Katherine Ward Burg Garden

The beautification of a half-acre site adjacent to the Eads Bridge.

The Katherine Ward Burg Garden, named for the St. Louis photographer who cherished the riverfront, is a primary gateway for pedestrians traveling under the Eads Bridge. LJC designed this new social destination as a beacon to attract people walking through the arches of the Eads Bridge, drawing them toward the new riverfront park.

This Garden has direct access to the East Riverfront Metrolink station inside the bridge and makes for a more visible regional asset. A trellis is designed as a modern architectural icon, in respectful contrast to the historic architecture of the Eads Bridge. The pavilion is shifted to the far northwest corner of First Street and Lucas Avenue to improve its visibility and anchor the urban corner. This location, atop a stepped terrace, offers impressive views of the Eads Bridge and the Mississippi River. The pavilion can accommodate numerous functions, including an information kiosk, bike rental or bike share, a dining terrace, public restrooms, and an observation deck, all celebrating the fantastic view toward the River.

Gently stepped terraces provide convenient ramp access from First Street down to Commercial Street. The terrace forms a small amphitheater, accommodating seating for small impromptu performances and movie nights on the lower Plaza. The lower Plaza also provides ample space for fairs and farmer’s markets to activate the southern end of the Commercial Street Corridor. This Plaza has the potential to extend east to include the Commercial Street right-of-way, continuing the stepping terraces to Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd.