When a request for proposals was issued earlier this year for the 10-acre Immaculate Heart Convent in Normandy, developer Jeff Tegethoff saw the perfect development opportunity.

“It was an opportunity to create a village,” he said. “We were drawn to the sight because of the potential connection to the UMSL South MetroLink Station.”

Indianapolis-based Pearl Companies, where Tegethoff is a principal, is in negotiations with the city of Normandy to acquire its city hall and police department building. That land, along with the former convent site, will make way for a $60 million, mixed-use development along Natural Bridge Road.

“For this project, we wanted to deliver a full urban neighborhood that offers an integrated model of living,” Tegethoff said. “We build developments that encourage people to get out and be a part of the community by offering commercial options such as restaurants and grocery stores.”

The project would include 237 market-rate apartments, 20 for-sale townhomes and 21 for-sale single-family homes in addition to retail and event space. Tegethoff said Pearl is in discussion with the surrounding community and nearby employment centers to brainstorm other amenities to include.

“We’re asking for feedback. What do they want? Would a microbrew work? What about an entrepreneurial center that we can partner with the University of Missouri – St. Louis nearby?” he said.

“This is probably the best square footage of transit-oriented development we can achieve.” – Normandy Mayor Patrick Green

The development would be one of the largest private investments in North St. Louis County, and the first major transit-oriented development commuters who fly in from St. Louis-Lambert International Airport would see while traveling on MetroLink.

“As a business traveler, you may not have time to go all the way downtown,” said Normandy Mayor Patrick Green. “In the City of Normandy, we want to highlight opportunities. Choice brings options, options open doors and with this new development, we’re able to create a new impression.”

“Developers and investors are increasingly recognizing the benefits and advantages of the Metro Transit system,” said Taulby Roach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bi-State Development. “We are excited to work with the communities we serve to continue to attract new investment, support these types of important development projects, and advance economic growth throughout the St. Louis region.”

Pearl – which also has a development in the works near the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink Station – expects to break ground sometime in the summer of 2020, with construction lasting about two years.

“This is probably the best square footage of transit-oriented development we can achieve,” Green said. “It’s huge.”

Blueprints:

Project: Mixed-Use Development, UMSL South MetroLink Station

• Developer: Pearl Companies
• Architect: Trivers
• $60 million development
  • 237 market-rate apartments
  • 20 for-sale townhomes
  • 21 for-sale single-family homes
  • Grocery store
  • Retail/office space
  • Event space

Timeline: Work is expected to begin in the summer of 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2022.

The post Developer to Create Mixed-Use Village Near UMSL South MetroLink Station appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) refers to the investment that takes place at and around transit infrastructure. TOD is often a catalyst for economic growth – improving access to jobs, housing and amenities, and helping promote active lifestyles and a reduced dependence on automobiles.

The Chemical Building in downtown St. Louis will be the latest historic building to be transformed from gloom to glam, infusing a jolt of excitement just steps from the 8^th & Pine MetroLink Station.

Restoration St. Louis, led by Amy and Amrit Gill, has entered into a letter of intent to acquire the 17-story structure, located at 721 Olive. The building sits next door to the Louis Sullivan-designed Hotel Saint Louis, which recently underwent an extensive $71 million renovation that was led by the Gills.

The Chemical Building, originally designed by Boston native Henry Ives Cobb, features an intricately designed red-hued exterior cornice of foliated patterns and trapezoid-shaped bay windows. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The plan is to extend the Hotel St. Louis experience into the Chemical Building next door. That starts with constructing a street-level pedestrian walkway in the alleyway between the two buildings, essentially expanding the Hotel St. Louis lobby.

“The design intent is make the Chemical Building be a part of Hotel St. Louis,” said Amy. “As we did with Hotel St. Louis, we’ll take photographs of the terracotta details and make those into wallpaper for the rooms. I don’t want to subordinate the Chemical Building as much as make it a piece of the entire Hotel St. Louis experience.”

