Header image: A rendering of a new apartment building at 21st St. and Washington Ave. in Downtown West near CityPark. Image courtesy of AHM Group
21c Museum Hotel St. Louis blends historic preservation with modern luxury
One of St. Louis' newest destinations, the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, officially opened its doors in August 2023, offering visitors a unique blend of high-end hospitality and contemporary art. Located in the vibrant Downtown West district, the 10-story boutique hotel occupies the historic 1926 Renaissance Revival-style building that once housed the Downtown YMCA. The transformation was a massive effort involving extensive reconstruction and preservation to maintain the building's historical integrity while providing modern amenities.
The hotel features 173 guest rooms decorated with exclusive artwork by Missouri-based artists, 14,000 SF of museum exhibition space, and 18 suites, including two multi-story 21c Suites and a Library Suite. Dining options include Idol Wolf, a chef-driven, Spanish-influenced restaurant and bar, and Good Press Café. Additionally, the hotel boasts a 10,500 SF athletic and wellness center, the Locust Street Athletic Swim Club, paying homage to the building's past as a community recreation center.
A large glass sphere demands the attention of all visitors as they enter the lobby of the 21c Museum Hotel along with a strategically placed red penguin– a theme repeated throughout the hotel. Photo courtesy of 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel served as the architectural firm for the project, with interior design by Bill Rooney Studio and Hufft. Russell was the construction partner responsible for bringing the vision to life. Construction officially started in May 2021, following preconstruction activities that began in October 2018 and initial demolition and abatement in 2019.
The extensive renovation included the demolition and reconstruction of significant parts of the existing structure to create new spaces like the cohesive first-floor elevation and a two-story main bar. Historic features such as the pool tile, wood flooring, plaster ceilings, and wood paneling were meticulously preserved or replicated. The project also involved installing new MEP systems, extensive façade restoration, and structural repairs.
"The historic renovation of the YMCA into the 21C is a tremendous project that Russell is very proud of. The team of professionals had to overcome challenges around every corner. It took collaboration and support from Nuovo, Russell, the design team, and all subcontractors to end up with such an amazing finished product that is a true gem for our city and our entire region," said Matt Stack, Russell President - STL.
Previously a YMCA workout area filled with bikes and other exercise equipment, the space now serves as an additional gallery space featuring a restored basketball court. Photo courtesy of 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
The 21c Museum Hotel was named one of the “41 Best New Hotels in North America and Europe 2024” by Esquire. The magazine highlighted the hotel's combination of luxury accommodations, art galleries, and historical preservation, stating, “It changes the way you think about art, hotels, and, hell, St. Louis itself.”
The second-floor gallery debuted with the exhibition "Revival: Digging Into Yesterday, Planting Tomorrow," featuring artists Kehinde Wiley, Esiri Erheriene-Essi, and Simone Elizabeth Saunders. The hotel also includes a restored basketball court art gallery and a free 24/7 museum.
“We believe old looks better in the presence of new,” said 21c COO Sarah Robbins.
Header image shows the exterior of the 21c Museum Hotel that was once home to St. Louis' downtown YMCA. Photo courtesy of 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
