One Foundry Way brings modern living and historic charm to Midtown

Tenants are now settling into One Foundry Way, a transformative addition to Midtown St. Louis and the first high-rise market-rate apartments in the area in nearly 50 years. The mixed-use development, located at 3835 Foundry Way along Vandeventer Ave., represents Phase 2 of the City Foundry STL redevelopment project.

Lawrence Group led the $96 million initiative, serving as the lead architect and interior designer.

One Foundry Way builds upon the success of City Foundry STL Phase 1, a bustling hub for dining, retail, and entertainment that opened in 2021. The redevelopment revitalized a 15-acre historic foundry, used initially by Century Electric Company for motor and generator manufacturing, into a modern urban destination.

Above: A street-level view of One Foundry Way, a mixed-use redevelopment in Midtown St. Louis. Image credit: Sam Fentress Photography

One Foundry Way's eight-story residential tower rises above a six-level parking structure with 481 spaces. The ground floor features retail spaces designed to blend seamlessly with the dynamic commercial environment of City Foundry STL.

The residential portion includes 270 luxury apartments in studio, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Interiors emphasize a blend of modern and industrial design, incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed concrete elements and warm natural materials.

Above: Inside one of the luxury apartments at One Foundry Way. Image credit: Sam Fentress Photography

Residents enjoy premium amenities such as a rooftop pool, zen garden, fitness center, lounges, bike storage, fire pits and a dedicated dog run. The design prioritizes communal and outdoor gathering spaces, fostering social connections and shared experiences. The features complement the vibrant atmosphere of City Foundry STL and contribute to its reputation as a central hub for city life.

ARCO Construction was the project's general contractor, completing the development within a year. New + Found spearheaded the effort, continuing its vision of reinvigorating Midtown St. Louis.


Header image: The open-air pool deck of One Foundry Way sits atop the enclosed parking garage adjacent to the 8-story luxury apartments in Midtown St. Louis. Image credit: Sam Fentress Photography

Downtown Chesterfield takes a step toward progress with redevelopment plans in motion

The Downtown Chesterfield redevelopment project is advancing with the approval of its site development concept plan, even as the design of its centerpiece grand staircase undergoes further refinement. Chesterfield's City Council's decision on Dec. 2 allows the ambitious multi-phase development to move forward while addressing conditions for future municipal zoning approvals.

The mixed-use project, spearheaded by TSG Downtown Chesterfield Redevelopment LLC, aims to transform the south side of I-64, east of Chesterfield Pkwy., into a vibrant urban district. Plans include a high-rise office tower, a hotel, retail spaces, residential buildings, and a 3.3-acre central park. Once complete, the district will host a bustling community with hundreds of shops and restaurants, corporate headquarters, office spaces, and thousands of residents.

Key features of the site include a five-level above-ground parking garage relocated northwest of the central park. With entrances on Green Blvd. and Downtown Chesterfield Blvd., the garage is strategically positioned to serve park visitors and amphitheater patrons. A proposed grand staircase will enhance accessibility, providing a direct pedestrian link between the parking garage and the central park. Designed for both functionality and aesthetics, the staircase will feature a 20-foot width and integrated lighting for safety and visibility.

Street infrastructure plans emphasize walkability and connectivity. Sidewalks along primary streets will be wide enough to accommodate patio seating or open-space features, allowing developers flexibility. Landscaped islands, tree-lined streets with decorative grates, and thoughtfully placed furnishings such as benches, planters, and bike racks will enhance the pedestrian experience. Cohesive street lighting and decorative fountains will further unify the district's visual identity.

Two planned roundabouts—one at Clarkson Rd. on the eastern edge of the site and another along Chesterfield Pkwy. on the west—will improve traffic flow within the development. Four major intersections within the district will be elevated and adorned with decorative pavers arranged in herringbone or basketweave patterns, creating visual interest and a sense of place. Nearby sidewalks will feature complementary accent treatments, and pedestrian paths are also being considered to improve accessibility.