“I think St. Louis is held back when we don’t have great transportation options to all points of the city. Having MetroLink is a boom in my opinion.” – Amy Gill, Restoration St. Louis

Current plans for the Chemical Building call for 84 guest rooms, 72 luxury apartments, a ballroom, restaurant and rooftop bar. The renovation is estimated to cost about $54 million. BSI Contractors Inc. and Checkmate Design have been tapped for the project.

The extent of the Chemical Building renovation will be greater than what was required to transform Hotel St. Louis back to its glory days, according to Amrit.

“The terracotta is starting to fall apart,” he said. “The masonry package alone is going to be about $4 million. The window package is going to be seven figures as well.”

While that may seem overwhelming, the Gills have successfully completed some of the region’s most high-profile renovations in the region, including the Coronado Ballroom and the Moolah Theater in Midtown.

“What excites us is the feeling that we are strengthening and enhancing the community, the downtown community in this case,” Amrit said. “That’s far more exciting than just getting a building done.”

The Chemical Building is about a block north of the 8^th & Pine MetroLink Station. The connectivity and access to transportation is an invaluable asset, not only to the Gill’s projects, but to the hotel and convention industry as a whole.

“Most people from big cities get out of the airport, hop on MetroLink and come downtown,” Amy said. “You see it with conventions. They go to the convention center for the day, check their bags and walk over here. We get a lot of that. I think St. Louis is held back when we don’t have great transportation options to all points of the city. Having MetroLink is a boom in my opinion.”

The ability to create a more walkable, livable community is at the root of why Amy and Amrit tackle renovation projects like this. To them, these renovations help foster a neighborhood that many – especially younger generations – are longing for.

“They want walkable neighborhoods, where they feel like they’re a part of something,” Amy said.  “I think the biggest thing we could do for downtown is make them part of our revitalization.”

Work on the Chemical Building is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019 and be completed in the fall of 2020.

Blueprints:

Project: Chemical Building Renovation

• Owner and Developer: Renovation St. Louis
• Architect: Checkmate Design
• Contractor: BSI Contractors Inc.
  • 17-story, Henry Ives Cobb-designed building
    • 84 guest rooms
    • 72 luxury apartments
    • Ballroom
    • Restaurant
    • Rooftop bar

Timeline: Work is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019 and be completed in the fall of 2020.

The post Chemical Building Renovation to Elevate Downtown Vitality appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) refers to the investment that takes place at and around transit infrastructure. TOD is often a catalyst for economic growth – improving access to jobs, housing and amenities, and helping promote active lifestyles and a reduced dependence on automobiles.

A new development within walking distance of the Grand MetroLink Station hopes to further ignite the growing Midtown area and create an ideal live, work, stay and play environment.

Cullinan Properties was selected by Saint Louis University through a competitive process to acquire the rights to purchase and develop a 14-acre site at the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Chouteau Avenue. This intersection currently serves the #31 Chouteau and #70 Grand MetroBus routes.

The project will connect the north and south campuses of Saint Louis University with gathering space and event programming, providing needed amenities for university students and staff, as well as visitors and area workers.

“This development will be able to serve the student population, young professionals and those working in Cortex, the Central West End and downtown,” said Rob Lochner, Vice President of Development Cullinan Properties. “We love the location, and are excited to make a new place in St. Louis that everyone can be excited about.”

“This development will be able to serve the student population, young professionals and those working in Cortex, the Central West End and downtown.” – Rob Lochner, Vice President of Development Cullinan Properties

The 850,000 square-foot mixed-use development would be built adjacent to the $550 million expansion of SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. That development is scheduled to start construction in spring 2020. Lochner said the mixed-use development will be complementary to the contemporary style of the nearby hospital.

“We are not confined by existing structures. It’s pretty much a blank canvas where we can offer newer, more modern amenities and services,” he said.

The project will complement other major development projects currently underway, including The Foundry, The Armory, Chroma, and Steelcote Lofts. Cullinan is considering about 100,000 square feet of retail space, 40,000 square feet of restaurant space, 300 luxury apartments, a 200 to 300-room hotel and as much as 150,000 square feet of available office space. Cullinan Properties is partnering with BatesForum and Clayco for design-build services and Stock & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc. for civil engineering services.

