By Peter Downs
The national economy is showing signs of picking up after a slow
year. The economy slowed somewhat in St. Louis, too, but not as
much, staying on that famous Midwestern even keel. It is the state
of the State that appears to grab the greater share of attention,
with debates over funding a new baseball stadium and a mixed residential
and commercial village to go with it, and debates over funding construction
to meet current and future road needs and schools. St. Louis Commerce
asked three construction industry leaders to reflect on the state
of the region and what it means for construction. They are Rick
Grebel, president of KCI Construction Co. and the moving force behind
St. Louis’ construction charter school; Bruce Holland, president
of Illinois-based Holland Construction Services; and Paul Shaughnessy,
president of BSI Constructors, Inc.
How
is the commercial construction industry faring?
Grebel: The commercial construction industry is faring well.
We only saw a slight dip in latter 2001 in the total industry labor
hours. The total industry labor hours have increased since, but
have been holding steady since February 2002. Some markets were
affected more than others.
The markets that were affected by the national slowdown, office
and industrial are not KCI’s major markets, therefore the overall
affect on us was minimal.
I do believe, however, that they are coming back at moderate pace.
But long term, I see significant decreases in office and industrial
buildings in the region.
Holland: The industry had a strong yearly start, but there
are concerns about the fourth quarter. The slowdown didn’t affect
us except for some softness in the manufacturing and warehouse segment.
Shaughnessy: We have seen a pullback in the commercial market.
Many owners and developers are taking more of a “wait and see” attitude
than has been the case for the last several years. This pullback
definitely predated 9/11.
We have experienced instances where a client has made a decision
to defer or postpone a project or a portion of a project. But overall,
and largely on the basis of a solid backlog acquired before the
slowdown, we have not been adversely affected.
It’s hard to say if the economy is coming back up. A large volume
of institutional work has helped offset the slowdown in private
work. The institutional base looks to be strong for the near future,
so even a small boost in the private sector should have a positive
impact on the industry.
What do you see as the major trends in the
industry?
Holland: I think office building will be slow but retail,
health care and senior living will be steady.
Shaughnessy: The biggest trend is construction costs—they
continue to outpace the general rate of inflation. Wage rates continue
to rise at three to four percent each year, and over the past few
years, labor shortages have hurt productivity.
Stable, and even decreasing, material prices had been helping offset
labor increases, but new tariffs on steel and lumber are sure to
drive raw materials up as well.
It appears, however, that work has slowed enough that contractors
and subcontractors are bidding more aggressively, so overall costs
should be only slightly up in the next six months.
Grebel: Regionally, I anticipate the following trends:
- Commercial
Building—Down
-
Industrial & Manufacturing—
Down Significantly
-
Education & Institutional Facilities— Up
-
Public Buildings—Up
-
Transportation—Up Dramatically
-
Overall—Steady to minor drop
|
What
are the main obstacles the industry faces?
Shaughnessy: Obviously, any governmental regulations or tax
policies that make our region unattractive to prospective building
owners and developers harm the construction industry. Historic tax
credits and other “unconventional” funding sources have been a key
element in redevelopment within the City of St. Louis. To the extent
these funding sources are scaled back, future downtown and midtown
projects may suffer.
Holland: I think the biggest obstacle is a shortage of some
construction trades people, primarily bricklayers and electricians.
Grebel: Work force development in the building trades, and
the economic deterioration of the City of St. Louis. Those are the
two big obstacles to the future growth of the construction industry.
What kind of construction projects most affect the region’s economic
momentum and how can we get more of them?
Grebel: By far, the projects that most significantly impact
the region’s economic growth are transportation projects. I believe
our local economy is fueled by our transportation infrastructure.
This is primarily our highway system and our airport, but also includes
our rail system, river ports, and light rail system. St. Louis’
strategic location in the center of the country on a major river
is why it was created, and is its largest asset. We need to continue
to capitalize on this asset. Significant public investment in transportation
will spawn private business investment in our community.
Secondly, the City of St. Louis, specifically the downtown area
is in dire need of a significant, long-term economic development
plan, which will require major investment by the State, the City,
and yes, the County. The City of St. Louis is becoming a class B
city. Companies will not stay in a City where there is little reinvestment
in infrastructure, deterioration of public services, and a complacent
city bureaucracy. The current City administration is well intended
and committed, however, the prehistoric political structure makes
progress and reinvestment unlikely and makes well intended administrations
ineffective.
