vacant land in the
one-quarter () mile station area as well as the desired density for new developments, required to meet certain transit-supportive thresholds. This information was
garnered from the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment Station Area Study &
Profiles (2013), and is a preliminary snapshot of potential sites and distribution of
development at each station along the Alignment.

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 73

POTENTIAL PROGRAM
Potential program for each Transit Neighborhood Typology is determined by applying the appropriate Building Envelope Standard to the station area neccessary to
provide space for the desired number of future workers and residents. Planners must
test appropriate building types against the scale of available parcels.

TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY

Transit Neighborhood Typology categorizes each station based on its future values
of intensity and use mix and is an extension of Station Area Prototypes listed for
each station in the Northside-Southside Study (2008). The Transit Neighborhood
Typological assignment indicates the most intense development thresholds possible
in the station area; however, this does not preclude lower density Building Envelope
Standards from being assigned in other parts of the transit shed. For the NorthsideSouthside Proposed Alignment, six typologies out of the nine described earlier in
section 3 of this report. When each station along the proposed alignment is assigned
its future type, one can clearly see the transformative potential the rail line will have
on the communities served.

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PROPOSED NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE
ALIGNMENT
PROPOSED STATIONS AREAS
The Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment is a transformative infrastructure improvement to the City of St. Louis with the potential to increase density
and economic activity and establish a model for similar developments nationally. After a thorough selection process, the Cherokee and Kingshighway Stations were chosen in particular for having key transit-supportive attributes, the
capacity to be a catalyst for the entire corridor, and as valuable prototypes for
discussion and advancement of transit in St. Louis.
OLD NORTH ST. LOUIS
Each of the two detailed station area plans in sections 5 and 6 of this report
lay the groundwork for a localized approach to Transit Oriented Development,
which is defined by HUD as compact, mixed-use development in close proximity to transit facilities. Transit Oriented Development promotes sustainable
communities by providing people of all ages and incomes with improved access to transportation and housing choices, while reducing both transportation costs and the negative impacts of automobile travel on the environment
and economy. This type of development has been shown to have significant
benefits to the local economy, environment, and overall quality of life.
Key measures in determining population increase and associated building
program at these two station areas are explored in greater detail below:

Transit Shed
One-quarter () mile and one-half () mile transit sheds have been defined
at the Kingshighway and Cherokee Stations. The transit shed is a boundary
that encompasses parcels within a five to ten minute walk radius from the station. The boundary is refined based on the overlap of adjacent station transit
sheds, features that increase or hinder walkability, and proximity to regional
employment centers. When necessary, the transit shed passes down alleys
and behind parcels to encompass both sides of a street. The residential and
worker populations of parcels within the transit shed are used to estimate
potential ridership. The refined transit shed for each of the two selected stations gives a more accurate demographic area by which to calculate use mix
and intensity. For the purposes of this study, the one-half () mile transit shed
establishes the form-based code district.

76 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

CHEROKEE STATION TRANSIT SHED REFINEMENT

LEGEND

NORTH-SOUTH ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/4 MILE WALK SHED
1/2 MILE WALK SHED

KINGSHIGHWAY STATION TRANSIT SHED REFINEMENT

1/2 MILE

TRANSIT SHED

1/4 MILE

TOWARDS DOWNTOWN

TOD ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

Increased intensities of residents
and employees
Use Mix reflecting a fine grain, diverse
blend of land-uses including retail, office,
residential, and public space
Urban Form and Quality
Physical features
Urban Design Quality
Individualerception &
Experience
Connectivity
OVERLAPPED TRANSIT SHEDS

WEIGHTED TRANSIT SHEDS

4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 77

Intensity
Intensity is a measure of the overall population of workers and residents in the station area. A station areas typological classification may be shifted by increasing
intensity within the one-half () mile transit shed. There are three distinct intensity
thresholds: neighborhoods have sub-7,000 intensity, districts have intensity values
between 7,000 and 21,000, and centers have intensity values above 21,000. Once a
station area reaches a new threshold, new Building Envelope Standards may apply
to match the scale of population.
Use Mix
KINGSHIGHWAY AND NATURAL
BRIDGE SITE

Use mix is a ratio of the number of workers to residents in the one-half () mile transit shed. A station areas typological classification may be shifted by changing the
mix of residents and/or workers within the one-half () mile transit shed.
Transit Shed Extents
The boundaries of the area and parcels served by transit are established as the onequarter () and one-half () mile transit sheds, a refinement of the five and ten minute walk radii from the transit station. Parcels within the one-quarter () mile transit
shed, a five minute walk from a station, should be the focus of future increasing density development, as these have a higher capture rate than the surrounding areas.

Due to changing

The actual transit sheds for this study are augmented to account for adjacent stations along the proposed alignment, proximity of major destinations, and the antici-

demographics and
housing preferences,
the demand for

pated attractiveness of the walking environment around the station. For example, on
Cherokee, the one-quarter () mile transit shed extends beyond the five minute walk
radius to reflect the tremendous walkability of the Cherokee Station area and the
absence of barriers (such as steep grades or highways) to pedestrian mobility along
the corridor. Concurrently, the proximity of adjacent stations (Arsenal and Keokuk)
limits the north-south transit shed.

compact housing
The station area is particularly compact and contains an appreciable number of

near transit is likely

households with access to one or no vehicles. Capture rates for estimating transit
users from the population and employment totals within the thresholds were devel-

to more than
double by 2025.
- Hidden in Plain Sight:

oped with those characteristics in mind. A capture rate of 15% to 20% was deemed
appropriate for the one-quarter () mile transit shed and a rate of 10% to 15% was
selected for areas beyond one-quarter () mile up to one-half () mile areas. This
approach results in a ridership projection of 750 to 1,000 daily boardings based on
existing land uses.

Capturing the Demand for Housing

Near Transit, Center for TOD
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Transit Neighborhood
General Type 1 (TNGeneral Type 1)

Station areas of this typology are low

to medium density residential areas
clustered just behind primary streets.
These residential areas are the foundational residential districts within
the city, organized in tightly knit and
well defined neighborhoods. Station areas of this typology provide a
solid ridership base for the proposed
Alignment, support the development
spurred by new transportation initiatives, and gain density and market
value as Transit Oriented Developments fill in the station area.
Intensity value below 7,000 indicates
lower density land use within the normal range of an urban neighborhood.
Moderately supportive of transit.
Use Mix below 0.5 indicates primarily
residential use.
Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Neighborhood General Type 1 at

most intense condition.
Zoning: Transit Neighborhood General Type 1 is zoned using Neighborhood General Type 1 building envelope standards at its most intense
condition.

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Transit Neighborhood
General Type 2 (TNGeneral Type 2)

Station areas of this typology are a

blend of tightly knit low density residential areas with a concentration of
mid- to high-rise residential buildings
that support some commercial and
office use along stretches of primary
and secondary streets. These areas
can benefit from the varied commercial and service industries attracted

BIDDLE

by Transit Oriented Development

and hold the potential in the future
to support higher density residential
communities.
Intensity value below 7,000 indicates
lower density land use within the normal range of an urban neighborhood.
Moderately supportive of transit.
Use Mix between 0.5 and 1.5 indicates near equal mix of residential
and employment use.
Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Neighborhood General Type 2 at

most intense condition.
Zoning: Transit Neighborhood General Type 2 is zoned using Neighborhood General Type 2 building envelope standards at its most intense
condition.

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 85

Transit Neighborhood
General Type 3 (TNGeneral Type 3)

Station areas of this typology are

primarily residential; however, due
to population levels at these station
areas, prominent consolidated commercial use may be present.
Intensity value between 7,000 and
21,000 indicates a highly transit-supportive station area.
Use Mix below 0.5 indicates primarily
residential use.
Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Neighborhood General Type 3 at

most intense condition.
Zoning: Transit Neighborhood General Type 3 is zoned using Neighborhood General Type 3 Building
Envelope Standards at its most intense condition though Neighborhood General Type 1, Neighborhood
General Type 2, and Campus Type
may also be applicable in some areas.

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 89

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 91

Transit Neighborhood
Center Type 1 (TNCenter Type 1)

Station areas of this typology are

evenly mixed between residential
and employment use, with employment activity distributed throughout
the ground and upper levels of buildings.
Intensity value between 7,000 and
21,000 indicates highly transit-supportive station area.
Use Mix between 0.5 and 1.5 indicates nearly equal mix of resident
and worker populations.
Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Neighborhood Center Type 1 at its

most intense condition.
Zoning: Transit Neighborhood Center
Type 1 can be zoned using a variety
of Building Envelope Standards including Neighborhood Center Type 2,
Neighborhood Center Type 1, Neighborhood General Type 3, Neighborhood General Type 2, Neighborhood
General Type 1, and Campus Type 1

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 93

94 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 95

Transit Neighborhood
Center Type 2 (TNCenter Type 2)

Station areas of this typology are primarily residential use; however, significat retail options may be present
due to the high surrounding population.
Intensity value above 21,000 indicates station area supportive of the
highest frequency transit options.
Use Mix below 0.5 indicates primarily
residential use.
Building

Envelope

Standards

of

Neighborhood Center Type 2 at most

intense condition.
Zoning: Transit Neighborhood Center
Type 2 can be zoned using a variety
of Building Envelope Standards, including Neighborhood Center Type 2,
Neighborhood Center Type 1, Neighborhood General Type 3, Neighborhood General Type 2, Neighborhood
General Type 1, and Campus Type 1

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 97

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 99

Transit Office / Industrial District

(T-Office/Industrial)

Station areas of this typology are primarily employment use with little to
no residential use present.
Intensity value below 7,000 indicates
a moderately transit supportive population
Use mix above 1.5 indicates predominantly employment use and at times
may be absent of residential use.
These areas may be zoned for low
density commercial, civic, institutional, industrial, and business uses.

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 101

Transit Business District

(T-Business)

Station areas of this typology are primarily employment use with little to
no residential use present.
Intensity value between 7,000 and
21,000 indicates a highly transit supportive population.
Use mix above 1.5 indicates predominantly employment use and at times
may be absent of residential use.
These areas may be zoned for medium to high density commercial, civic,
institutional, industrial, and business
uses.

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 103

Transit CBD/Special District

(T-CBD/Special)

Station areas of this typology are

primarily employment or special use
with little to no residential use.
Intensity above 21,000 indicates a
population supportive of the highest
frequency transit system.
Use Mix above 1.5 indicates predom-

BIDDLE

inantly employment use and at times

may be absent of residential use.
These areas may be zoned for very
high density commercial, civic, institutional, industrial, business, and
special uses.

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4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 105

106 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

4 | Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment | 107

108 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Station: Cherokee

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 109

PREFERRED STATION: CHEROKEE

CHARACTER & LOCATION
The proposed station area is centered on the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and
Cherokee Street, in south St. Louis. The Proposed Alignment runs north to south at
this point, down the center of Jefferson Avenue. Currently, this portion of Jefferson
Avenue has two travel lanes in each direction with a center turn lane and is primarily
lined with one to three story residential and commercial buildings. Benton Park, a
major destination for this area of the City, borders Jefferson Avenue for a couple of
JEFFERSON AVENUE LOOKING
NORTH TOWARDS CHEROKEE
STREET

blocks. The station area falls within the boundaries of five national and local historic
districts.
Cherokee Station area is made unique by the presence of Cherokee Street, hereby
referred to as Cherokee, a regionally significant commercial attraction, with Antique
Row to the east of Jefferson Avenue, and a significant Latino population and arts
district with a great deal of local ownership to the west of Jefferson Avenue, hereby
referred to as Jefferson. The station area marks the intersection of four neighborhoods: Benton Park, Marine Villa, Gravois Park, and Benton Park West, each pri-

The station area marks

marily residential. The station area encompasses several notable commercial and
industrial areas , including the Lemp Brewery Site, located at the eastern extents of

the intersection of

Cherokee Street, as well as the St. Alexius Hospital complex and Concordia Publishing House located south of Cherokee Street on Jefferson Avenue.

four neighborhoods,
The communities around Cherokee Station have organized to transform this area

an area which has

into a popular regional destination through festivals, public events, and excellent
food. This has led to the areas resurgence over the past several years, as vacant

experienced a

buildings have been renovated and young, racially diverse citizens have moved in.
As Cherokee and Jefferson each form the border for four historic neighborhoods,

resurgence over the

past several years,

the transit station becomes a conduit between these diverse, adjacent communities.
The Preferred Cherokee Station Area Plan enhances the areas walkability and characteristics as a transit-supportive area. The existing urban morphology of the area

as vacant buildings

is well-suited for Transit Oriented Development because of its small block size and

have been renovated

work. Future development builds on this feature as well as the existing diversity and

and young, racially

acter will be reinforced through signage, public space, and public art. A redeveloped

diverse citizens have

along Cherokee that link it to the far reaches of the commercial district west of Jef-

uninterrupted street grid, which increase walkability and facilitate a robust bike netstrength of commercial areas and residential communities. Local history and charLemp Brewery, a future creative industry center, will anchor street improvements
ferson Avenue.

moved in.

110 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

STATION AREA CONTEXT PLAN SHOWING TRANSIT SHEDS

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 111

TRANSIT SHED EXTENTS

The boundaries of the area and parcels served by transit are established as the onefourth () and one-half () mile transit sheds, a refinement of the five and ten minute
walk radii from the transit station. Parcels within the one-fourth () mile transit shed,
a five minute walk from a station, should be the focus of future development, as
these have a higher capture rate than the surrounding areas. Each transit shed is
centered at the intersection of Jefferson and Cherokee.
CORNER OF JEFFERSON AVE
AND CHEROKEE STREET
LOOKING SOUTH

The actual transit sheds for this study are augmented to account for adjacent stations along the proposed alignment, proximity of major destinations, and the anticipated attractiveness of the walking environment around the station. For example, on
Cherokee, the one-fourth () mile transit shed extends beyond the five minute walk
radius to reflect the tremendous walkability of the Cherokee Station area and the
absence of barriers (such as steep grades or highways) to pedestrian mobility along
the corridor. Concurrently, the proximity of adjacent stations (Arsenal and Keokuk)
limits the transit shed to the north and south.
The station area is particularly compact and contains an appreciable number of
households with access to one or no vehicles. Capture rates and ridership estimates
were developed with these characteristics in mind. A capture rate of 15% to 20%
was deemed appropriate for the one-fourth () mile transit shed and a rate of 10%
to 15% was selected for areas beyond one-fourth () mile up to one-half () mile
areas. This approach results in a ridership projection of 750 to 1,000 daily boardings
based on existing land uses.
To the north, both transit sheds overlap with the one-half () and one-quarter ()
mile transit sheds of Arsenal Station mid-block north of Utah Street. To the south, the
one-quarter () mile transit shed extends mid-block beyond Miami Street while the
one-half () mile transit shed overlaps with Keokuk Station. Street improvements
on Cherokee from Lemp Brewery to Pennsylvania Avenue will make Cherokee safer
and more comfortable for pedestrians and allow for an expansion of the one-quarter
() mile transit shed. To the east, the one-quarter () mile transit shed overlaps
with the one-half () mile transit shed to include Lemp Brewery, an employment
and residential anchor for Cherokee Station. To the west, the one-quarter () mile
transit shed extends to Pennsylvania Avenue and the one-half () mile walk transit
shed extends one block further to Minnesota Avenue. To the southeast, both transit
sheds are bounded by South Broadway, a busy thoroughfare which is a barrier to
pedestrians.

112 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

STATION AREA BASE MAP SHOWING TRANSIT SHEDS AND WALK RADII
LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/4 MILE WALK SHED
1/2 MILE WALK SHED

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 113

EXISTING CONDITIONS
The area around Cherokee Station currently displays the key attributes supportive
of Transit Oriented Development in its use mix, intensity, urban form, connectivity,
and parking. Additionally, several highly desirable attributes are present within the
Cherokee Station area.
Cherokee Street, as a center for entrepreneurship, creativity, and multi-cultural
attractions within the City, is supportive of a wide range of commercial uses. The
block pattern at Cherokee is composed of small, uniform, walkable blocks averaging
SCULPTURES ALONG CHEROKEE
STREET

7.4 acres, making it ideal for accessing the light-rail right-of-way. It is also primarily
residential and highly transit-supportive because of the low car ownership among
households in the area.
A preliminary assessment of parcels available for development near the station

In 2005, Center

showed that there are 16 underutilized parcels totaling 6.1 acres. A more detailed

for TOD released

area revealed 143 vacant properties. However, most are small parcels located within

assessment of parcel and building vacancy throughout the one-half () mile station
residential areas and are not suitable primary sites for Transit Oriented Develop-

Hidden in Plain
Sight: Capturing the
Demand for Housing
Near Transit, a
national TOD market
study that found the
demand for compact

ment.
The population within the transit shed is primarily residential, composed of 4,700
residents and 700 workers employed at 137 firms. People are attracted to the area
because it is a vibrant, historic, well-organized community that has made great
strides towards improving streets, supporting an art community, and establishing its
own identity within the City.
The neighborhoods bounding Cherokee and Jefferson have a mean walkscore of 76
out of a possible 100. The Citys average by neighborhood is 65, which indicates a
highly walkable urban environment. The area is also served by five bus routes and
five dedicated bike routes that will bolster future transit improvements, as the station
can act as an intermodal facility between bicycle, bus, and rail transit networks.

housing near transit

is likely to more
than double by 2025
because of changing
demographics and
housing preferences.
114 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

ZONING

LAND USE

SPECIAL USE DISTRICTS

TOPOGRAPHY

STREETS

BLOCKS

BUILDINGS

BUS ROUTES

STREET HIERARCHY

PARKING

SIDEWALKS

AMENITIES

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 115

LIVABILITY PRINCIPLES
MOBILITY

Develop physical transit infrastructure to increase access to public transport

needs by using street improvements to activate the streetscape at all hours
of the day;

Provide convenient transportation options for all citizens and reduce redundant transit infrastructure by linking bus, bicycle, and pedestrian access
routes at inter-modal transfer stations along the Alignment;

Reduce household transportation costs by offering a flexible range of public

transport options;

Increase walkability to retail, employment, and recreational needs by using

street improvements to activate the streetscape at all hours of the day;

Reduce the need for car ownership by creating enticing retail and entertainment options in new mixed-use development at the station area;

Reduce the need for daily car trips by developing necessary services in mixeduse complexes adjacent to the station area; and

Utilize new walkable transit stations to connect adjacent neighborhoods.