The City Council's approval came with the condition that a redesign of the grand staircase must be submitted and approved before the first municipal zoning approval (MZA) is granted. An MZA is a prerequisite for obtaining building permits from St. Louis County. This condition was initially recommended during the Planning and Public Works Committee of the Whole meeting on Nov. 21.

Downtown Chesterfield's phased development aims to create a dynamic environment where urban living, commerce, and recreation converge.

As plans progress, the project's careful attention to design and functionality is poised to redefine Chesterfield's landscape, offering a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.


Header image: Crews continue with the demolition of the Chesterfield Mall, making way for the mixed-use Downtown Chesterfield Development. Image courtesy of The Staenberg Group

St. Louis eyes $232 million revitalization plan with a private sector boost

Following the St. Louis Rams’ relocation to Los Angeles, a $790 million settlement was reached, with $250 million allocated to the City of St. Louis. Recent discussions have focused on utilizing these funds, with $232 million proposed for revitalizing downtown St. Louis and supporting needy neighborhoods. A key element of this plan is a pledge from the private sector to significantly enhance the city’s investment.

Greater St. Louis Inc., a prominent regional business organization, has announced plans to contribute at least $200 million in private funds to complement the city’s proposed investments. This public-private partnership aims to strengthen infrastructure, housing, and economic activity downtown and in neighborhoods on the north and southeast sides. These areas are critical to driving long-term economic growth and addressing pressing community needs.

The proposed allocation of funds would designate $102.5 million for downtown improvements and $130 million for projects in underserved neighborhoods. Greater St. Louis advocates for focusing on downtown as a vital economic hub, citing its role in generating substantial tax revenue that benefits the entire city. By directing resources toward downtown and beyond, the organization aims to spur development and attract additional federal and private funding.

City officials have also emphasized the importance of aligning investments with community priorities. Earlier this year, residents participated in a public voting process to outline their top funding needs, which included water main replacements, traffic calming measures, city worker pay raises, and childcare subsidies. Downtown infrastructure improvements were also considered a priority, though they ranked slightly lower.

Discussions have continued between the city’s leadership and business groups to ensure that plans reflect both immediate economic opportunities and long-term benefits for residents. While different strategies have been proposed, the overarching goal is to maximize the impact of the settlement funds on the city as a whole. Like those proposed by Greater St. Louis Inc., collaborative efforts aim to replicate successful models in cities such as Pittsburgh and Denver, where public-private partnerships have amplified local investments.


Header image: Construction is underway to connect two major Downtown anchors with 7th Street between Ballpark Village and America’s Center on Washington Ave. Image courtesy of Greater St. Louis Inc.

AGCMO honors excellence in construction at the 2024 Keystone Awards Gala

The Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) recognized exceptional achievements in the construction industry during its 2024 Keystone Construction Awards Gala, held on November 7 at the River City Casino Hotel. The event celebrated contractors for excellence across 12 specialty disciplines, with notable accolades, including the designation of Specialty Contractor of the Year.

Stephen Leamon, superintendent at Pace Construction Company, was honored with the Show Me Excellence in Craftsmanship Award for his outstanding work in asphalt paving. Leamon was commended for his leadership in scheduling, budgeting, and reducing downtime and for his dedication to crew training.

The gala also featured the presentation of 11 First Place Keystone Awards, honoring contractors for significant contributions to various projects, including manufacturing, research, hospitality, sports, and historic renovations. Among the winners, Ben Hur Construction was recognized for its work on Procter & Gamble’s manufacturing facility, while KAI, alongside McCarthy Building Companies, earned an award for the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building Link Bridge at Washington University. Other top recipients included PARIC Corporation for the Kings Hill Redevelopment, Millstone Weber, LLC for the I-270 North Design-Build project, and Russell for the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis renovation.

