St. Louis Launches New City of Legends Banner Program

Downtown poles now feature banners honoring prominent local icons and businesses.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Awards

St. Louis Launches New City of Legends Banner Program

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The City of Legends program has officially launched, installing banners across downtown St. Louis to celebrate regional figures and companies. The initiative features prominent residents and local organizations on display for the public.

Why it matters

The program was created to enhance downtown beautification and instill a sense of civic pride among the city's residents. It highlights the achievements of local people and businesses to bolster the area's identity.

The initiative features individuals such as Nelly, Cedric the Entertainer, Ozzie Smith, Ron Himes, and Tina Turner. Corporate entities recognized include Stifel, Ameren, and KPMG.

The players

Nelly

Nelly is a Grammy Award-winning rapper and entrepreneur who rose to international fame while hailing from St. Louis.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer is a nationally recognized comedian, actor, and host originally from the St. Louis area.

Ozzie Smith

Ozzie Smith is a legendary Major League Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop who played for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Greater St. Louis Inc.

Greater St. Louis Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth and regional development for the St. Louis area.

Contemporary Productions

Contemporary Productions is a St. Louis-based event and entertainment management company specializing in large-scale productions.

The details

Banners are installed on poles throughout the downtown corridor, with each displaying names and images on both sides. The project is a collaborative effort between Greater St. Louis Inc. and Contemporary Productions.

The City of Legends program officially launched on October 14, 2026.

Culture Shift

This program aligns with the downtown beautification strategies outlined in the St. Louis Downtown Strategic Plan. The initiative highlights a broader trend of utilizing urban public spaces to celebrate local heritage and strengthen regional identity.

Residents and visitors walking through downtown St. Louis can see the new banners installed on existing utility poles. The program adds a visual element to the streetscape intended to improve the overall aesthetic experience for the public.

The takeaway

The program serves as a reminder of the significant influence local figures and businesses have on the city's character. Residents can look for these new displays during their next visit to the downtown area.