In 2018, East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) initiated the seventh round of Great Streets demonstration projects with the Bevo project. The round seven project was funded through federal transportation planning grants and local funds provided by the project sponsor.
The Bevo community is located in south St. Louis City, centered on the iconic, historic Bevo Mill. East West Gateway, in collaboration with the city, local aldermen, and other key stake holders, managed the development of the Bevo Great Streets Detailed Plan, completed in June, 2019. The study corridor extends along Gravois Road, between Chippewa Street and Christy Boulevard. Gravois Road, despite recent investments and improvements, still presents significant challenges for the businesses, neighborhoods, and visitors along the roadway. The collaborative effort considered the roadway’s social, economic, aesthetic, environmental, and transportation impacts collectively and developed strategies to transform it into a desirable, functional place and asset for the community. Plan recommendations include governance and administrative strategies, formalized community collaboration, natural systems investments, multi-modal transportation and parking changes, emphasis on filling empty storefronts, urban form, and developing inviting and well-curated public spaces. Strategic, catalytic, incremental implementation strategies are also included.