Eads Bridge is not only an icon for St. Louis, but it also serves as a major gateway for Laclede’s Landing and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Arch Grounds).  Over the years the Washington Avenue streetscape along the Eads Bridge had been forgotten, neglected, and was becoming an eyesore for the area. Recognizing this, the Laclede’s Landing Redevelopment Corporation, Metro, and the National Park Service joined together to solve the problem.

Planning Design Studio assisted in developing a plan to improve this public realm. Utilizing a palette of street trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials, a unified landscape plan was created. With each partner contributing funding, the plan was implemented and now serves as a gateway for the area and an example of local cooperation. The Partnership of Downtown St. Louis selected the Washington Avenue/Eads Bridge project as a recipient of a 2010 Better Downtown Award.