Now Called:
The Streets Of St. Charles

Cullinan Properties, based in Peoria, IL is the developer of a large scale redevelopment project on the South East corner of Highway 70 and Fifth Street in St. Charles.  Many will know this site to be the former location of the Noah’s Ark restaurant and a large hotel that used to be on the site.  

The property had been a sore spot in the eyes of many St. Charles county residents for a long time as the hotel and restaurant had fallen into disrepair and were a visual strain when entering the county over the Blanchette Bridge.  

In the early 2000s, a project was hatched to redevelop the ground including some surrounding homes and a gas station into a large format, high-end retail, office, and residential center.  This project was originally known as “The Plaza at Noah’s Ark.”

In 2007, the restaurant was torn down soon followed by the hotel to make way for the new construction.  

One major feature of the proposed project was the Show-Me Aquatics center.  The center was to feature a set of pools and would feature aquatic therapy for adults.  That project has now been moved to be included with the new St. Charles Freedom Center on the site of the old K-Mart near Highway 70 and First Capitol.  More can be found about Show-Me Aquatics here. 

Originally, The Streets of St. Charles, as the project is now called, was to feature an 18 story office and residential tower, outdoor ice-skating rink, numerous high end restaurants, and an outdoor mall.  While the lagging economy has drastically changed the plans for this development, construction still continues.  A site plan of the current proposed project can be found here.  As you’ll notice there is a big empty location for “Future Development.”  Hopefully this location will see the return of the mixed-use tower.  It would provide excellent views of both the river and the surrounding area.  Currently excavation is complete and awaiting warmer temperatures to pour the foundations. 

While Cullinan’s website states a proposed opening date of Mid-2010 , it’s more likely that this will be delayed or worked into numerous phases.  A high end center was completed in the Lake St. Louis area in 2008 and attempted to feature higher end retailers.  While the economy has made it difficult for them to find tenants, they do have some big name stores including Ann Taylor and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  More can be found about the center here.

As more higher end properties are built in St. Charles county it should only further the growth of this county.