Chesterfield is one of the fastest-growing parts of West County.
The Downtown Chesterfield project is a $2 billion new development that will completely transform St. Louis County.
Here’s what we’ll cover on the new Downtown Chesterfield:
- What is Downtown Chesterfield?
- How Long Will The Development Take?
- The Vision: An Urban Downtown
- Future Impact on Chesterfield
What is Downtown Chesterfield, MO?
This redevelopment project, led by the Staenberg Group, aims to transform the once-popular Chesterfield Mall into a booming, mixed-use downtown area.
This massive development is a response to changing commercial real estate trends. Downtown Chesterfield is a prime example of sustainable urban design that will blend:
- Residential living
- Retail space
- Office space
- Parks and greenery
- Public amenities
The mall property will be converted into millions of square feet of new space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Chesterfield Mall Redevelopment
Located off Interstate 64/40 and Clarkson Road, the Chesterfield Mall was once the go-to hang-out spot in West County.
However, the mall became vacant due to shifting consumer behaviors and the rise of online shopping.
The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t help either.
In 2017, The Staenberg Group started acquiring pieces of the 1.3 million-square-foot property.
The redevelopment project is now taking shape as the mall demolition has begun.
Downtown Chesterfield Development Timeframe
The Chesterfield Mall demolition began on October 15, 2024, and ended late May 2025.
St. Louis-based Spirtas Worldwide deconstructed the mall, piece by piece, trying to save and reuse as much material as possible.
The Dillard’s and Macy’s buildings are the only remnants of the mall. The Macy’s building will be redeveloped into new retail and office space. Dillard’s plans to renovate and reopen the store in 2026.
With demolition complete, Phase 1 begins: grading and infrastructure.
The site will be leveled and prepped for other developers to purchase lots for residential and commercial development.
The infrastructure work is projected to take 12-18 months, so mid-to-late 2026 is when vertical construction should start.
The first residential buildings should start construction late 2026 or early 2027, depending on when infrastructure work is done.
The First Project After Infrastructure Work
The 3.27-acre central park will be the first completed part of Downtown Chesterfield.
The park will be the centerpiece of the mixed-use district and the heart of the community.
How Many New Residential Units Are Included?
The City of Chesterfield has approved up to 2,363 units in Downtown Chesterfield.
Until developers buy and develop the residential lots, we won’t know how many units will be for purchase vs. rent, single-family, condos, or townhomes.
When Could You Move to Downtown Chesterfield?
If everything goes according to plan, we might see people moving into this development in late 2028.
Related: Your Guide to Living in Chesterfield, MO
Remember, this development timeframe will likely change, and delays happen.
Michael Staenberg, founder of the Staenberg Group, has pledged to see the project through to completion, making Downtown Chesterfield a lasting addition to St. Louis County.
A New Urban Downtown
Downtown Chesterfield’s goal is to create an urban downtown in a suburban location.
This is a true downtown in Chesterfield, not a wannabe suburban downtown or glorified shopping plaza.
Tim Lowe, vice president of leasing and development at the Staenberg Group, noted that the project’s first phase will focus on residential options to encourage a lively, diverse neighborhood.
Planned housing units will include apartments, condominiums, and senior living options, with many designed around Central Park and public plazas.
Residential living is at the core of the new vision for Chesterfield.
The developers want a built-in customer base for future retail spaces, entertainment venues, and office buildings. That’s why the residential phase is happening first.
How many people will live in Downtown Chesterfield?
An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 future residents might live within a one-mile radius of the project.
Infrastructure and Green Space
Aside from housing and retail, Downtown Chesterfield will have a heavy emphasis on green spaces.
25% of the project is dedicated to public plazas, sidewalks, walking trails, biking lanes, and parks.
These walkways will link Central Park, Wildhorse Village, and Downtown Chesterfield with surrounding areas.
Additionally, rain gardens and sustainable features are part of the development plan to manage water resources responsibly.
Economic Impact on Chesterfield, MO
The transformation of Chesterfield Mall into a mixed-use, multi-generational urban downtown will significantly impact the local economy.
In partnership with the City of Chesterfield, the Staenberg Group secured tax increment financing (TIF) up to $352 million.
This is meant for improvements to public infrastructure:
- Roads
- Pedestrian pathways
- Utilities
- Parking
The TIF will also help:
- Attract new businesses and residents
- Generate local revenue
- Create new jobs
Once complete, Downtown Chesterfield will be one of the most extensive new urban downtown developments in the United States.
Is This Chesterfield’s Future?
The Downtown Chesterfield plan aims to create a lively city center dedicated to community gathering spaces and green areas.
It’s intended to be an economic hub rivaling Downtown St. Louis and Clayton.
With luxury residential options, boutique shopping, office buildings, and a network of public plazas, the new downtown will foster a strong sense of community and attract residents and businesses alike.
It’s a place for residents to live, work, and enjoy right in the heart of Chesterfield.
We can’t wait to see the progress unfold!
