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By Linda F. Jarrett

2007STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

In spite of the continuing stream of national news boding the bad health of the construction industry, St. Louis and the surrounding region must not be listening.

Kirk Warden, vice president-Education/ Institutional, Clayco Inc., and Patrick Kozeny, president of Kozeny-Wagner, both agreed that the commercial construction industry has stayed strong through 2007 and has even shown an upswing.

Commerce Magazine asked Warden, Kozeny, Tracy Hart, president of Tarlton Corporation; and Bruce Holland, president & CEO, Holland Construction Services how they viewed the industry’s performance through 2007 and their vision for 2008.

COMMERCE MAGAZINE: HOW DID THE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FARE IN 2007?

Warden: Clayco’s experience has been that almost every market we serve has had a steady flow of opportunities. These markets include industrial, life science, higher education, residential (multi-family), banking and healthcare. The true test of a good 2007 is the backlog of revenue-generating projects that carry into 2008 and beyond.

Kozeny: 2007 will be an up year for us. Although office construction is still off—retail, institutional, industrial and transportation construction remains very strong. Much of the activity is taking place in the St. Louis downtown business district and the outlying metropolitan counties of St. Charles and Jefferson County in Missouri and Monroe County in Illinois. These areas continue to be building great momentum that will carry well into 2008.

Holland: It’s been very busy. We had about a 50 percent increase from 2005 to 2006, and I’m thinking we’re getting close to doing the same thing for 2007. There are a lot of school projects in Illinois. Retail on both sides of the river has been very active. Senior living and assisted living complexes are consistently very good. We’ve been doing them every year and those are the hot areas for us. They’re getting more upscale, especially with the onslaught of baby boomers that have the wherewithal to have the best.

Hart: There has been lots of discussion about new projects and new opportunities in the community. We are looking forward to seeing them start, but we need that start, that commitment. For instance, Ballpark Village will be a great impact for the City and area, but from a construction aspect, it hasn’t started yet. We know it will happen; it’s just a question of when. That said, I think there’s a lot of activity downtown. Our Construction Training Advancement Fund is up 6.8 percent for the first six months of 2007.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS MAJOR TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY FOR 2008?

Warden: The market leaders will continue to look at creative and new delivery methods that involve third parties or “off balance” sheet deals. They will also continue to focus on a collaborative team to produce best value projects. Healthcare will continue to be a strong market. Sustainable methods and practices will be thought of as commonplace, and the companies that truly understand how to provide services and products that save dollars and reduce corporate environmental footprints will reap the benefit.

Kozeny: More and more fast track construction. We have developed our company to respond to this stealth way of building by running our operations 24-7 on many of our projects. We are building retail stores and office building in 25 percent less time than it took just five years ago. For example, this summer, we tore down and replaced the Dougherty Ferry Bridge on I-270 in just 75 days to minimize the impact on the public. It is a very challenging way of building, but construction companies that can support their operations to respond to these demanding schedules will succeed.

We accomplish “fast track” projects by compressing a project schedule by running design and construction phases simultaneously, adding shifts to work around the clock and looking for innovative ways to pick up productivity and improve the projects’ efficiencies.

I anticipate that 40 percent of all our projects in 2008 will be, in one form or another, built in the “fast track” delivery method. We are seeing it in all segments: commercial, retail, institutional, civil/highway and communications. Both our public and private clients are looking for us to build their projects with the least disruption possible.

Holland: I think we’ll have continued growth for 2008, especially in schools, both elementary, secondary and college. Banks and sports facilities also show signs of continued growth. I think we’re mature enough in the housing market that there’s still need for retail. While the housing market is slow now compared to a year ago, we’re still very busy.

As far as the commercial side, the slowdown is bound to have some effect, but based on our backlog, it hasn’t had that much.

Hart: We’re seeing a lot more attention being paid to sustainability, and more projects looking for LEED certification. That’s a wonderful thing for our environment. With 2008 being an election year, we’ll be looking at the infrastructure investment debate. The bridge collapse in Minnesota has drawn attention to the viability of roads and bridges. We’ll be looking at price variability—will it continue? Will it not continue? Is there a potential lending uncertainty that might stifle some of these plans in the pipeline?

WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBSTACLES THE INDUSTRY FACES IN THE ST. LOUIS REGION?

Warden: Politics at the state level regarding life sciences funding and incentives (the truth is that stem cell and cloning are a very small part of this issue, but they have created grid lock which is crippling Missouri) as a whole in one of the most exciting and “beneficial to humanity” industries.

As for craftsmen—sad but true, St. Louis has a large untapped workforce that could fill this increasing void. We need to establish real training programs that are supported by the unions and trades.

Kozeny: The construction industry plays an important role in our ability, as a region, to attract and retain business. We face the ever-present challenge of keeping our labor costs competitive with other regions. We have made great strides in the past five years in cleaning up our labor agreements and watching our costs, but we cannot lose sight that we are being put side by side with other regions when businesses look at where they want to expand or relocate. We challenge ourselves daily to make sure we are as competitive and productive as we can be.

Holland: One of the big things is cost escalation. Historically, inflation for construction has been in the two percent to three percent range. In the past couple of years, the projects have been in the seven percent range. One of the primary reasons is the materials we have to buy. Inflation in the metals market like steel and copper, and anything to do with mechanical, electrical and plumbing hits our industry. Price increases are passed on down the line. Concrete and dry wall go up and down, but the metals market, such as structural steel, mechanical and electrical has affected us the most.

Hart: We still have permitting difficulties, and that’s due to the fragmentation of the various municipal jurisdictions and approval agencies. We need to promote competitiveness in our labor relations. We have great work here and we have to show the outside world how competitive and productive we can be. We also need to continue our focus on the urban core and its redevelopment. It’s fun to hear about these Greenfield projects, but it doesn’t happen unless we have a strong urban core.

WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE CONSTRUCTION CRAFTS IN ST. LOUIS? PARTICULARLY WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MAY JUST BE GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL?

Warden: The industry is trying to provide methods to fill the various craft labor pools, but more needs to be done. This includes more emphasis on minorities and their ability to integrate into the workforce. Plus, some type of revelation on the part of young people, that a good life involves hard work. Hard work is usually rewarded over time. Young people need to understand that wealth and a good life aren’t a birth right—they are earned.

Kozeny: The construction trades are a great career path for young people. The pay and the benefits are outstanding, but it is very hard work. Our industry has recognized the reluctances in today’s young people to consider the trades as a viable career option and therefore, we have developed our very own high school to address this very issue.

The Construction Careers Center, located on Truman Parkway in the City of St. Louis, is a charter high school that the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis established in 2001. Today, we have nearly 400 students that are receiving a great educational foundation, while receiving a broad exposure to the construction trades under our guidance. The end result will be a group of young adults, upon graduating from our high school, who will have a greater understanding of the construction trades and our industry as a whole when it is time to make a career choice. And hopefully, they will choose a career in construction. This is our proactive approach to a looming problem.

Holland: We’re definitely heading for a shortage especially in Illinois with such large projects as ConocoPhillips expansion and the $2.9 billion Prairie State Energy Park, which will be coming online in 2010. I’m sure there will be travelers coming in from other areas, but, in general, we’re seeing a shortage of trades’ people across the line.

