Demolition is officially underway at the former Millennium Hotel site in downtown St. Louis, signaling the tangible start of a long-planned transformation of the 28-story complex. The project is being led by The Cordish Companies, which was selected earlier this year by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation.

At an estimated cost of $670 million, Cordish’s proposed redevelopment spans roughly 1.3 million square feet and is set to include a mix of upscale residential units, Class A office space, a food hall, public event space, and an outdoor amphitheater. The plan also calls for dedicated public amenities such as landscaping, pedestrian-friendly walkways, art installations, and possibly even a facility to house the Gateway Arch National Park’s archives.

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority recently gave the green light for Cordish to proceed as developer, accelerating key pre-construction steps. The Gateway Arch Park Foundation, which holds ownership of the site, has coordinated the effort alongside several public and civic partners—including the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), Greater St. Louis, Inc., and planning and design experts such as PGAV.

To carry out the demolition, the Foundation has contracted Spirtas Wrecking Company and Environmental Operations Inc., which completed remediation of hazardous materials before structural teardown began. The work is being done in phases: the central tower was tackled first, followed by the south tower, and ultimately the north tower.

Officials estimate the demolition process will take one to two years to fully clear the site. Once cleared, Cordish is expected to break ground on construction, though the precise timing for full development has not yet been publicly announced.

Beyond the physical redevelopment, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation is also launching a community-driven story-collecting initiative to preserve the memories tied to the former hotel. The effort is aimed at archiving oral histories, photographs, and personal reflections, linking the site’s past to its future.

Taken together, the project—backed by Cordish, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, SLDC, Greater St. Louis, Inc., and planning partners—promises to reimagine a key downtown location. It aims not only to deliver commercial and residential value, but also to strengthen connections between the Gateway Arch, Ballpark Village, and the heart of downtown St. Louis.

Header image: Spirtas Wrecking along with Environmental Operations Inc. begin demolition of the Millennium Hotel in Downtown St. Louis. Photo | The Gateway Arch Park Foundation

On Monday, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield formally opened its new downtown St. Louis office, relocating approximately 500 employees into the Deloitte Building at 4th and Market. The move places a significant workforce at the core of the city’s business district and signals a strong vote of confidence in the downtown environment.

The relocation aligns with a broader shift in corporate real‑estate strategy, one where the office is being reimagined rather than discarded. Even as hybrid and remote work models become prevalent, organizations like Anthem are choosing to invest in high‑visibility, amenity‑rich urban settings. Moving into a modern office within downtown St. Louis rather than maintaining a dispersed suburban footprint reflects an understanding that companies still value physical workplace hubs that foster culture, collaboration, and connectivity.

From a commercial real estate perspective, this lease adds meaningful vitality to the local office market. The Deloitte Building spans roughly 260,000 square feet, and Anthem’s new space represents a significant tenant commitment of approximately 45,600 square feet. Because many firms have reduced footprint or remain cautious about long‑term leasing commitments, a move of this size exhibits market confidence and encourages landlords and developers to enhance building offerings.

Beyond the building itself, the ripple effects extend into the downtown economy. The arrival of 500 employees translates into expanded demand for nearby restaurants, retail stores, parking, transit, and support services. It strengthens the urban ecosystem and helps attract additional employers who seek access to a vibrant city centre, a talent‑friendly address, and proximity to amenities. With more corporate activity in the core, downtown becomes not just a workplace location but a destination.

While remote work continues to evolve, the office is no longer simply a place to house everyone every day. Instead, it becomes the environment where teams converge, innovate, and connect. Anthem’s move reflects this reality by choosing high‑quality space in a central location. For downtown St. Louis, the significance is clear: this is a tangible anchor tenant that can spur momentum, creating further leasing activity, encouraging building renewals, and affirming the city’s competitiveness in the post‑pandemic office era.

Header image The Deloitte Building is now home to over 500 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield employees. Photo | Sansone Group

Demolition of the Millennium Hotel marks the beginning of Cordish’s major redevelopment

The Relocation of Anthem Signals New Life for St. Louis Office Market