It’s time to reinvent the wheel in the City and reinvest in its
future.
Holland: Manufacturing is definitely a vital factor. The key
to growth in that area is good regional economic development efforts.
Shaughnessy: On the surface, building projects for private
industry that bring good jobs to our area give us an economic boost,
but actually any project that makes St. Louis a better place to
live is important to this region. For example, the recent improvements
to our cultural institutions (the History Museum, the Missouri Botanical
Garden, the Zoo, and the Science Center), as well as the amazing
transformation going on in Forest Park positively impact the quality
of life for many of our citizens. By making St. Louis a desirable
place to live, we will attract and retain the industry and entrepreneurial
talent that will sustain our economic momentum.
Any additional comments?
Grebel: The construction industry has been on a growth curve
since October 1998, and it’s just now beginning to flatten out.
The St. Louis region is fortunate to have many diverse industries
in the area, which tends to eliminate the boom and bust economy.
We have had robust growth in construction, and I do not see a major
downturn in the near future.
Shaughnessy: St. Louis has a strong contractor base and very
skilled tradesmen. The challenge is for construction buyers, contractors,
and labor unions to work together to keep our processes streamlined
and our costs in line to make St. Louis a friendly and attractive
place to build.
Holland: Infrastructure and transportation are key elements
to spurring economic development. We are the hub of the Midwest
transportation and distribution network. Having adequate roads and
bridges is key to maintaining it and enhancing this position, and
this is why the proposed new Mississippi River Bridge is so important.
In addition, just like the best use of the Mid-America airport might
be for cargo facilities to give a UPS-like organization better access
to the entire region, the new Mississippi River bridge will give
people better access to more places to live. Southern Illinois is
closer to downtown and a lot of other work areas than west county,
but bridge congestion and delays can make the commute just as long.
Are people going to move into this area if they have to fight traffic
congestion and delays wherever they go?
Peter Downs is a free-lance writer and editor of Construction
News & Review.
Only RCGA
members are listed in the subcontractors category.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Allan R. Hoffman Building
Location: 10950 Schuetz Road, Creve Coeur
General Contractor: A.J. Brown, Inc.
Engineer: K2 Consultants
Cost: $2.2 million
Completion Date: April 2002
Size: 21,300 square feet
Architect: Trivers Associates
Description:
This two-story building serves as the main office and administration
center for JFCS. The building’s exterior features brick, block
and a cast-stone storefront, while the impressive interior boasts
a bowed, wood and glass conference room wall on the second floor.
Subcontractors:
Columbia Iron Works, Flooring Systems, McBride & Sons, PayneCrest,
PM Leach Painting
Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington U School of Medicine Center
for Advanced Medicine & Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center
Location: BJC & Wash U. School of Medicine
General Contractor: Alberici Constructors
Engineers: HOK, Affiliated Engineers, Heideman & Associates
Cost: $158 million
Completion date: December 2001
size: 620,000 square feet
Architects: HOK, Cannon Design
Description:
Washington University Medical Center is comprised of Barnes-Jewish
Hospital and Washington U. School of Medicine. Since the 1996
merger of Barnes and Jewish hospitals, the Medical Center has
been under a transformation in an effort to consolidate and expand
medical services.
The most recent
expansion of the Medical Center is the development of an innovative
and convenient center for Advanced Medicine. This attractive new
building has been molded around the central needs of the patient
and is home to the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, the only institution
to receive a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation in Missouri.
The Center
for Advanced Medicine is a logical coherent environment that provides
a new perspective on patient care. The facility offers multidisciplinary
clinical care and improves the patient experience through a co-location
of clinics with high-demand diagnostic spaces.
Alberici served
as construction manager, working alongside the design team during
a comprehensive pre-construction phase; HOK served as the architect
for the building shell; Cannon Design planners coordinated efforts
with the Medical Center administration to convert the strategic
vision into physical spaces that have become a national model
for patient-care delivery.
Subcontractors:
Sachs Electric, Condaire, McGrath, Murphy
GPX, Inc.
Location: 900 N. 23rd Street, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: ARCO Construction Co, Inc.