Many people want to see their kids graduate from high school and go to college. There hasn’t been enough interest in going into the trade schools.

Every year, the Southern Illinois Builders Association puts on a couple of career expos geared for eighth grade students. Almost all the construction trades in Illinois get involved so it’s a way to get kids interested.

Hart: We have a good wage here in St. Louis, which helps make it a more attractive place to work. Our Construction Careers Center is producing a good pool of minority craft workers, so we’re adding diversity. We’ve graduated two classes from the center, and a couple of the graduates are working on the Highway 64 project. We still need to work with other vocational programs in the surrounding area to recruit additional people.

Also, AGC continues their outreach to the school system through two programs. One is Build-Up, which is targeted to fifth grade students, and the other is Onsite, targeted toward eighth grade students. The whole idea is to help them understand the value of math and science, and how it applies to the construction industry.


American Power Conversion (APC)
Location: O’Fallon, Mo.
General Contractor: SM Wilson + Company
Developer: APC
Engineer: Stock + Associates (civil), McNealy Engineering Inc. (structural), C + R Mechanical Co. (mechanical), GECO Engineering (electrical), Torrisi Plumbing Services Inc. (plumbing) and Ahern Fire Protection (fire protection)
Cost: $27 million
Completion Date: August 2007
Size: 98,766 gross square feet
Architect: Gray Design Group

Description: Gray Design Group is the architect for APC’s new 98,766-square-foot facility, featuring state-of-the-art electronic testing laboratories, classrooms, training areas, demonstration and display areas, and corporate executive briefing centers. The main challenge was designing a building featuring high-tech electronic testing laboratories, while maintaining an attractive corporate environment. APC required these contrasting elements to enhance customers learning, training and testing equipment experience. Informal gathering areas with wireless capabilities include complimentary coffee bars. As an acknowledgement to the education element, the first floor features the Demo Center located off the lobby. The Center showcases products and provides hands-on demonstration of equipment capabilities. The executive briefing center includes audio-visual components, a complete operational kitchen and serving area with a large exterior courtyard that doubles as a break-out area.

Subcontractors: Flooring Systems Inc., T.J. Wies Contracting Inc.


The Arch Museum Store
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Walton Construction
Engineer: Ross & Baruzzini
Cost: $425,000
Completion Date: February 27, 2007
Size: 3,000 square feet
Architect: Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets Inc.

Description: The Arch Museum Store project included the demolition and renovation of the existing 3,000-square-foot gift shop and support office located in the base of the Gateway Arch. A temporary store was built in an adjacent lobby in order to meet the tight three-month schedule. Unique features of the remodeled store include high-end finishes, a complex reflected ceiling plan, custom millwork and terrazzo flooring.



Barat Academy
Location: O’Fallon, Mo., St. Charles County
General Contractor: Paric Corp.
Developer: McEagle Development
Engineer: Cole & Associates Inc. (civil), Murphy Company Mechanical Contractors & Engineers Inc. (design/build mechanical), Kyhl Co. (design/build plumbing), Guarantee Electrical Co. (design/build electrical), Geotechnology (soils testing), Alper Audi Inc. (structural)
Cost: $40 to 45 million
Completion Date: Phase 2, August 2007
Size: Phase 2: building size is 69,692 square feet; gymnasium is 11,985 square feet
Architect: Hastings & Chivetta Architects Inc.;
Interior design: Arcturis

Description: Paric Corp. completed the first phase of St. Charles County’s new Catholic high school, Barat Academy, in time for the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. The private, independent, co-educational school anticipates its first freshman class to reach 150 students—75 girls and 75 boys. Within the following three years, a new freshman class will enter, and by 2010 the school anticipates a student body of 600. The first phase of the three-phase construction process included the Founders Building, playing fields and gymnasium. The second floor of the Founders Building will be completed in phase two, while phase three will include a multipurpose stadium, tennis courts, baseball and softball stadiums, and dining facility. The final phase, scheduled for completion in 2009-2010, includes a chapel and field house.

Subcontractors: Murphy Company, Guarantee Electrical Co., Arcturis



Barnes-Jewish Washington University Orthopedic Center
Location: Chesterfield, Mo.
General Contractor: Clayco
Developer: Clayco
Engineer: Stock & Associates Inc. (civil), AlperAudi Inc. (structural)
Completion: July 2007
Size: 60,000 square feet
Architect: ACI/Boland

Description: Chesterfield is home to a new state-of-the-art orthopedic center for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University. Located at 14532 S. Outer Forty Drive, the 60,000-square-foot facility was built in response to a projected 46 percent growth in the demand for outpatient orthopedic services during the next decade. The facility is designed to meet the present and future needs of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Washington University Department of Orthopedic Surgery. ACI/Boland teamed with developer and design-builder Clayco and the owners to pursue certification in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System. Certification of the entire building would have been challenging due to the interior layout, so the team instead pursued certification for the core and shell of the building. The certification is pending.

Subcontractor: Midwest Testing



Belleville East High School Renovations
Location: 2555 West Boulevard, Belleville, Ill.
Engineer: Belleville Township High School East
Cost: $33.7 million
Completion Date: September 2009
Size: 300,000 square feet
Architect: FGM Architects Inc.

Description: IMPACT Strategies has undertaken the vital role of construction manager to oversee the comprehensive renovation and life safety upgrades of the 76-acre Belleville East High School campus, which was originally constructed more than 40 years ago. This $37 million landmark project will span over three years to allow for continuing use of all campus facilities, and upon completion, will have encompassed more than 300,000 square feet of renovation to over 22 buildings. The work consists of energy-saving enhancements/replacements to all mechanical and electrical systems along with new components for windows, roofs, and floor coverings. Other key members of the Project Team for District #201 include AMERESCO, FGM Architects, and Environmental Consultants.



Brookings Hall
Location: Washington University in St. Louis
General Contractor: (Project Contractor) Kirberg Company
Completion: October 2007
Size: 22,800 square feet

Description: Kirberg Company’s roof renovation on Brookings Hall, Washington University in St. Louis, encompasses 14,800 square feet of slate roofing on steep slopes, with 8,000 square feet of EPDM pocket roof. Brilliant, handcrafted copper flashings enhance the profile of the venerable signature building. Completed in 1902, Brookings Hall was the administrative center for the World’s Fair and today serves as the university’s administrative center. Washington University in St. Louis has called on Kirberg Company for over 85 years to install and maintain its roofs, including Anheuser-Busch Hall, which earned the Associated General Contractors’ Project of the Year (Keystone Award) in 1998.



