Category archive

Associations - page 3

St. Louis Joins Worldwide Spotlight on Autism Awareness

Published on in Associations/Companies/Homepage Primary/News

Lighting consultants and engineers were busy changing color filters to create a blue hue for St. Louis for World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday April 2, 2019.  The effort lighting businesses and landmarks kicks off a number of initiatives by St. Louis Chapter of Autism Speaks for World Autism Awareness Month in April.

“We continue to advance understanding and acceptance,” noted Greg Yawitz, chairman of St. Louis Chapter of Autism Speaks’ board.  “With autism now diagnosed in one out of 59 children, the breadth of the spectrum means just about everyone knows someone living with autism. Those on the spectrum can be significantly impaired while others are found in the workplace, in college and raising families of their own.  Understanding the puzzle of autism and the breadth of the spectrum is at the heart of Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness efforts.” Autism Speaks is asking people worldwide to take the pledge to increase understanding and acceptance at AutismSpeaks.org/WAM.

Autism impacts more than 70 million people worldwide.  Among the awareness Autism Speaks will advance throughout the year are:

  • Research indicates that stigma and denial can delay a diagnosis of autism, particularly in lower socioeconomic populations where the average age of diagnosis is significantly higher than in the general population.
  • People with autism learn, think and problem-solve in different ways – from highly skilled to severely challenged, and may require supports that can range from minimal to intensive.
  • Many people with autism have sensory sensitivities that impact their daily lives. Medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues, often accompany autism.

HOK will be among several businesses participating in the April 2, 2019 Light it up Blue for Autism Speaks.  Others include West County Shopping Center, Scott Air Force Base, the Lumiere Place Casino and Four Seasons Hotel, James S. McDonnell Planetarium, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and more.  The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and its Electrical Connection partnership with the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) will participate through its long-time sponsorship of the Planetarium lighting.

Autism Speaks also has a number of events in the coming months to advance awareness and fundraising including:

  • The April 17, 2019 Autism Speaks’ 8th Annual Chefs Gala at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton, Mo.
  • The May 5, 2019 Autism Speaks Go Blue Run in Clayton, Mo.
  • The August 31, 2019 Louis Cardinal game that will feature autism awareness.
  • The October 12, 2019 Autism Walk in Forest Park.

For more information, visit Autism Speaks St. Louis’ Facebook page. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org.

 

You might be interested in

MCA-EMO Elects 2019-20 Officers

Published on in Associations/News
Tim Decker

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri today announced its new 2019-20 officers, elected at the chapter’s March 21st annual meeting.  The announcement was made by Kristy Stephens, executive director.

Tim Decker, president, C&R Mechanical, was elected MCA-EMO president and Jeff Rush, P.E., president, icon Mechanical, will serve as vice-president.  George Corey, sales engineer/project manager, Pipe and Duct Systems, LLC, immediate past president (2016-18), will serve as treasurer.

Jeffrey Rush

Re-elected to the MCA-EMO board of directors were:  Jon Danuser, Johnson Controls-market director, and Thomas Skaggs, chief operating officer (COO), Murphy Company. Newly elected board members are Michael McAuliffe, president, Corrigan Company, and Steve Haberberger, Sr., executive vice president, Haberberger, Inc.

Several MCA-EMO members also are serving the national Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) in various roles.  Chris Carter, vice-president, service for Murphy Company, was recently elected to the MCAA board of directors while James Murphy, Jr., also of Murphy, was reappointed to the MCAA Industrial Relations Council. Dennis Corrigan, president of Corrigan Brothers Inc., was reappointed to the MCAA Government Affairs Committee.  Gary Tidwell, manager, Integrated Facility Services, was named to the MCAA Management Methods Committee and Kurt Voss, vice president, engineering, Integrated Facility Services, was appointed to the MCAA Career Development Committee.

MCA-EMO offers programs crucial to the ongoing success of contractors and vendors operating within the construction industry in Eastern Missouri. For 120 years, the MCA has sponsored cost-effective educational opportunities taught by qualified and experienced professionals in the MCA Training Center. MCA-EMO also offers industry events, networking opportunities, and sponsors a 16-member student chapter at the University of Missouri-Columbia which recently placed in the national Final Four student competition.   Visit:  www.mca-emo.com.

The organization will host its Annual Awards Dinner celebrating scholars and industry leaders on Thursday evening, May 2 at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.

