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STATE OF THE INDUSTRY:
A Frank Assessment of Commercial
Construction Across the Region
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From a numbers only, bottom-line perspective, things are looking up in the St. Louis construction industry. The Associated General Contractors of
St. Louis reported a 7.6 percent increase in construction man hours worked between July 2003 and July 2004. Even better, the year-to-date totals for 2004 are 9.9 percent improved from the same period in 2003.
But to get a true feeling for the overall state of the industry, Commerce asked three local construction executives for their perspectives on 2004, and what we might expect for the coming year. They are Karl Kloster, president, Midwest Division, McCarthy Building Companies; Robert F. McCoole, president and CEO, Alberici Group; and Jeff Cook, co-owner, ARCO Construction.
KARL KLOSTER
president, Midwest Division, McCarthy Building Companies
JEFF COOK
co-owner,
ARCO Construction Co.
BOB McCOOLE
president & CEO,
Alberici Group Inc. |
COMMERCE MAGAZINE:
How did the commercial construction industry fair in 2004?
KLOSTER: The commercial construction industry is doing better this year than in 2003, but it is still slow compared to the health care, education and industrial markets, as well as urban housing. We do see many exciting new projects on the horizon, several of which were put on hold in 2004 due to owners not being able to get tenant commitments and financing.
COOK: We…have seen several local projects released after extended gestation processes that are currently being constructed, i.e., MetroLink, Lambert Expansion, Busch Stadium, etc. Buyers appear to have renewed confidence in the geopolitical, national security, and financial market landscapes.
Business owners are beginning to spend money and cautiously move their businesses
forward. There will continue to be pockets of growth within the metropolitan area…(but) the overall 2004 local construction market continues to remain flat and/or declining from the roaring late-1990s.
McCOOLE: The construction industry as a whole has been steady. The broad commercial construction market has been fueled primarily by health care, condominiums, education and some corporate projects. Retail has been strong in some concentrated areas such as Hanley Road and Interstate 64. Hotels and speculative Class A office buildings have been relatively flat.
In the past, construction in the region was more robust, with several large commercial projects underway simultaneously. So today’s landscape is different—construction is steady but not booming. But we need to be careful in measuring how the industry fared in any given year since the life-cycle of construction projects generally run longer than that. We gauge our success on how well we anticipated the shift in demand.
COMMERCE MAGAZINE:
What do you see as major trends in the industry for 2005?
KLOSTER: Construction activity in general is improving with the economy. Materials shortages and pricing spikes, particularly steel and cement, seem to be stabilizing somewhat.
COOK: More contractors/developers purchasing and/or attempting to control ground to better position themselves to create more development and construction opportunities for themselves. This strategy has been fueled by lower interest rates and more relaxed
borrowing requirements and will continue to have traction in the market place as long
as interest rates stay lower and we have
moderate growth.
Also, material availability and cost increases may continue to offset 2005 projects. Overall building project costs from September 2003 to September 2004 have risen 7 to 15 percent. Also, the cement shortage that has hit other parts of the country has the possibility of affecting our market with allocations and rationing which can cripple the momentum of a project.
McCOOLE: There are two trends that come to mind. First, projects are taking longer to come to fruition. In today’s economic climate, businesses and organizations are closely scrutinized when it comes to making large capital expenditures, so projects will have longer gestation periods. There is a lot of pressure on these companies to stay competitive, and that means fiscal prudence.
The second trend I see is sustainable (green) design and construction. Clients are moving toward sustainable building because it makes economic sense. It’s more than just doing the “right” thing for the environment. Based on the tremendous response we are getting to our new headquarters on Interstate 170 and Page Avenue, I think building “green”—to whatever degree—will be influential in construction projects.
COMMERCE MAGAZINE:
What are the main obstacles the industry faces in the St. Louis region?
KLOSTER: The construction industry in the
St. Louis region faces several obstacles.
For the most part, population growth drives construction. When you compare St. Louis demographics to the Southeast and Southwest, you readily see that our population is almost static, just shifting west to St. Charles County. Off-shoring manufacturing continues to impact our industrial base, as it does the rest of the country. (And) the industry’s attempts at improved diversity for the last 30 years have not yielded the results and successes that we see in many other parts of the country.
COOK: The potential short-term labor and material shortages artificially created by the larger projects in town, i.e., Busch Stadium, Lambert Expansion, etc; material price increases; manufacturing, industrial, warehouse and office users downsizing or leaving our market place; availability of building sites in desirable locations outside the City within the St. Louis region; potential shortage of skilled craftsmen. St. Louis has always been known as a national leader in quality of workmanship. With our aging population and the apparent lack of interest in maintaining a career in the crafts, i.e. laborer, carpenter, painter, plumber, pipe fitter, etc., the industry faces many potential changes.
McCOOLE: The main obstacle we face in the St. Louis region is simple: the industry must be competitive. Our region doesn’t have ski slopes or beaches to attract people and commerce. Therefore, we have to compete for new businesses on the basis of workforce, schools, housing, etc. We fare pretty well on most of these issues, but businesses must see they can build and develop competitively to justify coming here and staying here. The unions are often cited as the underlying challenge to our being competitive, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Either we are competitive or non-competitive. There’s a way to get there and still have unions, but it’s going to take cooperation and a lot of movement on work rules and jurisdictional issues.
COMMERCE MAGAZINE:
What is the state of the construction crafts in St. Louis, particularly with young people who may just be
graduating high school?
KLOSTER: The St. Louis construction trades are currently well stocked with highly-skilled craftspeople. However, the workforce is aging and one-third of St. Louis construction workers are expected to retire in the next few years. According to a study commissioned in 2002 by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments and St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers, the industry as a whole needs to attract 240,000 new workers each year just to replace those who are retiring or leaving the industry.