Leasing & Developing: Balke Brown Associates
Cost: $9.5 million
Completion: March 2002
Size: 335,000 square feet
Architects: Holleran Duitsman Architects and Gray Design
Group
Description:
This new building seamlessly blends corporate office operations
with a state-of-the-art worldwide distribution facility. With
a full two-story high entry into the grand lobby, the balance
of the office has high open ceiling spaces with trendy office
cubicles surrounding the corporate offices. Concrete tilt-up panels
and a curtain wall of green glass reflect the modern, high-tech
vision of the main
tenant, GPX.
Subcontractors:
ACI Boland, Ahal Contracting, Icon Mechanical
CitiMortgage
Building
Location: Progress Point North, O’Fallon, MO
General Contractor: Clayco Construction
Developer: TRiSTAR
Engineer: Alper Audi (structural), Stock & Associates
(civil)
Cost: $50 million
Completion date: 2003
Size: 515,000 square feet
Architect: Forum Studio
Description:
When completed, the three-story building will house up to 5,000
Citigroup employees, consolidating approximately 2,500 CitiMortgage
employees and additional employees from its St. Louis Consumer
Finance and Consumer Credit operations into a single location.
The building
will be constructed using architectural cast-in-place concrete
panels, glass curtain wall and metal panel cladding. Special features
include a raised access floor throughout associated work areas;
modular mechanical and electrical systems to allow for flexible
interior building layouts; HVAC, electrical, communication and
distribution systems under the floor; large floor plates allowing
4,700 individual work areas; emergency generator-supported workstations,
elevators, UPS loads, and selected mechanical and life safety
systems; and state-of-the-art computer and communications rooms.
Employees will benefit from a full-service cafeteria, an exercise
facility, open floor plans with perimeter window views, convenient
access to Highway 40, indirect lighting at all open office areas
to reduce computer screen glares, and an exterior amenities patio.
St. Louis
Post-Dispatch Printing Plant Expansion
Location:
11700 Dunlap Industrial Drive, Maryland Heights, MO
General Contractor: R.G. Brinkmann Construction Co.
Engineer: J.R. Grimes Consulting Engineering
Cost: $17 million
Completion Date: Summer 2002
Size: 110,000 square feet
Architect: TR,i Architekts
Description:
A fast-track expansion of the Post-Dispatch printing facility
allows the paper to consolidate its printing operations in St.
Louis County to improve efficiency in producing and delivering
the daily newspaper. The project required Brinkmann to complete
the new addition on an accelerated schedule without disrupting
newspaper production.
Subcontractors:
Ibrahim Engineering, Wiegmann & Associates
Commerce Bank
Contact Center
Location: 1045 Executive Parkway, Creve Coeur, MO
General Contractor: ISC Contracting
Developer: Commerce Bank
Cost: $6.6 million
Size: 54,000 square feet
Architect: Arcturis
Description:
Arcturis provided site selection, planning, architecture, and
interior services to transform a former hardware store into a
corporate office environment for the new Commerce Bank Contact
Center. Because this facility will support both a 24x7 call center
and business services staff, a central core was designed to divide
the building between the two main work areas with a complementary
interior of rich colors and lighting accents to create a comfortable,
productive work environment.
The building
includes a full-service training room with a low-raised floor,
furniture that can be transformed to support a variety of seating
needs, and wipe-off white board walls. The design team added 14
windows, a double entry door, and arched canopy to the exterior
entrance. The front fascia was transformed with EIFS panels to
create a contemporary look.
Subcontractors:
PM Leach Painting, Flooring Systems, Landmark Contract Management
Auditorium
Addition
Ft. Zumwalt South high school
Location:
8050 Mexico Road, St. Peters, MO
General Contractor: Freise Construction
Engineers: Cannon Design, Engineering Dynamics Int’l.,
Pickett, Ray & Silver, Landmark Surveying
Cost: $3.35 million
Completion Date: November 2001
Size: 24,709 square feet
Architects: Cannon Design
Description:
This project includes a new auditorium addition of 20,519 square
feet and renovation of 3,317 square feet within the existing Music
Department. Phase I construction includes a 500-seat auditorium
with two wings, orchestra area, stage workshop, storage, make-up
area with dressing rooms, control room, catwalk, and lobby. Phase
II includes new band room, practice rooms, storage and scene shop,
and 200-seat
SEMCO Plastics
Location:
5301 Old Baumgartner, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: J.P. McLain Construction
Cost: $2.5 million
Completion date: December 2001
Size: 60,500 square feet
Architect: Saul Dien & Associates
Description:
A pre-engineered metal building addition used for packaging, warehousing,
shipping, and tool and die work. This brings the total facility
area to over 200,000 square feet (J.P. McLain constructed a 50,000-square-foot
warehouse addition in 1996.)