Central Park Square I
Location: The 16000 block of Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Mo.
General Contractor: BSI Constructors Inc.
Leasing Representative: Jamie Marx, Sachs Properties
Developer: Sachs Properties
Engineer: Volz Inc.
Cost: $25 million
Completion: Spring 2008
Size: 100,600 square feet
Architect: HOK

Description: Development of downtown Chesterfield is underway with construction of Central Park Square I, a five-story, 100,600-square-foot speculative class A office building being built in the 16000 block of Chesterfield Parkway West. The $25 million facility, supported by a new 267-space parking structure, will be the 15th office building owned by Sachs Properties at its 1,500-acre Chesterfield Village master planned community. Central Park I is 75 percent pre-leased. Lead tenants are AEP MEMCO LLC, the nation’s second largest dry cargo barge operator, which is leasing 42,000 square feet and Abengoa Bioenergy Corp., which is doubling the size of its U.S. headquarters by taking more than 30,000 square feet. The building will open in 2008. Subsequent phases of downtown Chesterfield will involve residential, cultural, retail and office development on more than 200 adjoining acres.

Subcontractor: Aschinger Electric Company



Phase I - Chouteau’s Landing
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: JCI Construction
Leasing Representative: NAI/DESCO
Developer: Chivvis Development
Engineer: Ladue Building & Engineering
Cost: $40 million
Completion Date: 2009
Size: 141,000 square feet
Architect: The Lawrence Group

Description: Phase I includes the renovation and new construction of 19,000 square feet of loft-style retail and office space along Historic Fourth Street. A parking garage is also among considerations for this phase. In addition, the building currently known as Powell Square will be converted into The Artery, an interactive arts center that may include an engaging combination of working artists’ studios, galleries, event facilities and boutique businesses. Chicago-based Art Space Creative is currently developing a market research and feasibility study, business model, team-building plan and budget forecast for The Artery. In addition, Joe Bannister of St. Louis’ JGB Advisors is providing financial and leasing consulting for Phase I of the 58-acre Chouteau’s Landing renaissance.



Churchill Center and School
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Paric Corporation
Engineer: William Tao & Associates (M/E/P/F Engineer), Frontenac Engineering Group (civil), Alper Audi (structural)
Cost: $8 million
Completion: August 2007
Size: 44,000 square feet
Architect: Christner Inc.

Description: Christner designed the new highly acclaimed Churchill school that specializes in helping children with learning disabilities through an intensive program of individualized, remedial education that enables them to achieve and return to a traditional classroom. This replacement school on a 60-acre site will allow for a more suitable learning environment for students, more adequate training facilities for teachers, parents, and adult learners, and provide expanded outdoor athletic facilities. The gym, library, classrooms, and teachers’ offices are arranged around a two-story commons. With 36 teachers and 120 students, the facility includes smaller classrooms and an array of learning spaces for one-to-one tutoring. Serving grades 1 through 10 with significant outreach programs, the school’s common areas are designed as multi-functional, day lit, user-friendly spaces. The architecture reinterprets the Arts & Crafts style of the beloved existing school.

Subcontractors: Crown Electrical Contracting Inc., T. J. Wies Contracting



The Club at Chesterfield (formerly Chesterfield Athletic Club)
Location: Chesterfield, Mo.
General Contractor: Kadean Construction Co.
Developer: USAA Real Estate Company - San Antonio, Texas
Engineer: G&W Engineering Corporation (mechanical); Mohammed Ibrahim & Associates (structural)
Cost: $1.1 million
Completion: 2007
Architect: Carl Uhlig - Skibbe Uhlig Architects

Description: The Club at Chesterfield renovation encompasses a complete re-imagining, addressing both function and aesthetics. The areas included in the transformation were the exterior entrance, reception/activities desk, tennis lounge, locker rooms, retail shop, children’s play, Racquets Restaurant, as well as the core common areas adjacent to the basketball courts, saunas and fitness areas.



Community Music School
Location: Webster University
General Contractor: Pinnacle Contracting
Developer: Webster University
Engineer: William Tao & Associates
Cost: $7 million
Size: 495-seat theater, 27,000 square feet
Architect: Mackey Mitchell Architects

Description: With the relocation of the Community Music School, an opportunity to expand and create a new facility emerged. The children’s music education school needed a building for practice and performances in a specific location near Webster University’s performing arts program and Opera Theater. Mackey Mitchell worked with existing space limitations to create a center with a theater on the ground floor and practice facilities below. Seating arranged along each wall provides a variety of vantage points for up to 485 audience members. The stage accommodates 80 pieces, and the theater is acoustically designed for musical events, orchestras, small ensembles, and solo artist concerts. In the new location, the music school connects to the Loretto Hilton Performing Arts Center and provides a superior learning experience for young musicians.

Subcontractor: Alper Audi Inc.



The Crescent in Clayton
Location: 155 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, Mo.
General Contractor: Brinkmann Constructors
Leasing Representative: Mark S. Mehlman Realty Inc
Developer: Mark S. Mehlman Realty Inc.
Engineer: Stock & Associates
Cost: $73 million
Completion: October 2007
Size: 390,000 square feet
Architect: Trivers Associates Architects

Description: Brinkmann Constructors recently completed The Crescent in Clayton, a 390,000-square-foot, mixed-use development featuring 72 luxury condominiums and nearly 26,000 square feet of retail space. Condominiums at the Crescent range in size from 2,200 square feet to more than 5,000 square feet and are priced upwards of $2 million. Approximately 80 percent of the retail space is leased and 70 percent of the residential space is sold. Residential amenities include a front desk attendant, valet parking, fitness center, and shared services at surrounding businesses, including The Ritz-Carlton and Wellbridge. Originally conceived as a concrete structure, Brinkmann recommended re-engineering the nine-story building converting it to a steel frame structure. Combined with other quality engineering concepts, Brinkmann saved the developer more than $4 million in construction costs and reduced construction time by more than one-third.



Dellwood Crossing
Location: Northeast corner of West Florissant Ave. and Chambers Rd. in North St. Louis County
General Contractor: ICR Construction
Leasing Represented by: Koman Properties
Developer: Koman Properties
Engineer: Civil Engineering Design Consultants (CEDC)
Cost: $9 million
Completion Date: late spring 2008
Size: 85,000 square feet
Architect: TR,i Architects

Description: Dellwood Crossing is a key component of the redevelopment effort being spearheaded by the City of North St. Louis. This project included a new 15,125-square-foot Save-A-Lot store and a new 15,000-square-foot adjoining retail strip offering access to a variety of tenants including China House, California Nails, ACE Cash Express and Advanced America, to name a few. A face-lift was given to the existing 25,000-square-foot retail flank providing Family Dollar and Nice Beauty Supply with an updated look designed to complement the façade of the new construction. The retail portion of the project is slated for completion in October 2007. A built-to-suit Walgreen’s store will also be added to the retail mix with construction set to commence in early 2008.

Subcontractors: Scott-Lee, Lorenz & Associates, Hanenkamp Electric Company



Dierbergs Edwardsville Crossing
Location: Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, Ill.
General Contractor: H.B.D. Construction Inc.
Leasing Representative: Capitol Land Development
Developer: Edwardsville Crossing, L.L.C., a joint venture between Caplaco - Thirty-Four Inc. and Dierbergs Markets Inc.
Engineer: Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen Inc.
Cost: $58 million
Completion: 2010 (est.)
Size: 58 acres
Architect: Dawdy & Associates

Description: Edwardsville Crossing shopping center is home to the second Dierbergs store in Illinois. A 58-acre development, approximately 40 acres are located within the corporate limits of Edwardsville, and 18 acres adjoining the 40-acre parcel are located within the corporate limits of the Village of Glen Carbon. The development will consist of approximately 321,000 square feet of primarily retail business with a 70,000-square-foot Dierbergs grocery store as one of the major anchors. The development will include several out-lot parcels that will primarily be occupied by restaurants and other freestanding buildings. Such tenants include Office Depot, Petco, Michaels, Borders, Ashley Furniture, National City Bank, Best Buy, Starbucks, 54th Street Grill and Bar, St. Louis Bread Company, and other strip center retailers.



