A massive redevelopment project at a high-profile site in St. Louis’ Midtown area is on track to open next year. The first phase of City Foundry STL will include a large dining hall featuring local eateries. Plans also call for a grocery store, movie theater and office space.

The roughly $220 million redevelopment across from IKEA is on the site of the former Century Electric Company, which made motors and generators. The property was sold a few times over the years, but production at the 15-acre location continued until the mid-2000s.

The site was vacant for a few years until Steve Smith, Lawrence Group chief executive officer, acquired it. His vision for a large, mixed-use development that he says will attract people from all over follows some other high-profile projects in the St. Louis region, including the Angad Arts Hotel in Grand Center and the Park Pacific Apartments downtown. Smith recently took St. Louis Public Radio on a tour of the site that could eventually have around 800 workers.

Credit David Kovaluk | St. Louis Public Radio Heavy equipment has been lowered into one of the many pits found on the property during the massive redevelopment project.

Credit David Kovaluk | St. Louis Public Radio Developers of City Foundry STL are trying to keep as much of the original steel beams and brick as possible as they work on the roughly $220 million dollar project.

Credit David Kovaluk | St. Louis Public Radio There is still plenty of work to be done at the property beside I-64 in midtown St. Louis, but developers are confident the first phase will open in 2020.

Credit David Kovaluk | St. Louis Public Radio The old rail trestle on the City Foundry STL site will become part of the Chouteau Greenway trail system.

Credit David Kovaluk | St. Louis Public Radio Lawrence Group CEO Steve Smith talks with St. Louis Public Radio's Wayne Pratt about his vision for City Foundry STL.

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