It will become increasingly important for local construction industry organizations and individual companies to promote the exciting career paths available and develop strong employee recruitment programs.
COOK: The industry organizations (AGC and others) and civic leaders have taken time to aid the progress of promoting training for minority and disadvantaged employees and employers, i.e., construction prep centers, labor union efforts, etc. Although we as an industry may, in many people’s views, have a long way to go, if you read and look around you will see many successful projects and models to bring in and retain younger people into becoming craftworkers and other construction professionals.
McCOOLE: There is continued concern about our industry’s ability to attract talented people into the workforce. The difficulty is largely due to other industries and professions we’re competing against, and the image of our own industry. Young people have questions about the physical work, how safe it is and how intermittent it can be. They are not seeing how a career in construction can be tremendously rewarding. We’re addressing this as an industry. Our industry-sponsored charter high school here, Construction Career Center, has gained national recognition, so we are proactively dealing with some of the challenges.
COMMERCE MAGAZINE:
How can St. Louis attract more
commercial construction of the type that would boost our economy?
KLOSTER: As I mentioned before, population growth is the primary driver of construction projects. If the people come, so must the schools, hospitals, retail and infrastructure. We must convince the rest of the country that this is a great place to live, work and build their businesses. Focus on our strengths: central location, competitive raw materials, low cost of living and the best team in baseball.
COOK: If we as St. Louisans can help move our organizations, institutions, and governments to work together, we can boost our economy. Maybe St. Louis can put aside its ego, history, and current expectations and develop a unified approach to bring more opportunities to the St. Louis area.
McCOOLE: Significant commercial construction will only follow population growth. There are four things that must be in place to make people want to come and stay in St. Louis. First, the region must be a welcoming place for all races, nationalities and both genders. There is a lot of work to do on this front. Second, we have to have good schools. That’s the key to attracting families. Third, we have to be in a position to deliver cost-effective construction. The variable there is cost of labor.
And lastly, government entities have to
be far more pro-development. That doesn’t mean pro-sprawl, it means having the right balance between public and business interests. Getting the City and the County to merge as one entity when it comes to development and construction could go a long way to achieving this.
The Boulevard – Saint Louis
Location: Richmond Heights, MO
General Contractor: BSI Constructors Inc.
Leasing Represented By: Kristin Keane
Developer: Pace Properties
Completion Date: Phased Completion
Architect: RTKL/ACI-Boland
Description:
The Boulevard–Saint Louis will include 225,000 square feet of lifestyle retail and restaurant space along both sides of the village’s interior main street. This mixed-use development is located in the center of the St. Louis region’s most prominent retail trade area and in one of the most desirable demographic areas. Construction is underway, and the first retail stores and restaurants are set to open in fourth quarter 2004.
Subcontractors:
PayneCrest Electric Inc., Charles E. Jarrell Mechanical Contracting Inc. |
Renovations and Additions—Alton Community School District
Location: Alton, IL
Construction Manager: S.M. Wilson
Engineer: Woolpert LLP
Cost: $59 million
Completion Date: Summer 2006
Size: 222,000-square-foot addition
Architect: Woolpert LLP
Description:
The Alton School District turned to Woolpert LLP to lead the architectural and furniture design, engineering, and planning efforts for this major undertaking. The District, with the assistance of Woolpert, developed a master plan to reduce the District’s operating costs by closing some facilities and expanding others. This long-range reconfiguration plan, when completed in the summer of 2006, will include the following:
- Design and construction of a 222,000-square-foot addition for the new high school at the J. B. Johnson Vocational Center location with 90 new classrooms, an auditorium, and gymnasium.
- Renovations to existing academic and vocational buildings are also part of the new high school.
- Conversion of the existing high school into a new middle school with a new gymnasium and music department facilities.
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Subcontractors:
Guarantee Electrical |
New Busch Stadium
Location: Ballpark is bound by Broadway, Poplar, Eighth, and Clark
General Contractor: Hunt in association
with Kwame
Developer: St. Louis Cardinals
Engineer: Hunt in association with Kwame
Cost: $345 million
Completion Date: Opening Day 2006
Size: 1,500,000 square feet
Architect: HOK S+V+E
Description:
The new Busch Stadium is the culmination of more than six years of planning designed to create an architectural classic. The architecture will reflect historic St. Louis by using the same color brick as the Wainwright Building and the exposed steel resembling the Eads Bridge. The new ballpark uses brick, steel, and glass to form an overall composition that respects and enhances the surrounding streetscape.
There will be seating for 41,000 spectators; 63 Suites; 41 Party Suites; 3,972 Club Seats; 848 Suite Seats; 1,236 Party Seats; five levels plus one service level and 42 public restrooms. Placement of home plate at the southwest corner of the Ballpark allows most spectators to have dramatic views of the Gateway Arch and downtown skyline. Other amenities are a Scoreboard Club, Stadium Club Restaurant, Cardinal Club, 8th Street Bridge Club, Lodge Club and lounges.
Subcontractors:
HOK Inc., KCI Construction Company, Sachs Electric, Ed Kraemer and Sons,
Southwestern Bell, ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Alberici |
Medical Transportation Management
(MTM) Office Building
Location: 16 Hawk Ridge Drive,
Lake Saint Louis, MO
General Contractor: Kadean Construction Co.
Leasing Represented By: LPG Properties
Developer: LPG Properties
Engineer: G & W Engineering (mechanical),
Bax Engineering (civil), Ibrahim Engineering Corp. (structural)
Cost: $4,025,000 construction cost
Completion Date: August 13, 2004
Size: 41,085 square feet
Architect: AEDIS Incorporated
Description:
To accommodate its tremendous growth over the last few years, MTM built a new 41,085-square-foot, three-story office building to house its businesses, one of which arranges transportation for individuals requiring non-emergency medical services.