Electrical Connection Supports a Robust Minority Contracting Community

Published on in Associations/News
Sabrina Westfall

In 2005, Sabrina Westfall graduated from the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center and embarked on a career as an IBEW electrician.  Her skills would help build projects at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL, the Washington Avenue revitalization, renovations to the old Woolworth building downtown for Big Brothers Big Sisters and improvements to the Washington University campus.  Then, in 2008 the Great Recession hit and work dried up. Westfall took hold of her own destiny by tapping two programs supported by the Electrical Connection partnership to not only broaden her skills, but also launch her own electrical contracting company.  Westfall’s story was recently spotlighted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch business page.

The 26-year-old Electrical Connection partnership unites the 7,000-member International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, whose more than 150-member companies are among the region’s largest electrical contractors.

To broaden her skills, Westfall enrolled in the master electrician certification program at the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center – where her electrical career began, 100% funded by IBEW/NECA with no tuition and no students loans.  The certification program is also a necessary step in starting up an electrical contracting business. Certified as a master electrician in 2010, Westfall found her skills in greater demand.  In 2014, she launched J West Electrical Contracting.

Construction, though, is an unforgiving business for startups, bedeviled by late payments for services, aggravating cash flow.  According to Small Business Trends, only 36.4% of construction startups last five years. To ensure her sustainability as a business enterprise, Westfall tapped a 13-year-old program also supported by the Electrical Connection IBEW/NECA partnership – the Regional Union Construction Center (RUCC).

Launched in 2006 by the venerable labor-management group Saint Louis Construction Cooperative (formerly PRIDE of St. Louis, Inc.), RUCC helps minority- and women-owned union construction companies sustain and grow businesses via a structured program that helps them improve their business skills.  Using volunteers from the area’s most successful construction-related businesses, including law firms, accounting firms and construction firms, it mentors startups with business advisory boards.  Alan Richter has been director of RUCC for its 13-year existence.  IBEW Local 1 Business Manager Frank Jacobs serves on its board.

Westfall, who is African American, is among three IBEW/NECA-trained electricians-turned-entrepreneurs among eight business owners in RUCC.  The other two include Avid Electric and Communications owner Katie Jimenez, who is Hispanic, and Pearl Street Electric’s owner Megan DeAngelo, a Caucasian.

Now in its fifth year, Westfall’s J West is doing well.  It has worked on projects at Ballpark Village, Lambert St. Louis International Airport (store remodels) and Washington University (renovations at the Kemper Art Museum). She’s worked with and been mentored by a number of other large NECA contractors including Bell Electrical Contractors, American Electric & Data, Guarantee Electrical Construction Co., and RJP Electric LLC.

Electrical Connection members provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.  For more information visit www.electricalconnection.org.

You might be interested in

Technical Career Interest Flourishes at Ranken Shadow-a-Tech Days and Open Houses

Published on in Associations/Companies/News

Ranken Technical College is having an exceptionally busy spring as prospective students become increasingly aware of Ranken’s resources and the growing construction career opportunities for those with technical skills.

On March 20, Ranken attracted more than 70 registrants to its most recent Shadow-a-Tech Day, where prospective students spent a morning learning and working alongside current Ranken students and instructors.

Ranken is hosting additional “Shadow Days” in St. Louis on April 17 and July 10, and open houses at all three Ranken campuses (St. Louis on March 23, Perryville on March 30 and Wentzville on April 6).

Ranken, considered one of the best technical colleges in the Midwest, provides a comprehensive education and training necessary to prepare students for employment and advancement in a variety of construction fields, including architecture, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and welding.

You might be interested in

Roofing Branch Managers Provide Answers to Facility Manager’s Top Roofing Questions

Published on in Associations/Companies/News

Maintaining the roof on any building or facility can be an arduous task for any building owner or property manager. The roof, often the first line of defense against the elements, is an important structure that must be carefully monitored and maintained to protect the overall integrity of the building. Leaks in roofs are often difficult to track down and can lead to damage to interior finishes, unhappy tenants and costly repairs.

Western Specialty Contractors’ three roofing branch managers recently sat down to discuss the roofing issues that facility managers are most concerned about and the questions they are asking and should be asking when it comes to maintaining their roofs.

What Roofing Questions Do People Ask You the Most Often?

Keegan Tune (KT), Kansas City Roofing Branch Manager – How much is it going to cost to fix my roof? How much life do I have left in my roof? What’s the best kind of roof?

Jack Schneider (JS), St. Louis Roofing Branch Manager – What is the most economical option to stop my roof from leaking? What roofing system do you recommend?How much life does my roof still have?

Michael Boyle (MB), Peoria Roofing Branch Manager – How cheap can I fix the problem?

