River Market Food Hall Gets $20 Million Make‑over Plan

City’s investment plan:

• Total cost: ~ $25 million
• Funding strategy: City funds first, then recovers via up to $20 million in bonds

Location & history:

• 400 President Clinton Ave, downtown since 1996
• Current tenants: food stalls, a barbecue spot, and a farmers market pavilion (north side)
• Hours: Monday‑Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., leaving evening visitors underserved

Renovation lead:

• Firm: New + Found (St. Louis) – formerly transformed an old factory into a food hub
• Spending: $5 million on tenant upgrades & startup costs
• Timeline: 18 months construction within a 31‑month planning‑to‑opening window
• Closure: Hall will shut during renovations (exact date TBD)

Goals & impact:

• Create a self‑sustaining, vibrant space that generates tax revenue
• Funds will support local priorities such as homelessness and drainage improvements

Key voices:

• Dean Kumpuris, City Director (MD): “Revitalizes downtown and provides steady income.”
• Ken Richardson, Director: Absent during unanimous approval

Design vision (by New + Found):

• ~15 food stalls, 2 full‑service restaurants, a large bar, flexible event space
• Rooftop deck for music & seasonal programs
• Enclosed north pavilion for all‑weather use
• Integration with nearby parks, trails, and the riverfront

Track record:

• City Foundry in St. Louis: > 1 million visitors annually, 20+ local vendors