Situated on a prominent site in the Hawk Ridge Business Park, the project is one of the first in St. Louis to feature Novabrik, an interlocking brick veneer system that requires no mortar.
The extensive use of reflective glass, sections of EIFS and a hip roof adds definition and interest. Wood paneling and an intricate ceiling design present a warm,
yet sophisticated environment to visitors. The architectural design, which includes a number of balconies serving the private offices, is a distinctive landmark along the I-64 corridor in Lake Saint Louis. |
City Academy
| (Left to right): Dick Fleming, president and CEO, St. Louis RCGA; Charlie A. Dooley, St. Louis County executive; Francis Slay, mayor, City of St. Louis; Len Toenjes, president, AGC of St. Louis; Pat Kozeny, chairman, AGC of St. Louis, and president and chief operating officer, Kozeny-Wagner Inc.; Don Danforth III, president, City Academy; Todd Weaver, founder/president, Legacy Building Group LLC;
and James Webb, president, Minority Business Council at City Academy. |
Location: Penrose and Kingshighway, North St. Louis
General Contractor: Legacy Building Group LLC/Clayco Construction Company
Developer: City Academy
Engineer: Ibrahim Engineering Corporation (structural);
DCE Inc. (mechanical and electrical);
Claxton Consulting Engineers Inc. (civil)
Cost: $5.5 million
Completion Date: August 2004
Size: 42,000 square feet
Architect: Grice Group Architects
Description:
Located adjacent to the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club, City Academy is an independent, non-parochial, college preparatory elementary school that gives families access to quality education. Constructed of load-bearing masonry block with brick veneer and a structural steel frame, City Academy could best be described as an architect’s dream. The 42,000-square-foot school features many intricate and unique details that make it interesting to the eye but challenging to construct. Challenges included matching steel to brick and block work and meticulously measuring in the absence of column lines. The roof also presented challenges as it features several different levels of roofing, using architectural shingles. Unique design details and intricate block work create a school building that stands out in the neighborhood and will provide an ideal learning environment for students.
Subcontractors:
Kaemmerlen Electrical, Joseph H. Beetz Plumbing,
Charles E. Jarrell Mechanical Contracting Inc. |
St. Charles Convention Center
Location: On the south side of I-70 in
St. Charles, between Fifth Street and First Capitol Drive
General Contractor: C. Rallo Contracting Company Inc.
Construction Manager: Paric Corporation
Leasing Represented By: St. Charles
Convention and Visitors Commission
Developer: City of St. Charles
Engineer: Alper Audi Inc.
Cost: $32.5 million plus $36 million for adjacent Embassy Suites Hotel
Completion Date: May 2005
Size: 60,000 square feet meeting space (convention center only)
Architect: Peckham, Guyton, Albers & Viets
Description:
The St. Charles Convention Center, under construction south of I-70 in
St. Charles, is a two-level facility with an adjacent 12-story hotel. Since the project began, SCI Engineering Inc. has been
providing geotechnical, construction, and environmental engineering services. Since the groundbreaking in September 2003, SCI has been observing and documenting the installation of 210 drilled piers; providing the testing of structural fill, cast-in-place concrete, and asphaltic concrete pavement; and performing inspection and testing of structural steel, reinforced masonry, and sprayed-on fireproofing in the facility. In addition to these geotechnical and construction testing and inspection services, SCI has provided environmental services including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments; conducted underground storage tank (UST) closure activities, asbestos survey and abatement activities; and prepared demolition and clearance specifications for the project. |
Six North Apartments
Location: Sarah Street and Laclede Avenue in the Central West End
General Contractor: Brinkmann Constructors
Leasing Representative: McCormack Baron
Ragan Management Services Inc.
Developer: McCormack Baron Salazar
Engineer: Trivers Associates Architects
Cost: $12.9 million
Completion Date: Fall 2004
Size: 85,000 square feet
Architect: Trivers Associates Architects
Description:
As the region’s first “universal design” for-rent residential structure, the Six North Apartments will feature a flexible and ergonomic design palette to appeal to a broad range of tenants. It will host 82 units ranging from 640 to 1,361 square feet.
The L-shaped three-story building will have a red brick façade, with exposed steel and steel frame windows to refine the urban look. The Laclede Avenue wing will have individual gated entrances at street level and a brick half-wall topped with
decorative wrought iron that creates
private patios for 20 first-floor garden apartments. The wing on Sarah Street
will feature five ground floor live/work units targeting entrepreneurial businesses. A controlled-access lot will provide parking for 87 vehicles. |
Harrah’s Hotel Expansion
Location: Maryland Heights, MO
General Contractor: Walton Construction
Developer: Harrah’s Maryland Heights, LLC
Engineer: Pickett, Ray & Silver (civil),
Martin & Peltyn (structural),
Giovanetti Shulman Associates
(mechanical and electrical),
Maxim Engineering (geotechnical)
Cost: $65 million
Completion Date: July 23, 2004
Architect: Marnell Corrao Associates Inc.
Description:
The 11-story hotel features 211 new rooms and suites as well as a grand lobby, new registration and valet areas, and state-of-the-art meeting and exercise facilities. The expansion brings the total number of hotel rooms at Harrah’s St. Louis to 502.
The 178 new premium rooms each measure more than 400 square feet and boast a marble foyer, custom furnishings, a 32-inch television set, a refrigerator and a choice of one king-size or two queen-size beds. Suites are appointed with all the amenities of the premium rooms as well as a wet bar, living room, Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Ultra-exclusive VIP suites boast a dining room and double basin vanities.
Subcontractors:
SCI Engineering |
St. Joseph’s Academy Renovation & Expansion
Location: St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: BSI Constructors Inc.
Engineer: Alper Audi Inc,
Frontenac Engineering Group, McClure Engineering
Cost: $8 million
Completion Date: October 1, 2004
Size: 46,147 total square feet
Architect: Hastings & Chivetta
Architects Inc.
