3.5/5
Immediately after checking into the Seventh Avenue Embassy Suites, we explored the surround streets in the heart of the Saint Louis Business District. One of the first sights we beheld was the Old Post Office Plaza. It would become a familiar sight throughout our seven day stay in the Lou.
The Old Post Office Plaza is a 30,000 square foot plaza that is immediately north of the Old Post Office between Eighth and Ninth Streets. In the heart of downtown it is in the shadow of the Robert's Orpheun Theater, historic buildings, Sauce on the Side restaurant, and hotels.
This is neat little park slash plaza that brings all types of people together. It is a place for locals and tourists to relax, delight in an urban picnic, appreciate public art, and take in an event such as an outdoor movie.
In reality the Old Post Office Plaza is relatively new (the Old Post Office is a different story). In the mid 1990s, there was concern over the Central Business District (CBD). The vacancies with less activity was a cause of alarm. Through imagination and planning both the business community and citizens came together to alleviate this concerning condition of the CBD. One of the projects was transforming a blighted parking lot north of the Old Post Office. On April 3, 2009 the Old Post Office Plaza came to life.
On what was once a blighted parking lot is now an attractive public space adorned with an interesting urban design and amenities. Terraced steps overlook a bronze sculpture-adorned water basin. An island of towering hawthornes created a sense of nature. Tall wing-lights that float over the park, decorate it by day then illuminate it at night. A three story waterfall provides visual candy. Bordering Eighth Street, a mature grove of trees provides relief from the sun. In the center of the park, there is ample space for events. Everyday could be an event seeing the pulse of the city from an umbrella-blanketed table.
From the time that I spent here, the greatest attraction of the plaza (or park) is its obvious celebration of the Old Post Office. This is a historic building that dates back to 1874. The architect that designed it, Alfred B. Mullet was inspired by the Grand Architecture of Paris in the mid 1800s. It is a rare example of the Second Empire style that was common after the Civil War. A historical note I want to pass on is that when it opened in 1884, it was a main distribution center to and from all destinations west. Throughout the year, it served several uses including the Federal 8th Circuit Court. In the mind of the Visitor like myself, this was a prime spot to snap pictures. I'd stand on the terraced steps not to capture a movie playing on a wall but to capture a historic landmark that has been playing across the street since 1884.
While it was evident to me that it celebrates the Old Post Office, it was indistinct that it also celebrates Greek mythology. There is a want for signing telling the Visitor that it is based on the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus. I had zero idea when we sat there that the trees that provided shade over the benches by Eigth Street resembled a labyrinth. I had zero idea that the center was supposed to resemble the Island of Thorns. However, I did have a serious idea that the bronze sculpture by the water basin is awesome. Here there was a sign informing the public that this is "The Torso of Icaro" by Igor Mitoraj. And here was another grand spot to take pictures.
All I can say is, "Wow! They tore down a parking lot and built a mini paradise. However, I can say even more. Regardless of how nice Old Post Office Square is, a short walk leads to the even nicer Keiner Plaza and City Garden. Essentially Old Post Office Plaza is a stop on what I call "The Downtown Saint Louis Park and Plaza Trail." read more