The Brightline Florida Higher-Speed Rail project received a National Class Keystone Award for its impressive work outside Missouri. The collaboration between Herzog Contracting Corp., StacyWitbeck Inc., and RailWorks Corp. is the largest U.S. passenger rail project in over a century, spanning 165 miles and allowing train speeds of up to 125 mph.

The Keystone Awards assess projects based on how contractors overcome challenges and meet high standards in safety, budget management, and schedule adherence rather than focusing solely on aesthetics or scale. A panel of judges, including experts from architecture and engineering firms as well as academic institutions, evaluated the nominees.

Additionally, AGCMO recognized 12 Specialty Contractors of the Year (SCOTY) for their exceptional performance in timeliness, budget compliance, and overall contribution. Boyer Fire Protection, with the most votes, was named Specialty Contractor of the Year, with other honorees including ROSCH Company, Elastizell of St. Louis, and Guarantee Electrical Company.

SEE A LIST OF ALL THE KEYSTONE AWARD WINNERS HERE.


Header image: A photo of the award-winning Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building Link Bridge at Washington University School of Medicine. Image courtesy of KAI Build

St. Louis riverfront set for major redevelopment with $1.2 billion Gateway South project

Cushman & Wakefield has been tapped by St. Louis-based Good Developments Group to market the industrial segment of Gateway South, a sweeping $1.2 billion redevelopment initiative aimed at revitalizing 100 acres along St. Louis' riverfront. The master-planned district, envisioned as a hub for innovation in construction and design, seeks to attract industry leaders through ownership, leasing, and build-to-suit options. The project is slated for a 2025 launch.

Executive Director Tripp Hardin, SIOR, and Director Keith Ziercher, CCIM, from Cushman & Wakefield, will lead outreach efforts for Gateway South, emphasizing the site’s logistics advantages and its unique positioning in the heart of St. Louis. Strategically located just south of the Gateway Arch National Park, this historic site was once a bustling industrial and trade zone, thanks to its proximity to the Mississippi River and central geography. Today, it remains ideal for diverse industrial applications, offering multimodal logistics access via river, road, and rail, plus attractive economic incentives.

The development’s vision is to create a dynamic, integrated district where the city’s existing strength in construction and advanced manufacturing can flourish. St. Louis already boasts a high per-capita concentration of talent in these sectors and the area’s affordability and quality of life position it to attract new talent while retaining its workforce. By clustering industrial, commercial, and residential spaces, Gateway South aims to foster an innovative ecosystem where collaboration across sectors can drive efficiencies and sustainability solutions critical to meeting both housing and environmental needs.

The partnership between Good Developments Group and Cushman & Wakefield combines local insight with a global platform, aiming to draw prominent manufacturers and suppliers in the building industry. This effort not only positions Gateway South as a transformative asset for the downtown riverfront but also as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the St. Louis region.


Header image: A rendering of Good Developments Group’s $1.2 billion project to redevelop approximately 100 acres on the St. Louis riverfront. Image courtesy of Cushman & Wakefield

Downtown West $232M mixed-use development gains key approvals

Downtown West $232M mixed-use development gains key approvals

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

Kaemmerlen Electric marks 100 years of innovation and growth

Kaemmerlen Electric Co. was founded in 1924. It was born from the growing need for appliance repairs in St. Louis during the early 1900s as electrical infrastructure developed. Initially focused on small appliance repairs, the company serviced 50,000 plug-in clocks, toasters, and radios annually, becoming the most recognized small appliance repair shop in St. Louis. Alongside these services, Kaemmerlen established itself as a major electrical contractor that handled lighting and fan repairs in downtown offices.

The company was founded by Thibault Casper (TC) Kaemmerlen and his foreman, Gil Kramer, who each contributed $150 to start the business at 22 North 2nd St. Kaemmerlen, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, moved to Missouri to escape political turmoil in his home country. After studying at Ranken Technical College, he worked at Frank Adams Electric Company, where he met Kramer.