Description:
This project consists of construction of a new addition containing a performance gymnasium, to replace an outdated gym/theater, fitness room, choir room, practice rooms, large
pre-convene space, concessions, and classrooms. The old gym/theater was converted into a formal theater with 708 fixed seats on a raked floor.
Subcontractors:
Alper Audi Inc., Wellington Environmental |
Niche
Location: 922 Washington at 10th Street,
St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: ICR Construction Services
(Malcolm Briggs)
Developer: HRI
Completion Date: August 30, 2004
Size: 2,800 square feet
Architect: The Lawrence Group
Description:
The Lawrence Group Colors interiors company is embarking on a home furnishings retail operation in the downtown
St. Louis market. The goal of this urban store is to celebrate city living and the rich history of St. Louis. It ventures to bring creative resources from across the country to the residential market segment here.
Its specialty is distinctive home furnishings with a simple, classic style. Specific products and lines of the store will vary in price point to attract the young loft dwellers and the sophisticated buyers, who demand custom design, one-of-a-kind
textiles, and original artwork.
It aims also to attract national design leaders for lectures, to host a variety of downtown civic-progress and industry-
specific events, and to support other local start-up companies in the same market. |
St. Louis Police
Forensic Laboratory
Location: St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: K & S Associates Inc.
Developer: St. Louis Police Department
Engineer: Burns & McDonnell
Cost: $8.5 million
Completion Date: Spring 2005
Size: 40,000 square feet
Architect: Burns & McDonnell
Description:
The St. Louis Police Department is nearing completion on a new $8.5 million forensic laboratory in downtown St. Louis. Designed by Burns & McDonnell, the new 40,000- square-foot lab will be equipped to test blood, DNA, drug traces, firearms and other crime scene evidence. The three-story structure will more than double the lab space currently available to the Police Department. The first floor will house parking for ETV vans, as well as a vehicle processing bay. Lab and support spaces will be located on the second and third floors of the building, which will be connected to the existing police headquarters building next door. The larger lab will also enable the department to adapt to new technologies, including those “still in the imagination,” according to Police Chief Joe Mokwa.
Subcontractors:
Health Education & Research Associates Inc. |
Washington University’s John M. Olin Library
Location: Washington University, University City, MO
General Contractor: McCarthy/Mosley
Leasing Represented By: Washington University
Engineer: ABS Consulting (structural), William Tao & Associates (mechanical, electrical)
Cost: $26 to $27 Million
Completion Date: May 2004
Size: Five-level building
Architect: Kallman, McKinnell & Wood Architects Inc.
Description:
Following several phases of updates, Washington University’s John M. Olin Library has undergone a total renovation and expansion. The complete renovation of the 40-year-old structure involved renovating the library space, reading rooms, office/administrative space, special collections, computers, and adding the Whispers Café. Some of the major renovations in the five-level facility included a new façade, a new main entrance, 16,000-foot expansion, new overhead systems such as lighting, power distribution, heating, cooling, and sprinklers, an indoor atrium, pitched roof, and new windows and sunshades. In addition to the increased storage space for the abundant collections, the library features natural light accompanied by aesthetic lighting. Some of the greatest challenges included working around the books, bookshelves, and occupants while the facility remained fully operational.
Subcontractors:
Sachs Electric |
Alberici Group
Corporate Headquarters
Location: 8800 Page Avenue, Overland, MO
General Contractor: Alberici Construction Company
Engineer: Alper Audi (structural),
Stock & Associates (civil),
Ken Engineering Co. (MEPFP), Terra Technologies (biotechnical)
Completion Date: December 2004
Size: 115,000 square feet
Architect: Mackey Mitchell Associates
Description:
Alberici wanted a new environment to
support their project goals—to seek the top LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of Platinum. They are relocating to a 14-acre brownfield site, and transforming a 50-year old metal building into contemporary office space featuring renewable products, recycled content and certified wood.
Plans provide covered parking, and a new “saw-tooth” addition, which reorients the southern façade to effectively control
sunlight. A reused wind turbine will provide renewable energy on-site. Employees can workout in the exercise room, meet on the dining terrace, or stroll walking-paths around lakes planted with prairie grasses and other native plantings. The “open” nature of the design will create opportunities for teamwork in a healthy environment, setting the company’s course for the next 100 years. |
Warner’s Corner at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Location: St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: Alberici Constructors
Engineer: Heideman Associates Inc. design-build criteria
Completion Date: January 2004
Size: 1,100 square feet
Architect: Christner Inc.
Description:
Located within the new Patient Care Wing, Warner’s Corner’s, named after former St. Louis Rams Quarterback Kurt Warner, provides an unexpected retreat from the hospital environment. The first inkling that something’s different comes from the dramatic entrance, with an amoeba-shaped recessed ceiling lit with constantly-changing LEDs in vivid colors, a deep blue floor, and a custom-made, brushed stainless-steel façade. Strong colors clothe curved and angled walls that define spaces, outline doorways, and contain sound in each area.
Six distinct areas allow up to twenty children to watch movies, get on the internet, write
on the wall, play board games, or simply hang out. The football-shaped game area displays
football memorabilia, and provides conversation pieces for kids at the coffee bar or table and chairs. In the computer area, laminated shattered-glass dividers insert a distinctly unhospital-like element.
Subcontractors:
Murphy Company, PayneCrest Electric Inc. |
St. John’s Mercy Medical Center Patient Tower C Vertical Addition
Location: 615 South New Ballas Road,
Creve Coeur, MO
General Contractor: McCarthy Building
Companies Inc.
Developer: St. John’s Mercy Health Care
Engineer: SSE Inc.
Cost: $26.5 million
Completion date: January 2004
Size: 66,000 square feet in patient space
7,800 square feet in non-patient space
Architects: Christner Inc.