Cardinal Ritter
College Prep
Location:
Grand Center, St. Louis, MO
General contractor: Alberici Constructors with M.L. Johnson
& Company
Engineer: Fleming Corporation
Cost: $25 million
Completion: 2003
Size: 83,000 square feet
Architect: Christner Inc. in association with Fleming Corp.
and Grice Group Architects
Description:
The challenge of accommodating outdoor athletics, parking and
future building expansion on a 16-acre redevelopment site was
solved by vacating a block-long portion of a street and the building
was constructed on the eastern edge of the site. The two-story
brick structure is placed at the terminus of Grandel Square in
the historic Grand Center neighborhood. Features include classrooms
with fully wireless computer connections, science labs with wet
lab benches, and separate instructional areas, two-story commons,
library and chapel. Outdoor athletic facilities include a football
field with bleachers and press box and an eight-lane track.
312 N. 8th
Street Building
Location:
St. Louis, MO
General contractor: Metropolitan Design & Building
Engineer: Ibrahim Engineering Co./Richardson Engineering
Group
Cost: $1.9 million
Completion date: August 2002
Size: 22,200 square feet
Architect: Metropolitan Design & Building
Description:
Architect Isaac S. Taylor originally designed this six-story building
for L&N Railroad in 1888. The 2001 purchase of this building
(vacant since early 1992) kicked off the first solid redevelopment
in the Old Post Office District.
MD&B designed
and is now converting the upper floors into four 3,000+ square-foot
lofts. The ground level and mezzanine will be remodeled to suit
a commercial tenant.
Alton Center
II
Location:
Alton Center Business Park, MO
General Contractor: Clayco Construction
Developer: Clark Properties
Engineer: Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab
Cost: $5 million
Completion date: June 2001
Size: 223,072 square feet
Architect: Mitchell-Hugeback Architects
Description:
Alton Center II is an expanded renovation of the Alton Center
Business Park—a 153-acre redevelopment on the site of the
former Owens-Illinois glass-making plant in Alton, Ill. Originally
built in the 1960s, the structure has 23.5-feet clear height ceilings
and 25' x 50' wide bays. It is readily adaptable for a variety
of uses, including light manufacturing, warehousing, service and
office.
Subcontractors:
Alper Audi (structural engineers), Environmental Operations (environmental
engineers)
Penguin &
Puffin Coast
Location: Saint Louis Zoo, MO
General Contractor: Tarlton Corporation
Cost: $8 million
Completion date: Early 2003
Architect: Peckham, Guyton, Albers & Viets
Description:
The project features the first walk-through, sub-Antarctic penguin
exhibit in North America. The facility will include two large
indoor exhibit areas depicting naturalistic coastline settings
and offering underwater viewing. One area will house penguins
from the Antarctic and the other will be home to puffins (oceanic
birds from the North).
Subcontractors:
KCI Construction Co.
Piper Plant
House
Location:
Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: Dar-Beck, Inc.
Completion date: April 2002
Architect: Phil Cotton, Jr.
Description:
The 117-year-old Piper Plant House was formerly used as a green
house and Park Maintenance building. The 100' x 30' structure
was refurbished to its original design with the addition of a
loft library for park archives. Special features include a radiant
floor heating system; a restored 100' skylight down the center
of the building, and original brick pavers that border a utility
trench with restored cast iron grates covering it. The utility
trench houses all the mechanical piping, ductwork, plumbing, and
electrical conduits. Other special features include restoration
of the exterior brick, restored curved ceiling boards, and a new
copper roof system with exposed interior downspouts.
East St. Louis
Higher Education Campus
Location:
East St. Louis, IL
General contractor: The Korte Company
Engineer: Woolpert LLP and David Mason & Associates
Cost: $20 million
Completion date: May 2003
Size: 190,700 square feet
Architect: Woolpert LLP
Description:
This project includes the renovation and repair of the four existing
buildings and construction of two new buildings. The existing
buildings will jointly house operations of the East St. Louis
Community College Center and the outreach programs of SIUE East
St. Louis Center. One new building is planned as a multi-purpose
facility of approximately 50,000 square feet of customized space
for SIUE’s specialized health and childcare programs. The
other new building will be an office building of approximately
12,000 square feet designed for the Illinois Department of Employment
Services (IDES).