Edward Jones, New Office Building B2
Location: Maryland Heights, Mo.
General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies
Engineer: Henneman Engineering Inc.
Cost: $70 million
Completion: October 2008
Size: 200,000 gross square feet
Architect: Arcturis

Description: Henneman Engineering is providing the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and information technology systems design for Edward Jones’ new North Campus Office Building located in Maryland Heights, Mo. This six-story, 200,000-gross-square-foot building is the first of a multiple-phase expansion. The state-of-the-art smart building includes an entire level of computer labs on a raised access floor cooled with an underfloor air distribution system. The lighting design incorporates direct/indirect lighting, interior light shelves, and daylight harvesting lighting control. The building will have full emergency power generation backup capability and a central UPS system to maintain full building occupancy operation at all times. The HVAC system will utilize high efficiency water-cooled chillers, and multiple VAV air handling systems interconnected for redundancy.

Subcontractors: Jacobs Engineering Group, Alper Audi


Federal Reserve Bank - 6th Floor Renovation
Location: Federal Reserve Bank
General Contractor: Volk Construction
Engineer: KJWW
Cost: $14 million
Completion: July 2008
Size: 55,000 square feet
Architect: Cannon Design

Description: Phased renovation of the 6th floor of the Federal Reserve Bank. Phase 1 includes the demolition of the auditorium and executive conference centers and replacement with commercial cafeteria and staff dining, serving the bank’s approximate 1,000 staff members. Phase 2 includes the demolition of the existing cafeteria and construction of new state-of-the-art conference centers and meeting rooms as well as remote dining and cooking facilities. Phase 3 is the fit out of a new building expansion, which includes a stadium-seating auditorium and private meeting and gathering spaces. Each phase also includes construction of internal bridges connecting existing bank buildings and rooftop mechanical penthouses. Premium architectural finishes are utilized to establish this as the flagship location of the Federal Reserve System.

Subcontractors: Guarantee Electrical Co., CI Select



First Bank
Location: 7833 Highway N, Dardenne Prairie, Mo.
General Contractor: NewGround
Developer: Opus
Engineer: NewGround
Cost: $3 million for building and site
Completion: May 9, 2007
Size: 4,000 square feet
Architect: Thomas D. Auer in association with Paradigm

Description: NewGround completed First Bank’s new flagship location on Highway N in Dardenne Prairie, Mo., on May 9, 2007. The $3 million investment in this new building and site reflects First Bank’s continued commitment to provide high standards of customer service and an engaging banking experience. The 4,000-square-foot branch features a spacious two-story lobby, four walk-up tellers, including one teller window with a button-operated adjustable height counter. The facility also hosts a safe deposit vault, prominent conference room, two drive-up lanes, and a drive-up ATM with a custom-designed roof to match the unusual gull-wing roof forms of the bank building.



First Community Credit Union
Location: Oakville, Mo.
General Contractor: Clayco
Developer: First Community Credit Union
Engineer: Poehlman & Prost Inc. (civil), Alper Audi Inc. (structural)
Cost: $1.3 million
Completion: March 2007
Size: 3,500 square feet
Architect: Forum Studio Inc.

Description: The new First Community Credit Union branch at 4527 Telegraph Road incorporates many familiar design elements from its typical branches with some new concepts. For example, the exterior is synthetic plaster with split-faced concrete block below the windows instead of First Community’s typical brick exteriors. Other features include a raised lobby space, clerestory glazing and high ceiling spaces that create a feeling of openness in the 3,500-square-foot building. The interior features a circular motif in ceramic and stone flooring patterns to provide distinction between seating areas, teller lines and office space. To better serve members, the credit union includes a self-service safe deposit vault with a hand reader for access. The project also includes one exterior drive-up ATM lane, plus four additional drive-up lanes.

Subcontractors: Castle Contracting, CI Select



First National Bank - South I-94 Branch
Location: Weldon Springs, Mo.
General Contractor: J.E. Foster Building Co. and Interior Construction Services Inc. (ICS)
Leasing Representative: Corporate Group
Developer: Corporate Group
Engineer: Design/Build
Cost: $277,500
Completion: February 5, 2007
Size: 3,020 square feet
Architect: Oculus Inc.

Description: Oculus Inc. provided design and construction administration services for a new inline retail bank with an attached drive-through located in the Westwood Center, a retail development in Weldon Springs, Mo. The 3,020-square-foot bank includes a custom storefront that allows ample light into the bank lobby, five teller stations, a media wall, comfortable waiting area, two private offices, a break room, back of office work area, two drive-thru lanes, and a drive-up ATM.



Fort Zumwalt East High School
Location: O’Fallon, Mo.
General Contractor: McCarthy (CM)
Engineer: Ibrahim Engineering (structural), Thomas Berkeley Consulting Engineers (MEP), Bax Engineering (civil), The Geiger Group (food service), EDI (acoustics), Cole & Associates (landscape)
Completion: August 2007
Size: 220,000 square feet
Architect: Cannon Design

Description: Fort Zumwalt East High is conceived as three distinct learning and activity pavilions: the athletic and physical education pavilion at the north end; the academic pavilion at the center; and the performing arts pavilion at the south end. Each pavilion has its own entry allowing for easy access to after-hours events. The main entry is at the center of the building, flanked by two classroom wings and covered by a free-standing three-story tall canopy that together create an outdoor entry court. The goal with East High was to create an architecture of civic presence equal in importance to the role of education in the community. To achieve this, the entire exterior is masonry and glass, evoking a sense of history and permanence, albeit in a contemporary architectural language befitting a twenty-first century academic program.



560 Music Center
Owner: Washington University in St. Louis
Location: 560 Trinity Avenue, University City, Mo.
General Contractor: Lawlor Corporation
Engineer: McClure Engineering
Cost: $3.1 million (construction cost)
Completion: August 2007
Size: 45,000 gross square feet
Architect: Hastings & Chivetta Architects

Description: The Departments of Music and Performing Arts at Washington University have been thriving for years, and increasing interest placed stress on the University’s performance facilities. In 2005, Washington University relieved the pressure by purchasing the two-story building located at 560 Trinity Ave. in University City.

Built in 1929 as a synagogue, it has been home to Webster University’s Community Music School since 1974. Hastings & Chivetta was commissioned for renovation and adaptive reuse of the building to provide additional performance, rehearsal and teaching facilities. Being of historic significance, care was taken to protect architectural features and salvage vintage elements. Existing Wenger practice modules were relocated; public spaces were renovated; and the facility was brought up to code.

After renovation, the building includes a multipurpose theatre, recital hall, practice spaces, ensemble rooms, percussion room, recording studio, classrooms, offices, green rooms and two lobbies. The 1,115-seat E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall is the largest performance space at Washington University.

