By Maria Hickey, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Two blocks of open space in downtown St. Louis will become a sculpture garden.
The Gateway Foundation is funding the $20 million project located just north of Market Street between Eighth and Tenth Streets.
Planners say the urban garden will be planted and maintained by the Missouri Botanical Garden and will feature foundations, and at least 10-million dollars worth of modern and contemporary sculpture.
Mayor Francis Slay says the park will be a pedestrian-friendly space that brings the city together.
"I think the sculpture garden will be a great addition and bring a lot of people into what is now a passive green space in a lot better way," Slay said.
A bill approving the use of the city-owned land was introduced Friday in the Board of Aldermen meeting.
Officials say ground will be broken next spring and the project should be completed by July 2009.