St. Louis Central Traffic-Parkway Recommended by the City Plan Commission

In the early 20th century, the City Beautiful movement gained popularity with leaders in many urban areas across the United States. St. Louis was no exception, and in 1912, the City Plan Commission recommended the creation of a grand Central Traffic Parkway along Market St. between 12th St. and Jefferson Avenue. The ambitious piece of civic ‘improvement’ sought to clear several blocks of densely populated slums and tenement buildings to construct a tree-lined thoroughfare so that automobiles and pedestrians could better access public buildings (like the new city hall). This official report outlining the road proposal includes several photographs of the supposedly blighted area to be demolished. Over two dozen pages of descriptive text outline steps for construction, comparable examples in other cities, a myriad of benefits for residents, estimated costs, and a suggested amendment to the city charter. A large fold-out map outlines the route, with three parallel lanes running adjacent to Union Station, Post Office, Municipal Court Building, and the City Hall. While ample sidewalks would have provided some room for recreation and movement, the parkway functions as an obvious barrier to north-south traffic. Fierce resistance from local residents and business interests resulted in a failed referendum and the plan was shelved, though the area would later be redeveloped as part of the Market Street Mall. Source. Preservation Research