While all of the recent free-agency banter was about Matt Holliday, changes were already happening at other key city posts: Lambert–St. Louis International Airport, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Forest Park Forever, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis…
For the last organization, the switch came at a pivotal time—after the unveiling of Citygarden and Schnucks Culinaria and with long-term plans for the Gateway Mall and the North Side on the horizon. Taking the baton as president and CEO: one Maggie Campbell, most recently president of the Arlington Downtown Management Association, a 24-year veteran of downtown development, and a current resident of Benton Park.
First Visit: “I came here as a visitor for a convention in 2008. I was awed by the historic architecture, and it caused me to delve into the history and where all these empty buildings came from.”
Biggest Surprise: “The scale and the rich architectural heritage around every corner, and trying to fathom why all of the buildings were still empty.”
Past Experience: “Arlington is a huge, sprawling suburb, so there really wasn’t a downtown to work with. My challenge there was to create one.”
Upcoming Hurdle: Working to secure the future of the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District, which is funded by neighborhood property owners.
Hobbies: She loves travel, history, music—classical guitar and a little five-string banjo.
Progeny: Her son’s in the U.S. Navy, and her daughter’s attending college.
Priority in 2010: “Moving forward the coolness factor. If we can make downtown St. Louis a great place to live and work, then all the walls come tumbling down.”
