The Lochmueller Group Cultural Resources team was proud to identify and assess historic resources within the Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the Cortex-Tower Grove Connector in St. Louis, Missouri. This two-phase initiative, commissioned by the City of St. Louis, focused on Tower Grove Avenue, Vandeventer Avenue, and Sarah Street, encompassing multiple historic districts and two National Historic Landmarks.
As part of the Section 106 Historic Property Assessment, Lochmueller coordinated closely with the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) throughout the design phase. The SHPO commended the team’s efforts, noting that the coordination “resulted in a well-thought submittal that was easy to review and assess the effects to the historic resources.” Ultimately, SHPO concurred with Lochmueller’s “No Adverse Effect” recommendation, confirming that the project would not negatively impact the area’s historic properties.
The corridor study prepared by Lochmueller evaluated a range of options for the Connector, with the overarching goal of providing protected bike lanes that invite casual cyclists and accommodate traffic needs identified by the Washington University Medical Center’s (WUMC) mobility planning. Three corridors—Tower Grove Avenue, Vandeventer Avenue, and Sarah Street—were investigated, with evaluation criteria established to objectively compare the routes based on project goals and functional constraints. After thorough analysis, the Sarah Street corridor was selected as the preferred route due to its development opportunities and fewer impacts on parking and connectivity.
The project not only enhances access to light rail transit and reinforces the most popular bicycle route in the city but also provides vital connectivity between the Cortex/WUMC District and neighborhoods to the south. The holistic, network-level approach to bike and pedestrian mobility developed by Lochmueller and project stakeholders laid the groundwork for expanded infrastructure and increased mobility options across the district.
This project demonstrated how thoughtful planning and close collaboration with stakeholders and preservation agencies can successfully balance infrastructure improvements with the protection of historic resources. By integrating cultural resource considerations into every phase of the design and review process, Lochmueller helped ensure that the Cortex-Tower Grove Connector will serve the community’s mobility needs while honoring St. Louis’ rich historic character for generations to come.