PUBLIC SPACE

Integrate public art into streetscape improvements, making the new transit
infrastructure aesthetically pleasing while functionally effective.

Create a cohesive, vibrant street environment reflective of the identity at the

station area by encouraging public art and creative activity in streetscape improvements, public space, and businesses; and

Improve streets, increase pedestrian scale lighting, and increase the quality
and extent of bicycle infrastructure to create a saFe, walkable environment.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Improve air quality and manage stormwater by planting local species of street
trees and vegetation in curb bumpouts, public parks, and green roofs.

Utilize Federal, State, and Local government funds for improvements to

public streets, infrastructure, and historic buildings in pursuance of ecological
and economic goals; and

Utilize local funding for water management and stormwater remediation

practices to bring station areas into compliance with regional sustainability
initiatives; and

Increase greenscaped areas at all station areas to provide comfortable

places for community members to meet, relax, and use.

116 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 117

ANALYSIS MAP OF VACANCY

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL
INFILL PARCEL

STATION AREA OPPORTUNITIES

To understand more specifically how the TOD program should be distributed around the site, each vacant parcel and each vacant
building within the one-half () mile transit shed was identified. While there was a significant amount of vacant property within
the station area, the majority is not suitable for concentrated, large scale projects; those types of projects are more appropriate
when located directly adjacent to the transit station. Therefore, the first phase of development is to complete neighborhoods by
redeveloping all underutilized and vacant property. This will bolster the ridership on the new transit line before any large scale
development takes place.
The vacancy diagram above illustrates the number of vacant buildings as well as the gains to be expected from filling vacant
property. The analysis of vacancy identifed 100 vacant residential buildings, equivalent to 182 households, and 43 vacant parcels
primarily suited for residential development. The vacant parcels, if filled with residential buildings scaled to match the existing
context, will provide 94 new households.
In addition to redeveloping the smaller vacant parcels throughout the transit shed, the other significant component of the Cherokee Station Preferred Plan is the redevelopment of several large, underutilized, commercial parcels and the addition of new
commercial and office uses along Jefferson.

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5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 119

Intensity
Cherokee Stations 700 workers and 4,700 residents give an intensity of 5,400, putting it within the neighborhood threshold. Intensity will be increased to 8,900 by adding 1,600 workers and 1,900 residents through future development, bringing it within
the district threshold. The intensity value of Cherokee Station indicates that with a
few small future developments or the renovation of existing vacant buildings, the
population would easily be elevated to produce a highly transit-supportive area.
Use Mix
Cherokee Station currently has a use mix of 0.15, the ratio of its 700 workers to
FESTIVAL ON CHEROKEE STREET

4,700 residents, putting it within the residential threshold. Use mix will be shifted to
0.5 by adding 1,600 workers and 1,900 residents in future development, putting the
station area within the mixed threshold. While the addition of workers and residents
will shift the use mix to a more even blend of workers and residents, the historic
residential character will be maintained throughout each of the neighborhoods in the
station area and by clustering significant future development within the Lemp Brewery site, and along Jefferson.
Development Program
The vivacity of the Cherokee Station area will continue to grow by developing
480,000 SF of office space for 1,600 new workers. This number is based on the
standard area per worker for creative industries and healthcare which is 300 SF.
Additionally, 650,000 SF of newly developed residential space and the renovation of
300 vacant households will house 1,900 new residents.
With these population increases, the Cherokee Station area has been shifted to
a TNGeneral Type 3. The associated building envelope standard regulates building type for new development; in this case Rowhouse and Courtyard Rowhouse,
Stacked Flats, Courtyard Building, High Rise Residential Building, Commercial
Block Building, Flex Building, and Liner Building. New building program distributed
on 7.1 acres of developable land will accompany significant renovation and retrofitting of the existing, high-quality housing stock in the area.
Ridership Potential
Ridership estimates based on the development program at Cherokee Station indicate 1,080 riders in the one-quarter () mile transit shed and 190 within the remaining one-half () mile transit shed, giving a total of 1,270 riders.

120 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PREFERRD STATION AREA PLAN

TYPOLOGICAL SHIFT

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 121

Cherokee Consensus Issues Map

1. Lemp Brewery is a large, underutilized, flexible parcel;
2. The stations close proximity to the
hospital means the institution is
easily accessible;
3. Highly walkable block pattern;
4. South Broadway is a barrier for pedestrians;
5. Well-organized

commercial

dis-

tricts;
6. Small and constrained developable
parcels distributed throughout transit shed;
7. High commercial and residential vacancy;
8. Largest underutilized parcels adjacent to station;

9. Easy access from highway;

10. Major cultural attractions; and
11. Interstate 55 is a barrier for pedestrians.

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL
INFILL PARCEL

122 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Cherokee Development
Framework Plan
Connectivity
1. Road diet;
2. Extend bicycle path to Compton Avenue; and
3. Street improvements increase walkability and link station area to Lemp
Brewery.

Development
4. Renovate and redevelop vacant
land and buildings;
5. Provide 450,000 SF of office and
350 newly developed residential
units at Lemp and Shepard School;
and
N

6. New TOD units, management, and

operations.

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL
INFILL PARCEL

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 123

The Cherokee Station Development

Strategy would include the following:

Renovate vacant buildings and

fill vacant parcels to complete the

PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

neighborhoods around the station

area;

Implement street improvements on

The Cherokee Station area is currently classified as TNGeneral Type 1, a moder-

Cherokee from Lemp Brewery west

ately transit-supportive area with a primarily residential use mix and intensity just

to Nebraska Avenue, creating a vibrant streetscape to entice visitors

to explore the areas two distinct
commercial attractions;

below 7,000. Population increase of both workers and residents within the one-half
() mile transit shed shifts the typological classification from TNGeneral Type 1 to
TNGeneral Type 3, a classification with a use mix that is still primarily residential
but with an intensity of over 7,000, the population threshold for a highly transit-supportive area. Making space for new workers and residents will be achieved through

Redevelop 450,000 SF of Lemp

renovation and redevelopment of vacant property, and new, high-density Transit

Brewery for office space devoted to

Oriented Development at the station area.

creative industries;
Before the Alignment is constructed, neighborhoods surrounding the transit station

Redevelop 300,000 SF of Lemp

are completed by renovating vacant buildings and filling vacant residential property.

Brewery for renovated loft apart-

The documented 100 vacant buildings, once renovated, will create 180 new house-

ments;

holds. The 43 vacant parcels, developed as residential property, will add another

Develop 300,000 SF of new residential units at the transit station;

Develop 60,000 SF of new commercial space at the transit station;

Create an intermodal transfer

station, linking bus, bicycle, and
light rail infrastructure at Cherokee
Station; and

95 households within the one half () mile transit shed. Together, these developments invite 580 new residents to the Cherokee Station area. This will increase the
residential base of the station area and increase ridership once the transit line is
constructed.
Major development opportunities exist within the one-quarter () mile transit shed.
Lemp Brewery, an underutilized industrial area with roughly 750,000 SF is to be
renovated with 300 new households and 450,000 SF of renovated office space for
creative industries. The Shepard School, containing 50,000 SF located across the
street from the Lemp Brewery, will be renovated to provide 50 new households.
These two projects add 350 new households to the Cherokee Station residential

Add significant new mixed-use

market, and invite 700 new residents and 1,500 new creative industry workers. The

buildings along Jefferson.

renovation of existing buildings is a primary feature of the Citys Sustainability Plan.

In addition to the redevelopment of vacant buildings and parcels, increasing density

The overall
development strategy,
at full capacity, will

add nearly 1,900

new residents and
1,600 new workers
to the Cherokee
Station area.

with significant new developments adjacent to the transit stop and Lemp Brewery
site will be pursued as part of the development strategy. These Transit Oriented
Developments, spread over several buildings, create space for 300 new households and 60,000 SF of new commercial space, enough space for 600 residents
and 60 new workers.
The overall development strategy, including all new and renovated property, will
add 1,900 new residents and 1,600 new workers to an increasingly vibrant district
and sustain its vitality.

124 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED

NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

RENOVATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING
NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING
RENOVATED MIXED-USE BUILDING

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 125

STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVES

Two Station Plan Alternatives were developed for the Cherokee Station area by
shifting its Transit Neighborhood Typology from its current state into one of two
more intense typologies. These two options serve as a premise for refining the mix
of employment and residential program to be added to the station area.
The assumed outcome for Station Plan Alternative #1 is the addition of only residents to the one-half () mile transit shed to shift the station area to a TNGeneral
STREET DANCER DURING
CHEROKEE CINCO DE MAYO

Type 3. The assumed outcome for Station Plan Alternative #2 is the addition of only
workers to the one-half () mile transit shed to shift the station area to a TNCenter
Type 1. Both Plan Alternatives assume the development of new Transit Oriented
Development but test different distributions of building program.
STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVE #1
Station Plan Alternative #1 adds only residents to increase the intensity while shifting the use mix more towards primarily residential use. The design process tested
the building program distribution throughout the transit shed and determined the
potential for additional program at the intersection of Jefferson and Cherokee based
upon the availability of large, contiguous developable parcels and the presence of
the transit station. This will also create a significant influx of patrons to each of the
two commercial districts along Cherokee while increasing ridership.
STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVE #2
Station Plan Alternative #2 adds only workers to increase intensity while tilting use
mix in the station area towards employment. The design explores favorable distribution of commercial program along Jefferson with the anticipation that through
the refinement process, significant development program will be absorbed at Lemp
Brewery.

126 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

TYPOLOGICAL MATRIX WITH CHARACTER

ALTERNATIVE 1 & 2
TYPOLOGICAL SHIFT OPTIONS

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 127

STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVE 1

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

128 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Station Plan Alternative #1 elevates

Cherokee Station to a TNGeneral
Type 3 by:

Adding 1,000 residents to the onequarter () mile station area using 450,000 SF of new residential
development concentrated along
the length of Jefferson, extending
north and south from Cherokee;

Distributing the development program among buildings ranging

from 2,000 SF duplexes to 150,000
SF high-density apartment buildings;

Assuming even distribution of program throughout the one-half ()

mile station area prior to detailed
vacancy assessment;

Assuming 1,000 SF per housing

unit average

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 129

STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVE 2

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING

130 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Station Plan Alternative #2 elevates

Cherokee Station to a TNCenter Type 1
by:

Adding 2,500 workers to the onequarter

()

mile

station

using

430,000 SF new office space concentrated along the length of Jefferson, extending north and south from
Cherokee;

Distributing the development program among buildings ranging from

68,000 SF to 125,000 SF;

Assuming 150 SF per worker

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 131

CHEROKEE NEIGHBORHOOD
GATHERING

ANALYSIS MAP OF VACANCY DISTRIBUTION

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL
INFILL PARCEL

STATION AREA OPPORTUNITIES

To understand more specifically how the TOD program is distributed around the site, given the existing land use patterns in the
station area, each vacant parcel and each vacant building within the one-half () mile station area was identified. While there
was a significant amount of vacant property within the station area, the majority is not suitable for concentrated, large scale
projects; those types of projects are more appropriate when located directly adjacent to the transit station. Therefore, the first
phase of development is to redevelop the existing underutilized and vacant property in order to complete neighborhoods into
which the Transit Oriented Development can be successfully integrated. This will bolster the ridership on the new transit line
before any large scale development takes place.
Vacancy diagrams demonstrate the amount of vacant buildings as well as the gains to be expected from filling vacant property.
The analysis of vacancy identify 100 existing vacant residential buildings, equivalent to 182 households and 43 vacant parcels, primarily suited for residential development which, when filled with residential buildings scaled to their existing context,
equate to 94 new households.
In addition to redeveloping the smaller vacant parcels throughout the transit shed, the other significant component of the Cherokee Station Preferred Plan is the redevelopment of several large underutilized commercial parcels along with the addition of
new commercial and office uses along Jefferson which replaces some existing underutilized commercial and industrial space.

132 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

*Based on an average Household Size of 2.1 People/Household in the Cherokee Station Area

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 133

URBAN DESIGN & PLANNING ELEMENTS

CULTURE & IDENTITY
Cherokee Station is a center of culture, creativity, and urban vitality. Future development program builds upon the character of the five historic districts which overlap
the station area and continues the street improvements along Jefferson to unite the
commercial districts on Cherokee to the east and west of Jefferson.
ANTIQUE ROW ON CHEROKEE
STREET

Local culture and identity will be emphasized around the station by:

Maintaining stakeholders sense of ownership in the process and outcomes;

Demonstrating the Citys commitment to moving forward;

Informing, consulting, and involving multiple invested stakeholders

throughout each phase of development;

Embracing the existing creative and ethnically diverse communities and

ensure space for public art and gathering;

Creating a sense of cohesiveness between the east and west sides of

Cherokee Street and provide a comfortable transfer point, whether by
bicycle, bus or light rail, through a well planned streetscape;

Creating an enticing, accessible, and comfortable streetscape street

furniture, shading, added greenery, and points of interest for pedestrians

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION

ON CHEROKEE STREET

and bicyclists.

Orienting visitors to attractions found in adjacent neighborhoods;

Considering St. Louis imagery/icons when branding this area;

Informing visitors of the rich commercial attractions and historical past

found in the Cherokee Station area through signage; and

Incorporating public art and signage as a means of placemaking for this

creative and culturally rich area of the City.

HISTORIC DISTRICT STREET

SIGNAGE

134 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

DETAILED STATION AREA PLAN

LEGEND
NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING
NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING
RENOVATED MIXED-USE BUILDING

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 135

136 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 137

138 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 139

MASSING PERSPECTIVES
Birds eye views of the station area show potential building forms and configurations
at the Cherokee Station in 30 years.

BIRDS EYE VIEW LOOKING NORTH EAST

BIRDS EYE VIEW LOOKING SOUTH EAST

140 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 141

CHARACTER PERSPECTIVE - EXISTING CONDITIONS

CHARACTER PERSPECTIVE - PREFERRED STATION AREA IN 2043

142 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 143

EXISTING CONDITION

BUILDING ENVELOPE STUDY

CHARACTER PERSPECTIVE

144 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PHASING PERSPECTIVE IN 2033

PHASING PERSPECTIVE IN 2023

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 145

MOBILITY

Create a roundabout at the intersection of Cherokee and Interstate 55 to calm

traffic;

Construct a roundabout at Broadway and Utah Street to connect visitors from the
highway to the station area;

Restrict traffic flow inhibiting treatments from being implemented along Lemp Avenue between Cherokee and Arsenal Street;

Extend President Street, 18th Street, and DeMenil Place as local streets within the
Lemp Brewery Complex;

Terminate the Jefferson portion of #11 bus service at Chippewa Street;

Offer connections to #73 bus, a route serving local neighborhoods, using Cherokee Station as an inter-modal connector

Increase headways of the #73 bus to either 15 or 10 minutes to increase ridership

and inter-modal transfers;

Consider a Road Diet along Jefferson to extend the sidewalk an extra ten to 15
feet beyond existing conditions;

Ensure all sidewalks are ADA accessible;

Enliven the streetscape above eye-level through street pole-mounted greenery

and banners;

Locate durable, comfortable street furniture near to the station stop to match ridership demands of future inter-modal transfer function; and

Provide safe places for cyclists to store bicycles while patronizing the local businesses.