Description:
Well known for its obstetrical and high-risk birthing services, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center wanted to convert its existing maternity area from semi-private to all private rooms. As a result, McCarthy Building Companies was selected to construct the Women’s and Children’s Health Center by adding a two-story structural steel vertical expansion to the medical center, making it a seven-level building. The new 66,000 square feet of patient space allow for new private, post-partum rooms, an upgraded neonatal intensive care unit and a new well-baby nursery. The project also included the installation of external seismic braces at four sides of the building.
Throughout the project, McCarthy contractors worked with input from nurses, physicians and leaders at St. John’s Mercy to ensure that all of their needs were being met to deliver quality patient care. |
Edward K. Love Conservation Foundation Cypress Swamp
Location: Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO
Construction Manager: Tarlton Corporation
Cost: Approximately $2.5 million
(Tarlton’s contract amount)
Completion Date: June 2004
Size: The cage’s elliptical structure
measures 228 feet long, 84 feet
wide and 50 feet high.
Architect: SWT Associates
Description:
Designed to mimic a swamp environment, the exhibit now showcases 16 species of birds native to Missouri’s wetlands, replacing the bird cage’s former tenants, the pink flamingoes, who have moved to the Zoo’s north lake.
Major exhibit changes include new pathways through the birdcage, a new ‘floating bridge’ that crosses over a pool and a wood deck that sits out over the water, and an audio system providing the sounds of a natural swamp. A new building that will house the birds inside in inclement weather, as well as serve as a quarantine area for new and/or ill birds, also was constructed. Additionally, interactive areas and educational signage offer extensive information about the birds and conservation efforts inside the exhibit.
Subcontractors:
Charles E. Jarrell Mechanical Contracting Inc., Guarantee Electrical Construction Co.,
Kirberg Roofing |
National Information Solutions
Cooperative Headquarters
Location: Highway 40 and
Lake Saint Louis Boulevard
General Contractor: Paric Corp.
Developer: National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)
Engineer: Bax Engineering Co. Inc.
Cost: $18 million
Completion Date: March 2005
Size: 135,000 square feet
Architect: Arcturis
Description:
Paric Corp. is rapidly advancing the new NISC headquarters in Lake Saint Louis, Mo. The new facility is styled to help NISC attract and retain the best IT professionals in the region and to accommodate future growth. The firm will employ 300 at the site, which can accommodate another 300,000 square-feet of additional space and 500 workers.
The V-shaped building will have two
rectangular wings that join in a three-story glass atrium that marks the main entrance. It is being built using “tilt-up” concrete
panels. One of the wings will be used as a mailroom, while the other wing hosts office space, a state-of-the-art training facility and software development center.
The campus will have almost one mile of walking trails including a jogging path. Two ponds and lush greenery will highlight the naturally landscaped site.
Subcontractors:
Charles E. Jarrell Mechanical
Contracting Inc., Sachs Electric Co. |
The Willows at Brooking Park (Phase 1)
Location: 213 South Woods Mill Road
in Chesterfield, MO
General Contractor: Paric Corp.
Developer: St. Andrew’s Resources
for Seniors
Engineer: Charles E. Jarrell Mechanical Contracting Inc.
Cost: $10 million
Completion Date: January 2004
Size: 70,000 square feet
Architect: Saur & Associates
Description:
Paric’s design/build team worked well with Jarrell Contracting on managing the budget and schedule of construction for Phase I of The Willows at Brooking Park. The project was the first in a series of buildings at the luxury retirement community. It has 23 apartments, underground parking and an amenity-laden common ground. The development will eventually host 180 apartment homes.
A main-level commons area includes a bar and grille, a market/boutique and a
full service spa and salon. Recreational facilities include an indoor swimming pool and hot tub as well as a fitness center. A walking path traces a sculptured landscape of trees and flowers marking the perimeter of The Willows, where weeping willow trees grace the main entrance. |
Sunset Place
| (Left to right): James Hobbs, mayor of Sunset Hills and Kevin Riggs, P.E., executive vice president,
Cole & Associates. |
Location: northeast corner of
Lindbergh Boulevard and
Eddie and Park Road
General Contractor: Paric Corp.
Leasing Representative: McEagle Properties, LLC.
Developer: McEagle
Engineer: Cole and Associates
Cost: $12 million
Completion Date: April 2005
Size: 57,000 square feet
Architect: Arcturis
Description:
The focal point of the upscale, speculative office/retail complex will be a heavily landscaped central courtyard conceived to unite the project and to bind it with its locale. Designed to meet the pent up demand for conveniently located Class A and medical office space in south St. Louis County, the two-building complex will consist of a two-story, 40,000-square-foot office building, a single-story, 17,000-square-foot retail center, an out-parcel and the courtyard.
The office structure will be clad in a combination of multi-colored earth-tone brick with varying patterns. The retail building will front Lindbergh Boulevard and feature a buff-tone masonry façade brightened by vibrant multi-colored awnings. The courtyard will connect the retail and office structures. It will feature extensive landscaping and benches. |
Maplewood Commons
Location: Hanley Road., one and a half miles south of Highway 40 (I-64)
General Contractor: Brinkmann Constructors
Leasing Representative: THF Realty
Developer: Maplewood Development, LLC
Engineer: Wolverton & Associates
Cost: $80 million
Completion Date: Fall 2004
Size: 450,000 square feet
Architect: TR,i Architects
Description:
Maplewood Commons is the largest retail project ever developed in Maplewood and marks a resurgence of the city’s retail business. It is estimated that the shopping center, being developed by THF Realty, will generate $2 million in new annual revenues for the city. A 142,000-square-foot Wal-Mart and a 137,000-square-foot Sam’s Club will anchor the center, which is projected to employ more than 200 people. The
Sam’s Club will include a gas station. Specialty retailers or restaurants will fill the remaining 21,000 square feet. The retail center will also include a Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse.
