Companies

Henty & Associates Architects Acquires Pfaff Architects

Published on February 26, 2020February 26, 2020 in Companies/News

The architectural firm of Henty & Associates Architects is pleased to announce they have acquired Pfaff Architects. Henty & Associates Architects established in 1994, will now be called Henty+Pfaff & Associates Architects.

The firm specializes in commercial developments, focusing on Hotel and Hospitality, Senior Living and Corporate Office. Jeff Henty will lead the firm as president. John Pfaff will continue to be involved in project design and development. The team is excited to bring the combined experience of these professionals to their clients.

Photo above: Jeff Henty

Kadean Construction Completes New Takishima Records in the Grove

Published on February 26, 2020 in Companies/News

Kadean Construction has completed the buildout of a new Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge, restaurant and record listening room called Takashima Records in the Grove neighborhood of St. Louis. Located inside the Chroma luxury apartment complex at 4905 Chouteau Avenue, the 2,776 square foot venue features a ground floor dining room and bar area plus a second-story mezzanine lounge and private event space with a combined total seating for more than 100 customers.

Kadean worked with architect V Three Studios to facilitate the buildout from an empty white box shell space into a finished venue centered around Japanese and American art and inspired by vinyl record stores in Tokyo that double as bars. This included the creative utilization of two commercial shipping containers to establish the floor of the mezzanine level while simultaneously creating booth spaces in the ground floor dining area.

“The shipping containers are integral to Takishima Records’ design and required special on-site preparations and installation,” said Chris Nieburg, project manager for Kadean Construction. “Before being moved into the building, the containers had side panels removed for access to the customer booths and were structurally altered to support the additional loads of both the customers and furnishings. The storefront of Takishima had to be disassembled so the containers could be craned inside and placed on their foundations. The concrete floor for Takashima was then poured around the containers for seamless integration.”

Kadean also oversaw all construction services and ensured that all mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems were incorporated properly into the building’s existing systems. Construction began in July 2019 and was completed in early February 2020.

“Going into a project of this size in a building as beautiful as Chroma can be intimidating,” said Sean Baltzell, co-owner of Takishima Records. “Working with Kadean allowed me to focus on creativity instead of getting lost in the frustrations of the buildout. From bid to completion, Kadean was quick, transparent and efficient.”

Kadean Construction is a rapidly growing, 55-year-old commercial construction company with 44 employees and annual revenue of more than $85 million. Kadean specializes in pre-construction, design-build, construction management and general contracting services at the local, regional and national level in the industrial & manufacturing, life sciences, healthcare, commercial and multi-family market segments.

Contegra Construction Completes EXO Lounge And Nail Bar in Edwardsville, IL

Published on February 26, 2020February 26, 2020 in Companies/News

Successful Debut has Founder Planning Expansion Locally and Nationally

The first-of-its-kind EXO Lounge and Nail Barhas successfully launched in Edwardsville, Ill, drawing patrons from Illinois, Missouri and across the Midwest according to its founder Gina Gamblin. “It is an emergence of cultures and a true destination,” said Gamblin. “We are looking to expand locally and nationally.” EXO offers an elegant cocktail lounge with manicure, pedicure and other restorative services in space that is carefully designed for the senses. Contegra Construction Co. completed a more than 8,000-square-foot renovation to create the EXO Lounge and Nail Bar at the 157 Center complex. For more information, visit www.visitexo.com.

“The lounge offers endless possibilities for fun and relaxation for men and women and is open to the public for special events,” noted Gamblin. “It’s a place where woman can come for a girls night, guys can grab a drink after a long day golfing. The outdoor patio, due to launch in this spring will offer a relaxing vibe to enjoy a drink with friends.”

The cocktail lounge and nail bar work in harmony. The nail bar offers manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions and waxing. From the European seating, customers enjoy a cocktail or beverage, ordering from EXO Lounge iPads at every station. It also features a specialized ventilation system at every station to vent fumes from nail polish. The lounge offers a relaxing social setting offering seasonal organic cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and coffee. During the week, happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and live music is offered on the weekends.