TRANSIT IMPROVEMENT DIAGRAM

146 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 147

PUBLIC SPACE
The Station Area Plan creates a public space network that anchors the neighborhood
by connecting residents and visitors to housing, jobs, entertainment, and civic amenities through an improved street network, pedestrian enhancements, bicycle infrastructure, parks, and public spaces. Improved public right-of-way increases safety,
accessibility, and community engagement while supporting the diversity of residents
and various public events and activities. Public space enhancements will catalyze new
housing, mixed-use development, and redevelopment opportunities needed to achieve
the areas full market potential. Unique public spaces will support liveliness, health, and
the future prosperity for the community.
The public space strategy at Cherokee Station will:

Create space for outdoor seating, green space, places of pause, and performance;

Create additional interest with string lights above Cherokee from Jefferson to
Pennsylvania Avenue and from Jefferson to the Lemp Brewery complex (to be affixed high enough so as not to interfere with truck clearance);

Provide shade through other means (i.e., awnings, table umbrellas) along Cherokee from Jefferson to Nebraska Avenue until the tree canopies fill in;

Enlist local artists to disguise utility boxes;

Distribute benches and trash receptacles evenly along Cherokee on the blocks
west of Jefferson;

Enliven the sidewalk by utilizing the ample sidewalk space along Jefferson as performance and display space for local artists and businesses;

Respect and respond to the historical character of the Cherokee Station area
through the selection of contextual street lighting standards;

Coordinate street level display space with local studios and galleries and fill any
unused storefronts;

Build upon the legacy of the of Cherokee Indian landmark sculpture to create a
shared landmark for current business owners, residents, and visitors to Cherokee;

Develop thematic signage continuing from the Lemp Brewery to Pennsylvania

Avenue;

Devote 1% of future development costs to public art to be located throughout the

station area and transit shed;

Highlight current events and activities using banners along Jefferson and
Cherokee;

Designate key entry points to the district with large signs, similar to that of The
Grove district; and

Create a gateway for the area by installing public art at the roundabout intersection
of Cherokee and Interstate 55 (similar to Truman Parkway.

148 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 149

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN

Utilize permeable pavement where possible in parking lots, sidewalks, driveways,

and alleys.

Integrate bioretention facilities into curb bumpouts, providing additional greenery

as part of the street level stormwater management strategy;

Install buffer strips adjacent to new and existing streets and parking lots to reduce
stormwater runoff and increase comfort on the sidewalk;

Install aesthetically pleasing rainwater harvesting facilities on new and existing

buildings, including rainbarrels and green roofs;

Consider a water feature along Jefferson to create interest and refresh users of the
area;

Provide additional seating and activate street edges using planters;

Screen outdoor seating and gathering spaces from the train and vehicular right-ofways using planters;

Use native plantings & perennials where possible;

Plant street trees and specialty trees along all streets and public spaces; and

Enlist the help of a neighborhood volunteer group for planting and maintenance.

GREED INFRASTRUCTURE DIAGRAM

150 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

M3 -- BMPS IN THE STATION AREA VICINITY

M3 -- BMPS IN THE LEMP BREWERY CAMPUS

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 151

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS & SAFETY,

AND CONNECTIVITY

Unify the two distinct commercial districts east and west on Cherokee through a
consistent streetscape that runs from the Lemp Brewery to Pennsylvania Avenue;

Create street that is comfortable in the evening with pedestrian scale lighting;

Install pedestrian countdown signals and restrict right-turns-on-red at major intersections;

Orient bicyclists and pedestrians to destinations and routes throughout the station
area through good signage;

Install Bike Boxes on Jefferson at Cherokee to make bicycling safer;

Install curb bumpouts on Cherokee at Jefferson to make pedestrian crossing easier and safer;

Maintain a clear line of sight for both pedestrians and vehicles;

Replace Cobra-style lights with a lighting standard that is supportive of both automobile and pedestrian uses along Cherokee and Jefferson;

Maximize sidewalk travel way by reducing street furniture and increasing pedestrian scale lighting;

Use the Cherokee Station platform to provide pedestrian connectivity to the commercial districts on either side of Cherokee;

Extend bicycle route west, along Cherokee to Compton Avenue;

Ensure adequate sidewalk maintenance and prioritization of crosswalk ramp upgrades to facilitate ADA-compliance;

Widen sidewalks along Jefferson adjacent to the station beyond the 6 foot limit
illustrated by the stations conceptual design; and

Connect to regional bike and trail systems.

152 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 153

PARKING
Guidelines for providing parking for the proposed development are offered with the goal
of accommodating parking needs in an efficient manner while minimizing the supply
of spaces. The proposed uses would generate total demand for approximately 2,000
parking spaces. This calculation reflects the mixed-use, urban character of the station
area as well as the light rail stations anticipated impact reducing vehicular trips.
Parking needs associated with infill residential development were assumed to be accommodated on the residential properties themselves (rear-facing garage) or on-street.
Similarly, parking needs for the retail both at the station and within the Lemp Brewery
development could be accommodated on-street. This amounts to approximately 175
spaces.
While surplus on-street parking capacity could likely accommodate additional development driven demands, the remaining parking need (1,825 spaces) should be served by
dedicated off-street parking facilities. According to Development Strategies, off-street
spaces would be necessary for these uses to attract residential and businesses lease
rates that are sufficient to sustain development. Moreover, forcing the parking needs of
large-scale developments onto streets creates shortages that result in adverse neighborhood impacts, including parking districts and management strategies. The long-term
approach for the station area is to avoid the need for on-street parking management.
The amount of the off-street space need (1,825 spaces) could be reduced by the concept of shared parking. Offsetting temporal parking demands for businesses and residents could enable the same space to be shared by both uses. For example, a residential space occupied overnight but vacated during the day when the resident is at work
could be used by an office worker. The sizable residential and office components of the
Lemp Brewery development would offer the greatest opportunity for shared parking.
Shared parking could reduce the off-street parking needs of the Lemp Brewery development by up to 25%.
Ultimately, it is recommended that the parking needs of the station area be market
based and unregulated. The proposed form-based zoning code will not stipulate minimum parking requirements, as parking needs would likely be particularly dynamic over
time as the station area evolves into a Transit Oriented Neighborhood. Instead, property owners and developers will be given autonomy to decide how much parking to provide. Simultaneously, they should be encouraged by the City to provide as few spaces
as they feel are needed.

Establish a zero parking requirement for new development in Neighborhood General Type 1, Neighborhood General Type 3, and Campus Type 1, as they are transit neighborhoods.

154 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 155

CHEROKEE FORM-BASED
DISTRICT RECOMMENDATIONS
Cherokee Stations one-half () mile transit shed also serves as the boundary
of the Cherokee Form-Based District. Within this area, a form-based district will
apply, as outlined in the building envelope standards recommendations. On the
NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL
TYPE 3 MIXED-USE BUILDING AT
CHEROKEE ST AND ILLINOIS AVE

following pages a regulatory requirement specific to Transit Neighborhoods,

the absence of parking requirements, is established. While parking will be
allowed, the quantity of parking per new development will be determined by
the developer according to market demand. All new development within the
Form-Based District will abide by the regulations described herein.
Intent
Building envelope standards regulate the allowable placement of buildings,
land uses, and types of buildings; as well as establish requirements for the
placement of parking for a given area. The intent of the building envelope
standards is to regulate future development to be respectful of building height
and use and to concentrate the majority of the commercial and office activity
along the Jefferson and Cherokee corridors. Within the Cherokee Form-Based
District, building envelope standards have been calibrated to the characteristics
of the lower density historic residential areas of the transit shed. Three Building
Envelope Standards apply within this Form-Based District: Neighborhood
General Type 1, Neighborhood General Type 3, and Campus Type 1. These
building envelope standards accommodate a range of building forms and uses

EXAMPLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD
GENERAL TYPE 1

ranging from single family residential within the neighborhood, to primary retail
along commercial streets and large lot campus conditions within the urban
environment. Adoption ordinance should contain language addressing any
conflicts with historic district regulations.
The Regulating Plan
Three building envelope standards are applied throughout the Cherokee FormBased District in order to meet the population thresholds to shift the station
area to Transit Neighborhood General Type 3. The building envelope standard
for Neighborhood General Type 3 is applied at the most intense urban condition
within the Form-Based District, along Jefferson and Cherokee and along South
Broadway, to maintain residential use and provide the appropriate placement
and building types to support new primary retail spaces within the historic
district. The other building envelope standards present within the Form-Based
District are Neighborhood General Type 1, a standard which allows for low
to medium density residential use; and Campus Type 1, a newly developed
standard for large lot areas that has been applied to the Lemp Brewery site
and St. Alexius Hospital.

IMAGE FROM LEMP

156 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED

NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

RENOVATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING
NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING
RENOVATED MIXED-USE BUILDING

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 157

EXISTING STRATEGIC LAND USE PLAN AT CHEROKEE STATION

RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE STRATEGIC LAND USE PLAN &

OTHER CITY REGULATIONS
CHEROKEE STATION FORM-BASED DISTRICT
The Strategic Land Use Plan (SLUP; PDA-155-04-CMP) was established by
the City of St. Louis on January 5, 2005. The purpose of the plan is to guide,
at a very broad level, development and preservation throughout the area in a
comprehensive manner. As the intent of the Station Area Planning Process
is to establish a vision and development plan for the Cherokee Station Area,
it will be necessary to make modifications to the Strategic Land Use Plan in
order to ensure that it is concurrent with the Form-Based District.
As a Transit Oriented Neighborhood, parking requirements (as required by
the City of St. Louis Revised Code Title 26) have been removed within the
Cherokee Station Form-Based District.
The following are the recommended changes to the Strategic Land Use Plan
within the Cherokee Station Form-Based District:

158 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

LEGEND

NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL
INSTITUTIONAL
BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL
BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
OPPORTUNITY AREA
RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE
RECOMMENDED LAND USE CHANGE

RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE STRATEGIC LAND USE PLAN AT CHEROKEE STATION

A selected few parcels have been changed to Neighborhood Preservation

from both Institutional and Neighborhood Commercial in order to support
the adjacent historic neighborhood character.
Along South Broadway Boulevard, parcels within the Form-Based District
have been changed to Neighborhood Development from Neighborhood
Preservation where there is a significant amount of building and parcel
vacancy.
Parcels adjacent to the Lemp Brewery have been changed to Opportunity
Area from Business/Industrial Development where there is significant
opportunity to create mixed-use infill development consistent with Transit
Oriented Development.
Along Jefferson, selected Neighborhood Presevation parcels
and
Business & Industrial parcels have been changed to Neighborhood
Commercial to support commercial development along the Alignment
within the defined transit shed.

SEE ABOVE MAP FOR RECOMMENDED CHANGES

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 159

REGULATING PLAN
LEGEND: BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 3
CAMPUS TYPE

CHEROKEE STATION FORM-BASED DISTRICT

Three building envelope standards apply within the Cherokee Station FormBased District. Each building envelope standard regulates building placement,
height, type, encroachments, use requirements, and parking requirements.
Each building envelope standard accommodates a particular range of density
and experiential character.

160 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PRIMARY & SECONDARY STREETS

LEGEND
PRIMARY STREETS
SIDE STREETS

PRIMARY & SIDE STREETS

Primary Streets within the Cherokee Station Form-Based District are:

Jefferson Avenue
Cherokee Street
South Broadway
Miami Street
Lemp Avenue

All other streets shall be considered Side Streets.

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 161

Building Envelope Standards

Neighborhood General Type 1
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical
form of the Transit Neighborhood General Type 1 areas in order to preserve
and enhance the integrity and quality of this primarily single family, duplex,
triplex, fourplex and rowhouse residential area of the neighborhood. The area
is designed to provide for sensitive and respectful infill development which
allows for the variety of building types and forms, and front yards found in the
neighborhood.
Neighborhood General Type 3
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form of
the Transit Neighborhood General Type 3 areas in order to establish a flexible
mixed-use residential area that enhances and densifies this primarily larger,
lot mixed-use area of the neighborhood. The area is designed to provide
for architectural appropriate infill development which allows for a variety of
building types, uses, heights and forms as well as the creation of a vibrant
mixed-use streetscape.
Campus Type 1
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical
form of the Campus Types flexible, mixed-use areas of primarily large lot
and combined lot developments while maintaining and supporting an active
streetscape and a vibrant urban character. The physical form of these areas
responds to the existing context by meeting a minimum coverage of the buildto-line and orienting buildings to the primary streets.

162 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1 (NG1-TOD)

INTENT STATEMENT:
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form of the Neighborhood General Type 1 areas in order to preserve and enhance the integrity and quality of this primarily single family, duplex, triplex, fourplex and rowhouse residential area of the neighborhood. The area is designed to
provide for sensitive and respectful infill development which allows for the variety of building types and
forms, and front yards found in the neighborhood. This intent statement and the images shown below are
advisory only.

EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 163

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1 (NG1-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 1

DIAGRAM - 2

I - BUILDING PLACEMENT

II - BUILDING HEIGHT

BUILD-TO-LINE:

[L] BUILDING HEIGHT MINIMUM:

2 Stories and 25
3 Stories and 40

[A] PRIMARY STREET:

25 Min | 50 Max (1)

[M] BUILDING HEIGHT MAXIMUM:

[N] MAX FROM B.O. EAVE

[B] SIDE ST., ANC. & MAIN BLDG

10

TO T. O. PARAPET OR ROOF:

[C] ALLEY, ANC. BLDG:

[O] FINISHED GRND FLOOR LEVEL:

15 Max
1 Min | 3 Max

Above Back of Sidewalk

or Adjacent Lot Level

SETBACK:
[D] SIDE, ANC. & MAIN BLDG

5 Min | 10 Max

[E] ALLEY, MAIN BLDG:

60 Min | 120 Max (2)

[P] FIRST FLOOR CEILING HTS:

10 Min | 12 Max (F to C)

[Q] UPPER FLOORS CEILING HTS:

8 Min | 10 Max (F to C)

[R] ANC. BLDG. MAX. HEIGHT

3 Stories and 40 (3)

III - BUILDING TYPES

BUILDING FORM:
[F] PRIMARY STREET:

At least 80% of Build-to-Line

[G] SIDE ST., MAIN BLDG:

At Least 25% of Build-to-Line

[H] LOT WIDTH:

Per Existing

[I] LOT DEPTH:

Per Existing

[J] BETWEEN BLDGS:

25 Min b/t Main & Anc. Buildings

[K] DEPTH OF ANC. BLDG:

30 Max

Detached Single Family Dwelling

Rear Garage
Carriage House
Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex
Rowhouse and Courtyard Rowhouse

FOR REFERENCE NOTES REFER

TO FINAL PAGE OF THIS TYPE.

164 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1 (NG1-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 3

DIAGRAM - 4

IV - ENCROACHMENTS

VI - PARKING REQUIREMENTS

LOCATION:

LOCATION:

[S] PRIMARY STREET:

[T] SIDE STREET:

12 Max
10 Max

[V] PRIMARY SETBACK:

[W] SIDE STREET SETBACK:

[U] ALLEY:

5 Max

[X] SIDE SETBACK:

0 , If Surface Lot; Per Main
Building if Structured Parking

V - USE REQUIREMENTS

[Y] ALLEY SETBACK:

GROUND FLOOR USES:

REQUIRED SPACES: (4)

Residential

UPPER FLOOR(S) USES:
Residential

RESIDENTIAL USES:

60 Max
10 Min

5 Min

One (1) Off-Street Parking

Space Per Dwelling Unit

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 165

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1 (NG1-TOD)

VII - REFERENCE NOTES
1. The Build-to-Line must match the average Front Facade
Line of the Block Face; and lots with NO Primary Street
or Side Street frontage (abutting adjacent properties) are
exempt from the Primary Street Build-to-Line dimensional
requirements, and are only required to have a five foot (5)
setback on said frontage.
2. Lots with NO Alley frontage (abutting adjacent properties)
are exempt from the Alley, Main Building Build-to-Line dimensional requirements; and are only required to have a
five foot (5) setback on said frontage.
3. In no case shall the Ancillary Building have a height greater
than that of the Main Building.
4. Within the Cherokee Transit Station Area, required spaces
do not apply.

166 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 3 (NG3-TOD)

INTENT STATEMENT:
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form of the Neighborhood General Type 3 areas in order to establish a flexible mixed-use residential area that enhances and densifies
this primarily larger, lot mixed-use area of the neighborhood. The area is designed to provide for architectural appropriate infill development which allows for a variety of building types, uses, heights and forms
as well as the creation of a vibrant mixed-use streetscape. This intent statement and the images shown
below are advisory only.

EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 167

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 3 (NG3-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 2

DIAGRAM - 1

I - BUILDING PLACEMENT

II - BUILDING HEIGHT

BUILD-TO-LINE:

[I] BUILDING HEIGHT MINIMUM:

[J] BUILDING HEIGHT MAXIMUM:

3 Stories and 40
5 Stories and 65

[K] MAX FROM B.O. EAVE

TO T. O. PARAPET OR ROOF:

15 Max

[L] FINISHED GRND FLOOR LEVEL:

1 Min | 3 Max

[A] PRIMARY STREET:

[B] SIDE STREET:

0
0 Min | 10 Max

SETBACK:

Back of Sidewalk Or Adjacent
Lot Level For Residential;

[C] SIDE:

0 Min | 10 Max (1)

All Other Uses are Max 6

[D] ALLEY:

5 Min | 10 Max (2)

[M] FIRST FLOOR CEILING HTS:

[N] UPPER FLOORS CEILING HTS:

12 Min | 25 Max (F to C)
8 Min | 12 Max (F to C)

[N1] MEZZANINES AND PODIUMS:

Mezzanines and Podiums

[E] PRIMARY STREET:

At Least 80% of Build-to-Line (3)

Greater Than 1/3 of the

[F] SIDE STREET:

[G] LOT WIDTH:

At least 80% of Build-to-Line (4)

Per Existing

Floor Plate Area Shall

Be Counted as a Full Story

[H] LOT DEPTH:

Per Existing

BUILDING FORM:

III - BUILDING TYPES

FOR REFERENCE NOTES REFER

TO THE FINAL PAGE OF THIS TYPE.

