National Parks Conservation Association Concerned about Potential Development on Grounds of National Historic Landmark in St. Louis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2008

Lynn McClure, Midwest Regional Director
National Parks Conservation Association
P: 312. 263.0111, Cell: 312.343.7216

"Visitors to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis would benefit from improved services and a revitalized Museum of Westward Expansion. But the National Parks Conservation Association is concerned after reviewing the National Park Service's preferred alternative in the General Management Plan for the Gateway Arch, and urges the agency to give thoughtful consideration to balancing the need for these improved services with preserving the integrity of the site's National Historic Landmark designation.

"The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial grounds provide the pedestal for an icon of our country's heritage. Designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and Dan Kiley, one of America's most prominent modern landscape architects, this majestic site is protected by the National Historic Landmark designation-something bestowed on less than a third of all
properties in the National Park System. This important designation cannot be tossed aside every time there is local pressure to book hotel rooms. If we do, what national park is next in line for inappropriate development?

"Commercial development and historic preservation are compatible, and surely, with additional public input and a responsible approach to a design competition, a solution can be found that would locate new attractions nearby and on a site that doesn't mar the significance of the Gateway Arch itself."