News Release

Gateway Arch Park Foundation Receives $2.7 Million Grant from Missouri Department of Economic Development for Old Courthouse Renovation

Old Courthouse currently closed for renovation.

NPS Photo/Sue Ford

News Release Date: April 26, 2023

Contact: Pam Sanfilippo, 314-655-1634

ST. LOUIS (April 26, 2023) The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced that it has awarded Gateway Arch Park Foundation (“the Foundation”) a grant of more than $2.7 million for the Old Courthouse renovation project at Gateway Arch National Park through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program. The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is focused on supporting projects that further the recovery of the tourism, travel and hospitality industries.

The Foundation is one of 26 recipients from across the state, and the Old Courthouse renovation is one of two St. Louis-based projects selected.

The Foundation, Gateway Arch National Park's philanthropic partner, applied for the grant in partnership with the National Park Service.

“We are thankful to Governor Mike Parson and his administration for recognizing the importance of this project to the vitality of Downtown St. Louis and are grateful to have been selected as a recipient,” said Ryan McClure, executive director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “The Old Courthouse is not just significant to us in St. Louis but to the entire country, and we’re thrilled that the State of Missouri chose to invest in renovating such a historic site for civil rights and educational site for students of all ages.”

“There are so many important American stories that will be told as part of the forthcoming new exhibits in the Old Courthouse, and this funding will directly support the park’s ability to share stories of the Old Courthouse, our justice system, and especially civil rights, and make them accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” said Pam Sanfilippo, program manager for Museum Services and Interpretation at Gateway Arch National Park. “We are so pleased that the state saw the renovation as a worthy project for this grant, and we’re grateful to our partners at Gateway Arch Park Foundation for their efforts to secure this important investment in our park.”

“The tourism industry has an $18.4 billion impact on Missouri’s economy, supporting more than 280,000 jobs. It was also one of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic,” said Maggie Kost, acting director of the Department of Economic Development. “That’s why, through this program, we’re committed to investing in the recovery and future growth of Missouri tourism. This is just another way we’re building a stronger economy and creating greater opportunities for Missourians.”

The Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program was launched in October 2022. The program awarded competitive grants to applicants, including destination marketing organizations (DMOs), convention and visitors bureaus, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and chambers of commerce affected by the pandemic. Grant awards will fund a variety of projects, such as welcome and recreation centers, property renovations, museum expansions, park improvements, indoor and outdoor attraction development, and more. Learn more about DED’s ARPA-funded grant programs at ded.mo.gov/arpa.

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Gateway Arch Park Foundation is the official philanthropic partner and conservancy for Gateway Arch National Park. Its mission is to ensure the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public spaces, and attractions are a vital, welcoming, well-supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. It seeks to fulfill its mission by providing for ongoing conservation, preservation and education at the park, in addition to hosting, facilitating and promoting community programs that bring the park and its surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis to life. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association, and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit ArchPark.org.
About Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is a unit of the National Park Service that commemorates Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a unified continental nation and St. Louis’ role as the gateway to the American West during the 19th century and preserves the Old Courthouse as the site of the Dred Scott case. The park includes the Gateway Arch, the Arch grounds and the Old Courthouse, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. Admission to the Museum at the Gateway Arch is free, and most programs are free of charge and open to the public. Many programs and events at the park benefit from the generous support of park partners Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Jefferson National Parks Association, and Bi- State Development. The Gateway Arch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Old Courthouse is currently closed. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit NPS.gov/jeff.