Kaemmerlen’s shift from a small repair shop to a more prominent electrical contractor began in 1927 when the company secured its first major contract to wire Gilster Milling in Steeleville, Mo. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, the company continued to grow, performing warranty work for department stores while expanding into electrical contracting. In 1937, Kaemmerlen bought out Kramer and moved to a larger location on Lafayette Ave.

Post-World War II, Kaemmerlen relocated to its current address at 2728 Locust and benefited from the post-war economic boom. It became a signatory contractor with IBEW Local 1 and co-founded the National Appliance Repair Association. In the 1950s, the company was repairing 25,000 appliances annually, which doubled over the next decade. However, by the 1970s, the company shifted away from appliance repair as consumers began replacing appliances instead of repairing them.

Above: The current Kaemmerlen Electric leadership team from left to right; Bob Kaemmerlen Jr.,Tracey Trembath, principal, and BrianTrembath, chief financial officer. Photo courtesy of Kaemmerlen Electric

Today, Kaemmerlen Electric has diversified its services, focusing on commercial, retail, and institutional projects. Its work spans educational institutions, healthcare facilities, retailers, and businesses like Nike, Mastercard, and World Wide Technologies. With 95% of its work from repeat clients, Kaemmerlen continues to evolve, offering expertise in low-voltage projects, data centers, and audio/visual technology. The company celebrated its 100th anniversary in October 2024.


Header image: Founder Thibault Casper (TC) Kaemmerlen flanked by two employees circa 1946. Image courtesy of Kaemmerlen Electric Co.

Partnerships and flexibility key to St. Louis’ industrial market growth

Partnerships and flexibility key to St. Louis’ industrial market growth

Photo credit: Drew Edelstein, Lawrence Group

HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital expands to meet surge in demand

HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital expands to meet surge in demand

Header image: HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital located in O'Fallon, Ill., courtesy of HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital

Sealy & Co. renews 1.6M SF lease with World Wide Technology in Edwardsville

Sealy & Co. has secured a lease renewal for two buildings with World Wide Technology (WWT) at Lakeview Commerce Center II and III in Edwardsville, Ill., covering in excess of 1.6 million SF. WWT, the company’s largest tenant, has maintained a long-term relationship with Sealy.

Lakeview Commerce Center II, located at 3971 Lakeview Corporate Dr., comprises 539,877 SF and includes a variety of enhancements. The facility, which was delivered in 2006, features 29,900 SF of office and laboratory space, T5 specialty lighting, and generators for emergency backup.

Lakeview Commerce Center III, a distribution center located next door, encompasses the bulk of the square footage with 1,109,830 SF. Originally completed in 2008, it was expanded in 2015 to add more office space, custom trailer stalls, and enhanced security measures. This building also recently earned the BOMA 360 designation for its high standards in energy efficiency, safety, security, and tenant relations.

Both properties are ideally located in the Metro East industrial submarket of St. Louis, just west of Hwy. 111, with direct access to I-270 and downtown St. Louis only 20 miles down the road.

Negotiations for the renewal were led by Sealy’s Regional Director William Shagets, with support from Cushman & Wakefield’s Ed Lampitt and Matt Eastin.

The St. Louis industrial market continues to see strong leasing activity through the third quarter of 2024 with a vacancy rate of 4.7%, according to a CBRE report (St. Louis Industrial Figures Q3 2024). Leasing activity surpassed 1.2 million SF, up 24% from the previous quarter. While the Metro East submarket had the second-highest vacancy rate in the area just under 10%, it led the region in leasing activity with 414,000 SF for the quarter.


