The 10-month renovation of this 50,000-square-foot support space for lab technicians and engineers houses high-growth, advanced technology companies with the potential to be the St. Louis region’s economic drivers in the 21st century. A collaborative effort between owner/manager Emerging Technologies Building II LLC, architect/planner/interior designer Mackey Mitchell Associates, St. Louis, and construction manager/developer The Korte Co. left no doubt that the center would provide tenant and affiliate companies a full range of amenities, services, training, and regular networking opportunities.
Goals in the renovation of the Center for Emerging Technologies were to restore the building as open loft space, while
maintaining its essentially industrial appearance – with new power and data networking and “accelerator” space for expansion as companies grow. Abundant windows create light-filled spaces; central spaces are flexible and adaptable to individual needs; and new sprinklers and HVAC bring the building up to code requirements. In all areas, the renovation respected the past, yet answered the needs of a high-tech future. One example: Glazed brick was uncovered and left in its original state in the audio-visual/training room – an important element in today’s teaming environments – to emphasize the building’s industrial character.
Project highlights include:
• A fully fire-sprinklered building that features handicap accessibility, as well as two new exit stairs and a new elevator.
• All new infrastructure for HVAC (including modified brickwalls to support the substantial rooftop unit), and high-tech cabling.
• The addition of cellular concrete as a sound-deadening element on the second- and third-floor structures.