Subcontractors: Johnson Controls Inc., Murphy Company, T. J. Wies Contracting



14th Street Mall Revitalization
Location: Old North St. Louis
General Contractor: E.M. Harris
Construction Developer: Regional Housing Community Development Alliance and Old North St. Louis Restoration Group
Engineer: Larson Engineering of Missouri
Cost: $26 million
Completion: 2009
Size: 78 mixed income units and 26,000 square feet of commercial space
Architect: Rosemann & Associates, P.C.

Description: The 14th Street Mall Revitalization project is an historic preservation and conversion of a former pedestrian mall located in Old North St. Louis. With 78 mixed-income apartments and 26,000 square feet of commercial space, this project plays a vital part in the return of a once vibrant community. By opening the former mall and allowing vehicular traffic to continue, the master plan preserves the area’s historic streetscape and ties together a sense of place. Through careful planning, the residential and commercial aspects of the project are scheduled for a 2009 completion. The end results should serve as the neighborhood’s anchor to continue reestablishing itself as a vital and vibrant part of St. Louis.

Subcontractor: SCI Engineering Inc.



Hilltop Plaza
Location: Bridgeton, Mo.
General Contractor: S.M. Wilson & Co., Brinkmann Constructors
Leasing Representative: THF Realty
Developer: THF Realty
Engineer: Buescher Frankenberg & Associates Inc. (civil)
Cost: $32 million
Completion: July 2007
Size: 325,000 square feet

Description: The re-programmed Hilltop Plaza Shopping Center is serving as a catalyst for growth in the 12000th block of St. Charles Rock Road—the “Main Street” of Bridgeton, Mo. The development is already showing signs of boosting sales tax receipts and revitalizing neighboring businesses as it successfully attracts patrons to high-traffic location between I-70 and I-270. Anchored by a 117,000-square-foot Lowe’s home improvement store and 29,000-square-foot garden center, Hilltop also features a new format PetSmart with a veterinary clinic, a remodeled Sports Authority and a Kmart. THF also repaved all parking surfaces and installed new landscaping for the development.


Holcim Corrective/Additives Building
Location: Ste. Genevieve, Mo.
General Contractor: Kozeny-Wagner Inc.
Engineer: Alper Audi/Kozeny-Wagner (design/build)
Cost: $9 million
Completion Date: January 2008
Size: 201,000 square feet
Architect: Alper Audi/Kozeny-Wagner (design/build)

Description: Kozeny-Wagner Inc. was selected by Holcim Cement USA to provide design/build, general contracting services for their new corrective/additives building. The project includes a 200,000-square-foot pre-engineered metal building, 172’ wide by 1,222’ long with building wall heights extending up to 38’ and an overall building height of 98’ tall. Building foundations include a combination of drilled piers, spread footings, grade beams, retaining walls and rock anchors. The corrective/additives building will house stacker and reclaimer conveyors on a rail system that will distribute material to a desired location within the building. This procedure is one of several that occur to produce the final cement material product. An aggressive schedule of less than six months has been established for this project.

Subcontractor: Sachs Electric



Holy Trinity Church, School and Parish Center
Location: Fairview Heights, Ill.
General Contractor: Holland Construction Services Inc.
Engineer: SSC Engineering
Cost: $14 million
Completion Date: September 2007
Size: 80,000 square feet
Architect: Stauder Architecture

Description: This 80,000-square-foot facility is the physical merger of two separate parishes and includes a 14,133-square-foot church, 29,456-square-foot school and a 36,096-square-foot parish conference center and gymnasium—all under one roof.

The church will seat approximately 1,200 and feature a raised platform and accessible, curved day chapel. The school will accommodate about 280 pre-school through eighth grade students with future expansion capabilities.



Industrial Aid Inc.
Location: 4417 Oleatha Ave, St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Paric Corporation
Engineer: Larson, Heideman, Doering
Cost: $5.5 million
Completion: June 2007
Size: 50,000 square feet
Architect: Arcturis

Description: The Industrial Aid project was a $5.5 million, 50,000-square-foot expansion of the shelter workshop’s aging facilities, which enabled it to remain in the City and preserve more than 200 jobs there. Because of this commitment to the City and surrounding neighborhood, the project was awarded the “Spirit of St. Louis Award” by the mayor’s office in June 2007. Industrial Aid is a packaging company that employs mentally and physically challenged adults who might otherwise have difficulty finding or maintaining employment. The new addition emphasizes an open floor plan production space with large structural bays and high ceilings, skylights, a state-of-the-art electrical system, and a two-story entry space for visitors with a new boardroom and new office space. There are also new breakrooms and locker areas for employees, a courtyard with outdoor seating, and plasma screen TVs.



Locust Street Lofts (Elias Haas Building)
Location: 2223 Locust St., St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Paric Corp.
Leasing Representative: Locust Street Lofts
Developer: Locust Street Lofts, LLP (Bill Bruce, Rick Yackey, John Perkins)
Engineer: Poehlman & Prost Inc. (civil), Commonwealth Land Title Ins. Co. (civil), The Consulting Engineers Group Inc. (civil), KPFF consulting Engineers (structural)
Cost: $14 million
Completion Date: June 2007
Size: Six floors, 97,325 square feet, 100 loft apartments
Architect: Klitzing Welsch Associates

Description: Klitzing Welsch Associates and Paric Corp. recently completed the $14 million redevelopment of the historic Elias Haas Building, creating 100 loft-apartments. The six-story, 97,325-square-foot building also includes 10,000 square feet of retail. Built in 1914, the building was associated with two of the city’s prominent industries—garments and cars. Paric’s design/build team worked with the owner’s architect and engineers to maximize leasable space within the existing structure, while assuring that all safety codes are met. Along with the Building Department and Fire Marshall, the team designed a unique corridor pressurization that allows safe evacuation of the residential units at the dead end corridor preserving usable living space.  The combination of masonry, terra cotta, stucco and marble exterior façade create a standout building along a street with many fine historic renovations.

Subcontractors: Crown Electrical Contracting Inc., Gateway Roofing, LLC, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corp.



Dr. William E. Mason – Douglas W. Clark Middle School
Location: 5510 State Street, East St Louis, Ill.
General Contractor: K&S Associates Inc.
Developer (owner): East St Louis School District #189
Cost: $21.1 million
Completion Date: July 2007
Size: 144,000 square feet
Architect: William B. Ittner Inc.

Description: Construction of a brick veneered load-bearing, masonry wall middle school. Extensive site work was completed before construction began. The school has the full compliment of educational opportunities including classrooms, labs, band/chorus areas, art, science, industrial technology, kitchen and cafeteria, media room, gym and auxiliary gym, and administration space.

Subcontractors: Guarantee Electrical Co., Ravensberg Inc.