Contegra’s renovation features elegant finishes, including recessed and vaulted ceilings accented with gold paneling and brightened with ornate chandeliers. Vibrant tile floor patterns enliven the nail bar. The Nail Bar also features a video wall and a state-of-the-art audio visual system. The lounge area features darker flooring, a black Cambria Quartz bar top, velvet seating and a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio area with fire pits. Gamblin adds that seasonal aromas, fresh flowers, music and more create a soothing experience throughout the lounge and nail bar

The inviting entry features a white EIFS façade, a seamless black metal roof, Champaign bronze metal panels and a glass curtainwall to flood the interior with natural light. The 15-foot clearstory entrance is ornamented with a large chandelier.

“Contegra did a great job delivering on my vision, effectively managing the budget and the work of subcontractors,” said Gamblin.

Joining Contegra on the project were EXO Lounge designer Shannon Petrou Design, Nail Bar designer Chris Grodeon and Ponto Solutions, designer of the video wall and audio visual system.

Based in Edwardsville, Ill., Contegra is one of the St. Louis area’s largest general contractors and serves a national customer base that includes industrial, institutional, municipal, medical, multi-family, office and retail projects. Its capabilities include building developer- and owner-driven projects and site development. Learn more at www.contegracc.com.

People On The Move In The Local Construction Industry

Published on February 25, 2020 in Companies/News

The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.

Myron Ury Joins G&S Architectural Products

St. Louis-based Golterman & Sabo has hired Myron Ury as Sales Representative at G&S Architectural Products, a division of Golterman & Sabo. Ury’s primary focus will be promoting Hufcor Operable Walls to the Architectural Design and Construction Community. He will also lead the Operable Wall service work.

“Operable walls are a fast-growing segment of our business,” says Dennis Voss, director of sales for G & S Architectural Products. “We look forward to Myron helping our customers integrate these innovative products into their projects.”

Most recently, Ury was the Hufcor Factory Sales Representative for the St Louis metro area. Ury enjoys spending time with his two children and their spouses, and four grandchildren. His hobbies are traveling, and camping, and volunteer work.

Golterman & Sabo, a premier provider and installer of specialty building products, began operations in 1946 under the name of Herbert Golterman Company. Today, in its third generation of family ownership, the company manufactures and distributes acoustical products, operable walls, cubicle curtains and track and a variety of other specialized products.

February 21, 2020

Poettker Construction Finance Executive Receives St. Louis Business Journal Honor

Poettker Construction Company’s vice president finance, Kimberly (Kim) Luitjohan, has been named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 class of 2020. Luitjohan, along with other young business leaders in the St. Louis area, was honored for her contributions to the company and community at a special awards gala on Thursday, Feb. 13. The St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards salute young professionals making a difference in their organizations and communities. More than 600 nominations were submitted and reviewed by a panel of previous 40 Under 40 winners.

Luitjohan began her career at Poettker in 2001, where she worked in a variety of roles learning the processes of all company operations. She is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville’s business program, the latter of which she earned while working full-time at Poettker. In 2010, at the age of 26, Kim was promoted to Vice President Finance, where she has been instrumental in managing the firms’ growth, by overseeing accounts payable, project accounting, payroll, human resources, IT, and asset management.

Luitjohan serves on the HSHS St. Joseph’s Breese Foundation Leadership Council (FLC), which has raised more than $250,000 in the past the years, as well as organizes the First United Methodist Church’s “Cookie Walk and Craft Bazaar” fundraiser, raising more than $16,000 since she founded the event in 2015.

Established in 1980, Poettker Construction is a second-generation, family-owned and veteran-owned business specializing in construction management, design/build, general contracting and self-perform services with an emphasis to exceed the client’s expectations. For more information, visit www.poettkerconstruction.com.

