THE GRAND CANAL

DPZ retained Corban and Goode to design the parks and develop the open space plan for the New Town at St. Charles, a planned community west of St. Louis. The town is defined by a network of canals, lakes and associated parks and consists of six mixed-use compact and walkable neighborhoods.

​

The Grand Canal is the central spine for the first phase of the Town’s development. The Sycamore lined waterway and flanking shoreline Avenues connect New Town’s landmark entrance to the neighbourhood center -  comprising a Civic Green and amphitheater, Town Assembly Hall, Chapel, retail and office commercial quarter. Beyond a picturesque thoroughfare for pedestrians, bikes and cars, the Grand Canal is the most popular venue for civic events and celebrations. 

​

The canal uses the abundant ground water of the nearby lowlands of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers that is efficiently pumped and circulated from the energy generated by the wind mills at New Town’s farm. It connects to the Town’s network of open spaces and waterways, and helps manage the neighbourhood’s storm water. Streetscape and shoreline planting initiatives feature native plant species selected from regional woodlot and riparian ecosystems.