Header image: Lakeview Commerce Center puchased by Sealy & Co. in 2020 is located just 20 miles from downtown St. Louis in Edwardsville, Ill. Image courtesy of St. Louis Regional Freightway

STL women leaders in CRE offer insights and empower others by sharing journeys and challenges

STL women leaders in CRE offer insights and empower others by sharing journeys and challenges

Feature photos: Drew Edelstein, Lawrence Group

Forsythia on the Park: $36M luxury condominium development underway in Clayton

Forsythia on the Park: $36M luxury condominium development underway in Clayton

Street view of Forsythia on the Park, a four story, 38 luxury condo project currently being built at 8250 Forsyth between Maryland and Parkside in Downtown Clayton.

Gray Design Group and Keystone Construction team up for $60M CarShield Sportsplex

Gray Design Group and Keystone Construction team up for $60M CarShield Sportsplex

Rendering credits: Gray Design 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

CITYPARK Stadium spurs $170M in fiscal growth for St. Louis

CITYPARK Stadium spurs $170M in fiscal growth for St. Louis

Feature image(s): CITYPARK Stadium, the home of St. Louis CITY SC, is located just across the street from Union Station in Downtown St. Louis. Image courtesy of HOK

Past meets present in St. Louis' adaptive reuse odyssey

Amidst the lively ambiance of Alamo Drafthouse within City Foundry STL, industry leaders convened for the MWM STL 2024 Adaptive Reuse & Redevelopment event on May 8, 2024.

The 15-acre site is a prime example of innovative adaptive reuse and redevelopment, featuring many diverse entertainment spaces, retail outlets, and nearly completed apartments with attached garages. The dynamic mixed-use project includes attractions beyond the Alamo Drafthouse; including Puttshack golf, a clandestine speakeasy, an immersive Sandbox VR experience, retail shops, its own Food Hall consisting of 17 restaurants, City Winery and more.

It was home to the Midtown St. Louis manufacturing hub and then purchased by the Century Electric motor manufacturing company almost 100 years ago. Work continued on a nearly 24-hour basis until 2007. 

The event included a chance to see such projects in real-time through a tour of One Foundry Way, led by Todd Rogan of Lawrence Group.

Alice Benner, COO of Artori Group, moderated insights from Sam Adler, director of development, New + Found; Joel Fuoss, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, principal, Trivers; Greg Gleicher, founder, Good Developments Group; Michael Hamburg, owner, Pier Property Group; Jassen Johnson, founder, Onyx Development; and Matthew Stack, president-St. Louis, Russell.

“The number of buildings going from office to apartments is increasing across the country,” Benner said. Reuse and redevelopment can be key to reviving both neighborhoods and individual properties, panelists agreed.

“To build a long-term, self-sustaining neighborhood, you have to think holistically,” said Johnson. “You have to have residential density, you have to have vibrancy, restaurants, and businesses.”

Johnson’s company has succeeded with several adaptive reuse and redevelopment projects in the city’s central core that he said can be applied to downtown. “You have to figure out office to residential as a model,” he said. “You have to shift to make creative, flexible spaces.”

According to Adler, City Foundry has done just that. “The intent was to be a catalytic development to spur activity in the neighborhood,” he said. “We are creating an ecosystem. We’ve caught up to the trend in the central city.”

Such projects tend to attract a younger demographic, Adler noted.

For Hamburg, the focus is to “reuse and grow up.” These projects, he said, “Both have challenges and are rewarding.”

Hamburg has found that “You have to be more upfront with planning reuse to rebirth a building.” Since reuse involves properties that already exist, “from a financial standpoint, there shouldn’t be a ton of unknowns that you have with a ground-up project. Older buildings have a lot to offer.” Benefits can include solid construction and long-lasting materials, although many such projects do require extensive updates for code compliance and current safety regulations.

The Historic Tax Credit program can offset contingencies and challenges, Hamburg noted.

The increasingly popular conversion of office buildings to multifamily use has costs, Stack warned, with different population centers driving various projects. “It’s a monster challenge to change offices into apartments. You can’t just pencil it in.”

Challenges aside, “We need visionaries in our city to do this,” said Stack.

