Chase Park Plaza's Smith Niedringhaus Named Influential St. Louis Businesswoman

ST. LOUIS (July 19, 2007) — As Vice President and General Counsel of IFC, Inc. and a developer of The Private Residences at The Chase Park Plaza, Marcia Smith Niedringhaus excels in taking something old and making it relevant again. Buyers of the residences, of which nearly 50 percent are already spoken for, have recognized her efforts and leadership in recreating one of St. Louis’ most treasured landmarks.

This summer, St. Louis Business Journal is publicly applauding Smith Niedringhaus’ accomplishments, naming her as one of 2007’s most influential businesswomen in St. Louis. Not only was she selected for her service to the Chase Park Plaza, but also for her commitment to area charitable and educational causes. She and the other winners will be honored at an Aug. 10 luncheon in St. Louis, and in a special section of the St. Louis Business Journal that same day.

Smith Niedringhaus has been instrumental in the redevelopment of The Chase Park Plaza property since 1994. Among her latest contributions to the Chase Park Plaza and the City of St. Louis are a massive $22 million hotel renovation, and the complete transformation of the Park Plaza Tower into The Private Residences at the Chase Park Plaza, the area’s first condominium project atop a four-star luxury hotel. When completed, the $100 million development project will convert the Park Plaza into 87 condominiums, 48 corporate apartments and 68 additional hotel rooms.

Not only is Marcia Smith Niedringhaus a leading developer, she is also a leading community leader. Nominator Merri Cross, director of the St. Louis chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) says in the award submission, “Marcia practices what she preaches, with a resume of devoted service to civic, industry and charitable organizations. Her involvement in the St. Louis community extends well beyond her day job…The places and people she touches welcome and benefit from her influence in making St. Louis a better place to live today and tomorrow.”

Smith Niedringhaus has served as CREW’s programs chair, chair of the awards and scholarship committee, and was president of the organization in 2003. She has been a member of the MUNY Opera Development Board since 2000 and currently serves as the chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Creve Coeur. She is a member of the leadership committee for the United Way Women’s Leadership Giving Initiative, Real Estate and Construction Industry, charged with organizing the fundraising events for potential leadership givers in the real estate and construction sectors.

She is a past president of the Marquette University Alumni Club of St. Louis, and has served on the National Board of Directors of the Marquette University Alumni Association. She is presently serving a third year as class representative to the St. Joseph Academy Mother’s Club Board and recently accepted a position as marketing chair for the business committee for the Central West End Association. Additionally, she is a member of the women’s committee of Forest Park Forever and is involved with the women business owners section of Women Connect sponsored by Midwest BankCentre.

Also a past recipient of the St. Louis Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” recognition, Smith Niedringhaus holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and received a juris doctor degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

About The Private Residences at The Chase Park Plaza

The Private Residences at The Chase Park Plaza will range from 1,020 square feet to 4,217 square feet and list for $395,000 to $2.6 million. Owners can choose from more than 30 floor plans, including main-floor living and multilevel retreats. Residents will have house accounts, giving them unique access to the hotel services, including 24-hour room service and concierge, catering and event support, health club and more. The Chase Park Plaza is located at 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd. in St. Louis’ Central West End.

About The Chase Park Plaza

What began as two buildings, The Chase Park Plaza has been a St. Louis landmark since the 1920s. Over the years, the Chase and Park Plaza welcomed kings, queens, rock and opera stars, athletes and politicians. The Chase became the home away from home for renowned actors, singers and politicians traveling through St. Louis, including every American president from the 1920s to the 1980s. The Chase continues to evolve, bringing storied history and lavish accommodations together with upscale living and unparalleled amenities. More than 80 years later, The Chase Park Plaza encompasses the five-screen Chase Park Plaza Cinemas, Café Eau & Bistro, The Tenderloin Room, Khorassan Room, The Zodiac Room and Starlight Roof, Chasers Lounge, a beautifully renovated conference center, The Chase Park Plaza apartments (soon to become The Private Residences at The Chase Park Plaza) and an 18,000-square-foot fitness center.

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