Momentum St. Louis
Location: 7930 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: ICON Contracting
Leasing Representative: Jones Lang LaSalle
Developer: Cushman Wakefield, Project Manager
Engineer: McClure Engineering Associates
Cost: $6 million
Completion: December 2006
Size: 57,800 square feet
Architect: Lawrence Group

Description: Momentum’s new space fuels the Agency’s diversity. Natural light, shades of green and splashes of red are infused into this dynamic, creative environment exploding with technology. The red amorphous surface, colorful geometric floor designs and Ecothatch panels give visitors a look into the Agency and a few steps will alter the nature of the user’s experience from intimate to expansive. Natural light is abundant; work areas are open and encourage interaction. Marmoleum flooring announces the boulevards and suspended ceiling panels intersect the avenues at irregular intervals. Conference rooms and soft meeting areas are comfortable and functional. A media ball suspended from the ceiling over the center staircase projects the latest work by the Agency and flat panel monitors are disbursed throughout to deliver welcome messages to visitors.

Subcontractor: T.J. Wies Contracting



North Broadway Distribution Center
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Clayco
Leasing Representative: Balke Brown Associates
Developer: Balke Brown Associates
Engineer: Frontenac Surveyors and Engineers (civil), Alper Audi Inc. (structural)
Cost: $12.6 million
Completion: October 2007
Size: 420,000 square feet
Architect: Forum Studio Inc.

Description: North Broadway Distribution Center is one of the largest new distribution facilities constructed in the City of St. Louis in years. The 420,000-square-foot speculative warehouse will be located at 6500 Prescott and required the demolition of three buildings over several weeks. The $12.6 million project is being constructed using conventional tilt-up concrete over structural steel. In response to unexpected storm water build-up on the site, the team created an on-site storm water detention area to ensure the building’s stability for the future. The North Broadway Distribution Center is scheduled for completion in October 2007. International Food Products Corp. has pre-leased 120,000 square feet of the facility for its St. Louis warehouse requirements.



1 West/SNF/SCU Renovation
Location: Barnes-Jewish West County
General Contractor: Rhodey & Son Construction
Engineer: Heideman & Associates
Cost: $2 million
Completion: October 31, 2007
Size: 21,780 square feet
Architect: The Lawrence Group

Description: This project encompasses changes to most of the 1st and 2nd floors. On the 1st floor the core staff areas were renovated to create new West and East nurses stations, nourishment rooms, staff break room and offices. The 1 West Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) patient rooms are being updated with all new finishes. The 1st floor East, West, and SNF corridors are being updated with new wall finishes, flooring and sconce lighting. The 2nd floor work involves a total renovation to the Special Care Unit (SCU) creating eight private rooms and an updated nurse station. The 2nd floor corridors are being updated with new wall finishes and sconce lighting.

Subcontractor: Flooring Systems Inc., Charles E. Jarrell Contracting Company Inc.



Orthwein Rehearsal Building
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: BSI Constructors
Engineer: SSE Inc. (structural)
Cost: $5.4 million
Completion Date: May 2007
Size: 4,800 square feet
Architect: HOK

Description: The Orthwein Rehearsal Building functions as a rehearsal and meeting space for actors and staff at The Muny. HOK served as the architect and also provided construction management services on the project.

The two-story facility was built using traditional and modern materials including brick, metal and glass. The design is tied together with an exterior metal screen and interior color palette. HOK was challenged by the River Des Peres running directly beneath the new facility. To solve the challenge, piers were drilled into the ground to support the foundation and the building cantilevers above the river and second floor.

In addition to the rehearsal building, HOK oversaw the renovation and expansion of the catering kitchen and Rockhouse restrooms.



Park East Lofts
Location: Central West End
General Contractor: Opus Northwest Construction
Leasing Representative: The Opus Group
Developer: Opus Development Northwest LLC
Engineer: Geotechnology Inc. (geotechnical engineer)
Cost: $20 million
Completion: May 2008
Size: 62,000 square feet
Architect: Built Form Architecture - Chicago, Ill.

Description: Geotechnology is partnering with Opus once again to provide services for Park East Lofts from project conception through construction. The mixed-use development is in the Central West End at Laclede and Euclid avenues directly north of the Park East Tower. The Lofts building incorporates 52-loft units, 6,000 square feet of frontage retail space and a parking garage that will offer both public and private parking. Geotechnology assisted Opus in performing environmental and geotechnical assessments, and construction observation and materials testing. Geotechnology also performed rock coring and exploration at several of the drilled pier locations prior to pier drilling operations. Coring rock at the pier locations assisted Opus in pre-determining the required depth at each location, which reduces uncertainty in foundation construction bids and rig downtime.

Subcontractor: Castle Contracting



Pfizer Corporation Chesterfield Village Steam Generation Project
Location: Pfizer’s Chesterfield, Mo. campus
Developer: Pfizer
Engineer: William Tao & Associates; Murphy
Company Cost: $4.2 million
Completion Date: October 2006
Architect: William Tao & Associates

Description: Pfizer Corporation required expansion of its steam generation capacity to meet demands resulting from growth at its Chesterfield campus. The Murphy Company had only 16 working days from construction award to the plant’s annual 36-hour outage to demolish existing exhaust breeching, install new controls and an energy-efficient burner, a 75,000 lb/hr watertube boiler with pressurized sensor lines and switches, 100 feet of enlarged exhaust breeching and complete piping and tie-ins for steam, fuel and boiler breeching. During the shutdown, workers and managers logged more than 2,200 around-the-clock man-hours in confined spaces 35-feet below street level where temperatures exceeded 120° Fahrenheit. Any incident or delay beyond the 36-hour shutdown would cost more than $2 million per day. The eight-month expansion was completed under budget with zero jobsite injuries.



Progress Point Office Building
Location: Progress Point business park, O’Fallon, Mo.
General Contractor: Contegra Construction Co.
Leasing Represented by: Colliers Turley Martin Tucker (CTMT)
Developer/Owner: TriSTar Properties
Cost: $23 million
Completion Date: October 2008
Size: 128,000 square feet
Architect: Gray Design Group

Description: Contegra Construction Co. is advancing a new 128,000-square-foot speculative office building at Progress Point business park off Highway 40/Interstate 64 in O’Fallon, Mo. The park is also home to CitiMortgage, BJC Healthcare’s Progress West HealthCare Center, Vantage Credit Union, Cracker Barrel and Marriott Residence Inn.

Scheduled for completion in October 2008, the three-story, contemporary-styled building will feature highly efficient floor plates of more than 42,000 feet designed to accommodate private office or open workspace plans or a combination of the two. The building also features enhanced electrical service and flexible internal and external communications systems for high-density users. Space in the building is being quoted at $24 per square foot, full service.



Safety National Casualty Corp.-Corporate Headquarters
Location: Maryland Heights, Mo.
General Contractor: Duke Realty Corp.
Developer: CRA Development LLC, a company of Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA LLC
Engineer: Stock & Associates, KPFF Consulting Engineers, and Heideman Associates
Cost: $19 million
Completion: June 2008
Size: 138,000 square feet
Architect: ACI/Boland

Description: Safety National Casualty Corp. broke ground in April on its new 138,000-square-foot corporate headquarters on a 16-acre site at 1832 Schuetz Rd. in Maryland Heights. The $19 million facility will allow Safety National to consolidate employees from multiple locations. In addition, the site provides for future expansion of up to 300,000 square feet. The five-story building, including a lower level, will feature a fitness center, training rooms, a dining area and an emergency generator for 24/7 emergency operations.

