St. Louis Centre opened in 1985, filled with sparkling shops and fueled by predictions that it would be the rebirth of a struggling downtown. Instead, it became a high-profile symbol of decline.

Now there are plans for a rebirth, but not with shopping. As with most of the rest of downtown, developers say housing is the answer.

Pyramid Companies, one of the leading developers of downtown lofts, has agreed to purchase St. Louis Centre, as well as the former Dillard's department store across Washington Avenue linked to the mall by a skybridge. Paric will be the general contractor on the center.

On the ground floor, 80,000 square feet of retail will be available for six to 12 stores or restaurants. The second through fourth floors will consist of 120 luxury condominiums priced between $155,000 to $800,000. The middle of the center will have the roof removed to expose a football field open air atrium. Inward facing condos will have terraces overlooking a swimming pool. A dog run and other amenities also will be included. The plans call for removing the green-and-white aluminum cladding and making the walls mostly glass, with a series of terraces on the upper floors.

Pyramid hopes to start the project this spring by tearing down the skybridge that links St. Louis Centre with the Dillard's building. It may take up to three months to tear it down, said Matt O'Leary, Pyramid's senior vice president.

Sources: St. Louis Post Dispatch and the St. Louis Business Journal