Cody Baumgartner Joins Wiegmann Associates as Project Manager

Cody Baumgartner of the Central West End in St. Louis, MO has joined Wiegmann Associates as a project manager. Baumgartner is responsible for managing new and renovation HVAC construction projects in a range of industries. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

Wiegmann Associates is a St. Louis-based mechanical contractor and a national leader in design/build HVAC projects. Since 1995, Wiegmann Associates has engineered and installed innovative, energy saving and cost-efficient HVAC solutions, refrigeration systems and automation controls for clients in a wide range of industries. For more information, visit www.wiegmannassoc.com or call (636) 940-1056.

Kwame Building Group Hires Martel Hulsey as Business Developer and Diversity Monitor

Martel Hulsey, of Olivette, MO, has joined Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) as Business Developer and Diversity Monitor. Hulsey’s responsibilities include creating business and marketing opportunities and maintaining existing client communications. As Diversity Monitor, he oversees construction sites to ensure and verify minority involvement on projects.

Hulsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Business Management from Maryville University. He has four years of experience in the marketing industry. He earned a Delux Power 100 Rising Stars Award by Delux Magazine, which celebrates St. Louis’ most inspiring and influential African American professionals.

Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) is one of the nation’s top pure construction management firms, dedicating 100 percent of its resources to project management servicesFor more information, visit www.kwamebuildinggroup.com or call (314) 862-5344.

Western Specialty Contractors Minneapolis Assistant Branch Manager David Grandbois Receives ICRI 40 Under 40 Award

The International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), the only association in the concrete industry devoted solely to repair and restoration, recently announced the winners of its first 40 Under 40 Award. Western Specialty Contractors is proud to announce that Minneapolis Assistant Branch Manager David Grandbois, 31, was among the announced winners.

The prestigious award recognizes 40 individuals who exemplify dedication to the concrete repair industry. A peer nominated award, the ICRI 40 Under 40 recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to continued professional growth, high potential for continued success in leadership roles, and a strong passion for – and commitment to – the mission of ICRI.

Grandbois started his career in construction as a Civil Construction Management Engineer for Kiewit in Omaha, NE before accepting a Project Manager position with Hans Hagen Homes in Fridley, MN. He joined Western Specialty Contractors’ Minnesota Branch as a Project Manager in 2015 where he held the position for nearly five years before being promoted to Assistant Branch Manager in February 2020.

Grandbois has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. He is also a certified Concrete Surface Repair Technician – Tiers 1 and 2 through ICRI and an Associate Constructor through the American Institute of Constructors. He has also achieved OSHA 30 certified training.

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.

February 14, 2020

KWK Architects Hires Architectural Associate Heather Grove

KWK Architects is proud to announce that it has expanded its staff with the recent hiring of Architectural Associate Heather Grove, LEED AP BD+C (Building Design + Construction), of St. Louis.

As Architectural Associate, Grove is responsible for design coordination, technical documentation and construction administration of KWK Architect’s higher education projects. She has more than 16 years of experience, having previously worked as a Project Manager for Dickinson Hussman Architects of Webster Groves, MO; as an Independent Contractor with Bozoian Group Architects of Brentwood, MO and as an Architectural Technician for Fletcher Architects of St. Louis.

Grove has an Associate of Applied Science, Architectural Technology from St. Louis Community College and a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Saint Louis University. She is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council – Missouri Gateway Chapter.

Her community involvement includes Secretary and Joint Business Manager for non-profit organization St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, Membership and Marketing Committee volunteer for U.S. Green Building Council – Missouri Gateway Chapter, and volunteer for the U.S. Green Building Council – Missouri Gateway Chapter LEED Community Project.

In her spare time, Grove enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, exploring area hiking trails. She also performs a style of Japanese drumming called taiko, is learning to play the shinobue, a type of bamboo flute, and enjoys photography.

Johnny S. Wang Joins Midwest BankCentre’s Legal Board of Directors

Johnny S. Wang, a partner at Stinson LLP, has been elected to the Midwest BankCentre legal board of directors.

An attorney since 2005, Wang’s legal practice focuses on employment and traditional labor issues. His experience as a litigator deepens his perspective of the opportunities and risks employers navigate to align human resources and business strategy as well as managing a unionized workforce. Wang’s clients range from startups to multinational corporations across diverse industries.

In 2013, Wang co-founded the St. Louis Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC), which now exceeds 250 members. He also founded and chaired the Missouri Minority Counsel Program from 2012-2016. He was Stinson’s 2016-2017 Fellow in the Leadership Council of Legal Diversity and a member of the FOCUS Leadership St. Louis Class 41.

Wang currently serves on the board for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and as its alternate regional governor for the central U.S. He also serves as an officer for the board of FOCUS St. Louis and is vice president of the St. Louis County Library board of trustees.

Wang has been recognized with the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award in 2020, NAPABA’s 2019 Best under 40, the Missouri Asian-American Bar Association’s 2018 Torch Bearer Award, the Royal Vagabond Foundation’s 2018 Leadership Award, the St. Louis Diversity Job Fair’s 2014 Spirit of Diversity Award, Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s 2013 Up and Coming Lawyers designation and the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2012 Diverse Business Leaders Award.

Wang earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He graduated from Washington University’s School of Law in 2005.

February 7, 2020

Grant Bergman joins Wiegmann Associates as Project Engineer

Grant Bergman of Wildwood, MO has joined Wiegmann Associates as a project engineer. Bergman has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He is working towards his Engineer in Training Certification and will ultimately be responsible for designing and engineering heating, cooling and ventilation systems for various Wiegmann Associates projects.

Wiegmann Associates is a St. Louis-based mechanical contractor and a national leader in design/build HVAC projects. Since 1995, Wiegmann Associates has engineered and installed innovative, energy saving and cost-efficient HVAC solutions, refrigeration systems and automation controls for clients in a wide range of industries. For more information, visit www.wiegmannassoc.com or call (636) 940-1056.

Tim Brimer Joins Murphy Data Center Services

Tim Brimer has joined Murphy Data Center Services as data center services account manager. The announcement was made by Eric Gottschlich, director, Murphy DCS.

Since 2017, Brimer has served as data center manager for CBRE/Thomson Reuters and, from 2014-2017, held the same position for the facility for Thomson Reuters. From 2012 to 2014, he served as a critical systems engineer/critical facilities manager for Ascent Corporation L.L. C. Prior to that, he served as a project manager/information systems for BJC Healthcare. He began his career as a system technician /communication technician for Southwestern Bell.

Brimer holds an associate’s degree in electronic engineering from ITT Technical Institute. He also has completed numerous technical and management training courses and holds a BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) Technician Level III certification. He also is ITIL-certified in fundamentals.

Murphy DCS is a turn-key data center services solution, providing strategic integration of all facility infrastructure components, from consulting, design and construction to operation and maintenance. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.

Quentin Gossen Joins Murphy Company

Quentin Gossen has joined Murphy Company as service account manager. The announcement was made by Ryan Kramer, service sales manager for the mechanical contracting and engineering firm.

Gossen has more than 25 years’ experience in the mechanical industry within government, healthcare and higher education markets. Most recently, he he worked on several major chiller service projects.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology from Central Missouri State University and has completed advanced training in HVAC control systems, account management and sales.

Founded in 1907, Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.

S. M. Wilson Promotes Josh Weber to Project Manager

S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Josh Weber to Project Manager. As Project Manager, he will be responsible for leadership and coordination for all aspects of the project(s) and is accountable for the project’s success, as well as the success of the project stakeholders.

Weber joined S. M. Wilson in 2017 working on Tallgrass Creek Residential Building 1.4 and 1.5. Weber then transitioned to a lead role in managing a new client for S. M. Wilson, Dry Goods, which is a high-end retail brand owned by long-time client, Von Maur.

