Great Rivers Greenway proposes improvements to Kiena Plaza at 500 Chestnut Street

The City of St. Louis Board of Public Service has approved significant public improvement projects aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and community spaces. Among the key decisions made during the July 22, 2025, meeting, the board authorized a request from Great Rivers Greenway for improvements at Kiena Plaza, located at 500 Chestnut Street.

The project will focus on two main areas: the shade garden and the Veil Lawn. In the shade garden, existing crust aggregate will be replaced with precast concrete pavers, and the subsurface will be upgraded. Additionally, old trees will be removed and replaced with new shade trees, utilizing a subterranean modular soil containment system. New site furniture will also be added to improve the area’s usability.

At the Veil Lawn, the existing soil mound will be removed to create a level surface, and the soil profile will be rebuilt with new subsurface drainage infrastructure. Specimen trees along the perimeter will be replaced, and new light fixtures will be installed. Both areas will benefit from upgrades to their irrigation systems, electrical improvements, and additional landscaping elements. These enhancements are designed to improve drainage and overall functionality, making the spaces more accessible and enjoyable for the community.

In addition to the Kiena Plaza project, the board discussed ongoing maintenance of the city's electrical infrastructure, which includes addressing issues with treatment equipment and facilities. The estimated cost for this maintenance work is $30,410, with an additional $15,000 allocated for the replacement of a hydraulic actuator for pump 2 at the Chain Of Rocks water treatment plant.

These initiatives reflect the city's commitment to improving public spaces and maintaining essential infrastructure, ensuring a better quality of life for St. Louis residents.