NextStop Blog

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) refers to the investment that takes place at and around transit infrastructure. TOD is often a catalyst for economic growth – improving access to jobs, housing and amenities, and helping promote active lifestyles and a reduced dependence on automobiles.

The Wellston MetroLink Station is already home to thriving transit-oriented developments, including the Early Explorers Child Development Academy and STLVentureWorks, an enterprise center for small businesses and startups. Now, plans are underway to expand the STLVentureWorks facility and provide more resources and space to small business ventures.

Spurred by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the expansion project will result in the addition of 9,000 square feet, six new offices, seven spaces for manufacturing equipment, two conference rooms and a coffee bar. The STLVentureWorks facility is part of five regional business incubators run by the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. The expansion was designed by Atelier3Design, a business that was established in 2010 out of the STLVentureWorks facility.

The Wellston MetroLink Station “connects entrepreneurs to our innovation center at Wellston, which helps those entrepreneurs succeed and grow.” – Sheila Sweeney, CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership

With the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy and the Met Center training facility providing a foundation for the Wellston MetroLink Station, the nearby area has also seen an increased investment of public services and job training facilities. Additionally, Great Rivers Greenway is continuing work to expand the St. Vincent Greenway, a bike and pedestrian trail, which will run through the Wellston station area to connect Forest Park to UMSL and the North Hanley MetroLink Station.

These investments and developments show how connecting services, jobs and public transit can support accessibility and economic growth at Wellston and throughout the region.

“The Wellston MetroLink Station is a great example of how good transit connections can benefit job growth in the region. That station connects entrepreneurs to our innovation center at Wellston, which helps those entrepreneurs succeed and grow,” said Sheila Sweeney, CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. “It also is beneficial for workers getting crucial job skills training at the MET Center. Those trainees can also access high-quality early childhood education at the Early Explorers Academy next to the station.”

Blueprints:

Project: STLVentureWorks Expansion

• Developer: St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, STLVentureWorks Program
  • $2 million expansion of the existing STLVentureWorks facility
  • 9,000 square feet, including six new offices, seven spaces for manufacturing equipment, two conference rooms, and a coffee bar
• Timeline: Construction will begin spring 2017 and is expected to be completed winter 2017