Old Post Office
Renovation
Location:
Downtown St. Louis, MO
Developer: The DESCO Group/DFC Group, Inc.
Cost: $35 million
Completion date: 2003
Size: 242,000 square feet
Architect: Trivers Associates
Description:
The newly renovated Old Post Office is the sixth most historic
building in the General Services Administration’s vast inventory
of federal structures. It anchors a new office, retail and residential
development. The combined $286.6 million capital investment will
create more than 2,000 jobs during construction and more than
2,300 permanent jobs upon completion.
Two anchor
tenants intend to occupy the Old Post Office. A 50,863-square-foot
downtown campus for Webster University will be located on the
moat, mid and mall levels (two levels below grade and first floor).
The Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, will occupy 47,927
square feet on the third and fourth levels. The historic third
floor courtrooms will be preserved and used as the Court En Banc
and the Missouri Court of Appeals Library. Up to 60,000 square
feet will be leased for retail uses on the moat and mall levels
and first class multi-tenant offices on the second floor.
First Community
Credit Union
Location:
3440 Highway K, O’Fallon, MO
General contractor, Developer, Engineer, and Architect:
HBE
Completion date: April 2002
Size: 5,000 square feet
Description:
HBE recently designed and constructed three new bank branches
in the St. Louis area, including a new 5,000-square-foot facility
in O’Fallon, Mo. The single-story facility supports a distinct
new brand identity for First Community. Features include a dynamic
barrel vault roof, a curved teller line, teller cash dispatch
units, a metallic finish ceiling, and computer-controlled lighting
that adjusts according to the time of day. In addition, the spacious
interior includes an open floor plan design, large clerestory
windows to promote natural light, and a modular furniture system.
The branch also offers five drive-up lanes equipped with video
cameras.
Lift for Life
Academy Charter School
Location:
1731 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO
General contractor: Knoebel Construction
Developer: Friedman Group, Ltd.
Engineer: Forsyth Engineering
Cost: $950,000
Completion date: August 2001
Size: 28,000 square feet
Architect: Kimble Cohn & Associates and Kevin Chapman
Description:
The historic Manufacturers Bank building has been creatively converted
into a new charter middle school for 146 sixth and seventh graders.
A vault area now houses restrooms and a classroom occupies the
former boardroom. The bank lobby has been maintained and returned
to original form where a library will take shape and bank teller
stations will become study nooks. A director, principal and social
worker now occupy spaces formerly used for bank officers.
GKN Aerospace
North American Headquarters
Location:
142 J.S. McDonnell Blvd., St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: McCarthy Construction
Engineer: ABS Consulting
Cost: $5.1 million
Size: 40,000 square feet
Completion date: April 2002
Architect: Fox Architects
Description:
Fox has redesigned this facility to create a landscaped headquarters
entrance that will significantly “green” the existing
industrial site. Other additional interior improvements include
executive and corporate offices, product and company displays,
and amenities consisting of dining, video conferencing and training.
Vashon High
School
Location:
Cass & Garrison Avenues, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: Kozeny-Wagner, Inc.
Cost: $28 million
Completion date: June 2002
Size: 247,000 square feet
Architect: Kennedy & Associates
Description:
This new St. Louis Public High School campus includes separate
grade-level houses with science and core classrooms that will
have numerous high-tech computer stations in each of them. It
will also have a state-of-the-art media and arts center, competitive
and practice gyms, indoor competition swimming pool, cafeteria
with courtyard, an auditorium, secured parking, and a parent-infant
facility. Additionally, video monitors and surveillance equipment
will be placed throughout the school.
Old St. Louis
Post-Dispatch Renovation
Location:
300 North Tucker at Olive, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: HBD
Leasing: Meade Summers
Developer: Jerome Glick and Meade Summers
Cost: $9 million
Completion Date: April 2003
Size: 115,000 square feet
Architect: Stark Wilson, Duncan Architects, Inc.
Description:
The old St. Louis Post-Dispatch building is on the National Historic
Register and was built by Pulitzer in 1917. In 1965, the building
was sold and a new metal exterior was mounted on the building,
covering the original hand-carved Indian limestone.