Weber’s commitment to the success of his projects, attention to detail, strong communication skills and client-focused approach has elevated him to his new position. Weber is OSHA 30 Hour Construction Safety and Health for Construction Industry certified and earned his B.S. in Construction Management from Southeast Missouri State University.

S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis. For nearly 100 years, S. M. Wilson has provided a complete range of services and has become one of the leading general construction and construction management firms in the St. Louis area. The employee-owned company is dedicated to going above and beyond expectations for their clients by putting people first. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.

KAI Hires Respected Industry Leader Brad Simmons, FAIA as New Managing Partner

Published on February 25, 2020 in Companies/News/People

KAI Enterprises proudly announces the hiring of Brad Simmons, FAIA, to the new position of Managing Partner. Simmons is a recognized and respected leader in the industry with more than 35 years of regional, national and global experience.

Simmons had worked collaboratively with KAI on joint projects for the past 20 years through his former employer, Jacobs, and predecessor company, Sverdrup. “He is a distinguished and exciting addition to the design-build firm,” said KAI Enterprises CEO Michael Kennedy, Jr.

“We didn’t want to settle for just anyone in this new position,” said Kennedy. “We needed a proven closer, a person who could be a catalyst to recruit top talent across our multiple disciplines, promote business growth and drive culture and practice development. Brad is that person.”

As Managing Partner, Simmons will collaborate daily with Kennedy, KAI Enterprises President Darren L. James, FAIA and the leadership team on market positioning, industry partnerships, major project pursuits, managing new clients, hiring key employees and strategic business direction.

In addition, Simmons will provide oversight to the company’s professional services portfolio and directly lead the Architecture & Engineering business as President of KAI Design. Simmons will divide his time between KAI’s offices in St. Louis, Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta.

“After a nearly three-decade journey growing a significant global buildings business at Jacobs, it was time for a pause,” Simmons said. “I took a six-month ‘life sabbatical’ to reflect and determine what a next career chapter might look like. KAI presented a unique opportunity to get back to my roots, work hands-on with community projects, and serve as a catalyst to drive this already successful business enterprise to new growth plateaus. I knew the KAI culture and values, had a productive history with the leadership and was impressed with Michael’s vision for the next evolution of KAI. It was a perfect storm for me—and a great alignment of chemistry and mutual respect.”

Simmons joined Sverdrup in 1990 where he worked as a Project Manager, Principal and Vice President. In 1999, Jacobs acquired Sverdrup and he served in a wide range of senior leadership roles at the regional, national and global level, including General Manager for Jacobs’ Americas Buildings & Infrastructure business and as a member of the Building, Infrastructure & Advance Facilities global management leadership team.

Simmons took an early retirement from Jacobs in May 2019, where he held the title of Global Vice President – Built Environment. As the senior executive leader, he was responsible for growth and strategy, industry thought leadership, executive project sponsorship with key client accounts, senior customer relationships and attracting and developing top organization talent. Jacobs’ Built Environment business provided a full range of planning, design and construction services to a diverse mix of public and private sector clients around the globe.

A licensed architect, Simmons earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University in 1984 and has been a member of the Texas A&M College of Architecture Advisory Board for nearly two decades. He is a 1998 graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture recognized Simmons’ professional contributions by bestowing him with the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2007.

Simmons was elected to the prestigious AIA College of Fellows in 2000, becoming one of the youngest architects honored in the organization’s over 150-year history. From 2000-2003, he served on the National Board of Directors for the American Institute of Architects and served as National Chair of the AIA’s 2005 National Convention in Las Vegas. In 2006, his peers at the American Institute of Architects of Missouri honored him with the AIA Missouri Distinguished Service Award for a career of leadership and commitment to the profession. He was also Jacobs’ Executive/CEO representative to the AIA’s Large Firm Roundtable for the past several years.