Rowhouse and Courtyard Rowhouse

Stacked Flats
Courtyard Building
High Rise Residential Building
Commercial Block Building
Flex Building
Liner Building

168 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 3 (NG3-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 3

DIAGRAM - 4

IV - ENCROACHMENTS

VI - PARKING REQUIREMENTS

LOCATION:

LOCATION:

[O] PRIMARY STREET:

[P] SIDE STREET:
[Q] ALLEY:

10 Max
10 Max
5 Max

V - USE REQUIREMENTS
GROUND FLOOR USE:
Office (5)
Primary Retail
Residential
Secondary Retail
Special
UPPER FLOOR(S) USE:
Office (5)
Residential
Special

[R] PRIMARY STREET SETBACK:

30 Min (7)

[S] SIDE STREET SETBACK:

[T] SIDE SETBACK:

30 Min (8)
0 , If Surface Lot; Per Main

Building if Structured Parking

[U] ALLEY SETBACK:
5 Min

REQUIRED SPACES: (9)

OFFICE USES:

< 7,500 SQ FT:

> 7,500 SQ FT:

PRIMARY RETAIL USES:

< 3,000 SQ FT:

> 3,000 SQ FT:

RESIDENTIAL USES:

SECONDARY RETAIL USES:

< 7,500 SQ FT:

> 7,500 SQ FT:

No Off-Street Parking Requirement

One (1) Space Per 1,250 SQ FT in
Excess of the 7,500 SQ FT
No Off-Street Parking Requirement
One (1) Space Per 700 SQ FT in
Excess of the 3,000 SQ FT
One (1) Space Per Dwelling Unit

No Off-Street Parking Requirement

One (1) Space Per 1,250 SQ FT in
Excess of the 7,500 SQ FT

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 169

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 3 (NG3-TOD)

VII - REFERENCE NOTES
1. For buildings with Dwelling Units primarily opening to side
yards, Side Setback is required to be ten feet (10). Buildings higher than three (3) stories and forty feet (40) are
required to have a ten foot (10) Side Setback.
2. Lots with NO Alley frontage (abutting adjacent properties)
are required to have a five foot (5) setback on said frontage.
3. This percentage (%) can be adjusted to fifty percent (50%)
in the case of the following Building Types: Courtyard Rowhouse and Courtyard Building .
4. Corner Lots will be treated as having a Primary Street
for the first thirty (30) feet of the building facing any Side
Street; and shall thus conform to the Primary Street Buildto-Line for that length of Building Facade.
5. This figure reflects an additional dimension of thirty feet
(30) beyond the Primary Street Build-to-Line for above
grade parking. Below finished ground floor level parking
can be coterminous with the Facade Line of the building.
6. This figure reflects an additional dimension of twenty feet
(20) beyond the Side Street Build-to-Line for above grade
parking. Below finished ground floor level parking can be
coterminous with the Facade Line of the building.
7. Special uses are not allowed within the Cherokee Station
Area.
8. Within the Cherokee Transit Station Area, required spaces
do not apply.

170 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

CAMPUS TYPE 1 (CM1-TOD)

INTENT STATEMENT:
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form of Campus developments, defined as large-lot developments with multiple Building Types. Campuses are singular,
identifiable sites within the district, bounded by public streets and typically featuring unifying characteristics. The area is designed to allow for a variety of urban business, industrial, institutional, and
academic uses while maintaining and supporting an active streetscape and a vibrant urban character.
This intent statement and the images shown below are advisory only.

EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 171

CAMPUS TYPE 1 (CM1-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 2

DIAGRAM - 1

I - BUILDING PLACEMENT

II - BUILDING HEIGHT

BUILD-TO-LINE:

[I] BUILDING HEIGHT MINIMUM:

[J] BUILDING HEIGHT MAXIMUM:

3 Stories and 40 (6)

5 Stories and 65

[K] MAX FROM B.O. EAVE

TO T. O. PARAPET OR ROOF:

15 Max

[A] PRIMARY STREET:

[B] SIDE STREET:

30 Min | 80 Max (1)

0 Min | 10 Max (2)

SETBACK:
[C] SIDE:

0 Min | 10 Max (3)

[D] ALLEY:

Not Applicable (3,4)

[E] PRIMARY STREET:

At Least 60% of Build-to-Line

[F] SIDE STREET:

[G] LOT WIDTH:

At Least 30% of Build-to-Line

At Least 500 (5)

[H] LOT DEPTH:

At Least 425 (5)

BUILDING FORM:

[L] FINISHED GRND FLOOR LEVEL: 2 Min | 3 Max

Back of Sidewalk Or Adjacent
Lot Level For Residential;

All Other Uses are Max 6
[M] FIRST FLOOR CEILING HTS:
12 Min | 25 Max (F to C)
[N] UPPER FLOORS CEILING HTS:

8 Min | 15 Max (F to C)

[N1] MEZZANINES AND PODIUMS:

Mezzanines and Podiums

Greater Than 1/3 of the
Floor Plate Area Shall

III - BUILDING TYPES

FOR REFERENCE NOTES REFER

TO FINAL PAGE OF THIS TYPE

Commercial Block Building (7)

Flex Building (7)
Live|Work Units (7)
Liner Building (7)
Civic|Institutional Building (7)

Industrial Building (To Be Developed)(7)

172 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Be Counted as a Full Story

CAMPUS TYPE 1 (CM1-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 3

DIAGRAM - 4

IV - ENCROACHMENTS

VI - PARKING REQUIREMENTS

LOCATION:

LOCATION:

[O] PRIMARY STREET:

[P] SIDE STREET:

12 Max
10 Max

[Q] ALLEY:

Not Applicable (8)

[R] PRIMARY STREET SETBACK:

60-110 Min (9)
[S] SIDE STREET SETBACK:
30-40 Min (10)
[T] SIDE SETBACK:
0 , If Surface Lot; Per Main
Building if Structured Parking
[U] ALLEY SETBACK:
Not Applicable (11)

V - USE REQUIREMENTS
GROUND FLOOR USE:
Office
Primary Retail
Light Industrial
Civic|Institutional
UPPER FLOOR(S) USE:
Office
Residential
Light Industrial
Civic|Institutional

REQUIRED SPACES:
OFFICE USES: (12)

< 7,500 SQ FT:

> 7,500 SQ FT:

No Off-Street Parking Requirement

One (1) Space Per 1,250 SQ FT in
Excess of the 7,500 SQ FT

PRIMARY RETAIL USES: (12)

< 3,000 SQ FT:

> 3,000 SQ FT:

No Off-Street Parking Requirement

One (1) Space Per 700 SQ FT in
Excess of the 3,000 SQ FT

RESIDENTIAL USES: (12)

One (1) Space Per Dwelling Unit

SECONDARY RETAIL USES: (12)

< 7,500 SQ FT:
No Off-Street Parking Requirement

> 7,500 SQ FT:
One (1) Space Per 1,250 SQ FT in

Excess of the 7,500 SQ FT
INDUSTRIAL USES: (12)

(Parking Requirements to be
Established by the City of St. Louis)

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 173

CAMPUS TYPE 1 (CM1-TOD)

VII - REFERENCE NOTES
1. On all lots, a minimum of two (2) bounding streets must be
Primary Streets.
2. Lots may be bounded by Side Streets on the remaining lot
lines.
3. Private streets, driveways, and alleys that are internal to the
lot shall not be subject to setback requirements; and when
the conditions enumerated in the Build-to-Line requirements are fulfilled, side setbacks shall apply to remaining
lot lines.
4. Where alleys are present, setbacks shall be from five feet
(5) to ten feet (10)
5. Lots shall have a minimum area of five (5) acres, irrespective of lot dimensions; and lot dimensions and lot area shall
be measured either (A) by individual lot or parcel; (B) by
multiple contiguous lots or parcels under single ownership;
or (C) by multiple contiguous lots or parcels agglomerated
by a legally-enforcable development agreement.
6. Building Heights for buildings interior to the campus block
are not required to meet the building height minimum.
7. This Building Envelope Standard allows multiple Building
Types per lot.
8. Where alleys are present, setbacks shall be five feet (5)
Maximum.
9. This figure reflects and additional dimension of thirty feet
(30) beyond the Primary Street Build-to-Line for on grade
and above grade parking. Below finished ground floor level
parking can be coterminous with the Facade Line of the
building.
10. This figure reflects and additional dimension of thirty feet
(30) beyond the Side Street Build-to-Line for on grade and
above grade parking. Below finished ground floor level
parking can be coterminous with the Facade Line of the
building.
11. Where alleys are present, setbacks shall be five feet (5)
Minimum.
12. Within the Cherokee Transit Station Area, required spaces
do not apply.

174 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS

Neighborhood General Type 1

Neighborhood General Type 3

Campus Type 1

LINKING BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS TO TRANSIT

NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY
For Transit Neighborhood General Type 3, the Building Envelope Standards described in this section define an appropriate character and scale for new development in the station area.
When Applied, the Form Base District establishes parameters for new, high-density
development along the historic districts commercial corridors. The code maintains
lower density residential areas throughout the remainder of the district. Additionally,
large campues are integrated to match the districts building scale.

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 175

IMPLEMENTATION: STRATEGIES & ACTIONS

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FRAMEWORK
Once the Northside-Southside Alignment is established as a project with an implementation timeline, the proposed Cherokee Station would be in a position to more
readily meet the aspirational goals of being a station in the Transit Neighborhood
General Type 3 if certain steps are taken. As a first step, the City should convene
a working group of interested parties focused on the long-term improvement of
LOCAL BUSINESSES SELLING
FOOD TO VISITORS AND
RESIDENTS

the station area. Ideally, this team should consist of City employees, developers,
neighborhood institution representatives, and area residents. The team should
have the power to review proposed plans and make recommendations to applicable City agencies. Other powers could include the ability to recommend developers
for specific funding programs and oversight of public infrastructure development. In
addition to these review powers, the working group will be charged with communicating opportunities, plans, and the expected benefits of the redevelopment plan to
residents, developers, and businesses.
In addition to a project team, steps must be taken to modify the zoning of the station area to promote the desired future land uses. Some industrial zoning designations remain in the area. If left as-is, this zoning could allow future unsuitable uses.
Coordination with the proposed form-based code is critical to ensuring the future
feasibility of TOD.
During the planning and construction phases of the transit line and station, it is critical that the City take an active approach to land banking for future development.
Tax-delinquent properties that are ceded to the Citys Land Reutilization Authorityespecially those near the intersection of Jefferson and Cherokeeshould be
land-banked for future TOD development.
The Preferred Station Plan for the Cherokee Station creates two destination nodes
in the station area: one node at the intersection of Jefferson and Cherokee and the
second node at the Lemp Brewery. Both nodes would include substantial renovation and new construction. To best achieve this, it is likely that a master developer
would be needed to effectively assemble parcels and remain true to the overall
vision for the area. Coordinating with the working group, the City should consider
the use of certain redevelopment tools in combination or in tandem (TIF, Chapter
99, Chapter 353, etc.) to select a developer.

176 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Locating gap financing is of utmost importance to the long-term success of the

Cherokee Station area as TOD. It is critical that each financing package be carefully scrutinized, ideally by both City officials and the working group, to determine
the best use of public or private funds for an individual project. A general framework for the use of public and private redevelopment tools is listed below:

TIF: public infrastructure costs, land acquisition, and commercial property

renovations;

CID/TDD: street improvements, security patrols, beautification, and other

enhancements;

Chapter 353: tax abatement to lure developers or tenants;

Chapter 99: tax abatement for individual property owners;
Private Grants: new construction, public infrastructure

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 177

TRANSPORTATION FRAMEWORK
Light rail transit and Transit Oriented Development are inherently sustainable. The
transit improvements at Cherokee Station operate on the social, economic, and ecological platforms of the Citys Sustainability Plan. The construction of the Alignment
will reduce the demand for car ownership and the emission of greenhouse gas.
Improvements to the bicycle network, including more places to store and maintain
bicycles and clearer signage will make the area much safer and well connected for
bicyclists. The train will connect people to jobs and services throughout the City,
increasing walkability and reducing the need for cars. The transit station provides
people of all income levels equal access to amenities, business opportunities,
DETAIL OF JEFFERSON AVE
SECTION

transportation, and safe and healthy neighborhoods. The presence of the station at
Cherokee will give all communities along the Alignment access to a multi-use transit
accessible arts and culture district.
Walkability

A The existing sidewalks along Cherokee, particularly east of Jefferson, are

somewhat limited in width and cannot be widened without impacting building facades or the street width. Modifications to the sidewalks along Cherokee, east of Jefferson, should be made to stimulate pedestrian connections
between the station and the Lemp Brewery mixed-use development:

Tier 1. Resurface sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant ramps

at all intersections

Tier 2. Revisit landscaping, street furniture, and lighting to maximize the travel way afforded by the existing sidewalk width

B Increase drivers awareness of pedestrians and enhance pedestrian safety

at the intersection of Jefferson and Cherokee:

Tier 1. Install pedestrian countdown signals and restrict rightturns-on-red as required for ADA amendments

Tier 2. Install colored or textured crosswalks and pedestrian-scale

lighting.

Tier 3. Install curb bumpouts to provide refuge for pedestrians and

to decrease the effective crossing distance

178 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

WALKABILITY RECOMMENDATIONS

C Anticipated traffic volumes along Jefferson would enable the corridor to be

reduced to one through lane in each direction plus dedicated left-turn lanes
at major intersections. As a result, there is flexibility to modify the layout of
the station and/or widen sidewalk widths along Jefferson:

Tier 1. Widen sidewalks along Jefferson adjacent to the station beyond the six feet limit illustrated by the stations conceptual design.

The existing layout of the street grid within the station area is
conducive to pedestrian connectivity between the station and its
surrounding neighborhoods. Care should be taken to ensure adequate sidewalk maintenance and prioritization of crosswalk ramp
upgrades to facilitate ADA-compliance.

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 179

Bikability

A The existing share-the-road bike route along Cherokee adequately connects the proposed station with the surrounding neighborhood and the
Lemp Brewery mixed-use development. Additionally, the quiet neighborhood streets within the station area serve as suitable conveyors of bicycle
traffic. Extending the Cherokee Street bicycle route west of Compton Avenue could potentially capture even more bicycle to light rail transfers;

B The effective pavement width of Cherokee at Jefferson should be modified

to reduce the vehicular space by installing bike boxes, which are painted
spaces at intersections where bicyclists can safely wait for a green sigDETAIL OF JEFFERSON AVE
SECTION

nal. This would enhance bicycle safety as well as discourage vehicles from
making right-turns-on-red, which should be prohibited anyway as they are
generally hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists
Transit

A The #73 bus runs east-west along Cherokee as a local shuttle penetrating neighborhoods. Increasing service headways on the #73 bus would
encourage more bus to light rail transfers and directly link the Cherokee
Station to the Lemp Brewery mixed-use site. This line currently maintains
30 minute headways during normal operating hours. In order to attract usage of the route as a connecting service to light rail, headways should be
increased to at least 15 minutes:

Tier 1. Increase headways to 15 minutes

Tier 2. Increase headways to 10 minutes

B Currently, the #11 bus line services Chippewa Street west of Jefferson and
then Jefferson north of Chippewa Street. The Jefferson portion of this service would be redundant with the proposed light rail alignment and should
be eliminated altogether. The portion of the service along Chippewa Street
would still be useful, and thus it may be appropriate to terminate the #11
bus at the proposed Keokuk Station, which is one station south of Cherokee Station. The Keokuk Station could potentially serve as a transit hub for
the area, as it also connects with the #40 Broadway bus route.

