New Arch in St. Louis Scheduled for Completion in 1966

Aug. 3, 1963 - On St. Louis’s riverfront, a gleaming stainless-steel arch designed by the late Eero Saarinen is beginning to rise. When completed next year, it will soar 630 feet over the 200-year-old city. As a symbol of St. Louis’s historic role as a gateway to westward expansion, it is expected to become an international tourist attraction. Now that the arch’s giant legs can be seen, it has been adopted in St. Louis as a symbol of progress. Billboards, brochures, and company stationery bear its likeness. In addition, Edward Durell Stone has designed a circular, 50,000-seat sports stadium for the city. Surrounding it will be new parking garages, shops, office buildings, and a motel — all part of the $89 million stadium project scheduled for completion in 1966.

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