What Roofing Question Should People Ask You, But Don’t? 

KT – What roof has the best life-cycle cost? What is the best roof for my building?

JS – What type of roof can be installed within my budget? Can we set up a maintenance service contract? Can you provide budget pricing on other roofs in our facility?

MB – Should I replace the roof now or do I have any life left in it? What are the “BEST” roofing options you would recommend for my facility?

What is Your Best Roofing Advice for a Property Manager/Owner?

KT – Know the condition of your roofs. Inspect and maintain them often — budget for repairs and replacements.

JS – To have a reputable contractor install a roofing system that they are certified to install, in turn providing a manufacturer’s warranty and a contractor workmanship warranty. To make sure they receive the manufacturer’s warranty and operations and maintenance manual from the roofing contractor. Make sure they receive the roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty at the end of a project (when it’s offered). Let a roofing contractor educate maintenance techs on proper roofing maintenance after a new roof is installed to maintain its warranty after the contractor workmanship warranty has expired. This can be done as a lunch and learn.

MB – We should talk about what the intended use is for the building and is it a long-term investment for them or is it being repaired for sale?

What are the Most Important Things That Your Prospects Should Know Before Buying?

KT – Contractor and manufacturer credentials and a defined scope of work.

JS – The contractor’s reputation. If they are bonded. If they are insured. The contractor is installing what is being asked for (i.e. detailed proposals, pictures, etc.). They do not need payment up front. (i.e. before purchasing material or even starting the roof). Financially stable.

MB – Who/what type of company they are contracting with. What kind of warranty will they be receiving – a contractor or manufacturer NDL warranty? Is there a detailed scope of work? Are all conditions covered for a complete roofing system?

What are the Three Most Critical Elements of an Effective Roof Maintenance Program?

KT – Qualified inspectors/contractors, consistency and cost.

JS – A certified contractor of the roofing system is making the repairs. A timely schedule for roof cleaning is decided on (cleaning moss, branches, leaves, etc. off the roof, out of drains). Reports are made each time the contractor is on the roof for scheduled cleaning/repairs. Documentation benefits the owner and the contractor.

MB –   A quality local company. Only certified applicators on warranted roofs.  Maintenance inspections regularly.

Have There Been Any “Critical Developments” in the Roofing Industry That Your Customers Should be Aware of?

KT – Roof coatings have increased significantly but are not suitable for every roof and certainly not in every situation. Coatings have also made it possible for some less qualified contractors to tackle projects that they don’t have the expertise to perform. R-value requirements are continually increasing so being aware of local codes, and compliance needs are key.

JS – Recent changes in the energy code laws, some states have adopted, others haven’t (i.e., R-30 insulation code above roof deck). Carlisle Syntec Systems has introduced the “Velcro” roofing system. No adhesives to bond membrane to insulation. Carlisle Syntec Systems has approved the material Cav Grip III to install EPDM membrane in the field and flash onto walls.

MB – Roof coatings over existing roofing with long-term NDL warranties are becoming more prevalent. New products are out that minimize or stop any odors from entering the building through air intakes and openings. In some cases, “R” values can be increased without raising units and mechanical equipment by using a new insulation material.

For more information about Western Specialty Contractors’ roofing services, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com/projects/services/roofing-services/.

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.      

You might be interested in

Sorella Group Receives American Subcontractors Association Certificate of Excellence in Ethics

Published on in Associations/Companies/News

American Subcontractors Association, Inc. Recognizes Sorella Group Specialty Contractor with Certificate of Excellence in Ethics Lenexa, Kansas., March 12, 2019 – Sorella Group, a National Commercial Contractor, was one of 14 construction subcontracting firms to earn the American Subcontractors Association’s Certificate of Excellence in Ethics.

The awards were presented on March 8 during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in conjunction with ASA’s annual national convention, SUBExcel 2019, the premier education and networking event for subcontractors, specialty trade contractors, and suppliers in the construction industry.

The ASA Certificate of Excellence in Ethics is presented to subcontractors, specialty trade contractors, and suppliers in recognition of their commitment to ASA values like quality construction and a safe and healthy work environment. ASA honored selected firms that demonstrated the highest standards of internal and external integrity during an awards ceremony. Sorella Group is a certified WBE National Contractor and Building Material Supplier.

The company focuses on commercial carpentry and Division 10 specialty installation and products. For more information, visit www.sorellagroup.com or call 913-390-9544. ASA promotes the rights and interests of subcontractors, specialty contractors and suppliers by building strength in community through education, advocacy, networking and professional growth. ASA adheres to and promotes quality construction, ethical and equitable business practices, safety in the work environment, and best industry practices.