The development location sits between Interstate 64 and Interstate 44. In addition to nearby MetroBus connections and MetroLink service, the project will be part of the Chouteau Greenway, providing options for walking and biking. The level of accessibility options makes this development truly unique, Lochner said.

“It always helps to have a lot of options,” he said. “Especially as we look to attract the 25-35 year-old residents and skilled professionals.”

Construction is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2020 and be completed in various phases. The first phase is expected to be completed in 2022.

Blueprints:

Project: Mixed-Use Development at Grand and Chouteau

• Owner and Developer: Cullinan Properties
• Design-Build: BatesForum and Clayco
  • 14-acre site in Midtown
  • 850,000-square-foot development
    • More than 300 luxury apartments
    • A 200 to 300-room hotel
    • 100,000 square feet of retail
    • More than 40,000 square feet of restaurant space
    • Up to 150,000 square feet of office space
• Timeline: Construction to begin in second quarter of 2020 with first phase to be completed in late 2022.

The post Mixed-Use Development Planned Near Grand MetroLink Station appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA) and Bywater Development Group today joined with Bi-State Development and other key stakeholders and guests for the official ribbon cutting celebrating the grand opening of Metro Landing of Swansea.

The $11 million, transit-oriented development (TOD) introduces senior apartment living adjacent to the Swansea MetroLink Station in Swansea, Ill., and has opened to strong demand. More than 40 of the 62 affordable one- and two-bedroom units have already been leased, and the property is on track to be fully occupied before the end of March.

Located next to the Swansea MetroLink Station, the three-story Metro Landing of Swansea caters to adults seeking an independent lifestyle at an affordable cost. Residents will have car-free transportation options via MetroLink and MetroBus to conveniently access restaurants, retail, entertainment venues, recreational locations, employment centers, and medical facilities throughout the bi-state region. The Swansea Station is also located on the popular MetroBikeLink trail, so residents have the added bonus of being able to utilize the trail for exercise and recreation.

SWIDA and Bywater, which jointly developed the project, secured the majority of the financing from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), with additional construction financing provided by PNC Bank. Support also came from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Ameren, along with the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department. The Federal Transit Administration also played a pivotal role in the project, providing the necessary approval for Bi-State Development to sell the ground at the transit center to the developers for this project.

Speaking at the ribbon cutting, SWIDA Chairman James Nations commented, “This project exemplifies how public-private partnerships, coupled with broad community support, can yield significant community benefit. And, with the same focus on collaboration that made this development possible, SWIDA is committed to delivering similar projects, and their associated benefits, to other communities throughout our region.”

“This project is a perfect example of how we can work together to deliver smart transit-oriented development to the region,” said Taulby Roach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bi-State Development. “We are ready to do more, and we are always looking for partners on that next development. Let’s continue to work together on projects like Metro Landing of Swansea, and find those new opportunities that can make a difference for the community, for the economy and for transit riders.”

Mike Lundy, Executive Director of SWIDA, said, “I couldn’t agree more that collaboration has been at the core of this project, and a driver of its success. We have all worked extremely hard to deliver a terrific development for the Village of Swansea, and we are thrilled to be opening to such strong demand.”

Swansea Mayor Mike Leopold also spoke at the event, highlighting the broader impact he expects the project to have. “While the facility has only recently been completed, it has already done exactly what we hoped it would do – serving as a catalyst for further development around this MetroLink station. We are currently in talks with other developers who are exploring opportunities in this area because they see the success of this project.”

“Metro Landing is an excellent example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships. The result is a development that provides a very high-quality living environment for its residents, directly connects with Metro’s transit assets, stands to play a role in growing the region’s transit system, and is poised to be a catalyst for continued TOD efforts at the Swansea and other Metro Stations,” said Aaron Burnett, President of Bywater Development Group. “We extend our thanks to all the development partners, financial supporters and the extremely talented development team who have worked with vision and dedication to make this a reality.”