The restoration
effort includes removing the metal exterior curtain from beautiful
Corinthian stone columns and replacing all the windows with new
double-pane thermal windows. The cornice will be replaced and
molds taken to perfectly match the other damaged portions of the
building. Once complete, the building will have 350 covered parking
spaces.
Distribution
Management, Inc.
Location:
Missouri Research Park, St. Charles, MO
General Contractor: Holland Construction Services
Cost: $7 million
Completion Date: April 2002
Size: 48,000 square feet
Architect: Lighthouse Architects
Description:
This new two-story office building with underground parking garage
features aluminum curtain wall, brick, and metal panels forming
the exterior skin of the facility. Ornamental handrails and parapet
rail accent the exterior design. The interior features a grand
staircase and lobby area, as well as two floors of open office
space and private offices. In addition to open ceilings, other
features include special finishes, such as stained concrete floors,
and architectural drywall soffits.
Subcontractors:
Ahal Contracting, Stephen’s Floor Covering
Michael Genovese
Jewelers
Location:
12460 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO
General Contractor: Kadean Construction Company
Developer: Motto Corp.
Engineer: Alper Audi, Inc.
Cost: $2.6 million
Completion date: September 2001
Size: 21,100 square feet
Architect: Lighthouse Architects
Description:
Michael Genovese Jewelers occupies the entire first floor and
lower level of their new two-story building, with the second floor
being leased to third party tenants. The building features a structural
steel frame with brick, EIFS, and extensive use of glass providing
prominent exposure to Olive Boulevard just east of I-270. Kadean
also constructed an adjacent building for Missouri State Bank
that architecturally complements the Genovese structure.
Subcontractors:
Sachs Electric
CityPlace
Three
Location:
Creve Coeur, MO
General Contractor: Clayco Construction
Developer: The Koman Group
Cost: $30 million
Completion Date: August 2002
Size: 230,000 square feet
Architect: TR,i Architekts, Stock & Associates, Bob
Campbell Engineers
Description:
An 11-story office building located in the heart of the Creve
Coeur business district, CityPlace Three offers tenant companies
and their employees a 5,500-square-foot fitness center with a
75-seat training facility; personal trainers on staff; building
conference rooms with video-conferencing; 150-seat auditorium;
drop-off dry cleaners; a 4,500-square-foot café offering
breakfast and lunch; structured parking; 24-hour security; and
a concierge desk to direct patrons to the many other hotels, restaurants,
and banks in the surrounding area.
Subcontractors:
Kaemmerlen Electric, C&R Mechanical, Bi-State Fire Protection
University
of Missouri – St. Louis Performing Arts Center
Location:
University of Missouri – St. Louis Campus
General Contractor: KCI Construction Company
Cost: $45 million plus
Completion Date: December 2002
Size: 123,110 square feet
Architect: Farnsworth Group, David Mason & Associates,
McClure Engineering, Kiku Obata & Associates, Heideman + Associates,
Austin Tao & Associates
Description:
The new UMSL Performing Arts Center includes a 1,630-seat performance
hall, a 200-seat multi-purpose music and theater hall, as well
as two box offices for administrative and support space. The exterior
façade has brick cast stone, curtain wall, skylights, and
architectural metal panels. The building is three-stories at the
General Public area and six stories with a basement and sub-basement
at the Stage area.
Subcontractors:
Bell Electrical Contractors, Bi-State Fire Protection, Golterman
& Sabo, Negwer Materials, Subsurface Constructors
River’s
Edge Phase III
Location:
Saint Louis Zoo
General Contractor: Interface Construction Corp
developer: Saint Louis Zoo
Engineer: David Mason & Associates (civil, structural,
geotechnical), William Tao & Associates (mechanical, electrical)
Cost: $8 million
Completion date: April 2002
Size: 4 acres
Architect: David Mason & Associates
Description:
Located on the four-acre site of the former elephant house, Phase
III of River’s Edge includes eight buildings, heated dens,
canyons, waterfalls, fog-makers, and an underwater viewing area.
The goal of this project was for the buildings to blend into the
background so that the focus would remain on the animals. The
result is an Amazon Backwater with capybaras, bush dogs and giant
anteaters; a Rhino Reserve and research facility that showcases
the black rhino; a colony of carmine bee-eaters; warthogs; and
Hippo Harbor, an underwater exhibit that allows visitors to watch
the giant animals swim. The exhibits evoke the natural habitats
of the animals, bringing a more lifelike quality to the zoo experience.