St. Louis has a major asset as a power structure, according to Gleicher. “You have to figure out a smart way to use typical types of structures for atypical pairing up with funding sources and incentives that can be leveraged.”

Positioning himself as the optimist on the panel, Fuoss said he thinks of reuse and redevelopment as “an opportunity from the cost perspective — you have to be prepared for unknowns (even with existing structures). You have to make the project attractive (to area residents, funders, businesses, and more).”

Echoing colleagues, Fuoss said that St. Louis buildings have “superstructures and envelopes that are quite robust,” but that developers still “have to ask about what-ifs.”

Fuoss cited the AT&T Tower as an example of when it’s smart to wait before taking on a major adaptive reuse project. Reinventing the building for residential use would be a huge undertaking, in large part to deal with asbestos remediation, so the current plan is to “leave it as is for now and tackle other things (in the area). It has to become a mixed-use structure, but it doesn’t have to be done today.”

Johnson agreed, especially because “downtown rent rates are half what they were 10 years ago. The best option might be to (let some buildings) sit there until that situation improves. Rents are what drive momentum (in development).”

Thoughtful planning is also an important factor — it isn’t possible to raise capital without that. “You can’t take a project that doesn’t work and make it into one that does,” Gleicher said. “You have to have one that’s good already.”

Asked about the value of Opportunity Zones in planning reuse/redevelopment projects, panelists agreed that such incentives can be invaluable — and can be seen in action in St. Louis. “The Butler Building is the poster child for what Opportunity Zones were intended for,” Adler said.

Sustainability is also important and often requires understanding the requirements of the National Park Service. “You have to look at the embodied carbon footprint of buildings and the impact on the environment,” Fuoss said. “Having a building already in place has a huge positive effect on sustainability.”

“Sustainability is interesting,” said Gleicher. “It’s not only environmental; it’s financial: a project has to generate enough money to create revenue.” Responding to current sustainability and environmental guidelines adds to the cost of a project involving new ways to use older buildings that went up when such concerns were not considered.

Gleicher cited his company’s Gateway South project as an example of “an opportunity to build a microsystem that can be sustained over time.”

Contemporary demands on utilities are another factor to prepare for in converting commercial properties into residential ones, said Hamburg. “You’re typically taking out every mechanical element — the veins of a building — to create a smart building. You have to accommodate new building codes and regulations, and the team needs to understand that. The key is to assemble that team ahead of time — you can’t do it in a vacuum.”

Another factor can be demanded from funding sources or government programs to “meet unreasonable asks about using historic materials,” Johnson warned. “You have to think smarter.”

Adler said it’s time for a “call to action to rewrite the statues for historical preservation program” with that in mind.

Panelists agreed that getting neighborhood buy-in for an adaptive reuse or redevelopment project can be key to its success. “It’s step 1 or 1-A,” Hamburg said. “You have to meet people early on.” 

The good news is that “St. Louis has been great in supporting projects in the city,” said Gleicher. “People want redevelopment. We should be proud of that.”

“We need to toot our horn and tout projects that work,” said Stack.

As Johnson said, “We have to figure out how to make lemonade out of lemons.”

In fact, “We are uniquely positioned to make a positive impact,” Benner said in wrapping up the session.



Wright City School project provides opportunity to prepare for the future

Wright City School project provides opportunity to prepare for the future

Photo courtesy of Bond Architects, Inc.

Area projects are taking the St. Louis region to new heights

Area projects are taking the St. Louis region to new heights

Feature photo credit: MWM STL | Ruth Thaler-Carter

Ronald McDonald House plans to supersize in Forest Park Southeast

Ronald McDonald House plans to supersize in Forest Park Southeast

Featured renderings of Grove Ronald McDonald House, courtesy of Lawrence Group

Behind the scenes at iconic St. Louis outdoor theater

Behind the scenes at iconic St. Louis outdoor theater

Feature photo(s) courtesy Bingman Construction Company