180 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

BIKABILITY RECOMMENDATIONS

TRANSIT RECOMMENDATIONS

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 181

Vehicular Traffic

A Existing and anticipated traffic volumes on Jefferson warrant reducing the roadway to one through lane in each direction plus dedicated left-turn lanes at major
intersections. Reducing streets to one lane would eliminate passing maneuvers,
which results in more uniform traffic flows and speeds. This, in turn, cultivates
safer driver behavior, which leads to fewer crashes and helps encourage pedestrian activity along the corridor:

Tier 1: Implement a road diet along Jefferson south of Gravois Avenue,

whereby Jefferson would be reduced to one lane in each direction plus
turn lanes

DETAIL OF JEFFERSON AVE

SECTION

B A roundabout should be provided at Cherokee and the on-ramp to southbound

Interstate 55. The existing intersection is large and the generous radii promote the flow of traffic onto the interstate at maximum speed. The roundabout
would seek to calm traffic at the intersection and delineate the unused interstate right-of-way. It would also serve as a gateway to the Cherokee Station
area. A roundabout would more effectively serve existing traffic, while at the
same time, provide ample reserve capacity to accommodate future increases
in traffic volume that might occur as the adjacent Lemp Brewery mixed-use
development matures:

Tier 1: Construct a roundabout at Cherokee and the southbound

Interstate 55 on-ramp

The existing off-ramp from northbound Interstate 55 to Broadway does not

accommodate left-turns onto westbound Broadway. As a result, this important
interchange does not offer connection from northbound Interstate 55 into the
station area. Such a connection would likely be critical to the future success
of the Lemp Brewery mixed-use redevelopment. Providing a roundabout at
Broadway and Utah Street to facilitate this connection would eliminate the
costly reconstruction of the ramp. The roundabout would allow traffic from the
Interstate 55 off-ramp to make a U-turn on Broadway and proceed southwest
into the station area:

Tier 2: Construct a roundabout at Broadway and Utah Street

The existing Interstate 55/Broadway interchange only provides ramp connections to/from the south on the interstate. For access to/from Interstate 55 north,
motorists must currently travel to Arsenal Street. Therefore, Lemp Avenue becomes an important traffic conduit between the Interstate 55 north ramps and
eastern portions of the station area and, in particular, the Lemp Brewery mixeduse redevelopment. Lemp Avenue should be treated accordingly and efforts to
hinder traffic flow should be avoided.:

Tier 1: Restrict traffic flow inhibiting treatments from being implemented along Lemp Avenue between Cherokee and Arsenal Streets

182 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

VEHICULAR TRAFFIC RECOMMENDATIONS

E Local streets should be extended through the Lemp Brewery mixed-use development to better connect the development with adjacent areas and minimize the
barrier and superblock effects that are exuded by the complex simply because
of its size. The positioning of the historic buildings would readily facilitate an
extension of President Street through the site east and west. Similarly, it appears that 18th Street and DeMenil Place could be extended through the redevelopment north and south. The streets should be constructed as multi-modal,
complete streets that accommodate parking and emphasize local connections,
particularly for pedestrians and bicyclists, while discouraging through vehicular
traffic:

Tier 1: Extend President Street, 18th Street, and DeMenil Place as

local streets within the Lemp Brewery mixed-use development.

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 183

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK

In support of the Citys sustainability initiatives, complete streets including green
infrastructure and retrofitted buildings are prescribed around the station area. Green
infrastructure is a defining element of street improvements and new developments in
the station area. Local species of plants remediate toxins in the ground and control
and collect rain water to increase water quality before it gets into the drinking supply;
green roofs with the potential for urban agriculture and new trees reduce the heat
island effect and create comfortable walking environments along Cherokee and on
DETAIL OF JEFFERSON AVE
SECTION

Jefferson leading to Benton Park and beyond. Green infrastructure also provides a
venue for public art and public space. All of these features combined will increase air
quality around the station, enrich the character and experience of the streetscape,
and elevate property values around the station.
Impact on Imperviousness/Stormwater Runoff/Water Quality
Development that increases imperviousness will cause an increase in the stormwater (and pollutants) that runs off into the enclosed combined sewer system, as well
as an increase in bypass into the Mississippi River during heavy rain events. For the
Cherokee Station, it appears that there will be an increase in the percent impervious
surface.
Regulatory & Permitting Requirements
Stormwater permitting for this project will be administered by the Metropolitan St.
Louis Sewer District (MSD). All projects submitted to MSD must be reviewed to determine if stormwater quantity and/or quality management will be required. A project
will require stormwater quantity and/or quality management if any of the following
apply:

The project is a new development or redevelopment project that disturbs

greater than or equal to one acre;

The project on an individual parcel disturbs less than one acre, but it is part
of a larger overall, project that disturbs over one acre;

There is a proposed increase in stormwater runoff over two cubic feet per
second (cfs) for the 20 year-20 minute design rainfall;

Downstream stormwater problems (insufficient pipe capacity) exist that

might require the proposed site to have quantity detention, where less than
two cfs increase in runoff is proposed.

184 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

TYPICAL PERMEABLE
PAVEMENT DETAIL

TYPICAL PLANTER DETAIL

All new development projects must reasonably mimic pre-construction runoff with
the aim of preventing or reducing water quality impacts. Any project site that has an
existing percent impervious of 20% or less, will be considered new development.
Any succeeding or additional development to these sites will also be considered new
development. All redevelopment projects must also reasonably mimic pre-construction runoff with the aim of preventing or reducing water quality impacts, by utilizing

TYPICAL PERMEABLE
CONCRETE DETAIL

effective water quality strategies.

The three key components of stormwater quantity and quality management are water quality volume, channel protection storage volume, and flood protection volume.
The preferred method to address these components is removing stormwater volume

DISCONNECTED DOWNSPOUT

through infiltration.

GREEN ROOF

5 | Preferred Stations: Cherokee | 185

186 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

6 | Preferred Station: Kingshighway

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 187

PREFERRED STATION: KINGSHIGHWAY

CHARACTER & LOCATION
The proposed Kingshighway Station is located at the intersection of Natural Bridge
Avenue and Kingshighway Boulevard in north St. Louis, hereby referred to as Natural Bridge and Kingshighway. The proposed Northside-Southside Alignment runs
down the center of Natural Bridge. This portion of Kingshighway is an expansive
historic greenway with a 30 to 50 foot wide grassy median that includes trees and
lush planters. Kingshighway is lined by religious institutions, residential buildings,
PROPOSED KINGSHIGHWAY
TRANSIT STATION SITE ON
NATURAL BRIDGE AVE

and light industrial buildings. There are two city parks located within the station area,
Penrose Park and Handy Park, as well as City Academy and Mathews-Dickey Boys
& Girls Club.
Natural Bridge at Kingshighway is fronted by several national fast food chain restaurants, light industrial buildings, and some higher density residential buildings.
The station area marks the intersection of four neighborhoods, three of which, Mark
Twain, Kingsway East, and Kingsway West, are primarily residential in character.
The fourth, Mark Twain/I-70 Industrial, is composed of both occupied and unoccupied industrial buildings, with some space given over to warehousing of cars and
boats.
The residential areas surrounding the station are strong as evident by the care put
into its shared streets and parks, which are a point of great community pride. Families living in these communities have done so for generations, with homes passing
from generation to generation and with frequent multi-generational households.
The intersection of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway experiences a high volume of

The station

vehicular traffic mainly from people traveling south from Interstate 70, neighborhood

area marks the

from Interstate 70 to the north, which has helped support the employment character of

intersection of four
neighborhoods:
Mark Twain, Kingsway
East, Kingsway West,
and Mark Twain/I-70

traffic, and industrial traffic on Natural Bridge. The station area is easily accessible
the station area. There is a fair amount of vacancy around the proposed Kingshighway
Station, in both residential and industrial areas.
TRANSIT SHED EXTENTS
The one-quarter () and one-half () mile transit sheds are, the boundaries of the
area and parcels served by transit. Centered on Natural Bridge and Kingshighway,
they are a refinement of the five and ten minute walk radii from the transit station.
Parcels within the one-quarter () mile transit shed, a five minute walk from a station, should be the focus of future high-density development, as that area has a
higher capture rate than the surrounding areas.

Industrial.

188 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

CONTEXT PLAN
LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 189

The applied transit sheds account for adjacent stations along the proposed rail
alignment, proximity of major destinations, and the anticipated attractiveness of the
walking environment around the station. These elements help define the geographic
limits of the stations ridership capture. For example, the proximity of the proposed
Union Boulevard Station reduces the transit shed to the west. The transit shed limits
to the north and southeast were marginally extended beyond the ten minute walk
radius in order to capture the areas two parks. The transit shed areas are illustrated
in the image to the right.
A significant portion of the population around the Kingshighway Station is low income, without access to a vehicle, and transit-dependent. Capture rates for estimatPROPOSED KINGSHIGHWAY
TRANSIT STATION SITE ON
NATURAL BRIDGE AVE

ing transit users from the population and employment totals within the transit shed
were developed with those characteristics in mind. A capture rate of 15% to 20%
was deemed appropriate for the one-quarter () mile transit shed and a rate of 10%
to 15% was selected for areas beyond one-quarter ( ) mile up to one-half () mile.
This approach results in a ridership projection of 650 to 925 daily boardings based
on existing land uses.
While each transit shed roughly follows the five and ten minute walk radius respectively, there are some notable exceptions. To the north, the one-half () mile transit
shed is bounded by Interstate 70. To the east, the one-half (1/2) mile transit shed is
constrained by Newstead Stations transit shed, and runs at the back of the parcels
abutting Marcus Avenue. To the west, the one-quarter () mile and one-half () mile
transit sheds of Union Station constrain both Kingshighway transit sheds along the
center line of Geraldine Avenue.
Within the Kingshighway Station transit shed there are two large parks, a historic
greenway, and four neighborhoods, three of which are residential and the remaining one industrial. These neighborhoods contain numerous churches, schools, and
a wide range of residential buildings, from stately brick single family homes and
duplexes elevated above the street on earthen berms, to closely-spaced Craftsman
style homes, to Mid-Century single family ranch homes built around cul-de-sacs.

190 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

STATION AREA PLAN WITH TRANSIT SHEDS & WALK RADII

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 191

LIVABILITY PRINCIPLES
MOBILITY

Develop physical transit infrastructure to increase access to public transportation and provide reliable and economical transportation options to citizens of
all income levels;

Provide convenient transportation options for all citizens and reduce redundant transit infrastructure by linking bus, bicycle, and pedestrian access
routes at inter-modal transfer stations along the Alignment;

Reduce household transportation costs by offering a flexible range of public

transport options;

Increase walkability to retail, employment, and recreational needs by using

street improvements to activate the streetscape at all hours of the day;

Reduce the need for car ownership by creating enticing retail and entertainment options in new mixed-use development at the station area;

Reduce the need for daily car trips by developing necessary services in mixeduse complexes adjacent to the station area; and

Utilize new walkable transit stations to connect adjacent neighborhoods.

PUBLIC SPACE

Leverage existing infrastructure assets, such as proximity to the highway

and historic greenways to assert identity and attract businesses;

Integrate public art into streetscape improvements, making the new transit
infrastructure aesthetically pleasing while functionally effective;

Increase greenscaped areas at all station areas to provide comfortable

places for community members to meet, relax, and utilize;

Create a cohesive, vibrant street environment reflective of the identity at the

station area by encouraging public art and creative activity in streetscape improvements, public space, and businesses; and

Improve streets, increase pedestrian scale lighting, and increase the quality
and extent of bicycle infrastructure to create a safe, walkable environment.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Improve air quality and manage stormwater by planting local species of street
trees and vegetation in curb bumpouts, public parks, and green roofs; and

Utilize local funding for water management and stormwater remediation

practices to bring station areas into compliance with regional sustainability
initiatives

192 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 193

EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

The area around Kingshighway Station currently displays the key attributes supportive of Transit Oriented Development: use mix, intensity, urban form, connectivity,
and parking. Additionally, several highly desirable attributes are present within the
Kingshighway Station area.
Portions of the Kingshighway Station area are composed of large, contiguous, underutilized parcels- perfectly suited for the large, dense developments which are a
hallmark of Transit Oriented Development. These large parcels are located adjacent
to uniformly residential areas, but small improvements to the street infrastructure
and appropriate infill of vacant land would link and serve these two development
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD IN
THE STATION AREA

patterns and make the station area significantly more transit friendly. This process
should begin prior to the construction of the alignment.
This station area serves a major employment center in north St. Louis with 102 businesses employing 1,151 workers. It also has a strong residential base of 4,465 people, living in three neighborhoods that intersect at Kingshighway and Natural Bridge.
There are several public amenities within the station area including three large public
parks, the Kingshighway greenway, and several schools and churches.
The area is served by five bus routes as well as two dedicated bicycle routes. The
mean walkscore for the neighborhoods served by the proposed station is 51, out of
a possible 100, indicating that it is somewhat walkable, but still well below the Citys
average of 65. The average block size within the station area is just over 11 acres
which is relatively small and positively affects walkability.
The grassy median of Kingshighway should be reconfigured to support a more robust green infrastructure, including a linear rain garden with local plant species to
clean water and reduce the strain on local water infrastructure. Due to the considerable amount of potentially developable land lining Kingshighway along with its historic green median, a significant opportunity exists to create a new green gateway
into the station area from Interstate 70.

194 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

ZONING

LAND USE

SPECIAL USE DISTRICTS

TOPOGRAPHY

STREETS

BLOCKS

BUILDINGS

BUS ROUTES

STREET HIERARCHY

PARKING

SIDEWALKS

AMENITIES

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 195

ANALYSIS MAP OF VACANCY DISTRIBUTION

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL
INFILL PARCEL

STATION AREA OPPORTUNITIES

To understand more specifically how the TOD program is distributed around the site, given the existing land use patterns in
the station area, each vacant parcel and each vacant building within the one-half () mile station area was identified. While
there is a significant amount of vacant property within the station area, the majority of it is not suitable for a concentrated Transit Oriented Development; those types of projects are more appropriate when located directly adjacent to the transit station.
Therefore, the first phase of development is to redevelop the existing underutilized and vacant property to complete neighborhoods into which the Transit Oriented Development can be integrated. This will bolster ridership on the new transit line before
any large scale development takes place.
The building program assumes the redevelopment of vacant residential property. Vacancy diagrams demonstrate the amount
of vacant buildings as well as the gains to be expected from filling vacant property. The analysis of vacancy identified 97
vacant buildings, equivalent to 195 households, and 165 vacant parcels suitable mainly for residential development. These
parcels, if filled with residential buildings scaled to match the existing context, would provide 254 new households.
In addition to redeveloping small vacant parcels throughout the transit shed, the primary component of the Kingshighway Station Preferred Plan is the redevelopment of large, underutilized parcels into a major employment campus.

196 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

*BASED ON AN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE OF 2.1 PEOPLE AT KINGSHIGHWAY STATION

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 197

Intensity
Kingshighway Station currently has an intensity of 3,800, composed of 900 workers
and 2,900 residents, putting it within the neighborhood threshold. Intensity will be
increased to 12,800 by adding 6,700 workers and 2,300 residents in future development, putting it within the district threshold. Significant elevation of intensity at the
Kingshighway Station is possible through the renovation of vacant buildings within
the transit shed before and during the construction of the transit line. This effort will
boost initial ridership, and act as a counterpoint to future commercial development
after the construction of the Northside-Southside Alignment.
Use Mix
Kingshighway Station currently has a use mix of 0.3, the ratio of its 900 workers to
2,900 residents, putting it within the residential threshold. Use mix will be shifted
to 1.5 by adding 6,700 workers and 2,300 residents in future development, putting it within the employment threshold. While the residential neighborhoods will be
maintained, the industrial quadrant of the Kingshighway Station will be used as an
employment campus which will ultimately provide a wider range of jobs to local residents in addition to attracting new services and primary retail such as grocery stores,
cafes, and restaurants, all supported by a the significant influx of new workers and
residents.
Development Program
The development and transformation of the Kingshighway Station area will create
1.3 million sf of office and commercial space for 6,700 new workers. Additionally,
800,000 SF of newly developed residential space and the renovation of 300 vacant
buildings would create housing for 2,300 new residents.
With these population increases, the Kingshighway Station area has been shifted
to a TNCenter Type 1 typology. The associated building envelope standard regulates building type for new development, which in this case includes the courtyard
building, commercial block building, flex building, live/work units, liner building, civic/
institutional building. The program will be distributed on 52 acres.
Ridership Potential
Ridership generated by the Kingshighway Station will be 1,995 total, with 1,580 riders within the one-quarter () mile transit shed and 415 riders within the remaining
one-half () mile transit shed.

198 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

TYPOLOGICAL SHIFT

PREFERRED STATION PLAN

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 199

Kingshighway Consensus
Issues Map
1. Natural Bridge Avenue is an uncomfortable environment for pedestrians and cyclists;
2. The block pattern within the station
area is discontinuous, limiting bicycle connectivity and making navigation difficult;
3. Historic greenway is a unique asset
within the City;
4. Large adjacent parcels occupied by
underutilized industrial use which is
not conducive to walkability;
5. Large public parks near to station
are an asset to the community;
6. Significant residential and commercial vacancy distributed throughout
the station area;
7. Available development sites occupied by low density, car-oriented
program;
8. Natural Bridge Avenue is a significant barrier to pedestrians and bicyclists;
9. Well-established

civic

amenities

within the station area (e.g. schools,

churches, boys and girls club);
10. Area previously served by streetcar,
so block pattern easily configured
for public transit; and
11. Easy access to station area businesses from highway.

200 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Kingshighway Development
Framework Plan

Connectivity

1. Bike route on St. Louis Avenue and

Euclid Avenue circumvents Natural
Bridge road while increasing connectivity within the station area;
2. The Proposed Northside-Southside
Alignment will increase transit options, connect the station area to a
wide range of employment; and
3. Dedicated bus lanes will provide
faster transit through Queue jump
signalization and connections with
the light-rail route.

Development

4. Renovate and redevelop vacant

land and buildings;
5. Provide 1 million SF of new office
development;
6. Provide 350,000 SF of commercial
and 800,000 SF of new TOD mixeduse developments; and
7. Provide bike storage options within
mixed-use developments.