In conjunction with the development, THF is realigning and expanding Hanley Rd. from four to six lanes from West Bruno Ave. to Folk Ave. A new signalized intersection will be added at Williams Ave. to mark the main entrance to Maplewood Commons.
Subcontractors:
Kuhlmann design Group Inc.,
Crawford, Bunte, Brammeier |
Labouré Centre
Location: Corner of Highway K and Technology Boulevard in O’Fallon, IL
General Contractor: ARCO Construction Co.
Leasing Representative: Pace Properties
Developer: Commercial Alliance Partners, LLC
Engineer: JR Grimes Consulting
Engineering Inc.
Cost: $7 million
Completion Date: Fall 2004
Size: 74,774 square feet
Architect: TR,i Architects
Description:
Developer Commercial Alliance Partners, LLC is teaming with ARCO Construction
to build Labouré Centre on a prominent 15.6-acre site adjacent to the Highway 40 (I-64) high-tech corridor in St. Charles County.
The L-shaped center is being built with painted tilt-up concrete panels accented with inset terra cotta brick. Cultured stone accents, varying building heights and façade depths and canopies are being combined to create greater definition to make
it a destination for upscale shoppers. The building offers tenants maximum flexibility, with spaces of 1,000 to more than 30,000 square feet available.
Subcontractors:
Charles E. Jarrell Mechanical Contracting Inc., PayneCrest Electric Inc. |
Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club
Location: 2901 North Grand Avenue, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: BSI
Cost: $4.3 million
Completion Date: April 2004
Size: 29,957 gross square feet
Architect: Arcturis
Description:
The creation of connections was a primary strategy in the design of the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club Performing Arts and Teen Center. Located in an area of severe disinvestment in North St. Louis, the new building negotiates between the need for durability, security and economy with the desire for openness, daylight, and a strong identity.
The Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club mission: to inspire and enable youth ages six to 18 to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens; was of primary focus in designing the new 30,000-square-foot Dennis and Judith Jones Performing Arts and Teen Center.
The initial move of linking the Club to its context with a new entry court and expressive façade establishes a significant and dynamic feature that engages the neighborhood. |
Laclede Power Center
Location: St. Louis/Downtown Riverfront (north)
Developer: Trailnet Inc.
Cost: $5 million
Completion Date: Phase I - 2005
Phase II - 2007
Size: 17,000 square feet
Architect: Tao + Lee Associates Inc.
Description:
The Laclede Power Center, a former power plant constructed in 1901 by the Laclede Power Company, is located in an industrial district, north of Laclede’s Landing in downtown St. Louis. Adjacent to the Mississippi River and at the beginning of the St. Louis Riverfront Trail, the renovated building is intended to serve as a trailhead/visitor’s center for the trail and the greater Confluence Greenway. Plans for the facility include: a bike rental facility, café, restaurant/ catering facility, exhibit space, the new offices of Trailnet Inc. and Confluence Greenway and a new park for outdoor gatherings. The first phase of the project is projected to start in 2005. |
Paul Brown Lofts
Location: Olive Street across from the historic
Old Post Office in downtown St. Louis
General Contractor: Paric
Leasing Representative: Steller Properties Inc.
Developer: Pyramid Construction Inc.
Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers
Cost: $53 million
Completion Date: Summer 2005
Size: 331,000 square feet
Architect: Rosemann & Associates
Description:
Paric is transforming the historic Paul Brown Building into 222 loft-style apartments for Pyramid Construction Inc. The transformation requires acute attention to preserving the architectural history of the structure, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The structure is distinguished by an ornate exterior trim that is also expressed in the interior. Original corridor detailing, such as marble floors, wood trim, plaster crown molding and existing entry doors, will be retained. Lighting fixtures will be historically replicated.
When complete, the building will host one- and two-bedroom units on the second through sixteenth floors. In addition, the building will include 20,000 square feet of street level retail space, a physical fitness center, a roof top swimming pool, a clubroom and 130 underground and covered parking spaces.
Subcontractors:
Charles E. Jarrell Mechanical Contracting Inc., Bell Electric, Environmental Operations Inc. |
O’Fallon Public Safety Facility
Location: 285 North Seven Hills Road, O’Fallon, IL
General Contractor: Holland Construction Services
Developer: City of O’Fallon
Engineer: Larson Engineering (structural),
Heideman Associates (M.E.P.)
Cost: $7.9 million
Completion Date: September 2004
Size: 36,973 square feet
Architect: Arcturis
Description:
The facility will function as a multi-use building, housing the police station and EMS departments for the City of O’Fallon, Ill. The project will help meet the needs of O’Fallon’s growing population. The building is designed to improve efficiency, maintain overall security and reduce combined operating costs for the city.
The facility will reflect a “community-friendly” image. A glass and steel entrance canopy leads visitors into a two-story lobby that features clerestory windows and a
curtain wall. A courtyard in the middle of the building brings natural light into the adjacent spaces. A community room, located near the main entry, allows the building to be open and inviting to the public. It will be used for police training and also for public forums held by city residents. |
Park Place at WingHaven
| (Left to right): Bruce Sokolik and Chris McKee. |
Location: On Phoenix Parkway in WingHaven in O’Fallon, MO
General Contractor: Paric
Leasing Representative: McEagle Properties, LLC
Developer: McEagle and First Capitol Group
Engineer: Pickett, Ray & Silver Inc.
Cost: $25 million
Completion Date: Spring 2006
Size: 164,814 square feet
Architect: The Lawrence Group Architects
Description:
McEagle Development and First Capitol Group are embarking on the latest phase of the WingHaven development—senior living. Park Place at WingHaven is the first senior living complex in WingHaven. The facility will have both assisted and independent living spaces. The 116-unit independent living apartment building will feature a common area, dining room, pool, spa, bank and tool shop. It will be buffered by natural landscape including a wetland and a stream and within convenient walking distance to Boardwalk Market Place.
