Chesterfield is one of the fastest-growing parts of West County, and it’s about to see its biggest transformation yet.
Downtown Chesterfield is a $2 billion new development that will completely transform St. Louis County.
Here’s what we’ll cover on the new Downtown Chesterfield project:
- What is Downtown Chesterfield?
- Decline of Chesterfield Mall
- How Long Will The Development Take?
- The Vision: An Urban Downtown
- Future Impact on Chesterfield
What is Downtown Chesterfield?
This redevelopment project, led by the Staenberg Group, aims to transform the once-popular Chesterfield Mall into a booming, mixed-use downtown.
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.
This project is poised to be a truly transformational project for the Greater St. Louis metro area.
The Chesterfield Mall Redevelopment
Located off Interstate 64/40 and Clarkson Road, 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.
Decline of The Mall
The mall closed permanently in August 2024. At the time, Chesterfield Mall was 84% vacant and experiencing declining property values.
Foot traffic, property taxes, and sales tax revenue were on a sharp decline for years.
The site was blighted and in disrepair:
- Leaking roofs
- Vandalism
- Deteriorating infrastructure
- Safety hazards
By the time the redevelopment plan was written, sales tax revenue had dropped nearly 70% since 2011, and the mall’s assessed value had fallen almost 90% in just a few years.
Not to mention, the COVID-19 pandemic sped up the decline of shopping malls.
In 2017, The Staenberg Group started acquiring pieces of the 1.3 million-square-foot mall property.
The redevelopment project is now taking shape.
Demolition of Chesterfield Mall was completed in August 2025.
Timeline for Downtown Chesterfield
The Chesterfield Mall demolition began on October 15, 2024, and ended in August 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 2027.
Phase I Underway
With demolition complete, Phase 1 begins: grading and infrastructure, followed by vertical construction.
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 building construction should start early in 2027.
The first residential buildings should be ready for move-in late 2028 or early 2029.
The Centerpiece of Downtown Chesterfield
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 strip mall 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, many of which are designed around Central Park and public plazas. There is room for a hotel, too.
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 space.
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.
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 and CRG, the Staenberg Group secured tax increment financing (TIF) up to $353 million.
Where Is TIF Money Going?
The Chesterfield Regional TIF is capped at $353 million. But where does that money go?
About $105 million will go to the developers of Downtown Chesterfield. This money will be used for public improvements:
- The new 3.3-acre park
- Streets
- Parkiung
- Lighting
- Green space
- Walking + Biking paths
- Utilities
$25 million will be used for public parking and related infrastructure and improvements at Wildhorse Village.
$168 million goes to the City of Chesterfield for broader public improvements.
Here’s why this is important: Chesterfield is one of the few cities that doesn’t charge its own property tax. So TIF is a way for the city to fund the infrastructure upgrades that residents want, without adding a city property tax.
Chesterfield is extremely selective in using TIF money. The Chesterfield Regional TIF is the first time in 30 years that the city has approved a TIF.
This $168 million is not going into Wildhorse Village or Downtown Chesterfield.
The City has plans for improving roads and intersections that have needed upgrades for a while:
- North Outer forty + Chesterfield Parkway + Swingley Ridge
- Baxter + Clarkson
- Edison + Baxter
The city will also improve roads and parking around:
- Central Park
- Chesterfield Amphitheater
- The YMCA
- Aquatic Park
Finally, $54 million will be made available to the Parkway and Rockwood School Districts.
This is meant for improvements to public infrastructure:
- Roads
- Pedestrian pathways
- Utilities
- Parking
The TIF improvements will 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. The purpose of Downtown Chesterfield is not to compete with St. Louis City, Downtown St. Louis, or Clayton. Instead, the goal is to complement them and elevate the St. Louis region.
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!