“Transit-oriented development drives economic growth. Since 2011, we’ve seen more than $8.3 billion in commercial development completed, under construction or reasonably committed within a half-mile of our 38 MetroLink stations,” said John Langa, Vice President of Economic Development at Bi-State Development. “For the community, projects like Metro Landing of Swansea are an investment in the local economy.”

Adding to the cause for celebration at Monday’s ribbon cutting was the recent news that Metro Landing of Swansea captured the 2019 Wyvetter H. Younge Award recognizing champions in affordable housing. The award was presented in late February at the 2019 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Affordable Housing, co-hosted by the Illinois Housing Council and IHDA. The Wyvetter H. Younge Award is presented annually in recognition of outstanding affordable housing developments or initiatives in a metropolitan area outside of metropolitan Chicago. Metro Landing of Swansea received the top score in that category, which seeks to honor developments and initiatives that improve quality of life for residents and the health of the overall community.

The post Regional Leaders Celebrate Debut of Metro Landing of Swansea appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

A new mixed-use development in midtown St. Louis will make an ideal home for students, hospital workers and transit riders who use the Grand MetroLink Station or ride on the system’s most popular MetroBus route, the #70 Grand.

Pier Property Group is behind the Steelcote Square District, a series of developments in the industrial area north of Chouteau and south of the MetroLink and freight rail tracks. The district is also just down the road from the new $550 million Saint Louis University-SSM Hospital expansion project.

Currently under construction within the district are the Steelcote Lofts, which will bring 33 new residential units in the old Steelcote Paint Building. The $9 million investment will transform the industrial building and bring its first residents to the area later this spring.

“When we started work on Steelcote Lofts, we made a much larger commitment to this neighborhood and see the potential to revitalize an underutilized area that is steps from the Grand MetroLink Station, and part of a broader submarket seeing rapid growth and investment.” – Michael Hamburg, Pier Property Group Owner

Two new additions to this district were announced last month, all in close proximity and within the SLU Midtown Redevelopment Corporation area, for which Saint Louis University has master developer rights. Steelcote Crossing will be a historic rehabilitation of the Columbia Oil Company building, which will include 15 micro loft units (400 to 500 square feet) and a ground floor microbrewery or distillery, totaling 17,000 square feet of rehabilitated space. Mill Creek Flats is a ground-up development of 96 apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail. Pier Property will also build structured parking to accommodate residents and visitors of all three of these developments. Some of these units are planned to open for residents in late 2020.

These new developments are creating an entirely new district out of underutilized industrial land in the center of St. Louis. This area is ideally located between Saint Louis University’s undergraduate and medical campuses, and a short walk from Grand MetroLink Station and the #70 Grand MetroBus route. Residents will have convenient access to the hospital, medical school and a public transit system that easily connects them to rest of the region.

“When we started work on Steelcote Lofts, we made a much larger commitment to this neighborhood and see the potential to revitalize an underutilized area that is steps from the Grand MetroLink Station, and part of a broader submarket seeing rapid growth and investment,” Pier Property Group Owner Michael Hamburg said. “Mill Creek Flats represents an opportunity for us to tie the other residential buildings together and create a cohesive community.”

Blueprints:

Project: Steelcote Lofts

• Developer: Pier Property Group
  • 42,000 square feet
  • 33 apartments
  • 15 indoor parking spaces
  • Amenities include 2-story loft units, lobby lounge and rooftop deck
  • $9 million of investment
• Timeline: Construction started in October 2018 and is planned to be completed in late spring 2019.

Project: Steelcote Crossing

• Developer: Pier Property Group
  • 17,000 square feet
  • 15 micro loft units
  • Ground floor microbrewery or distillery space
  • $4 million of investment
• Timeline: Construction planned to start in March 2019 with completion planned for late 2020.