Subcontractors:
Aschinger Electric Co., Corrigan Co.
Whitecliff Park
Aquatic Center & Active Area
Location:
Whitecliff Park, Crestwood, MO
General Contractor: L.A. Schaefer Construction
Cost: $8.5 million
Completion date: July 2002
Architect: Jacobs Facilities
Design Consultant: Markey & Associates, Inc.
Description:
The City of Crestwood is adding a new Aquatic Center and Active
Area at Whitecliff Park. In addition to three new swimming pools
and bathhouse, the Active area features tennis courts, a multi-purpose
court and pavilion. New landscaping and parking lots are also
being constructed.
Subcontractors:
Kozeny-Wagner
Boeing Building
101 Addition
Location:
Berkeley, MO
General Contractor: Alberici Constructors
Engineer: Lockwood Greene
Cost: $35 million
Completion date: April 2002
Size: 154,000 square feet
Architect: Lockwood Greene
Description:
This project involves a 150,000-square-foot north wing addition
to an existing manufacturing facility. The new space will be used
for production of the C-17 door, nose, and ramp assembly operations
(to be relocated from another facility). This design/build project
features a 280' x 480' high bay production area with all necessary
utilities for production operations. New state-of-the-art drilling/fastening
machines will be installed with provisions for final painting
and shipping by truck and rail. A new mechanical/boiler room will
be constructed to accommodate the new production and portions
of the existing adjacent operations. A mezzanine space is provided
for offices and other administrative functions.
Gateway Arch
Lighting
Location:
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: McGrath & Associates
Engineer: EDM, Inc.
Cost: $2 million
Completion date: November 2001
Architect: Randy Burkett Lighting Design
Description:
The project consisted of 44 high-intensity lights controlled by
a central computer, located in four concrete pits that are 8'
deep, 10' wide and 55' long. Power conduits were run from the
transformer vaults over long distances to the lighting pits using
directional boring to minimize disturbing the Arch landscape.
The pits that house the lighting control systems had to be located
in areas where the utility lines servicing the underground Arch
Museum were the densest and entailed extensive re-routing of the
utilities.
Uncas A. Whitaker
Hall for Biomedical Engineering
Location:
Washington University, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: McCarthy Building Company and Mosley
Construction
Engineer: BR+A Consulting Engineers, Inc. (mechanical,
electrical), Zaldastani Associates (structural),
J.R. Grimes Consulting Engineers (Civil), Shannon & Wilson
(geotechnical) and Colton Consulting
Cost: $32.4 million plus
Completion date: December 2002
Size: 113,598 square feet
Architects: Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson and Abbott; Paradigm
Architects
Description:
The Uncas A. Whitaker Hall for Biomedical Engineering is the first
building to be constructed as part of Washington University’s
east development plan. The facility will serve as a teaching and
research laboratory for the Biomedical Engineering Department.
The facility
consists of a lower level, plus three stories and a 240-seat auditorium.
The building is designed with a “college gothic” exterior
design and uses a granite/limestone skin over the structural steel
and concrete frame with slate roofing.
When completed,
the building will house 45 offices and individual laboratories,
which will allow for strictly controlled conditions, such as temperature
and lighting, which are required for biomedical research projects.
The lower
level includes space for the campus thermal plant, electrical
loop, and switch gear; a vivarium (clean room) and an NMR (magnetic
room). The building will also contain 18 individual laboratories
on the three floors above grade; 27 procedure rooms; an auditorium
that will seat 250 students with laptops; library, student and
faculty lounges; faculty offices; and a landscaped courtyard.
Subcontractors:
Guarantee Electrical, Icon Mechanical
Jewish Center
for Aged—Senior
residential community center phase I
Location:
Town & Country, MO
General Contractor: S.M. Wilson & Company
Engineer: Ross & Baruzinni; Siebold, Sydow & Elfin
Baum; Stock & Associates
Cost: $43.5 million
Completion date: August 2003
Size: 256,000 square feet
Architect: ACI Boland
Description:
This new facility features licensed skilled nursing units, assisted-living
units, associated common areas, care facilities, administrative
offices, and operations areas. Related site improvements are also
being made on approximately 17 surrounding acres, which entails
a tremendous challenge in moving massive amounts of earth as well
as maintaining good relations with surrounding residential community.
