Chesterfield, MO

Where Entertainment, Commercial Growth and Community Values Intersect

A Vision Balanced Between Growth, Innovation, and Livability

In the heart of the Mississippi River Valley—one of the world’s most fertile agricultural regions—Chesterfield, Missouri, is writing its next chapter. Known for its balance of community, commerce, and connectivity, Chesterfield continues to evolve as a place where residents can live, work, and play amid a thriving economy and exceptional quality of life.

“Like every community, we strive to provide a place where people can live, work, and play,” says Mayor Dan Hurt. “What makes Chesterfield distinct is that we’ve maintained that balance while thinking 10 to 20 years ahead—making sure this city remains sustainable for the next generation.”

From its growing Central Park to its forward-looking downtown redevelopment, Chesterfield is leveraging thoughtful planning, strategic partnerships, and smart infrastructure to shape a resilient future—one that preserves the city’s natural assets while embracing new opportunities for investment and innovation.

A Lifestyle Defined by Balance

Chesterfield’s appeal lies in its holistic approach to livability. With tree-lined neighborhoods, vibrant retail districts, diverse housing options, and a commitment to green spaces, the city embodies the modern ideal of community.

“We’ve built a community that can adapt with people throughout every stage of life,” Mayor Hurt explains. “From families enjoying the pool and park system to retirees drawn to our trail networks and cultural amenities, we want everyone to feel that this is home.”

That balance extends into every aspect of development—from well-maintained infrastructure to the amenities that enhance daily life. Residents have access to everything from an extensive athletic complex and amphitheater to high-quality schools, cultural events, and a growing network of bikeable and walkable trails that connect the city’s neighborhoods.

The Heart of America’s Ag-Tech Corridor

While Chesterfield is known for its livability, it also sits at the epicenter of a major economic powerhouse: the agricultural technology industry. Located within the Mississippi and Missouri river valleys—the two longest rivers in North America and the arteries of global grain transport—the region is home to some of the most influential players in ag tech, biosciences, and logistics.

“This area is literally in the middle of one of the largest breadbaskets in the world,” says Mayor Hurt. “Ninety percent of all U.S. grain exports flow through this corridor. When you look at global agriculture, the Mississippi River Valley is critical—and Chesterfield is right in the middle of it.”

Major global companies have recognized that advantage. Bayer Crop Science, whose U.S. research headquarters are located in Chesterfield, is one of the world’s most advanced agricultural research centers. Pfizer also operates a significant facility here—one that played a pivotal role in designing the company’s groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccine.

Supporting these scientific anchors are global financial and logistics firms such as Rabobank AgriFinance, a division of the Dutch cooperative bank focused on agricultural investment, and Bunge, a leading agribusiness and food company originally founded in Brazil and now headquartered in Chesterfield. The presence of these organizations has positioned the city as a global hub for agricultural research, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.

“It’s an ecosystem,” Hurt says. “From research and finance to global logistics, it’s all connected. The ag-tech sector is one of the most significant—and most stable—drivers of our economy.”

A Rising Entertainment and Innovation Hub

Beyond its agricultural prowess, Chesterfield is also emerging as an entertainment and creative production center thanks to Gateway Studios and Production Services, a world-class complex designed to serve the live-event and film industries.

Located in Chesterfield Valley, Gateway Studios houses three massive production rooms—including the largest single-room sound stage in North America—capable of building and rehearsing full-scale Super Bowl-sized concert sets under one roof.

“It’s unlike anything else in the country,” says Hurt. “They can build, light, and rehearse an entire world tour or halftime show in complete privacy.”

The $150-million facility includes advanced acoustic engineering, secure gated access, and plans for a private hotel and additional production suites to support film and streaming clients such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney. The project’s location next to Spirit of St. Louis Airport—a general aviation airport with U.S. Customs facilities—was a key factor in the company’s decision to invest in Chesterfield.

“The airport offers direct international access for private and corporate jets,” Hurt notes. “That’s incredibly appealing to global companies and entertainers who want to come and go discreetly.”

