Employment Connection and Bywater Development Group hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for University Crossing, a transformative, transit-oriented mixed-use development located at the North Hanley Transit Center on October 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
With an investment of more than $20 million, the University Crossing development will introduce 60 new mixed-income residential units designed to meet the needs of the St. Louis regional workforce. In addition to high-quality, affordable housing, the development will feature commercial space for an Employment Connection satellite office, strategically positioned to expand workforce development and employment services for residents across North County.
In October 2024, the Missouri Housing Development Commission approved the financing for the University Crossing development. This approval marked the launch of the project at the site.
Remarks were delivered by St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Days, State Representative Marla Smith, St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page, and State Senator Brian Williams, along with Kristina Le from the Office of U.S. Congressman Wesley Bell. Additional speakers included Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development; Matt Corcoran, St. Louis Regional President of PNC Bank; Dr. Christopher Spilling, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic & Community Development at UMSL; Richard Buckley, Board President of Employment Connection; Chris Hite, CEO of Sugar Creek Capital; Kim Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit; and Sal Martinez, CEO of Employment Connection. Each speaker will highlight the collaborative vision and community impact of this transformative development.
“The North Hanley Transit Center has been on our radar for more than three decades,” commented Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “We’ve completed ULI studies, walk audits, pop-up markets and commuter engagement events, before converting the site into a fun, artistic space that cultivates community in 2022 as part of our Transit Stop Transformation efforts. Along the way we’ve repeatedly heard from people of all different backgrounds, ages and professions about the need for nearby access to retail and housing. It’s fantastic to see this project get underway. Transit matters. Partnerships matter. This project matters. Congratulations.”
Early phases of construction are now underway with completion anticipated fall 2026.