Subcontractors:
Charles E. Jarrell Contracting, Bell Electric, St. Louis Auto
Sprinkler, McBride & Son
Family Care Health
Center of Carondelet
Location:
401 Holly Hills Avenue, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: Volk Construction Company
Engineer: EDM, Inc.
Architect: Trivers & Associates
Size: 28,000 square feet
Cost: $5 million
Completion date: November 2002
Description:
This project includes demolition, site development, and construction
of a new two-story, steel frame with brick structure. This facility
will house equipment and staff to provide comprehensive medical,
dental and counseling services to economically-challenged families
in the Carondelet area of St. Louis.
Schlafly Regional
Library
Location: Euclid
& Lindell Avenues,
Central West End, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: BSI/AFRAM Corp.
Engineer: Avanti Technologies (mechanical), Ibrahim Engineering
(structural)
Completion date: November 2001
Size: 26,000 square feet
Architect: Team Four
Description:
Like popular bookstores, Schlafly Regional Library features plush
seating, a children’s section, face-out book displays, and
access to a future coffee shop. The 26,000-square-foot library
is unique in that it sits on the lower level of a 465-car parking
garage—a solution conceived in response to a need for additional
parking in St. Louis Central West End and for a new library location.
The library
features an L-shaped design with abundant windows along the two
exterior walls. Public areas, such as the children’s area
and conference room, are along the perimeter of the library next
to the windows. The circulation area is located in the center
of the library, along with a computer room for patron use. Three
express self-checkout stations free up library personnel to help
patrons. The most striking architectural feature of the new library
is the curved woodwork and crown molding that winds around the
interior space.
Subcontractors:
Interface Construction
Magellan Health
Services, Inc. National Service Center
Location:
Riverport Commons Business Park,
Maryland Heights, MO
General Contractor: Clayco Construction Co.
Developer: TRiSTAR Business Communities
Cost: $40 million
Completion Date: February 2003
Size: 238,000 square feet
Architect: Forum Studio
Description:
Magellan is consolidating its local 1,400-employee workforce
at Riverport Commons and creating an additional 500 new jobs.
A distinctive element of its new national service center headquarters
will be a two-story circular entry, marked by bands of green and
gray granite, and a curtainwall of green-tinted glass. Matching
curtainwalls will also enliven the midpoints of two flanking office
wings, with green-tinted ribbon windows wrapping the third floor.
A six-foot metal eyebrow will top the roofline.
Shoppes at Cross
Keys
Location:
Florissant, MO
General Contractor: HBD
Developer: Sansone Group
Cost: $41 million
Completion: Phase I, summer 2003
Phase II, summer 2004
Architect: Archimages
Shoppes at
Cross Keys is a 38-acre redevelopment project offering 330,000
square feet of retail space and four outlots. Replacing a deteriorated
section of the City of Florissant, Cross Keys is anchored by a
newly rebuilt Schnucks and Home Depot and will be accompanied
by other high-end retailers such as Borders Books and Pier One.
Along with a beautifully designed masonry center with many architectural
accents, the development features a fountain entrance and will
be extensively landscaped with over 18,000 flowers planted throughout
the year.
Lennox Renovation
(Renaissance St. Louis Suites)
Location:
827 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: Paric Construction
Developer: HRI (Historic Restoration, Inc.)
Engineer: Campbell & Associates
Cost: $30 million
Completion date: March 2002
Size: 180,000 square feet
Architect: HRI
Description:
Built in the 1920s, the Lennox Hotel has been restored to its
original glory as a full-service hotel. Re-opening as the Renaissance
St. Louis Suites, the hotel will feature 165 suites with a restaurant
and lounge, spa, sauna and exercise room. This is the first phase
of a $266-million complex with another 916-room renovation plus
new construction. The Renaissance Grand Hotel is slated to open
in February 2003.
HRI and Paric
went to great lengths to recreate the elegance of the historic
landmark by using the services of a highly specialized senior
plasterer to restore the original barrel vaults in the second
floor conference center. The complete renovation of the lobby
included extensive repairs and refinishing of the woodwork, matching
and restoring checkerboard marble flooring, and reconditioning
the revolving doors and brass
elevator doors.
Subcontractors:
Charles E. Jarrell Contracting
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