Saint Louis, MO
DG2 Design and the engineers at Horner Shifrin designed the transformation of the Upper Muny Lot into a more vibrant and sustainable Festival & Parking Plaza. The renovation transformed the 11-acre parking lot and special event space that sits above The Muny Amphitheater.
Project Goals:
- Balanced design: updated 700 spot parking lot, added pedestrian refuge, shade, and bio-retention. Over 800 linear feet of bio-swale work to filter water runoff before it enters the adjacent sensitive hidden creek savannah
- Dedicated event space with no islands or trees, to allow for tents. Permitted use of space: power and electrical access in poles
Design to utilize islands, dedicated drive isles, and pedestrian circulation to improve traffic flow - Proposed improvements include an estimate 100 trees, 850 shrubs and 4,630 perennials
- New 10’ wide sidewalks and curbed islands to increase safety and enhance the overall experience
- “What’s been known as the Upper Muny Lot in Forest Park is centrally located and highly trafficked, yet not up to the standard of what Park visitors want and expect”, said Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “As a 75-year-old lot, the space suffers from cracked asphalt, potholes and a lack of modern, sustainability-minded features such as thoughtfully chosen trees and landscaping, high-efficiency lighting, and clear pedestrian refuges and walkways. By rebuilding the new Plaza with these features, we will greatly enhance the experience of all visitors. This includes The Muny’s 350,000 annual patrons, the tens of thousands who use the space for festivals and charity runs for more than 30 weekends per year, and the 180,000 visitors who attend The Great Forest Park Balloon Race & Glow and LouFest at the adjacent Central Fields.”
- Project was constructed by May 2015, avoiding The Muny season and allowing for popular events such as The Great Forest Park Balloon Race & Glow and LouFest.