Project: Mill Creek Flats

• Developer: Pier Property Group
  • 5- and 6-story buildings
  • 96 new construction apartment units
  • Ground floor retail
  • Amenities include structured parking, rooftop pool deck, fitness center, dog park, business center, viewing deck, bike storage and balconies
  • $20 million of investment
• Timeline: Construction planned to start in late summer 2019, and is planned to be completed in late 2020.

The post Steelcote Square District to Transform Area South of Grand MetroLink Station appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

If you walk one block north and one block east of the 8^th & Pine MetroLink Station, you’ll come across the Union Trust building at 705 Olive Street, a historic architectural jewel that has found new life as downtown St. Louis’ newest hotel – Hotel Saint Louis.

From the 16-story wrought-iron staircase and arched windows to the elaborate terra cotta trim, cornice, cast-iron embellishments and balustrade panels, the $68 million renovation by Restoration St. Louis not only pays homage to world-renowned architect Louis Sullivan, but is a tribute to the city’s vibrant historical and cultural breadth.

The building, which dates back to 1893, operates under the Autograph Collection Hotels by Marriott flag — the first in St. Louis – and features 140 guest rooms including 52 suites, 14 luxury apartments, a three-bedroom top-floor penthouse, spa, rooftop pool and bar, among other compelling and one-of-a-kind amenities.

The renovation has resulted in stunning interiors that bring new life to the building. Restoration St. Louis made a concerted effort to stay as true to the original Sullivan design as possible throughout the two-year project. Except for some alterations in 1924, the exterior of the building is in its original form.

The street-level restaurant’s moniker, Union 30, is a reference to the building’s original name, its order of listing as a City Landmark, and the fact that there are only 30 Sullivan buildings left in existence. The restaurant opens into the hotel lobby, which includes the recreation of the original atrium, a new stained glass skylight and an intricate marble floor.

“Hotel Saint Louis is located in a well-connected part of town, given the nearby MetroLink stations, pedestrian and bike lanes and ample street and garage parking. It’s a win-win for anyone wanting to come downtown.” – Amy Gill, co-owner of Restoration St. Louis

Amrit and Amy Gill, owners of Restoration St. Louis, bring a hearty dose of St. Louis style and humor to the trappings of the new hotel. Guest room amenities include windows that open; TOTO Washlets, a first for St. Louis hotels; a vintage record player and several vinyl albums curated by Tom “Papa” Ray, owner of Vintage Vinyl; originally designed wallpaper that reflects Sullivan’s design; rugs and headboards patterned after the iconic Gateway Arch; and art work commissioned by area artists Fern K. Taylor and Muny scenic designer Andy Cross.

“We exist to improve the communities we operate in by redeveloping neglected neighborhoods and making them great places to live, work and play,” Amy Gill said. “Hotel Saint Louis is located in a well-connected part of town, given the nearby MetroLink stations, pedestrian and bike lanes and ample street and garage parking. It’s a win-win for anyone wanting to come downtown.”

Hotel Saint Louis comes alongside several other redevelopment projects along Olive Street, including the Railway Exchange building to the east, Hotel Indigo at Olive and Broadway, and the Chemical Building to the west. As more developments begin to take shape downtown, pedestrians, including hotel visitors and transit riders, benefit from more vitality, safety, and access to ground-floor services.

“We bring iconic buildings back to life in a way that will be distinctive and vibrant for another 100 years,” Amy Gill added.

Blueprints:

Project: Hotel Saint Louis

• Developer: Restoration St. Louis
  • 140-room Autograph Collection Hotel with a rooftop bar
  • 16 floors with 8,000 sf of event space
  • 15 apartments, including a 3-bedroom penthouse
  • Two signature restaurants, including Union 30, and a ground-floor spa
  • $68 million in investment
• Timeline: Construction started in July 2017, and the hotel and Union 30 opened in December 2018. The Grand Ballroom, spa, rooftop bar, and apartments are expected to open in February.

The post Hotel Saint Louis Adds Historic Charm to Downtown St. Louis appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Transit-oriented development supports the economic growth in the bi-state area, but it also has the power to deliver valuable resources for key segments of the region’s population: senior citizens and working families.

