About

FRAMING A MODERN MASTERPIECE | The City + The Arch + The River is an international design competition organized by national park supporters, the design community and leadership from both Missouri and Illinois. The National Park Service has provided the framework for change through its Fall 2009 General Management Plan and the competition has the backing of federal, state and local government officials, including Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. The Competition Manager – one of the nation’s most experienced design competition managers – was engaged because of his previous work in guiding similar efforts and affecting real, buildable environments.

A 10-month process that runs from December 2009 until October 2010, The City + The Arch + The River competition presents the opportunity of a lifetime for architects, landscape architects and designers.

The challenge is great – to take one of America’s first urban park sites and weave it into the fabric of the St. Louis region – as well as connect it with both sides of the Mississippi River.

Integral to the competition will be the achievement of a balance between new ideas and the retention of the character-defining features of the site, the core of which is a National Historic Landmark. The Arch and the grounds immediately surrounding it will be honored. But the larger area surrounding the Arch, the downtown St. Louis entry ways and both the Missouri and Illinois riverfronts await the inspiration of designers and architects.

The goals of the competition are to :

  1. Create an iconic place for the international icon, the Gateway Arch.
  2. Catalyze increased vitality in the St. Louis region.
  3. Honor the character defining elements of the National Historic Landmark.
  4. Weave connections and transitions from the City and the Arch grounds to the River.
  5. Mitigate the impact of transportation systems.
  6. Embrace the Mississippi River and the east bank in Illinois as an integral part of National Park.
  7. Reinvigorate the mission to tell the story of St. Louis as the gateway to national expansion.
  8. Create attractors to promote extended visitation to the Arch, the City and the River.
  9. Develop a sustainable future.
  10. Enhance the visitor experience and create a welcoming and accessible environment.

For more information about the scope of the competition, please see Competition Information.