The MLB Cardinals on Friday saw the groundbreaking of a “long-awaited but scaled-down Ballpark Village” near Busch Stadium, according to Lisa Brown of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Ballpark Village’s $100M first phase “calls for two buildings and a canopied space, with a total of 100,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment outlets” to open by spring ‘14. Developer Cordish Cos. said that the spaces are 85% leased and a new tenant “will be announced Thursday.” Cordish said that other tenants “will be announced during construction.” Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III said, “It’s a relief.” Brown noted the 10-acre site has “remained vacant since the former Busch Stadium was demolished” in ‘05. The project’s backers “promise not only to open new dining and entertainment venues by Opening Day 2014, but also to realign the street grid in the area and add parking and public spaces.” The first phase “features a 30,000-square-foot building, 'Cardinals Nation,'" which will include a restaurant, a Cardinals HOF and museum and "seating for more than 300 with views into the ballpark.” Nearby, a 20,000-square-foot “Budweiser Brew House,” to be “built with a rooftop deck, will also offer views into Busch Stadium.” In addition, a “Live! At Ballpark Village” venue “with a retractable canopy will be open year-round.” DeWitt said, “We have a little momentum with the economy improving.” Future phases “include plans for residential and office buildings in the seven-block neighborhood” (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 2/9). "Cardinals Nation" will be on three levels, including a two-story restaurant, retail store and a special events space in addition to the ticketed rooftop deck (Cardinals).