Simmons has been an active community leader, having served four terms (1991-99) on the City of Shrewsbury’s Board of Alderman. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Municipal League from 1994 to 1999. He is a 1995 graduate of Leadership St. Louis and was named one of the Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young St. Louisans that same year. In 1996, he was named by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the “40 Under 40.” In 1999, he graduated from the Leadership Missouri program. He also served from 1994 until 2001 on the Board of Directors for Scenic Missouri and is a past member of both the FOCUS St. Louis Board and the Epworth (Children’s) Board.

Simmons is married to Dr. Michelle Simmons, an educator with the Kirkwood School District, and has three grown children, Sidney, Sloane and Tyler. An avid boater, Simmons spends as much time as possible at his family’s vacation home on Table Rock Lake.

KAI Enterprises is a national design and build firm providing delivery-oriented building solutions with a diverse portfolio of experience, in-house multi-discipline professionals, and expertise in both design and construction delivery. To learn more about KAI, visit www.kai-db.com.

Western Specialty Contractors Receives Building Enclosure Award

Published on February 25, 2020 in Companies

Western Specialty Contractors – St. Louis Roofing Branch proudly announced that it has received a 2019 Outstanding Building Enclosure Project award for its waterproofing work on the new East End Parking Facility at Washington University in St. Louis.

Representatives from the St. Louis Roofing Branch accepted the award on Dec. 5, 2019 from the Building Enclosure Council (BEC) – St. Louis Chapter.

Western’s crew applied a Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing (CCW) system to approx. 120,000 square feet of vertical foundations and the roof of the new underground parking garage, which features 790 parking spaces, electric charging stations and a projected lifespan of more than 100 years. Western also applied a hot horizontal waterproofing system to tunnel and plaza roofs that connect the new parking garage to new neighboring buildings, which totaled roughly 180,000 square feet. An additional 20,000 square feet of waterproofing was applied to the under slab “blind” system.

Thom Belgeri, Senior Department Manager at Western Specialty Contractors, says the team is proud to have been recognized for its work on this massive two-year project.

“What made this such an outstanding project to our team was the harmonizing of all the entities involved with the planning, scheduling and installing of the hundreds of square feet of waterproofing,” said Belgeri. “We were honored to have worked on this project for the university.”

The general contractor on the project was McCarthy Building Companies. Luna & Associates served as the local representative for Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing.

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.

Restoration and Renovation of Seven Gables Inn Completed

Published on February 25, 2020 in Companies/News

Hotel and new restaurant, Seven, to officially open March 11

Seven Gables Inn, often referred to as a European oasis in the heart of Clayton, will have its official dedication March 11 after an 18-month extensive $9.5 million renovation by Restoration St. Louis. Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris will officiate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that begins at 4 p.m., at 26 N. Meramec Ave.

Amy and Amrit Gill, owners of Restoration St. Louis, have restored the inn to its previous glory that features 32 guest rooms and suites that blend Old World charm with modern luxury. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property dates back to 1926. With its gabled European roofs and outdoor courtyard, decorative timbering, massive chimney and slender windows, the Tudor Revival-style property is surrounded by modern high-rises and is located within the walkable Clayton city business center. Innkeeper Hospitality Services, LLC, a division of Restoration St. Louis, is managing the property.

“The Seven Gables Inn has provided a quirky charm and European ambiance in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Clayton business district for more than 90 years,” said Amy Gill, co-founder of Restoration St. Louis, “and we wanted to ensure that this oasis-like treasure remains for decades more. Where else can you experience Europe without the jet lag?”

The Gills purchased the hotel 18 months ago and immediately renovated the property’s street-level restaurant, formerly known as Molly Darcy’s Pub. Operating as the Restaurant at Seven Gables Inn, the restaurant remained open throughout the hotel’s renovation. To coincide with the completed renovation of the hotel, the in-house American bistro has been rechristened SEVEN and even features a “Lost Legends” menu that pays homage to dishes from famous St. Louis restaurants that are now closed.

