Riverview Plaza suspends plans to gate parking lot until further review in downtown St. Clair

One of the centers of economic activity in the city of St. Clair, and the county as a whole, is the St. Clair Riverview Plaza.

Indeed, The Keel has reported on at least three businesses to either celebrate grand openings or reopenings in the past Mannina's Wine House has found a home in Riverview Plazacouple of months alone.

There’s the recently opened Tru Blue Boutique, a women’s clothing and accessories shop. There’s the Anchor Point Bistro, an eatery that served food out of the neighboring War Water Brewery until recently finding a bar and restaurant of its own. And there’s Not Just Play, a pre-school and play place that recently reopened following a round of renovations and expansion of services.

So it’s no wonder that the Riverview Plaza is ready to re-invest in the property and begin performing repairs to its parking lot, which should begin shortly, as the weather allows.

There were also plans, however, to install a gate and validated parking system at the Plaza parking lot. According to Riverview Plaza, a validated lot would guarantee ample and free parking for plaza customers.

But with the historic St. Clair Inn nearing its reopening date this summer, the Riverview Plaza has announced plans to suspend the gated parking lot plans until the inn has reopened. A new study will then be conducted.

After several years of vacancy and an approximately $40 million renovation, the reopening of the historic St. Clair Inn stands to alter the landscape downtown.

"When Ann Marie [Oldford] heard that the St. Clair Inn was reopening and that there was the availability of a retail space, a light bulb went off. After evaluating possible locations, we fell in love with our spot in the courtyard plaza," Tru Blue co-owner Lorinda Kain told The Keel in March.

"St. Clair is so full of activity, anticipation, and excitement right now! We are so pleased to be a part of it."

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