As a downtown-based firm, we are especially interested in the projects that are going on in and around the city. Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, some projects have come to a halt while others continue to move forward.
St. Louis has a higher rate of growth for 2020 than many of its peer cities. For the first quarter of 2020, St. Louis saw construction project starts grow 84% compared to 2019. However, in April, the city saw a 76% decrease in the number of permits issued. This shows even though the number of permits is down, construction is still holding strong in St. Louis. Below are some projects that we have been keeping our eye on.
City Foundry STL
Slated to open mid-summer, this multi-use facility near downtown will house a food hall, bar, offices, shops and entertainment. Fresh Thyme has also signed a lease at this location. An exact opening date for the City Foundry will be announced later based on recommendations by health officials.
Cortex Hotel
The Aloft Hotel by Marriott, the first hotel in the Cortex tech district in Midtown, welcomed their first guests on June 8th when the hotel opened despite the ongoing pandemic. The amenities that were once closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic opened on June 15th. They will be implementing procedures including additional cleaning and social distancing in common areas to protect guests and employees.
Ballpark Village Phase 2
Even as the coronavirus pandemic continues, One Cardinal Way is open and welcoming tenants as of August 1, 2020. The crane has been dismantled and hard hat tours are now available for individuals interested in leasing. This luxury apartment complex includes a rooftop pool and sundeck in addition to great views of Busch Stadium, downtown and the Mississippi.
Bar K
Bar K, a Kansas City – based bar and restaurant, has plans to open a new location in the Grove later this year with Nestle Purina being a minority investor. Bar K is a dog and people-friendly space. Included will be a dog park, bar, restaurant and entertainment space. Entry fees for dogs can be paid on a daily basis or through an annual fee. Individuals visiting with no animals are admitted with no fee.
Hotworx
Hotworx, a gym out of New Orleans, will be opened in the Element Hotel which is under development in the Midtown region. Hotworx uses saunas as workout rooms and has more than 140 locations throughout the United States. The St. Louis location will include 7 saunas that will have 10-12 workout options. High intensity workouts are limited to 15 minutes but yoga and pilates workouts can last up to 30 minutes. Members pay monthly fees that give them 24-hour access to the gym. Developers expect this location to open in the third or fourth quarter of 2020.
Overall, the construction in the downtown region is moving forward amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Anders Construction Group stays up to date on the latest projects in our own backyard. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming St. Louis construction projects.
