Unity Plaza groundbreaking held in West End neighborhood

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A groundbreaking and name reveal were held for Unity Plaza on Friday, a development project that will turn an empty lot in the West End neighborhood into an outdoor space for the community to use for socializing and events.

The space will include a pavilion, outdoor seating, an open lawn and a stage for events, with goals to also add free public Wi-Fi and water fountains.

Residents lead project

Several West End residents have led the project since last year. They include Valerie Smith, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years.

Smith spoke to the crowd at the groundbreaking.

“Let us continue this work, for it is a glorious thing to be able to see, because without a vision, the people perish,” Smith said.

Smith said the project gives her a chance to give back to the community that she’s spent much of her life living in.

“This means so much to me. It gives me an opportunity to give back to my community, gives me an opportunity to see us grow in unity together,” Smith said.

Design team

Mackey Mitchell Architects is designing the project in collaboration with Cornerstone. Jake Banton, an architect with Mackey Mitchell, lives in the West End and is helping lead the architecture.

“I live just down the street and I’ve been a resident of the neighborhood for 10 years,” Banton said. “People wanted a place where they could gather. They wanted a place where they could host community events like farmers markets or family gatherings, birthday parties, movie nights. As a resident myself, being able to see the plan come to life and the community excited about the city and other partners investing in this area, I think has been wonderful to see.”

Pro bono design and engineering

Banton said the project has been designed and engineered pro bono. He said that has helped the neighborhood move forward.

“It’s going to speak volumes about what the power of community and investment can do for the region. And it’s going to be a delight to see,” Banton said.

Construction timeline

Construction is set to begin early 2027 and finish during the summer of the same year.