For more information about ASA, visit www.asaonline.com.

 

Regional Leaders Celebrate Successful Debut of Metro Landing Of Swansea

Published on in Associations

Recently completed $11 million development adjacent to MetroLink is on track to be fully occupied by end of March, providing transportation options and independence for resident seniors

Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA) and Bywater Development Group 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 full occupied before the end of March.

Located next to the Swansea MetroLink Station, the handsome, 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. Additional support 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.

Working through a robust partnership, SWIDA and Bywater Development Group aim to build on the success of Metro Landing of Swansea and continue to contribute to the region’s active senior housing choices with three new communities that would also be developed in partnership. In Belleville, this partnership is actively leading the soon coming redevelopment the Historic Hotel Belleville/Meredith Home into the Lofts on the Square and, in Highland, these parties are working through predevelopment activities on a new 48-unit affordable senior housing development – Highland Villas. Both of these developments have been awarded IHDA tax credits and, pending the timing of closing on financing, could be under construction as early as Q2 of 2019.  In Carlyle, this team is laying the groundwork for another 48 units in the proposed Lakeside Villas.

St. Louis-based Altman Charter served as general contractor for Metro Landing, delivering the project in just 12 months, despite losing more than 40 construction days to rain and wet site conditions. Chicago-based Worn Jerabek Wiltse Architects is the project architect, and the property is professionally managed by ND&S Management Company.

Rents start at $565 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $705 for a two-bedroom apartment. For additional details, call 618-726-2094. 

About SWIDA

The Southwestern Illinois Development Authority is a special-purpose, municipal corporation and local governmental unit whose purpose is to promote and enhance economic development within the counties of Bond, Clinton, Madison and St. Clair in Illinois. To learn more, visit www.swida.org.

About Bywater Development Group
Bywater is a St. Louis-based development company primarily focused on affordable housing and community development.  The organization is presently active on a wide variety of developments and redevelopment initiatives  throughout the Midwest and Southeast regions of the country.  To learn more about Bywater’s activities as a developer and co-developer of high-quality affordable housing and informed, impactful community building please visit www.bywaterdevelopment.com.

You might be interested in

Electrical Connection Sponsors STL Football Club’s Fifth Season in St. Louis

Published on in Associations/News

Following up their first-ever post season appearance, Saint Louis Football Club’s (Saint Louis FC) has kicked off its fifth season with the Electrical Connection as a major sponsor again.  Its first game was Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Toyota Stadium at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo., netting 2-1 win against the Indy Eleven.  Saint Louis FC is again be wearing their familiar jerseys emblazoned with the Electrical Connection logo.  The Electrical Connection is also be offering one free jersey giveaway for each of the 17 home games at its web site.  To register for the jersey giveaway, visit www.electricalconnection.org.   The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

“Our five-year partnership with Saint Louis FC has helped spotlight our more than 150 NECA electrical contractor members and the more than 5,000 highly skilled and safe IBEW electricians and communication technicians they employ,” said Jim Curran, executive vice president, Electrical Connection. “Beyond energizing the IBEW/NECA brand of excellence, the Saint Louis FC partnership also allows us to strengthen our community building initiatives.”

Saint Louis FC is playing 34 games this season, including an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Electrical Connection on July 27, 2019 to raise money for “Shop with a Cop” holiday giving programs.   For the fourth year in a row, the Electrical Connection will leverage its Saint Louis FC Partnership at the “Christmas in July” game to raise money for the St. Francois County and Ferguson “Shop with a Cop” programs, both the law enforcement trust building charities.

The Electrical Connection is spotlighted not only on the jerseys but also field banners, scoreboard promotions and other signage at Toyota Stadium.  In addition, the Electrical Connection is supporting Saint Louis FC’s youth programs and has been a strong supporter of the efforts to bring a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise to St. Louis.

“We look forward to an exciting new season and a continuation of our five-year partnership with the Electrical Connection,” said Jim Kavanaugh, CEO, Saint Louis FC.

Toyota Stadium in World Wide Technology Soccer Park features a Biergarten, Corner Flag Hospitality Patios, a Fan Zone, space for tailgate parties, a Craft Beer Corner, and great food options. For game tickets, visit www.saintlouisfc.com

Saint Louis FC plays in 36-team United Soccer League (USL).

Electrical Connection members provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.  For more information visit www.electricalconnection.org.