The U.S. population is getting older. It’s estimated that by the end of 2029, there will be over 70 million seniors – representing about 20 percent of the country’s population. In the bi-state area, there is a unique opportunity to support this population growth by leveraging the public transit system to enhance the quality of life for seniors through age-friendly housing and greater accessibility.

In the St. Louis region, the senior population is expected to increase by 77 percent over the next 30 years, and by 2045, it’s predicted that one out of every four people in the region will be over 65 years old. In St. Louis County, seniors already make up around 43 percent of the total population, or nearly 450,000 people.

For many of these seniors, driving a car is often not possible, which may lead to isolation, difficulty getting to health appointments and other critical services, and a general reduction in independence. When seniors are able to live near transit, they are able to forgo driving without losing their independence and mobility.

Age-friendly developments and facilities where seniors can receive long-term care, participate in the community and receive other needed services are increasingly in demand. One such example is Metro Landing at Swansea, an affordable, active senior living apartment project developed by the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority and Bywater Development in partnership with Bi-State Development. Seniors who will soon live in the 62 units at Metro Landing will live just a few steps from the Swansea MetroLink Station and the MetroBikeLink pedestrian/bike trails in St. Clair County, Illinois.

Quality of life can also be greatly improved for working families, especially those living at or below the area median income, by living near public transportation. Access to quality transportation is a key driver of economic success, according to a recent Harvard study. In fact, commute time is the single strongest factor in escaping poverty.

Based on a customer survey in 2015, about 41 percent of Metro Transit’s riders reported an annual income of under $20,000, and 37 percent do not own a car. The availability of affordable housing to people at or below median income near transit enables healthier, more productive lives, while also increasing ridership. For many families living with financial stress, using public transit for some or all of their trips can allow households to avoid purchasing an additional car – or any car at all – so they can cut their costs substantially without cutting their ability to get around.

Bi-State Development is currently analyzing the feasibility of workforce housing along the potential Northside-Southside light rail alignment through the Northside Southside TOD Study. Metro Transit is also planning to introduce 13 high-frequency bus lines to its network through its Metro Reimagined service plan, which may lead to the development of senior and workforce housing along these corridors. When the region plans high-quality TOD projects near its transit centers, it contributes to a more equitable, accessible and economically successful St. Louis region.

The post Metro Transit Connects Senior and Working Families to Housing and Accessibility appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Big development plans are taking shape for the area surrounding the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Transit Center that will further bolster a live, work, play atmosphere in the heart of St. Louis.

Pearl Real Estate Companies has put forth a proposal that includes three separate buildings that would transform Metro Transit’s former passenger drop-off area and Park-Ride lot, as well as the retail property north of the transit center.

At its November 16 meeting, the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners approved proceeding with the project conditioned upon the developer securing all the needed approvals, including from the City of St. Louis, surrounding neighborhoods and the Federal Transit Administration.

“As a catalyst for economic development, Metro Transit helps strengthen the community and improve the quality of life for everyone in the St. Louis region,” said John Nations, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bi-State Development. “We are excited to partner on a project that will completely transform the area around one of Metro’s most popular transit centers and bring new resources and amenities to the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood.”

The development includes 265 residential units, 33,888 square feet of ground-floor retail, streetscape and public space improvements, and up to 342 parking spaces. The Metro Transit Park-Ride lot will include a six-story building with 108 apartments, and nearly 13,000 square feet of ground floor retail. There will be streetscape and pedestrian amenities, including public art. The former passenger drop-off area will be the location of a five-story building with 51 apartments and 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail. Finally, the retail center north of the Metro Park-Ride lot will have a four-story development with 106 apartments and 16,000 square feet of ground floor retail.

“Pearl has recognized the opportunity to bring national focus to St. Louis by transforming the existing Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink Station and adjacent retail center into a catalytic transit-oriented development.” – Jeff Tegethoff, principal with Pearl Real Estate Companies

“We are excited that our partners have come together to propose something that matches the values of the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood and fits our vision for the future,” said Brandon Sterling, Executive Director of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council. “This project looks to be not only fiscally viable, but also socially viable, and we are eager to see what this corner of our neighborhood can do.”