Subcontractors: Charles E. Jarrell Contracting Company Inc., Murphy Co., Guarantee Electrical Co.



St. Louis Children’s Hospital Inclusive Play at Tilles Park
Location: Ladue, Mo.
Cost: $900,000
Completion: November 2006
Size: 1 acre
Architect: SWT Design (landscape architect)

Description: The Inclusive Playground ‘Together We Play’ project has been a public/private collaboration of efforts including St. Louis County Parks Department, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and several community supporters.

SWT Design provided leadership in the development of goals of both the municipality and the community. Accessibility was the primary focus, providing recreation opportunities and bringing people of all ages and abilities together in play. The play structures were designed with a ramping system allowing visitors to experience the same spatial relationships. A sand play area provides table-like opportunities at various heights for the unique challenges of each individual. The large pavilion located in the center of the park provides a covered shelter with amenities including restrooms and picnicking opportunities, while a sound play area is nestled behind the pavilion. The open lawn areas adjacent to the pavilion provide additional gathering space. All of these features come together around a central spray ground/plaza. The plaza is encircled by seatwalls engraved with nursery rhymes and bronze critters.


St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission (CVC) Headquarters
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: C. Rallo Contracting Co. Inc.
Developer: St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission
Engineer: William Tao & Associates Inc.
Cost: $2.45 million
Completion: December 2006
Size: 35,000 square feet
Architect: HOK

Description: The new 35,000-square-foot headquarters enables the 160-person-plus CVC marketing and facilities teams to come together under one roof and interact more cohesively and efficiently. HOK’s design invigorated the CVC culture and created a productive work environment.

The space features a 10,000-square-foot conference center with two large conference rooms, five mid-sized rooms and indoor and outdoor breakout areas. It also features a state-of-the-art projection and audio technology, concierge service and other amenities for day- or week-long conferences.



St. Peters Rec-Plex Expansion and Renovation
Location: St. Peters, Mo.
General Contractor: Walton Construction
Engineer: Nelson-Rudie & Associates and Stevens Engineers
Cost: $18.5 million
Completion Date: Fall 2007
Size: 140,000 square feet
Architect: Ankeny Kell Architects

Description: This project included renovation of the existing Rec-Plex facility, along with construction of a new building. The new building includes a 106,000-square-foot facility with two NHL-size ice rinks, a full size gymnasium, multi-purpose gym, concession area, and a High Intensity Training (HIT) center. This design/build project was completed on a fast-track schedule.

The renovation of the existing facility included rebuilding half of the existing gym into two levels and adding additional space to provide over 8,500 square feet for cardio and weight training.

Challenges for the project team included scheduling, cost and budgeting associated with designing and building a new facility, while coordinating renovations to an existing facility. Ensuring the safety and convenience of Rec-Plex visitors during all stages of construction was a top priority.

Subcontractors: Sachs Electric, Murphy Company, Byrne & Jones Construction Co., Ford Hotel Supply Company, Golterman & Sabo, SCI Engineering Inc.



Sibling Play Area at St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Location: One Children’s Place, St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: McGrath & Associates Inc
Cost: $228,000
Completion Date: May 4, 2007
Size: 1,120 square feet
Architect: Answers Inc.

Description: McGrath & Associates was engaged by BJC HealthCare to renovate a conference room at St. Louis Children’s Hospital into a recreational playroom intended for the siblings of hospital patients. The supervised Sibling Play Area offers unique activities for children under 12, including a play loft with a circular slide, children’s furniture, a karaoke stage, computer and electronic games and a movie station. “We have always enjoyed working with St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and we are pleased to know that this project will have a positive impact on the families of patients,” said Scott Olson, project manager at McGrath & Associates.

Subcontractors: Guarantee Electrical Co., Murphy Company, St. Louis Automatic Sprinkler Co.



Soulard Retail Center
Location: 7th and Russell, St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: HBD Contracting In
Leasing Representative: Scott Saunders
Developer: Sam Berger Engineer: Ibrahim, CEDC
Cost: $2 million
Completion: December 1, 2007
Size: 14,000 square feet
Architect: TR,i Architects

Description: Gut rehab of existing building, addition to the building and new freestanding building to create a new retail center. The project is market rate using no public funds.



Summit Place I
Location: WingHaven in O’Fallon, Mo.
General Contractor: Paric Corporation
Leasing Representative: McEagle Properties/Colliers Turley Martin Tucker
Developer: McEagle Properties
Engineer: Cole & Associates
Cost: $13.5 million
Completion: November 1, 2007
Size: 75,000 square feet
Architect: ACI Boland

Description: McEagle Properties began construction on the new Summit Place I building in WingHaven® in Spring 2007 and scheduled for completion November 1, 2007. The building is 75,000 square feet and three stories and is located near the entrance of WingHaven. The site boasts great highway visibility and access as well as close proximity to all of WingHaven’s many amenities. The building is 66 percent pre-leased to Time Warner Telecom who will occupy two floors of the building.

Subcontractors: Kaemmerlen Electric Company, Murphy Company



Touchwood Inc.
Location: Downtown St. Louis
General Contractor: Helmkampf Construction Company
Developer: Shane Hieronymus
Completion: 2007
Size: 11,000 square feet
Architect: TAO + LEE Associates Inc.

Description: Two-story office-loft renovation project for the new corporate offices of Touchwood Inc.



Truman Bank Center
Location: West Clay, St. Charles, Mo.
General Contractor: Kadean Construction Company
Developer: R.T. Bax Development
Cost: $4.2 million
Completion: April 2008
Size: 33,000 square feet
Architect: Skibbe-Uhlig Architects

Description: This structure is a 33,000-square-foot, three-story office building. The building components consist of structural steel, masonry veneer and glass. Another feature is the drive-up teller canopy.

Subcontractors: T. J. Wies Contracting, O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Co. Inc., PayneCrest Electric



255 Logistics Center
Location: Sauget, Ill.
General Contractor: Clayco
Leasing Representative: Balke Brown Associates
Developer: Balke Brown Associates
Engineer: Stock & Associates (civil), Alper Audi (structural)
Cost: $13 million
Completion: February 2008
Size: 502,500 square feet
Architect: Forum Studio Inc.

Description: Balke Brown and Associates is developing 255 Logistics Center in Sauget, Ill. Clayco is design-building the first building, a 502,500-square-foot distribution facility constructed with tilt-up concrete, in the Metro-east business park. Features will include a white single-ply roof, 32-foot interior clear heights, Early Suppression Fast Response fire protection, cross-dock ability, a summer ventilation system and available trailer parking. The structure is designed to hold single or multiple tenants and offers excellent distribution access throughout the Midwest due to its proximity to the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and nearby major highways. Construction is scheduled for completion in February 2008.



