Developer Oliver Properties Plans to Enhance Wash Ave Retail with New Food Hall

## Bringing Life Back to Downtown St. Louis

Alright, listen up, folks. There’s something happening over in St. Louis that’s got some big-city flair. You know how we love a little retail therapy, right? Well, a local developer is gearing up to inject some serious retail action into what’s been the sleepy heart of downtown St. Louis.

### The Grand Plans of Oliver Properties

So, here’s the scoop. Oliver Properties, run by a fella named Alex Oliver, snagged the former Copia Restaurant & Wine Garden over at 1122 Washington Ave. This space isn’t your run-of-the-mill spot; it’s spread out over a cool 9,000 square feet. They’re thinking food and fun, turning it into a food hall with a mix of tenants.

Oliver’s got big dreams. He wants to create a space that’ll have the neighbors talking. He mentioned something quirky about the space: “unlike most downtown properties, this one’s got a patio.” This patio could be the perfect hangout for those sunny St. Louis afternoons.

### The Challenge of a Single Tenant

However, here’s the rub: getting one business to fill up a space that large might be a tall order. “For a single restaurateur, that’s a lot to bite off, especially downtown,” Oliver mused. It’s like trying to eat a pizza pie all by yourself, which, let’s be real, ain’t easy. And with a slew of sit-down joints already along Washington Avenue, mixing things up seems like a smart move.

This is where the food hall idea shines. With multiple operators, you spread the love and the risk. It’s a concept designed to cater to all, from the lunch crowd to those winding down after work with a drink in hand.

### Tying the Dreams Together

Oliver isn’t just a one-trick pony with this food hall idea. His vision stretches over 35,000 square feet of retail space in the area, plus about 400 apartments nearby. He’s betting on making Washington Avenue a cohesive retail wonderland, which, let’s be honest, the place could use.

This street faced some hurdles back in the day. Oliver put it plainly: every building was a “different owner’s dream,” each just trying to maximize their little piece of heaven. His idea? Get unified with strategic anchor tenants to drive foot traffic. Because, as the retail sages say, retail loves company.

### The Art of Tenant Selection

And Oliver’s strategy goes beyond just filling spaces. He believes in crafting a symphony of retail offerings, a place where each tenant complements the next. It’s shopping with a side of intentionality, folks.

But wait, there’s more! While he’s in negotiations with potential tenants, it’s all under wraps for now. No leaks here about who’s moving into the neighborhood until the ink’s on the dotted line.

### What This Means for St. Louis

This isn’t just a business move; it’s a love letter to downtown St. Louis, a call for community and connection. If you want more on transforming urban spaces, you might want to check out [this site](https://www.placer.ai/blog).

Imagine a downtown that’s bustling, vibrant, and alive. One that echoes with the sounds of clinking glasses, laughs, and the irresistible scent of great food wafting through the air. Now that’s something to look forward to.

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Stick around, because as this story unfolds, it might just inspire your next food adventure.