The design of this project is focused on the transit center and the multi-modal assets of this area in order to bring an attractive, vibrant development that the neighborhood, transit riders, and visitors to the area will enjoy.

Jeff Tegethoff, principal with Pearl Real Estate Companies, said the project will help foster a car-optional lifestyle.

“As a developer of ‘Irreplaceable Buildings in Irreplaceable Locations’, Pearl has recognized the opportunity to bring national focus to St. Louis by transforming the existing Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink Station and adjacent retail center into a catalytic transit-oriented development,” he said. “The result will have lasting impact on St. Louis for generations.”

The developer is targeting starting work near the end of 2019 with completion by the end of 2020.

Blueprints

Project: Forest Park-DeBaliviere

• Developer: Pearl Real Estate Companies
  • Three 4-6 story buildings on east and west sides of DeBaliviere near Forest Park Parkway
  • 33,888 square feet of ground floor retail
  • 265 apartment units at 500-1,200 square feet
  • 342 subterranean and wrapped parking spaces
  • Plaza space, pedestrian improvements and public art
  • Approximately $70 million in investment for total project
• Timeline: Construction is planned to start in late 2019 with planned completion by the end of 2020

The post New Development to Transform Forest Park-DeBaliviere Transit Center appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

The Delmar Loop has long been a success story in the region for offering vibrant, around the clock activity. However, for many years that activity didn’t extend down to the far eastern end of Delmar Boulevard. That’s about to change.

Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop and CEO of the Clark-Fox Foundation, recently announced plans to renovate the former St. Luke’s Hospital building on Delmar as part of the Delmar DivINe project. The name intends to provoke a different take on Delmar Boulevard, what is often seen as a dividing line in St. Louis.

Delmar DivINe is designed to be a space for innovation, collaboration and community. The project will renovate the former hospital building between Clara and Belt Avenues on Delmar, on the eastern edge of the West End neighborhood, and will include access to public transit. Some sections of the hospital structure were first built in 1904, and the facility was closed in 2014. The renovation will inject a 21^st century modern approach to a historic asset.

“In turn, an amazing neighborhood – the West End – will be revitalized, and employees, visitors and residents will be able to utilize the wealth of transportation options nearby, including MetroLink, MetroBus, the Loop Trolley and the St. Vincent Greenway.” – Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop and CEO of the Clark-Fox Foundation

The 473,000-square-foot building will include 150 one and two bedroom apartments designed for young, diverse professionals at reasonable prices who value being near alternative transportation options, including Metro Transit and the Loop Trolley. The mixed-use project will also provide office space, shared services and resources for nonprofits, foundations and community support organizations. Shared spaces include an auditorium, training and conference rooms, and a resource and evaluation center. Shared space tenants may be national or local, but the intention is to find organizations that are focused on improving the lives of children and families in the metropolitan St. Louis area.

Clark, the Chief Inspirator of the Delmar DivINe project, sees this investment as a benefit to the entire St. Louis region, well beyond the city limits.

“Nonprofits contribute 10 percent to the overall economy of St. Louis,” Clark said. “We are creating a Cortex-like working environment for nonprofits to leverage the assets and talents of this important economic sector of St. Louis. In turn, an amazing neighborhood – the West End – will be revitalized, and employees, visitors and residents will be able to utilize the wealth of transportation options nearby, including MetroLink, MetroBus, the Loop Trolley and the St. Vincent Greenway. It is a huge win-win for our region.”

The nonprofit office space will take up 160,000 square feet of the building, and the ground floor will be filled with businesses to enliven the area and improve walkability and accessibility, an important design feature for transit riders, cyclists, pedestrians and other users of car-free transportation. The $90 million development is expected to create about 500 jobs in the surrounding community when completed, representing a significant investment in the economic development of the area.