You might be interested in

Women Construction Owners & Executives USA Visit with DC Lawmakers

Published on in Associations/News

The 2019 Women Build America National Conference took place at the historic Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C on March 3-5.  The three-day leadership and networking conference was an opportunity for business owners, leaders and corporate executives to join forces to empower communities, enhance business development and meet with legislative experts.

In concert with National Women in Construction Week, Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE USA) members gained national recognition and support from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and agency leadership including the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration.   Emily W. Murphy, GSA Administrator, along with several bi-partisan representatives spoke at the conference addressing industry forecast, cyber security, political policies and Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) updates and guidelines.

The 2019 National Board of Directors was sworn in during the leadership conference which drew members from coast to coast.  The new Executive Board is:

  • President: Sheila Ohrenberg, President of Sorella Group Specialty Contractor
  • President Elect: Deborah Bradley, President of Deborah Bradley Construction
  • Secretary: Lorraine D’Angelo, President of LDA Compliance Consulting
  • Treasurer: Karen Barbour, President of The Barbour Group
  • Immediate Past President: Theresa Kern, President of Ma Rebar Services, Inc.

WCOE, USA is a National Association committed to helping women in the construction industry grow and prosper. Founded over 35 years ago on the purpose of assisting women in executive positions, providing resources to enhance professional development, and creating a legislative network to monitor and pursue legislation advantageous to the industry, WCOE is making strides to level the playing field in a historically male-dominated industry.

For more information on getting involved with WCOE USA, visit the website at  www.wcoeusa.org and follow the organization on social media. 

More than $20 Million in Investment, Construction, Rehab Landing at Laclede’s Landing

Published on in Associations/News

By KERRY SMITH, EDITOR, ST. LOUIS CONSTRUCTION NEWS AND REVIEW MAGAZINE

Laclede’s Landing is on the cusp of revival.

John Clark, president of Laclede’s Landing Community Improvement District, says more than $20 million in private investment is being pumped into the 9-block historic area just north of the Gateway Arch near the St. Louis Riverfront.

Tech startups, PR agencies, innovative casual dining establishments and residential lofts are evidence of what Clark calls a resurgence that the district has been waiting for a long time.

“We went through some odd times over the past decade, that’s for sure,” said Clark, referring to the Great Recession from 2007-09 and the 5-year, $380 million Arch Grounds redevelopment that involved closing a portion of Washington Avenue while the former Arch parking garage was demolished. “They say that to make an omelet, you’ve got to crack a few eggs…there were a lot of eggs cracked during that time, but now we’re beginning to reap the benefits of the completed Arch Grounds effort,” he added.

Advantes Development has invested $12 million to renovate Bi-State Development’s former headquarters at 701 N. First Street into the Peper Lofts, a 6-story community of 51 leased living units housed in the late 1800s edifice once known as the Christian Peper Building; the site was originally a 106,000-square-foot tobacco products storage facility. Peper Lofts, which are already more than half leased, represent the first multifamily development on The Landing. Peper is also home to part of Abstrakt Marketing’s staff.

At 707 North Second Street, another historic building – the Witte Hardware Building, built in 1849 – has been redeveloped by Drury Development Corp. ($2 million). The entire top floor of this 6-story, 80,000 square feet structure is occupied by Brand Addition.

“With the Arch Grounds redevelopment complete, it is a pivotal point for The Landing and the development activity is really taking off,” said Tom Milford, director of real estate for Drury Development Corp. “We’re excited to be a part of it.”

Restaurateurs are also making The Landing home, including a Korean fast-casual eatery known as Kimchi Guys. Clark, a former restaurateur, says dining establishments that did not survive the years of construction surrounding Laclede’s Landing are being replaced by bars and restaurants with a smaller footprint. “What you’re seeing and will likely continue to see are restaurants between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet locating on The Landing,” Clark said, “as compared to the 6,000- to 7,000-square-foot size we saw years ago. We’re also going to be seeing more restaurants than back in the day when there were more clubs and bars here.”

In mid-2016, the project to raise Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, a 1.5-mile stretch running beneath the Arch, by two feet as a flood mitigation effort, was completed, offering renewed access to The Landing as well.

Now that direct access to The Landing has been restored, increasing parking opportunities is a top priority, according to Clark. “We’re working with both parking companies that already have lots in The Landing – City Park (owned by Drury) and St. Louis Parking Co.,” Clark said. “We’d like to start on (surface) parking-related projects within 30 days. A parking garage is in our long-range plan.”

You might be interested in

1 2 3 4 5 … 50
0 $0.00
Go to Top