Laclede’s Landing

Laclede’s Landing Hails Memorial Day Completion of Lucas Ave Project

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

St. Louis-based Stika Brothers Concrete Contracting, Inc. is the lead contractor for the  Lucas Avenue Project in Laclede’s Landing, a high-impact effort wrapping up this weekend that creates vehicular access to the Landing’s south end and features pedestrian-friendly sidewalks with trees and lighting.

John Clark, president of the Laclede’s Landing Community Improvement District, said the $350,000 infrastructural project creates a new main artery access point to the Landing connecting Lucas Avenue from Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard to Lumiere Boulevard (Third Street). Clark said the newly rebuilt section literally paves the way for the growing amount of residential development there. Advantes Development is converting the former Bi-State Development headquarters at 701 North First Street into Peper Lofts. Advantes Principal Brian Minges has two more Landing structures under contract – the former Hoffman Building (700 North Second) and the Greeley Building (618-624 North Second) – for a mixed-use, residential-retail redevelopment.

“Brian is seeing great success with the Peper Lofts, the Landing’s first-ever multifamily development that is quickly filling up,” said Clark. “With the completion of all the work on the Gateway Arch grounds and museum plus an additional $20 million in recent investments on the Landing with more to come, we anticipate increasing demand for additional residential options from those who want to live in this premier riverfront location.”

The new stretch of Lucas Avenue is anticipated to open this Monday, May 27.

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

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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.”

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First Multi-Family Residential Development in Laclede’s Landing

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More details emerge regarding 49 apartment homes taking shape as Peper Lofts at 701 N. 1st Street 

History is in the making in St. Louis’ oldest district, as work to transform the former Metro Transit headquarters building ramps up and Laclede’s Landing’s prepares to welcome the Peper Lofts as its first multi-family residential development.  Advantes Development acquired the historic six-story, 106,000 square foot Christian Peper building at 701 N. 1st Street last August and is now in the midst of $12 million renovation project. Upon completion later this year, the repurposed 120-year-old building will deliver 49 incredible apartment homes with dramatic views of the recently completed Gateway Arch grounds, the Mississippi River and the downtown St. Louis skyline. A key highlight of the redevelopment is a rooftop sundeck with clear glass safety railings, which will offer almost 360 degrees of unobstructed views.

“The Landing has long been known as a great place to dine and play, and over the years it has become home to a diverse mix of businesses, but this latest addition is adding a whole new dimension to St. Louis’ only riverfront entertainment/dining destination,” said John Clark, president of the Laclede’s Landing Community Improvement District. “Now, for the first time ever, The Landing will be a place to live, work and play, offering a truly unique lifestyle experience.”

The apartments will be located on floors three through six and feature impressive ceiling heights ranging from 10.5 feet to 18 feet, depending on the floor.  Historic timbers throughout the building are being preserved and will be a focal point in the individual units themselves as well as in the common areas. Open concept floor plans will facilitate easy flow within the apartments and ensure maximum exposure to the premium views. Residents will appreciate custom concrete floors, designer cabinetry, Quartz countertops, high end appliance packages, remote thermostatic controls and the in-unit washer and drier.

The rooftop sundeck will offer multiple areas for lounging and gathering, grill stations, and even incorporates a designated area just for residents’ dogs.  Additional amenities include keyless security and controlled access parking, while the building’s first floor will feature a coffee bar, fireplace lounge, professional workout facility and a business center.

The building itself is just steps away from the new north entrance to the renovated Gateway Arch Grounds, the St. Louis Riverfront Bike Trail, Lumiere Casino, the MetroLink Station and more than half a dozen existing local eateries, with more set to open over the next few months.

Ranging in size from 650 to 1,100 square feet, the building will feature a mix of 23 two-bedroom, one-bath units and 26 one-bedroom, one baths. In all, there will be 13 different floor plan options available. Rents will initially range from $900-$1,450 based on unit type, floor level and specific views.  Pre-sales are set to begin by the end of April. The first display units should be available for viewing by July 3rd, right in time for the Arch grounds and Landing to welcome tens of thousands of people as the renovated Gateway Arch Museum opens and the popular Fair St. Louis returns to the Riverfront.

“The Peper Lofts will be the perfect combination of modern living and rich history and will contribute to the overall revitalization of Laclede’s Landing that appears to be well underway,” said Brian Minges, president of Advantes Development. “While our project may be the first large-scale residential development on The Landing, we’re confident that it will be the first of many as other developers recognize what an incredible riverfront location this is and join us in making this nine-block area one of the city’s most sought after residential communities.”

Upon completion, 701 N. 1st Street will also be home to Abstrakt Marketing, which already occupies the building next door and will be taking the entire second floor in the renovated building, connecting it to their existing space to create a contiguous office footprint. Advantes is also in negotiations with potential tenants for the two remaining commercial spaces, which include 5,000 square feet on the south side of the first floor and 4,000 square feet on the lower level, which would be ideal for a casual dining space.