The thoughtfully-crafted menu, under the direction of Food and Beverage Senior Vice President Michael Russell, includes some of the former restaurant’s favorites, including the award-winning Tenderloin Sandwich, Chicken Pot Pie and Fish ‘n Chips. Patrons may also eat on the outside covered porch or in the beautifully encapsulated outdoor courtyard. A full-service complimentary breakfast is available daily for all overnight guests. Breakfast is also available to the public (for purchase) seven days a week.

Renovations to the inn itself include luxury amenities and hardwood floors in the 20 king rooms, seven double queen rooms and five suites, artwork by local artist Fern Taylor, and a new $1 million HVAC heating and cooling system that replaced the former window units. The former reception area has been transformed into a sitting area overlooking the European Garden and a new front desk welcome area. Several hidden stairways connecting to rooms or leading to dead ends were uncovered during renovations; these were filled in to create wider hallway access in each wing.

In-room amenities include TVs inside the bathroom mirrors, Toto Washlets (only the third hotel in the country to have them in every room and suite), half-timbering trim, vintage telephones, Serta Perfect sleeper beds and large Tudor windows. The inn is also pet friendly.

The crown jewel of the renovation, however, is the skywalk that now connects the north and south sides of the hotel, a first for the property. The European-style garden courtyard is filled with Boston ivy winding along the stucco walls. A large tree, decorated with lanterns and warm bistro lights, shades the brick patio floor. Plush lounge chairs and patio tables are available for patrons as well. The 3,500-square-foot flexible banquet space includes Gable 1 and Gable II, as well as the extensively refurbished Hawthorn room, which features a European-style metal ceiling and wood walls.

The property’s original architects, Captain Gunther Meier and Norman Comfort of Meier and Comfort, Inc., were attracted to the attributes of Tudor English design from their time spent in Europe in the military. Comfort also admired author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, “The House of Seven Gables,” hence the inn’s moniker. The building originally contained 27 apartments, four offices and four storefronts. Once completed, the two located their office at the property and continued designing Tudor-style residential areas throughout St. Louis, including Fair Oak Estates, Picardy Lane in Ladue and York Village in Brentwood, to name a few. Today, the once dominant structure of the pitched-roof inn has given way to Clayton’s high-rise buildings and, yet, still maintains its oasis charm.

Home to St. Louis County government, Clayton features a collection of boutiques, galleries, unique restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The sprawling Shaw Park is located just blocks from Seven Gables. A wide range of annual events attract thousands of visitors, including the Saint Louis Art Fair, Taste of Clayton food festival, Gallery Nights, Parties in the Park and a seasonal farmers market.

Restoration St. Louis, led by Amrit and Amy Gill, has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the revitalization of architecturally significant buildings, neighborhoods and communities throughout the country. The organization initiates real estate development programs and partnerships with both city-based and minority-owned businesses. Innkeeper Hospitality Services, a division of Restoration St. Louis, also manages The Hotel Blackhawk and The Current-Iowa, the No. 1 and No. 2 hotels in Davenport, as well as Hotel Saint Louis. The Gills serve on the Marriott Ownership Advisory Board for the Autograph Collection Hotels. The aforementioned hotels are all members of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

Poettker Construction Finance Executive Receives St. Louis Business Journal Honor

Published on February 25, 2020 in Companies/News/People

Poettker Construction Company’s vice president finance, Kimberly (Kim) Luitjohan, has been named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 class of 2020. Luitjohan, along with other young business leaders in the St. Louis area, was honored for her contributions to the company and community at a special awards gala on Thursday, Feb. 13.

“We are very proud of Kim for receiving this award,” said Keith Poettker, president of Poettker Construction. “She truly exemplifies the kind of dedicated professionalism and strong community relationship culture that we value at Poettker, and I am honored to call her family.”

The St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards salute young professionals making a difference in their organizations and communities. More than 600 nominations were submitted and reviewed by a panel of previous 40 Under 40 winners who helped the Business Journal choose members of the new class, who appeared in the February 14 print edition of the St. Louis Business Journal.

