The South Grand Community Improvement District in St. Louis is only six blocks long, but it has ties to the world. With more than 14 different countries represented among the local businesses, the corridor offers flavors, products, and experiences from across the globe in this dense, urban neighborhood.
In the middle sits a pocket oasis, Ritz Park.
Located on the site of the former Ritz Theater, the CID spearheaded the transformation of Ritz Park in 2014 from vacant lot to popular gathering spot for movies, concerts, plays, markets, and festivals. Unfortunately, the new space was devoid of shade, making it too uncomfortable for daytime use during the summer.
Working with the AIA Young Architects Forum and several ULI members in St. Louis, the CID launched a design contest in the summer of 2024 to remedy the shade issue and to breathe new life into the decade-old park. Design agencies and collaborators from across the region rose to the challenge, organizing into three groups to design and price a new shade structure.
“Our local Young Architects Forum [YAFSTL] always seeks ways to make a positive impact on the design and sustainability of our community,” said Nneoma Asinugo, who led the design competition with YAFSTL Chair Elise Skulte. “Our group was excited for the opportunity to add more value to the adored pocket park. Collaborating on something that benefits the community, beyond what we do daily for clients, infused great energy into our teams. It is a small but impactful space that needed an additional layer of thoughtful design.”
With the goal of creating maximum shade while allowing ample sunlight to reach plants and grass, the design teams delivered three very different proposals for consideration. The CID then turned to the community to vote for them on social media. With public comments ranging from “wonderful” to “let’s raise some money to make it happen,” the community rallied behind the shade structure called Bridge the Gap.
“The South Grand CID is the steward of Ritz Park, ensuring it is programmed and maintained, and it was our pleasure to launch this design competition,” said Rachel Witt, executive director of the South Grand CID. “More importantly, though, the park belongs to the community, and it should be the community’s vision that continues to shape the park’s design and future use.”
Here are the three design proposals, beginning with the winning entry:
Option 1: Bridge the Gap
Description: With a focus on optimized materials, the sturdy yet versatile pavilion is designed to enhance the area by providing much-needed shade during the summer while still preserving sight lines.
Design team: Nneoma Asinugo, Arcturis; Allie DeStefano, Arcturis; and David Phetsomphou, Arcturis
Option 2: Urban Loom
Description: Inspired by dynamic shade structures with limited components, this modular concept draws on the site geometry while offering colorful respite from the summer heat.
Design Team: Graham McAllister, Jacobs; Naviinesh Gunalan, Trivers; Larraine Nunley, Lawrence Group
Option 3: BeLeaf and Create
Description: Whimsical tensile structures of large shade leaves offer a symbolic touch of nature in the heart of the urban oasis.
Design team: Elise Skulte, FGM Architects; Maegan Halveland, NewGround; Kris Werner, FGM Architects
“I hope there’s a process of seeking feedback from the people who use the park… It’s cool to see attention being paid to the community’s needs.”
––Facebook voter
The next step for Ritz Park involves a slew of fundraising efforts, with the goal of construction and completion of the pavilion in time for the 2026 spring events along South Grand. The CID has launched a major gifts campaign and has already secured $50,000 in corporate commitments. The fundraising is also supported by a series of grant applications that should deliver another $125,000 to the building fund. Once funding commitments reach $200,000, the CID plans to launch a GoFundMe campaign to push the project to the next major funding milestone. When funding commitments reach $250,000, the CID will host a community gala to celebrate both the winning design and fundraising accomplishments—and to carry the project over the finish line with proceeds from the gala.
