Neighborhood in Decline, and Comeback

Following the war, the surrounding neighborhoods resumed a gradual emptying out process which had begun 20 years before but which had slowed. Now the trend picked up speed rapidly. In 1947 the city responded to the trend by publishing a citywide redevelopment plan which called for the demolition of the entire area around Soulard Market, dunning the area as "obsolete and non conforming". The market was to be spared from this wholesale razing, and in 1952 the path of the new Interregional Highway was also routed to avoid nearby large businesses and the market. The Market held its own even as the surrounding area descended into slum conditions. Despite the enveloping decay, the customers kept coming, many now arriving by car from other neighborhoods and from the suburban county.

In the 1970's the neighborhood had reached its nadir, and began a long comeback. During this time improvements were designed and partially executed on the park: a new playground was built, along with a new bricked plaza in front of the main Market entrance, where until then 8th Street ran right up to the columned portico.