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