The assisted living facility building will consist of 40 living units, nurses’ station, craft room and direct access to the amenities offered in the independent living building. |
Jefferson County Administration Center
Location: Jefferson County, MO
General Contractor: Paric
Cost: $3.5 million
Size: 32,000 square feet
Architect: hda
Description:
The Jefferson County Admin-istration Center is approximately 32,000 square feet and cost $3.5 million dollars to construct. Hda teamed up with PARIC to build this facility, which includes administrative and management offices for eight departments plus support areas and public spaces including a large assembly room. Hda beat the budget by approximately 10 percent and made sure the project met the aggressive schedule requirements. |
The Shoppes at Lake Saint Louis
Location: the northeast corner of Highway 40
(I-64) and Lake Saint Louis Boulevard
General Contractor: Holland Construction Services
Leasing Representative: The DESCO Group
Developer: The DESCO Group
Engineer: Kuhlmann design Group Inc.
Cost: $13 million
Completion Date: Spring 2004
Size: 76,000 square feet
Architect: Kuhlmann design Group Inc.
Description:
The Shoppes at Lake Saint Louis, developed by The DESCO Group, is the first supermarket-anchored shopping center to emerge along St. Charles County’s bustling Highway 40 (I-64) high tech corridor. The 22-acre retail development is anchored by a 63,000-square-foot Schnucks Supercenter and hosts 13,000 square feet of adjoining retail. The retail development is expected to generate $1.23 million in annual sales tax for the city.
In addition to the attached retail, Bank of America is planning to open a new a banking facility on a 1.13-acre out parcel. Additional out parcels for the site remain available for purchase. The site is prominently located at the northeast corner of Highway 40 (I-64) and Lake Saint Louis Boulevard offering high visibility for retailers that thrive on attracting customers from highly trafficked areas.
Subcontractors:
Lorenz & Associates, Bell Electrical Contractors, OJ Laughlin Plumbing Co. Inc., Flooring Systems Inc., T.J. Wies Contracting |
Ranken Jordan,
A Pediatric Rehabilitation Center
Location: 11332 Dorsett, St. Louis, MO
General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies Inc.
Developer: Ranken Jordan
Engineer: Stock and Associates (civil), Alper Audi (structural),
CCI (code)
Cost: $25 million
Completion Date: November 2004
Size: 60,000 square feet
Architect: Steve Hunsicker, AIA
Description:
The new Ranken Jordan pediatric rehabilitation center will serve as the premier
hospital of its kind in the country, and the incredible design of the building is a reflection of the unique work being done inside its walls. This is a playground-like hospital, with bold colors, outdoor and indoor play areas, a therapeutic pool, occupational therapy kitchen, observation tower, and much more. Here kids recover from their debilitating injuries and illnesses by getting out into the great outdoors. Patients are taken beyond the protective walls, into the open where they can experience fresh air, plants, and animals all while exploring
the sprawling grounds. Architect Steve Hunsicker, Ranken Jordan’s incredible patients, staff and Board Members, worked together to make this hospital a true
St. Louis gem.
Subcontractors:
C & R Mechanical, Guarantee Electrical, Negwar |
American Electronics, Appliances & Furniture
| Clayco Construction Company’s female employees got an up close view of the American job site in Bridgeton as part of Clayco’s Women in Construction event. These women coordinate projects from behind the scenes but rarely visit the sites. Al “Hammer” Morton, project superintendent, led one group. |
Location: Bridgeton, MO; Cottleville, MO;
Fenton, MO; O’Fallon, IL
General Contractor: Clayco Construction
Company Inc.
Developer: American for Your Home
Engineer: Stock & Associates (civil),
Alper Audi (structural)
Cost: $28 million (combined)
Completion Date: August 2004 - April 2005
Size: 527,000 square feet (combined)
Architect: Forum Studio Inc.
Description:
American, a leading retailer of consumer electronics, appliances and furniture, is entering the St. Louis metropolitan area with four new stores—three of which are opening in August. Clayco broke ground on the first three stores—in Bridgeton, Mo., Fenton, Mo., and O’Fallon, Ill.—in December 2003 and will break ground on a fourth store in Cottleville, Mo., in September. The single-story buildings feature pre-cast concrete and a conventional structural steel system. All of the facilities will include a retail display floor, warehouse, service center, delivery prepping area and car stereo installation department. The Cottleville, Fenton and O’Fallon stores will contain 126,000 square feet, while the Bridgeton store will be slightly larger with 149,000 square feet and will also include the regional offices. The Cottleville store will open in April 2005.
Subcontractors:
Geotechnology Inc., Byrne & Jones Construction, Clayco Tilt-Up, Flooring Systems Inc., Kaemmerlen Electric, PayneCrest Electric Inc. |
Boeing Tract II – New Flight Ramp
Location: Lambert Field
General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies
Developer: Boeing
Engineer: PayneCrest Electric Inc.
Cost: $15 million
Completion Date: Finished
Size: 250,000 square feet-plus
Architect: Boeing
Description:
PayneCrest Electric executed the $15 million electrical contract for the Boeing Tract II under stringent FAA/Secret Service guidelines for a Hornet jet fighter plant/hangar/office, three paint booths, two hush houses, fuel calibration facility, and seat assembly building totaling 250,000 square feet-plus and a fuel farm.
The job was challenging, with shallow sewers, terrible soil conditions, difficult grades and FAA approval delays challenging the installation of underground utilities, including 480- and 4,160-volt duct banks and numerous conduits for specialized alarm, communication and lighting systems.