A $2 Billion Downtown Transformation

At the core of Chesterfield’s future is a monumental $2 billion downtown revitalization, led by developer TSG (The Staenberg Group) and guided by the city’s vision for sustainable mixed-use growth.

Located on the former Chesterfield Mall site, the 90-acre redevelopment will transform the area into a vibrant urban center combining residential, retail, office, and public park space. Plans call for more than 1 million square feet of office space, 600,000 square feet of retail, and over 2,400 housing units—a mix of apartments, townhomes, and condominiums designed to appeal to every demographic.

“Michael Staenberg, the project’s developer, is as creative as he is business-minded,” says Hurt. “He’s designing this as a true live-work-play environment—with a three-acre park at its heart, surrounded by art installations, cafés, retail, and residential spaces.”

Assistant City Administrator Elliot Brown adds that the project is being financed through a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, approved by City Council to support infrastructure development. “Demolition is now complete,” Brown says. “The next phase is all about infrastructure—building roads, utilities, and the park—before we market lots for commercial and residential development.”

The city is also ensuring that the downtown redevelopment complements the nearby 55-acre Central Park, which includes the Chesterfield Amphitheater, athletic facilities, and the planned Aquatic Center, expected to go to ballot next year.

Expanding Housing and Livability

As across the nation, housing demand in Chesterfield continues to rise. Developers are responding with new subdivisions and infill projects to meet the needs of a growing population.

“Everybody wants to live here,” Brown says. “We have developers bringing in plans all the time.”

In addition to the downtown residential component, the nearby WildHorse Village Development, another TIF-supported project, will add roughly 1,000 residential units, including condos, townhomes, and multifamily housing. Chesterfield’s housing stock already ranges from large-lot single-family homes to luxury apartments and senior living communities, offering something for every stage of life.

Projections suggest the city’s population could increase by up to 10,000 residents over the next two decades, and Chesterfield is actively planning for the infrastructure and services to support that growth.

Green Spaces, Trails, and a Connected City

While development accelerates, Chesterfield remains committed to preserving its natural beauty and expanding access to green space. The city’s Bikable and Walkable Plan, now in its final stages, connects neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas through a cohesive network of sidewalks and trails.

A signature element of this system is the Chesterfield Valley Levee Trail, part of the larger Great Rivers Greenway network that links St. Louis to the Katy Trail—a continuous recreational corridor stretching across Missouri to Kansas.

“When it’s fully complete, residents will be able to start in Central Park and run or bike a full marathon around the city,” says Hurt. “That’s the kind of connectivity we’ve been working toward for decades.”

Spirit of St. Louis Airport: A Regional Gateway

Owned and operated by St. Louis County but located within Chesterfield, Spirit of St. Louis Airport serves as a major economic and logistical asset for the region. The airport ranks second in the region for takeoffs and landings and functions as a designated Port of Entry, allowing international flights to land directly in Chesterfield without passing through another customs point.

The airport supports a mix of aviation businesses, flight schools, charter operations, and private hangars. It also hosts one of the region’s largest biennial air shows, attracting more than 100,000 visitors and delivering significant economic impact to local businesses and hospitality providers.

While Chesterfield does not manage the facility directly, the city maintains zoning authority and works closely with the county to ensure compatible development and future expansion potential.

Looking Ahead: Building the Next Chapter

Over the next 18 to 24 months, Chesterfield’s focus will remain on its transformative downtown development and the new Aquatic Center within Central Park—projects that embody the city’s vision for sustainable growth and community enhancement.

“These initiatives will define the next chapter for Chesterfield,” says Hurt. “Downtown will bring people together in a whole new way, and Central Park will continue to be the heart of our community life.”

As the city continues to balance growth with green space, industry with innovation, and business with lifestyle, one thing is clear: Chesterfield’s future is as forward-looking as its people.

“We’ve spent decades building the foundation,” Hurt concludes. “Now we’re shaping the legacy.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Chesterfield, Missouri

What: A dynamic city with a divergent and growing economic future that is taking root beyond agriculture to entertainment and retail opportunities

Where: St Louis County, Missouri

Website: www.chesterfield.mo.us