HDA Architects recently completed Anew (A Rooftop Event Space for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri). The $3.7 million project is in the heart of St. Louis’ Grand Center and has a rooftop restaurant that is 4,250 square feet and features a glass-enclosed dining room, a 10-seat bar and an outdoor terrace.
“Conceived as a gathering space to promote and cultivate relationships, the ANEW Rooftop is a modern addition perched atop the historical Woolworth building, now owned and operated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. The stout, Art Deco styled masonry of the existing building provides a wonderful contrast to the minimalist and light aesthetic of the rooftop. This old/new juxtaposition creates an exciting dynamic, exemplary of the Grand Center district.”
The Big Brother Big Sisters Rooftop project consists of a 3,000 SF retail space, a 4,250 SF rooftop space with a 2,250 SF terrace. Sitting atop the existing Big Brothers Big Sisters offices (previously the Woolworths Building) at Grand and Olive, the new addition is a sleek, modern compliment to the existing architecture. Folded planes of wood, glass and metal create a dynamic form that is purposefully perched to create a moment of drama by overhanging the existing building. Floor to ceiling glazing helps visually extend the interior space outward to the roof terrace and views beyond. The retail space on the ground floor provides the connection from the ground to the rooftop and can be programmed as an event space, café / restaurant, or exhibition space.
There were many challenges with this project. Besides the difficulties of building on the roof of an existing building, the greatest challenge was working over the existing structure of the building. During the Woolworth Building’s previous 2007 renovation, many of the building columns were removed to accommodate the theater needs of the Kranzberg Arts Center. Thus, the position and layout of the building is driven by the locations of the remaining columns capable of carrying the new roof loads to the ground.
Team Members:
Architect: HDA Architects
Contractor: BSI Constructors
Electrical Contractor: Bell Electric
Mechancial Contractor: Jarrell
Structural Engineer: KPFF
Owners Rep / Project Manager: Gabriel Project Management
