The TIF is among local, state and federal incentives that make up 56 percent of the project’s first-phase cost. The developer has $51 million in project financing. TIF help would cover 14.5 percent of the project’s initial costs, which is in line with the city’s policy of covering less than 15 percent of project costs with TIF.

Steve Smith, Lawrence Group’s chief executive, said in an interview before the tour Thursday he is pleased City Foundry is making progress in getting TIF help. He said he hopes to announce in about six weeks the “lead tenant lineup” for the project’s first phase.

Coming into greater focus is how City Foundry would accommodate a hiking and biking trail planned by Great Rivers Greenway, the region’s public trail district.

Great Rivers and Lawrence Group officials plan to incorporate into Chouteau Greenway the unused rail trestle that curves through the City Foundry site.

Chouteau Greenway is planned as a link between Forest Park and the St. Louis riverfront. The first section, between Boyle and Sarah avenues, will be built alongside the Cortex MetroLink station scheduled to be completed in 2018.