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This month, we at Commerce turn our spotlight on the thriving construction industry in the St. Louis region. From an economic development perspective, the numbers are certainly encouraging. Already this year, construction projects totaling $3.5 billion have been completed—up over 16 percent from last year at this time. That includes $1.8 billion in residential construction and nearly $1 billion in non-residential construction.
Meanwhile, home sales have remained strong. In 2003, the St. Louis region also saw single family homes and condominium sales break the $600 million mark. This compares to $556 million in 2002, and $494 million in 2001—robust growth by any standard.
Not surprisingly, figures like this generate plenty of jobs. The U.S. Labor Department reports some 85,000 workers in St. Louis are employed in the construction industry, a 5.8 percent increase over 2003’s job figures. In overall job growth, as of this writing, the same data shows the St. Louis region ranking No. 2 in the nation behind only Las Vegas.
A quick drive into downtown St. Louis reveals the excitement a major construction project can generate within a region. Rising in the shadows of its namesake, the new Busch Stadium (and adjoining Ball Park Village) will cement St. Louis’s reputation as the greatest baseball city in America. John Loyd, the owner’s representative on the $400 million project, gives Commerce readers a glimpse into what goes into building an urban landmark. As you’ll see, the tagline “build it and they will come” is far easier said than done.
As in years past, we have given the commercial construction industry a chance to showcase its latest projects in our annual Commercial Construction Roundup. Here you’ll find a sampling of fantastic projects which were either started or completed in 2004. Three of the industry’s most prominent leaders—Karl Kloster, of McCarthy Building; Bob McCoole, of the Alberici Group; and Jeff Cook, of ARCO Construction—give their views on the state of the industry.
Be sure to read about the rebirth of the historic McRee Town neighborhood, rechristened “Botanical Heights.” The Missouri Botanical Garden and the Garden District Commission (funded by the Danforth Foundation), collaborated with thousands of residents in the four surrounding neighborhoods to establish a workable plan for revitalizing this once-vibrant neighborhood. Now, thanks to the labors of McBride and Son Homes, the vision is becoming a reality.
And so is our vision of making St. Louis a park lover’s paradise. In November 2000, 68 percent of voters in the City of St. Louis, along with St. Louis and St. Charles counties, approved Proposition C, the Clean Water, Safe Parks and Community Trails Initiative. Now, learn about the stunning system of accessable parks and open space that David Fisher, executive director of Great Rivers Greenway, has in store for the entire region.
Finally, in this issue, read about the long and storied history of the venerable Fred Weber construction company. Founded by its namesake in the 1920s, the company has become synonomous with transportation and infrastructure improvements in our region. With the continued growth of the St. Louis region, I’m confident the company will stay busy for decades to come.
RICHARD C.D. FLEMING
President and Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association |
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