The Journal

Issue date: 1/26/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Mariano Ulibarri Webster's new downtown campus at the historic Old Post Office building hosts examples of 19th Century architecture. A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the campus Jan. 19. [Click to enlarge]

After eight years of planning, the ribbon was finally cut, marking the grand opening of the Webster University downtown campus at the historic Old Post Office.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 4 p.m. Jan. 19 at the new 815 Olive St. location. Webster President Richard Meyers presented the benefits the new location will yield, but also said he couldn't believe the time for opening the new campus has come.

"Is this really happening?" Meyers asked.

Meyers said the 33,000 square foot campus will play a vital role in fostering the development and the educational needs of downtown St. Louis.

Meyers said Webster's foundation has been built on the willingness to take risks and it took a risk with the OPO that worked out well. The building will be a vital resource for years to come, Meyers said, and it will stimulate $340 million for the community.

"The beacon that's lit today - education - will burn brightly and proudly for years to come," Meyers said.

The ceremony also featured remarks by Jim Cloar, president and CEO of Downtown St. Louis Partnership, and Barbara Geisman, executive director of development for the city of St. Louis. Cloar said the OPO means a lot to the city and the country. He also said the teamwork involved in the development of the project was ideal.

"This is a model for the way private and public partnerships should work," Cloar said.

Geisman said the project was a great example of tremendous teamwork. She also said the benefits gained from the project will further education.

"This is the beginning of filling this building with life again," Geisman said. "It will provide new educational opportunities."

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