Luitjohan began her career at Poettker in 2001, where she worked in a variety of roles learning the processes of all company operations. She is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville’s business program, the latter of which she earned while working full-time at Poettker. In 2010, at the age of 26, Kim was promoted to Vice President Finance, where she has been instrumental in managing the firms’ growth, by overseeing accounts payable, project accounting, payroll, human resources, IT, and asset management.

Under Luitjohan’s direction as Vice President Finance, revenue for the company has increased by more than 600 percent. She has also been instrumental in the company’s philanthropic pursuits, giving back to the community through fundraising and educational efforts. Luitjohan serves on the HSHS St. Joseph’s Breese Foundation Leadership Council (FLC), which has raised more than $250,000 in the past the years, as well as organizes the First United Methodist Church’s “Cookie Walk and Craft Bazaar” fundraiser, raising more than $16,000 since she founded the event in 2015.

Established in 1980, Poettker Construction is a second-generation, family-owned and veteran-owned business specializing in construction management, design/build, general contracting and self-perform services with an emphasis to exceed the client’s expectations. For more information, visit www.poettkerconstruction.com.

Kinetic Bulk Warehouse Construction Growth Marks Decade, SIOR Leaders Say

Published on February 20, 2020 in Associations/Companies/News

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

The bulk distribution warehousing corridor from Wentzville to Edwardsville has experienced a decade of record-setting construction and leasing, according to Matt Hrubes, vice president of leasing and development at Duke Realty.

Hrubes’ message reached nearly 1,000 commercial real estate brokers and regional leaders in attendance Feb. 18 at the 36^th annual Metro Market Forecast, hosted by the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors St. Louis Chapter.

“In the past 10 years, more than 24 million square feet has been built at a $1 billion value,” Hrubes said, citing major investment in Edwardsville’s Gateway Commerce Center and Lakeview Commerce Center, Fenton Logistics Park, St. Peters’ Premier 370 Business Park, Hazelwood’s Aviator Business Park, Hazelwood Logistic Center and elsewhere. “And from 2010-2019, $2.58 billion in St. Louis industrial investment came from non-St. Louis-based investors,” he added.

St. Louis’ top five industrial building owners in 2010 were Duke Realty, MEPT, Prologis, First Industrial Realty and JBM. Ten years later, the Top 5 are Duke Realty, Exeter Property Group, NorthPoint Development, Panattoni and JPMorgan Chase.

In 2010, the top industrial occupiers in St. Louis were OHL, Unilever, P&G, Centric Group and Spectrum Brands. Ten years hence in 2020, they are World Wide Technology, Amazon, GEODIS, P&G, General Motors and Spectrum Brands.

Hrubes pointed to Gateway Commerce Center as a classic example of this growth. “In 10 years, Gateway Commerce Center construction nearly doubled from 15 buildings to 26,” said Hrubes. “It’s nearly built out with only 200 acres (out of 2,300) left.”

Regarding economic health, Hrubes said, St. Louis’ unemployment stats have vastly improved over the past decade. In January 2010, he noted, St. Louis had a 10.4 percent unemployment rate. In December 2019, that rate was only 3.2 percent.

Following Tuesday’s morning forecast event, BARBERMURPHY Principal Steve Zuber, SIOR St. Louis vice president, said the Illinois portion of the St. Louis MSA is uniquely positioned to take advantage of today’s real estate adage, “labor, labor, labor” – a catch phrase that has overtaken the industry’s long-used “location, location, location” expression.

“For years, Illinois’ bordering states – Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky and Wisconsin – have been outperforming Illinois with lower unemployment rates,” said Zuber. “Ours has been somewhat higher than most. That’s actually a good thing now, though…because now in Illinois, we have the ready workforce to fill these positions while our neighboring states are maxed out.”

People On The Move In The Local Construction Industry

Published on February 19, 2020February 20, 2020 in Companies/News