The Lofts of Washington University Receives LEED Platinum Certification

The Lofts of Washington University has been awarded LEED Platinum Certification from the United States Green Building Council. The project received 84 total points out of only 80 required to achieve platinum, the highest level of certification. This 167-unit student housing and retail complex located in the Delmar Loop area of University City, Missouri, features a United Provisions grocery store and the 24-hour Peacock Loop Diner. The $80 million project was built on 4.5 acres which were previously occupied by underutilized buildings and surface parking.

Together with the University, the project team was striving for platinum certification throughout the design and construction process. Cole’s contribution includes working closely with Paric, the General Contractor, on pollution prevention during construction. In addition, Cole utilized a creative approach to stormwater management with a 25,000 gallon cistern to harvest rain water, several rain gardens for bioretention, and assisted DTLS Landscape Studio on a green roof. Cole has been involved in many LEED Certified projects on the Washington University campus, but this is the first LEED Platinum Certification for both Cole and the University.

Designed to minimize impact on the environment while creating healthy spaces for people, it is anticipated that the project will be 46 percent more efficient than standard construction. Architects Tao + Lee and William Rawn Associates are responsible for the solar thermal panels which heat 25 percent of the buildings’ hot water, solar photovoltaic cells providing 10 percent of the electrical needs, and exterior aluminum sunshades serving as both a cooling element and a unique design feature.

The Lofts is the first model of its kind for Washington University. The mix of uses brings new amenities to the neighborhood and has created a positive dramatic change for the Delmar Loop built environment.

AMC Theatre Opens this Month at Streets of St. Charles

The Streets of St. Charles continues to flourish into a premier mixed-use community. Among the latest entertainment offerings for residents and visitors is the AMC Theatre opening this month. A 40,000 square-foot theatre complex with eight (8) screens makes up this new movie going experience and adds to the state-of-the-art amenity options on the property. The theatre is adjacent to a 1,250-space parking garage and is part of a 400,000 square-foot multi-use building that is currently under construction – the latest phase of development at Streets of St. Charles.

Cole is proud to have been a part of the overall project since its onset and is excited to see the latest attraction come to life. Our civil engineering and design services on the AMC Theatre included the planning and layout of the building, grading and storm sewer design, utility coordination, and construction administration. Cole’s landscape architecture team was responsible for extending the layout of the theatre entrance plaza and the incorporation of existing design elements for a display wall, in addition to continued streetscape design, site furnishings, and plantings. As both consultants and tenants, we look forward to future growth and development at Streets of St. Charles.

Our St. Louis Office is Moving

Cole is pleased to announce that we are moving our corporate headquarters from Sunset Hills to downtown St. Louis, MO, at Union Station. On July 8, 2013, our St. Louis team will be working out of the Power House building in a fresh open setting that better reflects our collaborative environment.  This relocation complements our recent St. Charles County, MO, office move to the new urban inspired Streets of St. Charles and places us in a location similar to the Texas office in Frisco Square. All three of Cole’s established offices are now located in thriving business and entertainment districts.

This move not only continues to allow us to better serve the St. Louis region, it further aligns Cole with the re-urbanization of American cities; one of the more significant trends of our industry. We’re excited to have an office in the City of St. Louis which is experiencing a remarkable period of revitalization.

Stop by and visit soon! Our new address is: Power House at Union Station, 401 S. 18^th Street, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63103 (phone remains the same 314-984-9887).

Our office will be closed on July 5 to accommodate the move. We wish you a safe and happy Independence Day celebration!