Blueprints:

Project: Delmar DivINe

• Developer: Clayco Construction and the Delmar DivINe Corporation.
• 473,000 square feet, mixed-use building to be completed in 2 phases
  • 110,000 square-foot, non-profit office space in Phase 1
  • 12,000 square-foot ground floor retail space in Phase 1
  • 150 one and two bedroom apartments in Phase 1
  • Approximately $90 million in total investment
  • Expected to create about 500 jobs in the community
  • Approximately 1,000 people will live and/or work in the Delmar DivINe when both phases are completed
• Timeline: Construction on Phase 1 is set to begin in December with planned completion in spring of 2020. A completion date for Phase 2 has yet to be determined.

The post New Development Aims to Better Connect Delmar Corridor appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Downtown Clayton has been booming with new development projects in the last couple years, including 212 South Meramec, a 26-story apartment building, and a new hotel planned for the old Clayton Police Headquarters building.

The City of Clayton passed a TOD Overlay Code for both Clayton and the area around the Forsyth MetroLink Station. This code encourages denser, mixed-use developments through mechanisms like no maximum building height and no minimum parking requirements, but requiring connections to the MetroLink Station and streetscape and greenspace improvements. A few of the recent projects around the Clayton MetroLink Station have used this Overlay Code, as has a new project that is coming to life near the Forsyth MetroLink Station.

Centene Corporation, a large health care company based out of downtown Clayton, is expanding its headquarters in one of the largest development projects in Clayton’s history. The $770 million Centene Centre will include a 27-story office building, a 17-story residential/hotel building, and a civic center with a full-scale auditorium, as well as a 12-story parking garage, covering the area from South Hanley Road to Forest Park Parkway, just south of Forsyth Boulevard.

“The proximity to MetroLink makes the location ideal for visitors who are traveling to Clayton to work, shop or dine.” – Clayton Mayor Harold Sanger

The 550,000 square-foot office building is already 96 percent leased due to the large area taken up by Centene Corporation, as well as other tenants like Armstrong Teasdale, JP Morgan, Cushman Wakefield and Stinson Morrison Hecker. The development will include a public, pedestrian-oriented plaza with landscaping, outdoor seating, a waterfall and a fire pit. The plaza also strives to be LEED certified, and features artwork, including an illuminated colored glass canopy connecting the garage to the office tower.

The apartment tower, which sits just north of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, was recently approved for 17 stories, including ground floor retail, 15 floors of multi-family units and a top floor penthouse.

A civic center and auditorium will be part of the final phase of the development, and is planned to be used as a Centene training center and a site for cultural events. The design of the structure includes large windows facing the Forsyth MetroLink Station, and a landscaped sidewalk leading to the entrance of the building, making it easy and attractive for people to travel using Metro Transit.

Clayton Mayor Harold Sanger sees the benefit these projects have on downtown Clayton.

“In Clayton, we are fortunate to have numerous great developments, including Centene, which are contributing to the vibrancy of our community. The proximity to MetroLink makes the location ideal for visitors who are traveling to Clayton to work, shop or dine.”

In total, the project is planned to include more than 1 million square feet of office space and 97,000 square feet of retail, residential condos, a 200-room corporate hotel, an auditorium, 285,000 square feet of mechanical and support space, and 1.9 million square feet of structured parking. The Centene Centre expansion will deliver 2,000 jobs, 1,000 of which would be new to Missouri.

All phases of the project are focused on creating an enhanced, attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages people to connect with Metro Transit and enjoy this new, vibrant area in downtown Clayton.

Blueprints:

Project: Centene Centre

• Developer: Clayco Real Estate Group (CRG)
  • 27-story, 700,000 square feet of office building
  • 17-story apartment building
  • 97,000 square feet ground floor retail space
  • 5,800 garage parking spaces
  • 200-room corporate hotel, civic center and auditorium
  • Public pedestrian plaza with art and outdoor seating
  • $770 million in investment
  • 2,000 new jobs, (1,000 jobs new to Missouri)
• Timeline: Construction began in 2017 with planned completion of the office building in 2019

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