Advantes is serving as the developer and general contractor for the residential units and common areas of the building and M2 Architecture Studio is the architect. Abstrakt will be hiring its own contractor for the renovation of the 2nd floor.

A new website with all details for The Peper Lofts will debut in the coming weeks at www.peperlofts.com.   In the meantime, to learn more about Advantes Development, visit www.advantesdevelopment.com. To learn more about all the great experiences that can be found on Laclede’s Landing, visit www.lacledeslanding.com.

Laclede’s Landing is downtown St. Louis’ oldest district and only riverfront entertainment/dining destination. The nine-block area features unique restaurants, bars, and nightclubs as well as a variety of attractions, and businesses. Just steps away from the Gateway Arch, Laclede’s Landing offers a historical experience with charming cobblestone streets and century-old buildings overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.

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$3 Million Investment Transforming Building on Laclede’s Landing Into Exciting New Dining & Event Venue

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With construction of the Gateway Arch grounds nearing completion, a 125-year-old building on the adjacent Laclede’s Landing is currently undergoing its own dramatic $3 million renovation. Taking its name from its prime location at 612 N. 2nd Street, the six-level, 50,000-square-foot building is undergoing a total makeover inside and out to create a unique dining and special event venue that will be highlighted by innovative cuisine, historical features and unmatched views over the newly transformed Arch grounds and The Riverfront.

Initially purchased in 2006 by Munsok So, owner of the popular Drunken Fish restaurants in St. Louis and Kansas City, the ground floor of the building previously housed the third Drunken Fish location in the city. As the newly renovated Arch grounds began to take shape across the street, So recalibrated his initial concept for the building and went all-in on renovations to create a one-of-a-kind venue aimed at meeting the varied needs of local residents and the expanded number of visitors expected on the Arch Grounds in the coming years.

“Munsok’s decision to transform the entire building with several unique offerings will make it a destination in itself,” said John Clark, president of the Laclede’s Landing Community Improvement District. “It’s going to be a terrific addition and great complement to the various other offerings already here on The Landing.”

Making use of the building’s exceptional location, So began with a gut rehab of the fifth and top floor, transforming it over the past seven months into an event venue called VUE. With its $1 million investment, VUE is a stunning event space with new floor to ceiling windows overlooking the renovated Arch Grounds, the Mississippi River and the historic Eads Bridge, with additional views of the St. Louis skyline. Featuring original brick walls and contemporary finishes and fixtures, the 8,000-square-foot space will feature a brand new commercial kitchen serving up creative menu options; seating for 325 guests, and all new restrooms. Bringing the ultimate modern meets history vibe, VUE will serve as the perfect backdrop for weddings, corporate or charitable events and private parties and is expected to open this December.

The first floor will host three separate offerings to be rolled out over the next several months, starting with Kimchi Guys. After debuting several of their planned menu items at recent local food festivals and receiving rave reviews, Kimchi Guys will introduce fast-casual Korean food to the area, including Korean fried chicken, a totally new concept for St. Louis. The Korean fusion restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, serving up dishes such as    Korean Tacos, Korean sandwiches, Korean BBQ rice bowls and more, as well as a selection of cocktails.

Sharing the first-floor space, Miss Java will become the first official coffee shop on The Landing, providing an early option for breakfast seven days a week and staying open until 9 p.m. With menu items ranging from Belgian waffles to classic sandwiches and specialty coffees, and plans brewing to debut their own home-roasted coffee, Miss Java will offer St. Louisans working on The Landing and tourists rediscovering The Riverfront a charming option to satisfy their taste buds.

The remaining portion of the first floor will be occupied by KOR. A smaller and more intimate event space, KOR will comfortably seat 125 inside as well as offer an outdoor patio area with an additional 10 tables overlooking the river. With food catered by the state-of-the-art kitchen serving VUE, this venue will be ideal for corporate gatherings or any range of private parties, from bridal and baby showers to anniversary gatherings.

The project also includes an overhaul of the lower level of the building. Highlighted by expanses of the original exposed brick and historic stone arches, this underground space oozes old world charm and will be transformed into an additional venue for weddings and private parties. It should be completed in first quarter of 2018.

While the fourth floor will serve as the corporate office for Drunken Fish, the second and third floors are currently being renovated to serve as office spaces that will be available for rent upon completion in 2018.

“I hope that what we are doing here brings value to the community and to the city of St. Louis,” stated So. “I believe that others can see the success of this and bring increased interest back to the Landing.  We are extremely excited about what this represents.”

Laclede’s Landing is downtown St. Louis’ oldest district and only riverfront entertainment/dining destination. The nine-block area features unique restaurants, bars, and nightclubs as well as a variety of retail shops, attractions, and businesses. Just steps away from the Gateway Arch, Laclede’s Landing offers a historical experience with charming cobblestone streets and century-old buildings overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.

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