Today: Missouri officials weigh the economic and environmental effects of major data center proposals, including the $1.5 billion Armory project. Also: legal hurdles in state redistricting, new city development goals, PFAS water solutions in Collinsville, and Des Peres’ first apartments. Plus, weekend events and restaurant news.

MAIN STORY

Data Center Debate Grows

Missouri officials are pushing to attract significant data center developments, sparking debate over their economic impact and environmental costs. In recent months, community members and officials clashed over proposals such as a $1.5 billion center at St. Louis’s Armory site.

Supporters, including Gov. Mike Kehoe and Mayor Cara Spencer, cite potential tax revenue and tech industry growth. Developers of the Armory project estimate $213 million in local tax revenues over 10 years, but critics question the lasting benefits. Concerns include temporary construction jobs, water and energy use, and possible increases in electricity bills. State incentives, like Missouri’s Data Center Sales Tax Exemption Program, can also offset much of the projected tax revenue.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen recently enacted new rules covering such projects, while state regulators warn that increased demand may prompt costly construction of power plants. The full impact of data centers on Missouri’s cities remains uncertain as new proposals advance—more details.

AROUND TOWN

Collinsville is nearly done with an engineering analysis needed to secure state funding for critical PFAS water treatment upgrades. City staff are racing to identify funding to help residents buy or install temporary home filters, after recent tests revealed PFOA levels above the new Environmental Protection Agency limit of 4 parts per trillion. City council discussions, federal grant applications, and a pending class-action settlement all factor into plans to address health concerns and subsidize filters for low-income families. Renovation costs could exceed $10 million, with construction expected by 2028 or 2029. For more background, see how Collinsville is navigating PFAS solutions.

Construction began this week on Des Peres’ first apartments, marking a significant development milestone for the city. The project, which will introduce new residential options to the historically single-family home suburb, is being managed by an unnamed developer. City officials say this complex will address housing demand and could set a precedent for future multifamily projects. For more details, visit the Des Peres apartment construction coverage, which explores community responses and outlines the planned completion timeline.

Extra Wavy opens Oct. 15, bringing a seafood-focused concept to Lafayette Square. The new restaurant from Yellowbelly and Lazy Tiger’s team features coastal-inspired dishes, imaginative cocktails, and a lush, tropical ambiance at 2017 Chouteau Ave. Housed in the revitalized Centennial Malt House after a 2022 fire, the 105-seat space also boasts an in-house hydroponic garden. Reservations are available online, and walk-ins are welcome; find details or book via Extra Wavy’s site or Instagram.

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Missouri Redistricting Referendum Faces Hurdles

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins said Wednesday that about 100,000 signatures gathered for a referendum on the state’s new congressional map will not count. Opponents, led by People Not Politicians, dispute his claim and continue efforts to put the map before voters in November 2026.

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed a federal lawsuit, arguing redistricting is legislative, not subject to referendum—a move that could impact similar campaigns in other states. Missouri’s referendum process has historical precedent, but ongoing legal challenges may determine whether voters can weigh in on the congressional map. Learn more about the dispute.

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Mayor Pushes Development Changes

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer outlined a new vision for city development at a forum this week, aiming to transform City Hall into a place that welcomes projects by default. Spencer said streamlining the permit process and updating the city’s decades-old zoning code are her top priorities.

City officials highlighted unpredictable permitting, decades-old zoning, and a lack of reliable infrastructure funding as key challenges. Spencer announced plans to launch online building permits for the first time and restore rapid permitting. She urged collaboration with state leaders and asked the local development community to stay engaged. For more details, see the mayor’s full remarks.

QUICK HITS

Missouri women's basketball coach Kellie Harper returned to her Southeastern Conference roots by speaking at the SEC Basketball Tipoff on Oct. 15, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Zum school bus company emphasized its ongoing driver safety training, monthly sessions, and bus security protocols following recent incidents involving unauthorized passengers in the St. Louis area.

St. Louis city officials admitted inconsistent street sweeping enforcement across neighborhoods due to staffing shortages since COVID-19, prompting residents to urge more transparent communication and consistent ticketing for vehicles parked on cleaning days.

Mark H. X. Glenshaw is presenting “Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight” tonight at 5 p.m. at the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, sharing 25 years of owl-watching experience and offering free wildlife education.