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 201

The Kingshighway Station development strategy would include

the following:

Renovate vacant buildings and

fill vacant parcels to complete
the neighborhoods around the
station area;

Utilize the existing historic

Kingshighway greenway for
ecologically sustainable green
gateway to the city;

Develop 1.1 million SF residential units within the transit shed;

Develop 285,000 SF new commercial space within the transit

shed;

Develop 1 million SF new office

space in a campus configuration

New developments
adjacent to the transit
stop on Natural
Bridge Avenue and
extending north on
Kingshighway will

PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

The Kingshighway Station area is currently classified as a TNGeneral Type
1 due to its primarily residential use mix and an intensity below 7,000, indicating moderate support of a transit system. Population increase of both
workers and residents within the one-half () mile at the station area shifts
the typological classification from TNGeneral Type 1 to TNCenter Type 1
typology, a classification with a use mix reflective of a more even proportion
of residents and workers and an intensity above 7,000, the threshold population for a highly transit-supportive area. Making space for all new workers
and residents will be achieved through renovation and redevelopment of
vacant property, and new development of high-density Transit Oriented Development at the station area.
Before the Alignment is constructed, the surrounding neighborhoods should
be completed by renovating vacant buildings and filling vacant residential
parcels. The documented 97 vacant buildings, once renovated, will create
195 new households. When combined with the 165 vacant parcels to be
developed as residential property, 254 households will be added within the
mile transit shed. Together, these developments would invite nearly 800
new residents to the Kingshighway Station area. This will increase the residential base of the station area and increase ridership once the transit line
is constructed
In addition to the redevelopment of vacant buildings and parcels, increasing
the density with new developments adjacent to the transit station along Natural Bridge and extending north on Kingshighway, along the existing greenway is recommended as part of the development strategy. These Transit
Oriented Developments include 1 million SF for office use, 285,000 SF for
commercial use, and 1.1 Million SF of new residential development, each
distributed throughout multiple building types. These new developments
make space for 2,300 new residents and 6,700 new workers.
The overall development strategy, taking into account all new and renovated property, will add 3,100 new residents and 6,700 new workers, elevating the Kingshighway Station area to a vibrant employment district situated
amongst strong, complete residential neighborhoods.

make space for 2,300

new residents
and 6,700 new
workers.
202 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

LEGEND
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING
NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING
RENOVATED MIXED-USE BUILDING

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 203

STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVES

Two Station Plan Alternatives were developed for the Kingshighway Station area
by shifting its Transit Neighborhood Typology from its current state into one of two
more intensive typologies. These two options serve as a premise for refining the
mix of employment and residential program to be added to the station area.
The assumed outcome of Station Plan Alternative #1 is an equal number of workers and residents within the one-half () mile station area, bringing the station area
into TNCenter Type 1. The assumed outcome of the Station Plan Alternative #2 is
a primarily employment-based use mix within the one-half () mile station area,
bringing the station area into a Business District. Both Plan Alternatives assume
the addition of employment program, but at two different orders of magnitude. The
Preferred Station Plan is a result of the refined Station Plan Alternatives.
STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVE #1
Station Plan Alternative #1 adds only workers to equalize the use mix at 1.0, meaning one worker for every resident within the transit shed. This design tests the minimum required building program to meet intensity thresholds within the transit shed.
Building program has been added at the southern edge of Natural Bridge, bisected
by Kingshighway to bring new commercial and employment options closer to the
two residential neighborhoods south of Natural Bridge. This is a favorable location
for new development as it replaces current low density, auto-oriented land use with
higher density buildings that are adjacent to the transit platform.
STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVE #2
Station Plan Alternative #2 adds only workers to a level that is twice that of the
residential population. The design process tested building program distribution
throughout the transit shed and in this option has been added at all four corners
of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway. In particular, the large lot parcels northwest
of the intersection is a primary site for significant new development. This favorable
location for new development replaces the current low density, auto-oriented land
use with higher density buildings that are adjacent to both transit platforms.

204 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

TYPOLOGICAL MATRIX WITH CHARACTER

ALTERNATIVE 1 & ALTERNATIVE 2

TYPOLOGICAL SHIFT OPTIONS

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 205

STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVE 1

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING

206 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Station Plan Alternative #1

elevates
the
Kingshighway
Station to a TNCenter Type 1
typology by:

Adding 1,900 workers using

57,000 SF of new commercial development concentrated at the south side of the
intersection of Kingshighway Boulevard and Natural
Bridge Avenue, with a long
building frontage extending
south along Kingshighway
Boulevard;

Distributing the development

program among buildings
ranging from 20,000 SF to
37,000 SF; and

Assuming an average of 150

SF per worker.

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 207

STATION PLAN ALTERNATIVE 2

LEGEND
NORTHSIDE-SOUTHSIDE ALIGNMENT
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING

208 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Station Plan Alternative #2

elevates
Kingshighway
Station to a Transit Business
District by:

Adding 4,800 workers using

144,000 SF of new commercial development concentrated along the north and south
sides of the intersection of
Kingshighway and Natural
Bridge. The developments
south of the intersection extend south down Kingshighway while the developments
north of the intersection extend east-west along Natural
Bridge;

Distributing the development

program among buildings
ranging from 25,000 SF to
60,000 SF; and

Assuming an average of 150

SF per worker.

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 209

URBAN DESIGN & PLANNING ELEMENTS

CULTURE & IDENTITY

DETAIL OF MASSING
PERSPECTIVE

The Kingshighway Station falls at the center of three residential neighborhoods. Many households are multi-generational and have been passed
down from generation to generation. These long-standing communities are
both proud and resilient. Three large public parks, the largest is Penrose
with its historic velodrome, lie in close proximity to the Kingshighway Station. The station area is bisected by the historic Kingshighway greenway, a
prominent feature of the City for nearly a century. In the early 1900s, this
area was served by the St. Louis streetcar network, and consequently has a
walkable block pattern amenable to streetcar platform configurations.
A strategy to highlight on local culture and identity will:

Maintain stakeholders sense of ownership in the process and outcomes;

Demonstrate the Citys commitment to moving forward;

Inform, consult, and involve multiple invested stakeholders throughout

each phase of development;

Attract more visitors and pedestrians with new retail, entertainment, and
employment options;

Demonstrate united and inclusive city through signage, imagery, and

continuity of platform appearance;

Leverage the communitys rich history by mixing contextual development into residential neighborhoods; and

Provide a corridor ready for development and a new phase of prosperity

for north St. Louis.

210 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

KINGSHIGHWAY STATION AREA PLAN

LEGEND
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING
NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING
RENOVATED MIXED-USE BUILDING

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 211

MASSING PERSPECTIVES
Birds eye views of station area shows potential building forms and configurations at the
Kingshighway Station in 30 years.

BIRDS EYE VIEW NORTH EAST

BIRDS EYE VIEW SOUTH EAST

212 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

KINGSHIGHWAY NORTH OF NATURAL BRIDGE: EXISTING CONDITIONS

KINGSHIGHWAY NORTH OF NATURAL BRIDGE: PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 213

DETAIL OF KINGSHIGHWAY
SECTIONAL DRAWING
EUCLID: EXISTING CONDITIONS

EUCLID: PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

214 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NATURAL BRIDGE LOOKING WEST: EXISTING CONDITIONS

NATURAL BRIDGE LOOKING WEST: PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 215

MOBILITY

Emphasize direct route to the station through the design of wide, clear sidewalks;

Maximize access to the Campus area by including vehicular connections to Union

Boulevard, Natural Bridge, and Kingshighway. Union Boulevard is particularly important given its connection to Interstate 70;

Realign Farlin Avenue to connect with Margaretta Avenue to achieve a direct connection between the Campus and Union Boulevard;

Realign Euclid Avenue at Natural Bridge to create a more direct route for cyclists;

Configure the transit station as an important transfer hub that links with the existing
bus network and replaces the #95 bus line which runs along Kingshighway and is
a major north-south transit route;

Replace the curb lane of Kingshighway as it approaches Natural Bridge with a

dedicated bus lane and associated priority signalization (i.e., queue jump lane) to
reduce traffic interference with buses leaving the #95 bus stop;

Reduce headways for the #95 bus route to 15 or 10 minutes to increase ridership
and support multi-modal transfer at the station area;

Provide connections to the station from the north via Euclid Avenue or a new mixeduse trail within the median of Kingshighway;

Include secure bicycle parking with new developments to encourage cycling to/
from the station. Options ranging from indoor bicycle lockers to outdoor bicycle
racks should be considered at the station itself as well as for future developments;

Create a dedicated left-turn lane at Kingshighway and Natural Bridge by eliminating the traffic lane designated for buses and taking a portion of the landscaped
median; and

Designate St. Louis Avenue as a share-the-road bicycle route by replacing onstreet parking with dedicated bike lanes.

TRANSIT IMPROVEMENT DIAGRAM

216 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 217

PUBLIC SPACE

Configure sidewalks to mark the clearest connection to the station area;

Widen sidewalks where possible and ensure that they are ADA accessible;

Install colored or textured crosswalks, curb bumpouts, pedestrian signal indicators, right-turn-on-red restrictions, and pedestrian-scale lighting at the intersection
of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway;

Provide direct pedestrian and bicycle linkages to the station from the Campus Area,
northwest of the station, using multi-use paths or sidewalks that cut through the
development to provide the most direct route possible to the station;

Establish a bicycle route along St. Louis Avenue, approximately one-half () mile
south of the station. The width of St. Louis Avenue would restrict the route to a
share-the-road configuration, but it would facilitate a long, continuous connection
to the North Riverfront Trail to the east; and

Improve access to the station from the north and south with a multi-use pedestrian
and bicycle path constructed within the landscaped median of Kingshighway.

STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT DIAGRAM

218 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 219

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN

Establish a wide, landscaped setback along Kingshighway to create a more spacious green gateway entrance to the station/City from the north;

Subdivide long setbacks on the employment campus with varied species of trees
and greenery to make them more appealing to pedestrians and workers;

Install bioretention areas within the median of Kingshighway and on newly developed large-lot parcels;

Install rain gardens at the intersection of Kingshighway and San Francisco, and

Install rainwater harvesting facilities at building downspouts.

Use native plantings & perennials where possible;

Plant street trees and specialty trees along all streets and public spaces; and

Enlist the help of a neighborhood volunteer group for planting and maintenance.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT DIAGRAM

220 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 221

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS & SAFETY, AND CONNECTIVITY

Install signage to direct transit passengers, workers, and residents to the existing parks within the station area;

Install pedestrian countdown signals at the intersection of Natural Bridge and

Kingshighway;

Use signage to direct bicyclists to the transit station from St. Louis Avenue using either Euclid Avenue or Kingshighway;

Use signage to clarify pedestrian right-of-ways on Natural Bridge and

Kingshighway;

Widen sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant ramps at each intersection

along Kingshighway within the station area;

Install colored or textured crosswalks to slow traffic and make pedestrian

crossing more comfortable;

Install a pedestrian refuge within the median of Kingshighway;

Install a multi-use trail for pedestrian and bicyclists within the wide, landscaped
median of Kingshighway;

Install a multi-use path through the station area that would reduce walking and
biking time from the station to all new developments and existing neighborhoods;

Utilize St. Louis Avenue, Kingshighway, and Euclid Avenue as primary bicycle
routes to connect to the station;

Designate St. Louis Avenue as a share-the-road bicycle route by replacing onstreet parking with dedicated bike lanes;

Replace cobra-style lights with a lighting standard that is supportive of both

automobile and pedestrian uses along Kingshighway and Natural Bridge; and

Create streets that are comfortable in the evenings with pedestrian-scale

lighting.

222 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 223

PARKING
Guidelines for providing parking for the proposed development are offered with the goal
of accommodating parking needs in an efficient manner, while minimizing the supply of
spaces. The proposed uses would generate total demand for approximately 4,450 parking spaces. This calculation reflects the mixed-use, urban character of the station area
as well as the light rail stations anticipated impact of reducing vehicular trips.
Parking needs associated with infill residential development were assumed to be accommodated on the residential properties themselves (rear-facing garage) or on-street.
This amounts to approximately 750 spaces.
While surplus on-street parking capacity could likely accommodate additional development driven demands, the remaining parking need (3,700 spaces) should be served by
dedicated off-street parking facilities. According to Development Strategies, off-street
spaces would be necessary for these uses to attract residential and businesses lease
rates that are sufficient to sustain development. Moreover, forcing the parking needs of
large-scale developments onto streets creates shortages that result in adverse neighborhood impacts, including parking districts and management strategies. The long-term
approach for the station area is to avoid the need for on-street parking management.
The amount of the off-street space need (3,700 spaces) could be reduced by the concept of shared parking. Offsetting temporal parking demands for retailers and residents
could enable the same space to be shared by both uses. For example, a residential
space occupied overnight but vacated during the day when the resident is at work could
be used by a retail customer. Shared parking could reduce the parking supply for the
mixed-use development at the station by 25%. However, the segregation of uses away
from the station, particularly the concentration of office space northwest of the station,
would limit opportunities for shared parking elsewhere.
Ultimately, it is recommended that the parking needs of the station area be market
based and unregulated. The proposed form-based zoning code will not stipulate minimum parking requirements, as parking needs would likely be particularly dynamic over
time as the station area evolves into a transit oriented neighborhood. Instead, property
owners and developers will be given autonomy to decide how much parking to provide.
Simultaneously, they should be encouraged by the City to provide as few spaces as
they feel are needed.

Decrease a large portion of the vehicular traffic and parking demand generated by visitors to the area; and

Establish a zero parking requirement for new development in Neighborhood

General Type 1, Neighborhood General Type 2, Neighborhood Center Type 2,
and Campus Type 1, as they are transit neighborhoods.

224 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 225

KINGSHIGHWAY EXISTING CONDITIONS LOOKING SOUTHWEST.

KINGSHIGHWAY CHARACTER PERSPECTIVE LOOKING SOUTHWEST

226 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARD PROGRESSION

CHARACTER IMAGE AT THE INTERSECTION OF NATURAL BRIDGE AND KINGSHIGHWAY

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 227

KINGSHIGHWAY FORM-BASED DISTRICT RECOMMENDATIONS

Kingshighway Stations one-half () mile transit shed generally serves
as the boundary of the Kingshighway Form-Based District. Within this
area, a form-based district will apply, as outlined in the building envelope
standards recommendations. On the following pages a regulatory
requirement specific to Transit Neighborhoodsthe absence of parking
requirementsis established. While parking will be allowed, the quantity
EXAMPLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD
GENERAL TYPE 1

of parking per new development will be determined by the developer

according to market demand. All new development within the FormBased District will abide by the regulations described herein.
Intent
Building envelope standards regulate the allowable placement of buildings,
land uses, and types of buildings; as well as establish requirements for the
placement of parking for a given area. The intent of the building envelope
standards is to regulate future development to be respectful of building
height and uses while also concentrating the majority of commercial and
office activity on the Natural Bridge and Kingshighway corridors. The
standards selected for this station area also regulate a series of setbacks
to create a spacious green intersection at the station area. These building
envelope standards accommodate a range of building forms and uses
ranging from single family residential within the neighborhood, to primary
retail along commercial streets and large lot campus conditions within the
urban environment.

EXAMPLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD
GENERAL TYPE 2

The Regulating Plan

Four

building

envelope

standards

are

applied

throughout

the

Kingshighway Form-Based District in order to meet the population

increase to shift the station area to Transit Neighborhood Center Type
1. The building envelope standard for Campus Type 1 is applied at the
most intense urban condition within the Form-Based District, northwest
of the intersection of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway, to allow for
development patterns which support a rich urban experience while
providing development regulations for large parcel developments with
flexible internal configurations. The other building envelope standards
present within the Form-Based District are Neighborhood General Type
1, which allows for low to medium density residential use; Neighborhood
General Type 2, which allows for high density residential building types
along Kingshighway south of Natural Bridge; and Neighborhood Center
Type 2, which allows for a 30 foot setback and retail at the ground level.
EXAMPLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD
CENTER TYPE 2

228 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PREFERRED STATION AREA PLAN

LEGEND
1/4 MILE TRANSIT SHED
1/2 MILE TRANSIT SHED
NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RENOVATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING
NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING
RENOVATED MIXED-USE BUILDING

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 229

EXISTING STRATEGIC LAND USE PLAN AT KINGSHIGHWAY STATION

Changes To The Strategic Land Use Plan & Other City Regulations
The Strategic Land Use Plan (SLUP; PDA-155-04-CMP) was established by
the City of St. Louis on January 5, 2005. The purpose of that plan is to guide,
at a very broad level, development and preservation throughout the area in a
comprehensive manner. All Form-Based Districts within the City of St. Louis
must be concurrent with the Strategic Land Use Plan. As the intent of the
Station Area Planning Process is to establish a vision and development plan
for the Kingshighway Station Area, it will be necessary to make modifications
to the Strategic Land Use Plan in order to ensure that it is concurrent with
the Form-Based District. The following are the recommended changes to the
Strategic Land Use Plan to make it concurrent with the Building Envelope
Standards used within the Kingshighway Form-Based District.
As a Transit Oriented Neighborhood, parking requirements (as required by
the City of St. Louis Revised Code Title 26) have been removed within the
Kingshighway Form-Based District.

230 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

LEGEND

NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL
INSTITUTIONAL
BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL
BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT
RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE
RECOMMENDED LAND USE CHANGE

RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE STRATEGIC LAND USE PLAN AT KINGSHIGHWAY STATION

A selected few parcels have been changed to Neighborhood Preservation

to support the future character of the stable residential areas.

