Maryland Plaza has been a premier shopping, dining and entertainment district since its original founding in the 1930s, when it was the original St. Louis home to luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Montaldo’s. Guests valued the area for its elegant architecture, exuberant atmosphere and proximity to Forest Park, the crown jewel of St. Louis. In 2004, Koplar purchased the neighboring buildings that once housed St. Louis’ favorite stores and embarked on an ambitious plan to bring the vibrant shopping experience back to Maryland Plaza.