Postal Service relocates to University Commons location.
Representatives with the United States Postal Service and SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles were joined by city, county and Lindenwood University officials to cut the ribbon for the new U.S. Postal Service offices at 1890 First Capitol Drive.
“This is a great day for everyone with the Postal Service,” stated Charley Miller, Gateway District Manager. “This building allows us to continue our pursuit of strong customer service while enhancing the work environment for our employees.”
St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles served as the general contractor for the $5.2 million facility. The 21,500 SF building is part of University Commons, a dynamic mixed-use retail development along the city’s First Capitol Drive corridor.
In exchange, SSM Health acquired the former post office located at 112 S. Fifth St. Mike Bowers, President of St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles, said the new complex serves a dual purpose that will benefit St. Charles residents for many years.
“While this exchange agreement is mutually beneficial to the U.S. Postal Service and to SSM Health, St. Charles residents stand to benefit the most,” Bowers said. “From a health care perspective, acquiring this property gives our hospital much needed room for growth as we continue to work toward improving access to safe, high-quality health care for our patients.”
St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith said, “This ceremony is a testament to the strong partnership forged that resulted in a successful development. I commend all the parties that worked together for many years to ensure we would reach this day.”
A coalition of the U.S. Postal Service, SSM Health, Lindenwood University, City of St. Charles, DESCO Development and St. Charles County teamed together to bring the project to fruition.
“University Commons is an important asset to Lindenwood University and its vision,” stated President Michael Shonrock. “This development, coupled with our ongoing campus improvements, makes the overall experience at Lindenwood like no other.”
Under the direction of DESCO Development, University Commons is a mixed use retail project that has played an important role in the city and county’s growth trends. It is home to well-known retailers like Schnuck’s, GNC, CVS Pharmacy, Great Clips and Crown Optical. The development recently welcomed MOD Pizza, AT&T and Mattress Direct.
Steve Ehlmann, St. Charles County Executive, cited improved access as a key component for the county’s participation in the project.
“Our office’s primary focus has always been on improved commuter access throughout the region. We invested in the West Clay extension because of the positive impact it will provide everyone along the First Capitol corridor.”