Parcels at the northwest corner of Kingshighway and Natural Bridge have

been changed to Business/Industrial Development Area from Regional
Commercial Area. This will unify planning guidelines among several large
underutilized parcels.

As a Transit Oriented Neighborhood, parking requirements (as required by

the City of St. Louis Revised Code Title 26) have been removed within the
Kingshighway Station Form-Based District.

Selected parcels on Kingshghway north of Natrual Bridge have been

changed from neighborhood Preservation to Neighborhood Commercial
to support the future character of Kingshighway.

SEE MAP FOR RECOMMENDED CHANGES

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 231

REGULATING PLAN
LEGEND: BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 2
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER TYPE 2
NEIGHBORHOOD CAMPUS TYPE

KINGSHIGHWAY STATION FORM-BASED DISTRICT

Four building envelope standards apply within the Kingshighway Station FormBased District. Each building envelope standard regulates building placement,
height, type, encroachments, use requirements, and parking requirements.
Each building envelope standard accommodates a particular range of density
and experiential character.

232 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

PRIMARY & SECONDARY STREETS

LEGEND
PRIMARY STREETS
SIDE STREETS

PRIMARY & SIDE STREETS

Primary Streets within the Kingshighway Station Form-Based District are:

Natural Bridge Avenue

Kingshighway Boulevard

All other streets shall be considered Side Streets.

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 233

Building Envelope Standards

Neighborhood General Type 1
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form
of the Neighborhood General Type 1 areas in order to preserve and enhance
the integrity and quality of this primarily single family, duplex, triplex, fourplex,
and rowhouse residential area of the neighborhood. The area is designed to
provide for sensitive and respectful infill development that allows for the variety
of building types and forms and front yards found in the neighborhood.
Neighborhood General Type 2
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form
of the Neighborhood General Type 2 areas in order to preserve and enhance
the integrity and quality of this primarily denser and taller, larger lot residential
area of the neighborhood. The area is designed to provide for denser and
architecturally appropriate infill development which allows for a variety of
building types, heights and forms as well as the common yards found in the
neighborhood.
Neighborhood Center Type 2
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form
of the Neighborhood Center Type 2 areas which are typically neighborhood
mixed-use areas in order to establish, preserve, or enhance the existing
vibrant, pedestrian-oriented character of these areas while allowing flexibility
in use. The physical form of these mixed-use areas follow the existing pattern
of the area wherein there is a great variety of building types set back from
the sidewalk with a common yard. These neighborhood centers are especially
useful in close proximity to residential areas.
Campus Type 1
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form
of Campus developments, defined as large-lot developments with multiple
Building Types. Campuses are singular, identifiable sites within the district,
bounded by public streets and typically feature unifying characteristics. The
area is designed to allow for a variety of urban business, industrial, institutional,
and academic uses while maintaining and supporting an active streetscape
and a vibrant urban character.

234 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1 (NG1-TOD)

INTENT STATEMENT:
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form of the Neighborhood General Type 1
areas in order to preserve and enhance the integrity and quality of this primarily single family, duplex, triplex, fourplex and rowhouse residential area of the neighborhood. The area is designed to provide for sensitive and respectful
infill development which allows for the variety of building types and forms, and front yards found in the neighborhood. This intent statement and the images shown below are advisory only.

EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 235

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1 (NG1-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 1

DIAGRAM - 2

I - BUILDING PLACEMENT

II - BUILDING HEIGHT

BUILD-TO-LINE:

[L] BUILDING HEIGHT MINIMUM:

2 Stories and 25

[M] BUILDING HEIGHT MAXIMUM:

3 Stories and 40

[A] PRIMARY STREET:

25 Min | 50 Max (1)

[N] MAX FROM B.O. EAVE

[B] SIDE ST., ANC. & MAIN BLDG

10

TO T. O. PARAPET OR ROOF:

[C] ALLEY, ANC. BLDG:

[O] FINISHED GRND FLOOR LEVEL:

15 Max
1 Min | 3 Max

Above Back of Sidewalk

or Adjacent Lot Level

SETBACK:
[D] SIDE, ANC. & MAIN BLDG

5 Min | 10 Max

[E] ALLEY, MAIN BLDG:

60 Min | 120 Max (2)

[P] FIRST FLOOR CEILING HTS:

10 Min | 12 Max (F to C)

[Q] UPPER FLOORS CEILING HTS:

8 Min | 10 Max (F to C)

[R] ANC. BLDG. MAX. HEIGHT

3 Stories and 40 (3)

III - BUILDING TYPES

BUILDING FORM:
[F] PRIMARY STREET:

At least 80% of Build-to-Line

[G] SIDE ST., MAIN BLDG:

At Least 25% of Build-to-Line

[H] LOT WIDTH:

Per Existing

[I] LOT DEPTH:

Per Existing

[J] BETWEEN BLDGS:

25 Min b/t Main & Anc. Buildings

[K] DEPTH OF ANC. BLDG:

30 Max

Detached Single Family Dwelling

Rear Garage
Carriage House
Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex
Rowhouse and Courtyard Rowhouse

FOR REFERENCE NOTES REFER

TO FINAL PAGE OF THIS TYPE.

236 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1 (NG1-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 3

DIAGRAM - 4

IV - ENCROACHMENTS

VI - PARKING REQUIREMENTS

LOCATION:

LOCATION:

[S] PRIMARY STREET:

[T] SIDE STREET:
[U] ALLEY:

12 Max
10 Max
5 Max

V - USE REQUIREMENTS

[V] PRIMARY SETBACK:

[W] SIDE STREET SETBACK:
[X] SIDE SETBACK:

60 Max
10 Min
0 , If Surface Lot; Per Main

Building if Structured Parking

[Y] ALLEY SETBACK:
5 Min

GROUND FLOOR USES:

Residential

REQUIRED SPACES: (4)

UPPER FLOOR(S) USES:

RESIDENTIAL USES:
One (1) Off-Street Parking
Space Per Dwelling Unit

Residential

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 237

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 1 (NG1-TOD)

-

VII - REFERENCE NOTES

1. The Build-to-Line must match the average Front Facade Line of the Block Face; and lots with NO Primary
Street or Side Street frontage (abutting adjacent properties) are exempt from the Primary Street Build-toLine dimensional requirements, and are only required
to have a five foot (5) setback on said frontage.
2. Lots with NO Alley frontage (abutting adjacent properties) are exempt from the Alley, Main Building
Build-to-Line dimensional requirements; and are only
required to have a five foot (5) setback on said frontage.
3. In no case shall the Ancillary Building have a height
greater than that of the Main Building.
4. Within the Kingshighway Transit Station Area, required spaces do not apply.

238 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 2 (NG2-TOD)

INTENT STATEMENT:
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form of the Neighborhood General Type 2 areas in order to preserve and enhance the integrity and quality of this primarily denser and
taller, larger lot residential area of the neighborhood. The area is designed to provide for denser and architecturally appropriate infill development which allows for a variety of building types, heights and forms
as well as the common yards found in the neighborhood. This intent statement and the images shown
below are advisory only.

EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 239

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 2 (NG2-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 1

DIAGRAM - 2

I - BUILDING PLACEMENT

II - BUILDING HEIGHT

BUILD-TO-LINE:

[I] BUILDING HEIGHT MINIMUM:

3 Stories and 40

[J] BUILDING HEIGHT MAXIMUM:

8 Stories and 90

[A] PRIMARY STREET:

25 Min | 50 Max (1)

[B] SIDE STREET:

10

[K] MAX FROM B.O. EAVE

TO T. O. PARAPET OR ROOF:
[L] FINISHED GRND FLOOR LEVEL:

15 Max
1 Min | 3 Max

Above Back of Sidewalk

SETBACK:

Or Adjacent Lot Level

[C] SIDE:

5 Min | 10 Max (2)

[D] ALLEY:

5 Min | 10 Max (3)

BUILDING FORM:

[M] FIRST FLOOR CEILING HTS:

12 Min | 15 Max (F to C)

[N] UPPER FLOORS CEILING HTS:

8 Min | 12 Max (F to C)

MEZZANINES AND PODIUMS:

Mezzanines and Podiums

Greater Than 1/3 of the

Floor Plate Area Shall

[E] PRIMARY STREET:

At least 80% of Build-to-Line (4)

[F] SIDE STREET:

At Least 80% of Build-to-Line

[G] LOT WIDTH:

Per Existing

[H] LOT DEPTH:

Per Existing

Be Counted as a Full Story

III - BUILDING TYPES (5)

Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex
Rowhouse and Courtyard Rowhouse
Stacked Flats
Courtyard Building
High Rise Residential Building

FOR REFERENCE NOTES REFER

TO FINAL PAGE OF THIS TYPE.

240 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 2 (NG2-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 3

DIAGRAM - 4

IV - ENCROACHMENTS

VI - PARKING REQUIREMENTS

LOCATION:

LOCATION:
12 Max

[R] PRIMARY STREET SETBACK:

55 Min (7)

[P] SIDE STREET:

10 Max

[S] SIDE STREET SETBACK:

30 Min (8)

[Q] ALLEY:

5 Max

[T] SIDE SETBACK:

0, If Surface Lot; Per Main
Building if Structured Parking

[O] PRIMARY STREET:

V - USE REQUIREMENTS (6)

GROUND FLOOR USE:

Residential

UPPER FLOOR(S) USE:

Residential

[U] ALLEY SETBACK:

5 Min

REQUIRED SPACES: (9)

RESIDENTIAL USES:
One (1) Off-Street Parking
Space Per Dwelling Unit

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 241

NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL TYPE 2 (NG2-TOD)

VII - REFERENCE NOTES
1. The Build-to-Line must match the average Front Facade Line of the Block Face; and lots with NO Primary
Street or Side Street frontage (abutting adjacent properties) are exempt from the Primary Street Build-toLine dimensional requirements, and are only required
to have a five foot (5) setback on said frontage.
2. For buildings with Dwelling Units primarily opening to
side yards, the Side Setback is required to be ten feet
(10). Buildings higher than three (3) stories and forty
feet (40) are required to have a ten foot (10) Side
Setback.
3. Lots with NO Alley frontage (abutting adjacent properties) are required to have a five foot (5) setback on
said frontage.
4. This percentage (%) can be adjusted to fifty percent
(50%) in the case of the following Building Types:
Courtyard Rowhouses and Courtyard Buildings
5. Civic | Institutional building types also allowed.
6. Civic | Institutional buildling types also allowable with
direct frontage on Kingshighway.
7. This figure reflects an additional dimension of thirty
feet (30) beyond the Primary Street Build-to-Line for
above grade parking. Below finished ground floor level parking can be coterminous with the Facade Line
of the building.
8. This figure reflects an additional dimension of twenty
feet (20) beyond the Side Street Build-to-Line for
above grade parking. Below finished ground floor level parking can be coterminous with the Facade Line
of the building.
9. Within the Kingshighway Transit Station Area, required spaces do not apply.

242 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER TYPE 2 (NC2-TOD)

INTENT STATEMENT:
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form of the Neighborhood Center Type 2 areas which are typically neighborhood MIXED-USE areas in order to establish, preserve or
enhance the existing vibrant, pedestrian oriented character of these areas while allowing flexibility in use.
The physical form of these mixed-use areas follow the existing pattern of the area wherein there is a great
variety of building types set back from the sidewalk with a common yard. These neighborhood centers
are especially useful in close proximity to residential areas. This intent statement and the images shown
below are advisory only.

EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 243

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER TYPE 2 (NC2-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 1

DIAGRAM - 2

I - BUILDING PLACEMENT

II - BUILDING HEIGHT

BUILD-TO-LINE:

[I ] BUILDING HEIGHT MINIMUM:

3 Stories and 40

[J] BUILDING HEIGHT MAXIMUM:

5 stories and 65

[A] PRIMARY STREET:

30 Min | 50 Max (1)

[B] SIDE STREET:

10

SETBACK:

[K] MAX FROM B.O. EAVE

TO T. O. PARAPET OR ROOF:

15 Max

[L] FINISHED GRND FLOOR LEVEL:

2 Min | 3 Max

Back of Sidewalk Or Adjacent

Lot Level For Residential;

All Other Uses are Max 6

[C] SIDE:

5 Min | 10 Max (2)

[M] FIRST FLOOR CEILING HTS:

12 Min | 25 Max (F to C)

[D] ALLEY:

5 Min | 10 Max (3)

[N] UPPER FLOORS CEILING HTS:

8 Min | 15 Max (F to C)

[N1] MEZZANINES AND PODIUMS:

Mezzanines and Podiums

Greater Than 1/3 of the

BUILDING FORM:
[E] PRIMARY STREET:

At Least 85% of Build-to-Line (4)

Floor Plate Area Shall

[F] SIDE STREET:

At Least 25% of Build-to-Line

[G] LOT WIDTH:

Per Existing

[H] LOT DEPTH:

Per Existing

FOR REFERENCE NOTES REFER

TO THE FINAL PAGE OF THIS TYPE

Be Counted as a Full Story

III - BUILDING TYPES (5)

Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex
Rowhouse and Courtyard Rowhouse
Stacked Flats
Courtyard Building
High Rise Residential Building
Flex Building
Live / Work Units

244 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER TYPE 2 (NC2-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 3

DIAGRAM - 4

IV - ENCROACHMENTS
LOCATION:
[S] PRIMARY STREET:
[T] SIDE STREET:
[U] ALLEY:

VI - PARKING REQUIREMENTS
LOCATION:

12 Max
10 Max
5 Max

V - USE REQUIREMENTS
GROUND FLOOR: (6)
Office
Residential
Secondary Retail
UPPER FLOOR(S):
Office
Residential

[O] PRIMARY STREET SETBACK:

60 Min (7)
[P] SIDE STREET SETBACK:
30 Min (8)
[Q] SIDE SETBACK:
0 , If Surface Lot | Per Main
Building If Structured Parking
[R] ALLEY SETBACK:
5 Min

REQUIRED SPACES: (9)

OFFICE USES:

< 7,500 SQ FT:
No Off-Street Parking Requirement

> 7,500 SQ FT:
One (1) Space Per 1,250 SQ FT in

Excess of the 7,500 SQ FT
PRIMARY RETAIL USES:

< 3,000 SQ FT:
No Off-Street Parking Requirement

> 3,000 SQ FT:
One (1) Space Per 700 SQ FT in

Excess of the 3,000 SQ FT
RESIDENTIAL USES:

One (1) Space Per Dwelling Unit

SECONDARY RETAIL USES:

< 7,500 SQ FT:
No Off-Street Parking Requirement

> 7,500 SQ FT:
One (1) Space Per 1,250 SQ FT in

Excess of the 7,500 SQ FT

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 245

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER TYPE 2 (NC2-TOD)

VII - REFERENCE NOTES
1. The Build-to-Line must match the average Front Facade Line of the Block Face; and lots with NO Primary
Street frontage (abutting adjacent properties) are exempt from the Primary Street Build-to-Line dimensional requirements; and are only required to have a
five foot (5) setback on said frontage.
2. For buildings with Dwelling Units primarily opening to
side yards, Side Setback is required to be ten feet
(10). Buildings higher than three (3) stories or forty
feet (40) are required to have a ten foot (10) Side
Setback.
3. Lots with NO Alley Frontage (abutting adjacent properties) are required to have a ten foot (10) setback on
said Frontage.
4. The percentage (%) for the Primary Street can be adjusted to fifty percent (50%) in the case of the following Building Types: Courtyard Rowhouse and Courtyard Building.
5. Commercial Block Building will be allowed within the
first block of the intersection of Natural Bridge and
Kingshighway.
6. Primary retail will be allowed on the Ground Floor
for 300 within the intersection of Natural Bridge and
Kingshighway.
7. This figure reflects an additional dimension of thirty
feet (30) beyond the Primary Street Build-to-Line for
above grade parking. Below finished ground floor level parking can be coterminous with the Facade Line
of the building.
8. This figure reflects an additional dimension of twenty
feet (20) beyond the Side Street Build-to-Line for
above grade parking. Below finished ground floor level parking can be coterminous with the Facade Line
of the building.
9. Within the Kingshighway Transit Station Area, required spaces do not apply.

246 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

CAMPUS TYPE 1 (CM1-TOD)

INTENT STATEMENT:
The intent of this Building Envelope Standard is to regulate the physical form of Campus developments, defined as large-lot developments with multiple Building Types. Campuses are singular, identifiable sites within the district, bounded by public streets and typically feature unifying characteristics.
The area is designed to allow for a variety of urban business, industrial, institutional, and academic
uses while maintaining and supporting an active streetscape and a vibrant urban character. This intent statement and the images shown below are advisory only.

EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 247

CAMPUS TYPE 1 (CM1-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 2

DIAGRAM - 1

I - BUILDING PLACEMENT
BUILD-TO-LINE:
[A] PRIMARY STREET:

30 Min | 80 Max (1)

[B] SIDE STREET:

0 Min | 10 Max (2)

SETBACK:
[C] SIDE:

0 Min | 10 Max (3)

[D] ALLEY:

Not Applicable (3,4)

BUILDING FORM:
[E] PRIMARY STREET:

At Least 60% of Build-to-Line

[F] SIDE STREET:

At Least 30% of Build-to-Line (5)

[G] LOT WIDTH:

[H] LOT DEPTH:

At Least 500 (6)

At Least 425 (6)

II - BUILDING HEIGHT
[I] BUILDING HEIGHT MINIMUM:
[J] BUILDING HEIGHT MAXIMUM:

3 Stories and 40 (7)

5 Stories and 65

[K] MAX FROM B.O. EAVE

TO T. O. PARAPET OR ROOF:

15 Max

[L] FINISHED GRND FLOOR LEVEL: 2 Min | 3 Max

Back of Sidewalk Or Adjacent
Lot Level For Residential;

All Other Uses are Max 6
[M] FIRST FLOOR CEILING HTS:
12 Min | 25 Max (F to C)
[N] UPPER FLOORS CEILING HTS:

8 Min | 15 Max (F to C)

[N1] MEZZANINES AND PODIUMS:

Mezzanines and Podiums

Greater Than 1/3 of the
Floor Plate Area Shall

III - BUILDING TYPES

FOR REFERENCE NOTES REFER

TO FINAL PAGE OF THIS TYPE

Commercial Block Building(8)

Flex Building (8)
Live|Work Units (8)
Liner Building (8)
Civic|Institutional Building (8)

Industrial Building (To Be Developed) (8)

248 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Be Counted as a Full Story

CAMPUS TYPE 1 (CM1-TOD)

DIAGRAM - 3

DIAGRAM - 4

IV - ENCROACHMENTS

VI - PARKING REQUIREMENTS

LOCATION:

LOCATION:

[O] PRIMARY STREET:

[P] SIDE STREET:

12 Max
10 Max

[Q] ALLEY:

Not Applicable (9)

[R] PRIMARY STREET SETBACK:

60-110 Min (10)
[S] SIDE STREET SETBACK:
30-40 Min (11)
[T] SIDE SETBACK:
0 , If Surface Lot; Per Main
Building if Structured Parking
[U] ALLEY SETBACK:
Not Applicable (12)

V - USE REQUIREMENTS
GROUND FLOOR USE:
Office
Primary Retail
Light Industrial
Civic|Institutional
UPPER FLOOR(S) USE:
Office
Residential
Light Industrial
Civic|Institutional

REQUIRED SPACES:
OFFICE USES: (13)

< 7,500 SQ FT:

> 7,500 SQ FT:

No Off-Street Parking Requirement

One (1) Space Per 1,250 SQ FT in
Excess of the 7,500 SQ FT

PRIMARY RETAIL USES: (13)

< 3,000 SQ FT:

> 3,000 SQ FT:

No Off-Street Parking Requirement

One (1) Space Per 700 SQ FT in
Excess of the 3,000 SQ FT

RESIDENTIAL USES:

One (1) Space Per Dwelling Unit

SECONDARY RETAIL USES: (13)

< 7,500 SQ FT:
No Off-Street Parking Requirement

> 7,500 SQ FT:
One (1) Space Per 1,250 SQ FT in

Excess of the 7,500 SQ FT
INDUSTRIAL USES: (13)

(Parking Requirements to be
Established by the City of St. Louis)

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 249

CAMPUS TYPE 1 (CM1-TOD)

VII - REFERENCE NOTES
1. On all lots, a minimum of two (2) bounding streets
must be Primary Streets.
2. Lots that are bounded by at least two (2) Primary
Streets may be bounded by Side Streets on the remaining lot lines.
3. Private streets, driveways, and alleys that are internal to the lot shall not be subject to setback requirements; and when the conditions enumerated in the
Build-to-Line requirements are fulfilled, side setbacks
shall apply to remaining lot lines.
4. Where alleys are present, setbacks shall be from five
feet (5) to ten feet (10)
5. All lots with direct frontage onto Geraldine Avenue
between Natural Bridge and Brown Avenue are not
required to build out 30% of the Build-to-Line.
6. Lots shall have a minimum area of five (5) acres, irrespective of lot dimensions; and lot dimensions and
lot area shall be measured either (A) by individual lot
or parcel; (B) by multiple contiguous lots or parcels
under single ownership; or (C) by multiple contiguous
lots or parcels agglomerated by a legally-enforcable
development agreement.
7. Building Heights for buildings interior to the campus
block are not required to meet the building height
minimum.
8. This Building Envelope Standard allows multiple
Building Types per lot.
9. Where alleys are present, setbacks shall be five feet
(5) Maximum.
10. This figure reflects and additional dimension of thirty
feet (30) beyond the Primary Street Build-to-Line for
on grade and above grade parking. Below finished
ground floor level parking can be coterminous with
the Facade Line of the building.
11. This figure reflects and additional dimension of thirty
feet (30) beyond the Side Street Build-to-Line for
on grade and above grade parking. Below finished
ground floor level parking can be coterminous with
the Facade Line of the building.
12. Where alleys are present, setbacks shall be five feet
(5) Minimum.
13. Within the Kingshighway Transit Station Area, required spaces do not apply.

250 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS

Neighborhood General Type 1

Neighborhood General Type 2

Neighborhood Center Type 1

Campus Type 1

LINKING BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS TO TRANSIT

NEIGHBORHOOD TYPOLOGY
For Transit Neighborhood Center Type 1, the Building Envelope Standards described
in this section define an appropriate character and scale for new development in the
station area.
When Applied, the Form Base District establishes wide setbacks along Natural
Bridge and Kingshighway to make space for new trees, buffers, and gracious setbacks. The code maintains the lower-density residential areas in most places, and
allows higher density along the major throughfares within the station area.

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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES & ACTIONS

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FRAMEWORK
Once the Northside-Southside Alignment is established as a project with an implementation timeline, the proposed Kingshighway Station would be in a position to
more readily meet the aspirational goals of being a station in the Transit Neighborhood Center Type 1 typology, if certain steps are taken.
As a first step, the City must convene a working group of interested parties focused
on the long-term improvement of the station area. Ideally, this team will consist of
IMAGE OF TRANSPORTATION
FRAMEWORK OPTION

City employees, developers, neighborhood institution representatives, and area

residents. The team should have the power to review proposed plans and make
recommendations to applicable City agencies. Other powers could include the ability to recommend developers for specific funding programs and oversight of public
infrastructure development. In addition to these review powers, the working group
will be charged with communicating opportunities, plans, and the expected benefits
of the redevelopment plan to residents, developers, and businesses.
In addition to a project team, steps must be taken to modify the zoning of the
station area to promote the desired future land uses. For example, many of the
parcels where office development is proposed are zoned K, unrestricted. If left
as-is, this zoning could allow future undesirable uses such as industrial or trucking
facilities. Coordination with the proposed form-based code is critical to ensuring
the future feasibility of TOD.
During the planning and construction phases of the transit line and station, it is critical that the City take an active approach to land banking for future development.
Tax-delinquent properties that are ceded to the Citys Land Reutilization Authority
especially those near the intersection of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway or at the
suggested office campusshould be land-banked for future TOD development.
The preferred redevelopment plan for the Kingshighway Station creates a modern office campus adjacent to a vibrant mixed-use district centered around the
proposed station at Kingshighway and Natural Bridge. While some renovation is
anticipated, much of the redevelopment activity will consist of new construction. To
best achieve this, it is likely that a master developer would be needed to develop
the office campus portion of the suggested project. Coordinating with the working group, the City should consider the use of certain redevelopment tools (TIF,
Chapter 99, Chapter 353, etc.) to select a developer. Individual developers may be
selected for the development of the mixed-use and residential buildings surrounding the station and scattered throughout the neighborhood.

252 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

Locating gap financing is of utmost importance to the long-term success of the

Kingshighway Station area as TOD. It is critical that each financing package be
carefully scrutinizedideally by both City officials and the working groupto determine the best use of public or private funds for an individual project. A general
framework for the use of public and private redevelopment tools is below:

TIF: public infrastructure costs, land acquisition, and commercial property

renovations;

CID/TDD street improvements, security patrols, beautification, and other

enhancements;

Chapter 353 tax abatement to lure developers or tenants;

Chapter 99 tax abatement for individual property owners;

Form an internal redevelopment team for the station area; and

Identify master developer for specific nodes or programs.

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TRANSPORTATION FRAMEWORK
Light rail transit and Transit Oriented Development are inherently sustainable. The
transit improvements at the Kingshighway Station operate on the social, economic,
and ecological platforms of the Citys Sustainability Plan. The construction of the
Alignment will reduce the demand for car ownership and the emission of greenhouse
gas. Walkability will increase within the station area, as people are connected to jobs
and services throughout the City. The transit station provides people of all income
levels equal access to amenities, business opportunities, transportation, and safe
and healthy neighborhoods.
DETAIL OF NATURAL BRIDGE AVE
SECTION

Walkability
A

The proposed commercial developments in the northwest quadrant of the

station area should provide direct pedestrian and bicycle linkages to the
station:

Tier 1: Design all sidewalks with an emphasis on maintaining a

direct route to the station; and

Tier 2: Design a multi-use path through the development that

would serve all of the proposed buildings and the station, minimizing the distances in between.

Streets within the station area do not form a uniform street grid, and the
discontinuity tends to lengthen connections between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. Improving access to the station from the north
and south along Kingshighway would be advantageous:

Tier 1: Widen sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant ramps at

each intersection along Kingshighway within the station area;

Tier 2: Install a multi-use trail for pedestrians and bicyclists within

the wide, landscaped median of Kingshighway; and

Tier 3: Enhance the multi-use path within the median of Kingshighway as a linear park with features oriented to pedestrians such as
benches, lighting, and aesthetic treatments.

254 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

WALKABILITY RECOMMENDATIONS

It was observed that drivers in the area are aggressive, particularly at the
intersection of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway. Given their functionality
as arterials, traffic calming measures would not be appropriate along either
corridor. However, elements to increase drivers awareness of pedestrians
and enhance pedestrian safety are advised:

Tier 1: Install pedestrian countdown signals and restrict rightturns-on-red as required for ADA amendments;

Tier 2: Install colored or textured crosswalks and pedestrian-scale

lighting; and

Tier 3: Install pedestrian refuge areas within the median of

Kingshighway.

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Bikability
A

Existing east-west bicycle lanes along Natural Bridge would be displaced

by the proposed light rail line and should be relocated to St. Louis Avenue
at the periphery of the study area approximately mile south of the station.
Relocating the lanes to adjacent parallel streets would not restore the same
level of connectivity, as most of these corridors are not continuous over long
distances like St. Louis Avenue is. While the character of St. Louis Avenue
would be more conducive to bicycling, its width would constrain the route
to a share-the-road configuration. The relocation of the bike route would
facilitate a long, continuous connection to the North Riverfront Trail to the
east. Connections to the station could be made via Euclid Avenue or the
multi-use trail along Kingshighway:

Tier 1: Designate St. Louis Avenue as a share-the-road bike route;

and

Tier 2: Eliminate parking along St. Louis Avenue and install dedicated bike lanes.

Streets within the station area do not form a uniform street grid, and the
discontinuity tends to lengthen connections between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. Improving access to the station from the north
and south along Kingshighway would be advantageous:

Tier 1: Install a multi-use trail for pedestrian and bicyclists within

the wide, landscaped median of Kingshighway; and

Tier 2: Enhance the multi-use path within the median of Kingshigway as a linear park with features oriented to pedestrians such as
benches, lighting, and aesthetic treatments.

256 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

BIKABILITY RECOMMENDATIONS

The north and south legs of Euclid Ave at Natural Bridge are offset and
do not align opposite each other. Since Euclid is a designated bike route,
realigning the north leg in conjunction with adjacent redevelopments would
eliminate the need for bicyclists to use Natural Bridge to remain on Euclid
when traveling north and south:

Tier 1: Realign the north leg of Euclid Avenue at Natural Bridge (in
conjunction with development) opposite the south leg.

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 257

Transit
A

Increase service for the #95 bus that runs along Kingshighway to maximize
ridership, encourage more bus to rail trips, and reinforce this station as
an important transfer hub for transit riders. This line currently maintains
20-minute headways during normal operating hours:

DETAIL OF NATURAL BRIDGE AVE

SECTION

Tier 1: Increase headways to 15 minutes; and

Tier 2: Increase headways to 10 minutes.

The #95 is a major north-south bus route. Implementing transit priority features at the intersection of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway would reduce
traffic interference with buses entering and leaving the stop. This would
help to maintain on-time service and reliability, thereby maximizing scheduled connections between buses and light rail:

Tier 1: Convert the curb lane of Kingshighway at Natural Bridge

into a bus only lane. To preserve the existing 4-lane approaches,
it may be necessary to relocate the left-turn lane within the landscaped median; and

Tier 2: Implement transit signal priority at the intersection in the

form of an early queue jump signal that would allow buses to
proceed before other vehicles providing an opportunity for them to
easily rejoin normal traffic lanes.

The #4 bus running east-west along Natural Bridge would be redundant

with the proposed light rail line:

Tier 1: Eliminate the #4 route altogether.

258 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

TRANSIT RECOMMENDATIONS

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 259

Vehicular Traffic

The commercial development within the station areas northwest quadrant

would generate a sizable amount of vehicular traffic. To maximize traffic
dispersion and avoid reliance upon any one particular corridor for access,
vehicular connections should be provided to all major adjacent thoroughfares, including Union Boulevard, Natural Bridge, and Kingshighway. Union
Boulevard is of particular importance, given its connection to Interstate 70;

DETAIL OF NATURAL BRIDGE AVE

SECTION

Currently there is no direct route between Kingshighway and Union Boulevard through the northwest quadrant of the station area. Such a connection
would be desirable to maximize wayfinding and connectivity:

Tier 1. Realign Farlin Avenue to connect with Margaretta Avenue

to the west

Natural Bridge is a heavily traveled state road and should maintain two
through lanes in each direction plus dedicated left-turn lanes at major intersections to accommodate traffic volumes. Likewise, Kingshighway should
maintain three through lanes in each direction;

Although outside the station area, some level of improvements would likely
be needed at Kingshighway and its interchange with Interstate 70 to accommodate increased traffic volumes. The improvements may include
extending or adding dedicated turn lanes, improving signalization, and/or
expanding ramps onto or off of the interstate

260 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

VEHICULAR RECOMMENDATIONS

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GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK

In support of the Citys sustainability initiatives, complete streets including green
infrastructure and retrofitted buildings are prescribed throughout the station area.
Green infrastructure is a defining element of street improvements and new developments within the Kingshighway Station area. Local species of plants remediate
toxins in the ground and control and collect rain water to increase water quality
before it gets into the drinking supply; green roofs with the potential for urban agriculture and new trees reduce the heat island effect and create comfortable walking
environments along Natural Bridge and Kingshighway leading to Penrose and
Handy Parks and beyond. Green infrastructure also provides a venue for public
DETAIL OF KINGSHIGHWAY
SECTION

art and public space. All of these features combined will increase air quality around
the station, enrich the character and experience of the streetscape, and elevate
property values around the station.
Impact on Imperviousness/Stormwater Runoff/Water Quality
Development that increases imperviousness will cause an increase in the stormwater (and pollutants) that runs off into the enclosed combined sewer system, as well
as an increase in bypass into the Mississippi River during heavy rain events. For the
Kingshighway Station, it appears that there may be an increase in the percent impervious on certain sites. In general, the best approach is to maximize green space for
each site while satisfying the development requirements for parking, etc.

Regulatory and Permitting Requirements

Stormwater permitting for this project will be administered by the Metropolitan St.
Louis Sewer District (MSD). All projects submitted to MSD must be reviewed to determine if stormwater quantity and/or quality management will be required. A project
will require stormwater quantity and/or quality management if any of the following
apply:

The project is a new development or redevelopment project that disturbs

greater than or equal to one acre;

The project on an individual parcel disturbs less than one acre, but it is part
of a larger overall, project that disturbs over one acre;

There is a proposed increase in stormwater runoff over two cubic feet per
second (cfs) for the 20 year-20 minute design rainfall;

Downstream stormwater problems (insufficient pipe capacity) exist that

might require the proposed site to have quantity detention, where less than
two cfs increase in runoff is proposed.

262 | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

TYPICAL PERMEABLE
PAVEMENT DETAIL

All new development projects must reasonably mimic pre-construction runoff with

TYPICAL PLANTER DETAIL

the aim of preventing or reducing water quality impacts. Any project site that has an
existing percent impervious of 20% or less, will be considered new development.
Any succeeding or additional development to these sites will also be considered new
development. All redevelopment projects must also reasonably mimic pre-construction runoff with the aim of preventing or reducing water quality impacts, by utilizing
effective water quality strategies.
PERVIOUS CONCRETE DETAIL
The three key components of stormwater quantity and quality management are water quality volume, channel protection storage volume, and flood protection volume.
The preferred method to address these components is removing stormwater volume
through infiltration.

TYPICAL BIOSWALE DETAIL

DISCONNECTED DOWNSPOUT

6 | Preferred Stations: Kingshighway | 263

The work that provided the basis of this publication was supported by funding under
an award with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through
East-West Gateway Council of Governments. The substance and findings of the
work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible
for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication.
Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government or the
East-West Gateway Council of Governments.
This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Transit Administration
under Cooperative Agreement No. MO-79-1001.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the
Federal Transit Administration.

Appendix | Transit Oriented Development Study for the Proposed Northside-Southside Alignment

7 | Appendix

7 | Appendix