In addition, PayneCrest coordinated the redrawing of issued plans on-site with other trades to facilitate efficient installation. |
Foundry Art Centre
Location: 520 N. Main Street
St. Charles, MO
General Contractor: Paric Corp.
Architect: Kuhlmann design Group Inc.
Developer: The St. Charles Arts Center Board and the City of
St. Charles
Engineer: Kuhlmann design Group Inc.
Cost: $2.3 million
Completion Date: April 2004
Size: 36,000 square feet
Description:
Kuhlmann design Group Inc. worked with local artists and the Arts Center Board to develop the program and design features for renovating a vacant building in downtown St. Charles near the city’s historic district and riverfront park. Paric Corp. served as the construction manager and contractor on the project. Together they transformed a 1940s train car factory into a community Arts Centre.
The 36,000-square-foot building has 5,000 square feet of exhibition space for hosting national exhibitions. The Grand Hall stage provides space for performances, community
concerts and special events. Studios for artists, located on the mezzanine level, have open glass fronts allowing visitors to see artists at work and to interact with them. Other features include several multi-purpose rooms, administrative offices, a kitchen and a Children’s Experience Gallery. |
Landshire Inc.
Location: Caseyville, IL
General Contractor: Clayco Construction Company Inc.
Engineer: Stock & Associates (civil),
Alper Audi (structural),
Lowry Electric Co. (electrical),
C & R Mechanical Co. (mechanical)
Cost: $4.6 million
Completion Date: May 1, 2004
Size: 28,550 square feet
Architect: Forum Studio Inc.
Description:
Completed in May 2004, Landshire Sandwiches’ new 28,550-square-foot
bakery/freezer facility is located in Caseyville, Ill. The new facility expands Landshire’s ability to create seven different types of buns from scratch and make the company’s efforts to serve over 8,000 clients even easier. Because Landshire’s products are frozen and then reheated, the baking process is essential to ensuring the freshness and taste of the buns. In addition to the bakery area, the new building includes a high-bay freezer area with
44-foot clear-height ceilings with rack storage. Clayco constructed the facility using tilt-up concrete over structural steel, with insulated metal panels for the freezer
section. Located at 12 Tucker Ave., the bakery/freezer facility is the first project within Landshire’s newly developed,
40-acre business park. |
Packaging Concepts Inc.
Location: 9832 Evergreen Industrial Drive,
Green Park, MO
General Contractor: Clayco Construction
Company Inc.
Developer: Sansone Group
Engineer: J.R. Grimes Consulting
Engineers Inc. (civil),
Stock & Associates (surveying), Alper Audi (structural),
PayneCrest Electric Co. (electrical),
C & R Mechanical Co. (mechanical) and Ahern Fire Protection (fire protection)
Cost: approx. $6 million
Completion Date: November 2004
Size: 134,336 square feet
Architect: Dawdy & Associates Inc.
Description:
Clayco is design-building a $5.8 million, 131,000-square-foot manufacturing, distribution and office facility for Packaging Concepts Inc. By the end of 2004, the company will be designing, printing and distributing popcorn bags from a new facility in south St. Louis County, replacing two existing facilities—the main office and plant at 4971 Fyler and another building at Jefferson Avenue and Interstate 44, both in St. Louis City. The single-story design-build facility with a mezzanine is being constructed of tilt-up concrete panels with a structural steel frame. The building is very cutting edge, with some areas including explosion-proof roof and wall components. The turnkey design-build project will provide Packaging Concepts with a contemporary building and state-of-the-art operations that will offer opportunities for increased production and ease of distribution.
Subcontractors:
Lorenz & Associates |
Farrell Learning and Teaching Center, Washington University School of Medicine
Location: Northeast corner of Euclid and Scott avenues in the Central West End
General Contractor: Paric Corp.
Developer: Washington University
School of Medicine
Engineer: Ross and Baruzzini Inc.
Cost: $35 million
Completion Date: Summer 2005
Size: 108,000 square feet
Architect: HOK
Description:
Destined to become a campus crossroads, the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center will become the heart and formal front door of the medical school campus. The new center will be attached to the venerable 90-year-old North Building by a five-story atrium enclosed at both ends by an energy efficient curtain wall of clear insulated glass. A six-story glass and stone tower will mark the main entry along Euclid Avenue.
The structure will be enlivened by a second floor “hearth” where elevated pathways
converge to create a central gathering place. The hearth unfolds at the top of a grand staircase originating in the atrium and offers multiple public and private gathering spaces.
Subcontractors:
Ross & Baruzzini |
1530 Second Street
| (Left to right): Todd Weaver, president and Ken Lovelace, vice president, both of Legacy Building Group, LLC; Stacy Hastie, president and CEO, Environmental Operations Inc.; and Mike Clark, president, Clark Properties Inc. |
Location: 1530 Second Street,
St. Louis, MO; just south of Downtown St. Louis
General Contractor: Legacy Building Group, LLC
Leasing Represented by: Clark Properties
Developer: Clark Properties
Cost: $3.1 million
Completion Date: October 2004
Size: 28,540 square feet
Architect: Mitchell + Hugeback Architects
Description:
Clark Properties is redeveloping the former Ethyl Labs building, located just south of downtown, into a multi-tenant office building. The project has attracted the offices and headquarters of Environmental Operations Inc. (EOI), and Legacy Building Group, LLC. Both firms are investors in the project along with Mike Clark, president of Clark Properties. Mitchell + Hugeback Architects and O’Toole Design Associates led the owners-tenants through a complete interior rehab of the 28,500-square-foot building.
All new interior finishes and space planning were customized for each firm, while another 6,650 square feet on the first floor awaits a future tenant. An interior balcony was refurbished and new interior and exterior glass wall systems were used to open up floor space and expand office options. The building site also includes secure warehousing for EOI.
Subcontractors:
C&R Mechanical, PayneCrest Electric Inc., O’Toole Design Associates |
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