University Center
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Clayco
Developer: Washington University
Engineer: Woolpert Inc. (civil), KPFF Consulting Engineers (structural), Bell Electrical Contractors (electrical), Murphy Co. (mechanical)
Cost: $32 million
Completion: August 2008
Size: 115,880 square feet
Architect: TSOI/Kobis & Associates

Description: Construction is underway on a $32 million University Center between Simon Hall and Mallinckrodt Center at Washington University. The three-story, 115,880-square-foot University Center will house WUTV, KWUR, Student Life newspaper, the student union, student and faculty dining areas, conference rooms, campus life offices, a fun room and a common area. The University Center will be constructed using reinforced concrete with a granite stone façade, complementing the collegiate Gothic architecture displayed throughout the campus. The public spaces, dining, commons and fun room will be ‘wow’ spaces. For example, the common area will have a three-story fireplace and chimney. The team is pursuing certification in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. Strategies will include the use of natural materials and lighting controls. The University Center will open in August 2008.



University Club Tower Retail Development
Location: Richmond Heights, Mo.
General Contractor: HBD Contracting
Leasing Represented by: Sansone Group
Developer: Sansone Group and Lionstone
Engineer: JR Grimes Consulting
Size: 43,000 square feet retail, 231,000 square feet of parking, which includes, two 4-level parking garages, one with 263-car capacity and one with 400-car capacity.
Architect: Archimages

Description: The University Club Tower Development plan is a proposed mixed-use complex, which incorporates the existing 273,000-square-foot University Club Tower Class A Office Building, retail frontage on Brentwood Boulevard, restaurant and parking facilities, which include:

• 35,000-square-foot retail building
• 8,000-square-foot restaurant with outdoor seating
• 263-car parking garage
• 400-car parking garage

This premier mixed-use development is designed to compliment the surrounding retail and office environment and as with all Sansone Group developments, will be of the utmost quality in both construction and design.



Vatterott College NorthPark (Corporate Headquarters)
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Paric
Leasing Representative: McEagle
Developer: McEagle
Cost: $10 million
Completion: September 2007
Size: 90,000 square feet
Architect: HDA Architects

Description: Vatterott College tapped HDA Architects to design their new Corporate Headquarters in the new 600 acre NorthPark Development. The building totals 90,000 square feet and costs $10 million to construct. Some of the design features include tilt-up concrete panels, curtain-wall, punched windows, and C. Alucabond panels and reveals. Vatterott College has also selected HDA Architects to design their schools in Quincy, Ill., Des Moines, Iowa, and Wichita, Kan.



Visteon Corp. Manufacturing and Assembly Facility
Location: 101 Workman Court, Eureka, Mo.
General Contractor: ARCO Construction
Developer: VECP LLC
Engineer: Cole & Associates
Cost: $10.5 million
Completion: October 2007
Size: 217,000 square feet
Architect: GMA Design Group

Description: ARCO Construction recently completed the fast-track construction of a new 217,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly plant for Michigan-based Visteon Corp. The facility, Visteon’s first in St. Louis, will support new business in North America with automakers including Chrysler Group. Located in Eureka Commercial Park, the plant will manufacture door panels, consoles and automotive cockpits and is projected to bring 200 jobs to the region. Production is scheduled to begin in summer 2008. The new facility features 14,500 square feet of office space, 13 dock doors and two drive-in doors. The building has 30-foot clear height ceilings designed to accommodate a 50-ton crane used in the injection molding process. The plant will use innovative manufacturing processes to deliver interior products for in-sequence, just-in-time installation in vehicles.

Subcontractor: Kaemerlen Electric Co.



Washington University in St. Louis Social Sciences/Law Building
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Tarlton Corporation
Engineering Consultants: William Tao & Associates Inc., KPFF Inc., Woolpert Inc., McClure Engineering Inc., EDAW Inc.
Cost: $38.4 million
Completion Date: June 30, 2008
Size: 150,000 square feet, 4 stories
Architect: Kallmann, McKinnell and Wood Architects

Description: The new four-story Social Sciences/Law Building will include classrooms, seminar rooms, offices and lounges. Like most of the campus buildings, the structure is designed in the traditional Collegiate Gothic architectural style. The project includes related site improvements, the installation of utilities and a thermal plant. The building will incorporate a wide range of environmentally-friendly “green” building principles and practices, as standardized by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.

Subcontractors: Aschinger Electric Company, Guarantee Electrical Co., Crown Electrical Contracting Inc.



Washington University Wilson Hall
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Volk Construction Company
Leasing Representative: Washington University (owner)
Engineer: Tennill (MEPFP), KPFF (structural)
Cost: $5 million
Completion Date: October 2006 (portions of the building were open for classes in August, but the work was final mid-October)
Size: 33,000 square feet
Architect: Trivers Associates

Description: The mission of the Wilson Hall renovation was to create a modern, technological center of expertise for the Biology and Psychology Departments in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Washington University. Wilson Hall is a three-story classroom building designed by Jamieson & Spearl in 1924. The renovation turned the building into a modern facility while maintaining its historic integrity. The building includes faculty offices, seminar rooms, and a large lecture hall. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences vacated Wilson Hall, which was renovated and reconfigured to suit portions of the Biology and Psychology Departments. An aluminum and glass connector pedestrian bridge was added between Wilson Hall and neighboring Monsanto Hall to connect all seven biology buildings.



Waterloo Commons
Location: Illinois Route 3 and Market Street, Waterloo, Ill.
General Contractor: Holland Construction Services
Leasing Representative: Rob Randall/The DESCO Group
Developer: The DESCO Group
Engineer: TWM Inc.
Cost: $10 million
Completion: December 2007
Size: 67,000 square feet
Architect: Kuhlmann Design Group

Description: Waterloo Commons is a soon-to-open neighborhood shopping center in fast-growing Waterloo, Ill. The 67,000-square-foot retail center is anchored by a 58,000-square-foot Schnucks food and drug store complemented by an additional 9,000 square feet of retail space with potential for additional retail, as well as several outlots. The new Schnucks will replace the grocer’s existing store on Covington Drive.



West End Lofts
Location: 4100 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, Mo.
General Contractor: Paric Corp.
Leasing Representative: Garrison Partners Consulting, www.westendlofts.com
Developer: 4100 Forest Park Partners, LP (Owner/developer is Bruce Development, headed by President & COO Brian Bruce; Rick Yackey is joint venture partner)
Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers (structural), Poehlman & Prost Inc. (civil)
Cost: $40 million
Completion Date: Spring 2008
Size: 245,000 square feet
Architect: Klitzing Wetsch & Assoc.

Description: Paric is the contractor for the $40 million transformation of the old Ford Motor Company plant into loft residences. The 245,000-square-foot building at 4100 Forest Park Avenue will be known as West End Lofts, with 120 one- and two-bedroom units priced at $160,000 to $350,000. The lofts will range from 760 square feet to more than 1,600 square feet. The building’s first floor will have about 30,000 square feet of retail space that could include a restaurant, bank and boutique stores. Units in the former Ford Motor Car Assembly Plant will be the first in St. Louis to feature cabinetry by Pedini, one of Italy’s premier kitchen manufacturers. A sales center with sample loft is open for viewing and the West End Lofts are scheduled to be completed in Spring of 2008.

Subcontractors: Charles E. Jarrell Contracting Company Inc., St. Louis Automatic Sprinkler Co.; T.J. Wies Contracting, Western Construction Group