photo credit: Midas Hospitality
Cortex was designated master developer of this approximately 200-acre district by the City of St. Louis and can develop properties itself or confer development rights on other developers. The Cortex Board adopted a long-term mixed-use master plan in September 2012. As a master developer, Cortex has the responsibility and authority to plan the district, implement the master plan, manage the district, levy property assessments, provide subsidies, and acquire the property. All development within the Cortex Innovation Community requires the written approval of Cortex before a City building permit can be issued. Anyone seeking a Cortex approval letter for a building permit or any questions regarding development should contact Colleen Autry, Vice President of District Operations at cautry@cortexstl.org.
Cortex represents an extraordinary development opportunity for the City of St. Louis and the region as a whole. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of economic growth, new investment, and job creation in the district extend to all segments of our innovation hub. There will be participation opportunities related to construction, permanent jobs, entrepreneurship, and education.
As part of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in the City of St. Louis, construction projects within the Cortex district are subject to two City requirements related to diversity and inclusion:
Full compliance on all projects directly contracted by the Cortex organization (such as the development of Cortex Commons and streetscape improvements).
In a mature research park, 40% of the jobs are held by employees with high school and associate degrees, 40% with bachelor’s degrees, and 20% with master’s and Ph.D.’s, providing a broad continuum of job opportunities for a variety of skill sets. Cortex’s master plan anticipates that up to 13,000 district jobs can be created over the next 20 years, so the potential benefits to the entire community are enormous. New jobs will include researchers, entrepreneurs, technicians, managers, office support, retail, restaurant, and property services – Cortex is a place of opportunity for all.
In partnership with Cortex companies, developers, and owners, district job opportunities will be posted on our website. The information will also be provided to SLATE
We recognize the need – and opportunity – to build community capacity through coordinated educational, training, and entrepreneurial initiatives in collaboration with regional partners. Cortex is a dedicated partner working with many other organizations to establish effective programs to grow our base of innovation and success across the region.
Click here to view the September 2023 - CONSTRUCTION INCLUSION REPORT