Construction begins at Moda at the Hill apartments

Construction is underway at Moda at The Hill, the multifamily component of La Collina at The Hill, a new master-planned development located in St. Louis’s historic Italian neighborhood just south of Interstate 44 and west of Kingshighway Boulevard.

The site, developed by Chicago-based Draper and Kramer, had housed the former Owens Illinois Glass Co. industrial building prior to demolition. The new four-story, 225-unit apartment complex is being built by Holland Construction Services and will join La Collina’s single-family subdivision from McBride Homes.

Designed by Humphreys & Partners Architects, the community’s amenities will include a large, hotel-style lobby and club room, a landscaped pool courtyard, co-working spaces, pet care facilities, outdoor grilling stations, and an above-ground parking garage with 250 spaces.

Individual residences at Moda will feature modern kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, as well as private balconies.

“We’re being very mindful while navigating logistics, as we are building in a residential neighborhood. The owner has also been very conscientious about making sure that the finishes and exterior of the building fit in well with the aesthetics of the neighborhood, enhancing the beauty of the Hill. We’re excited to contribute to the future of this historic neighborhood and as a side benefit, the team gets to enjoy all of the amazing local restaurants that call it home,” said Holland's senior project manager, Dan Hotop.

Holland has completed assembling the pre-cast concrete new garage and is currently installing the wood framing of the apartment building units. Completion of phase one, featuring the parking garage, south half of the building and the clubhouse, is projected for late Spring 2022. Phase two, which consists of completing the remaining units, is projected for Summer 2022.

“Once complete, this will be a distinctive multifamily rental building in a one-of-a-kind neighborhood. This project has been a unique opportunity to create an extension of the existing Hill neighborhood in a way that adds to the neighborhood’s strong character and residential fabric,” said Jim Elsman, Draper and Kramer vice president.

Moda at The Hill offers residents walking-distance access to dozens of local restaurants, shops, markets and parks, and a short drive from Forest Park as well as downtown St. Louis.

The development, with an approximate cost of $48.5 million, is being financed by Gershman Mortgage.