E.M. Harris Construction Co., Inc.

Owner:

Loftworks

Scope Of Work

Financed with low income housing tax credits and historic preservation tax credits, the St. Louis Stamping Lofts development involved the major renovation of the historic St. Louis Stamping Company building originally constructed in 1870 and located at Second and Cass in downtown St. Louis.  Just days before the project was to start, a wind storm collapsed portions of the walls down to the third floor line of the west and north elevations and the first floor line on the east elevation.  This significant setback to schedule could have resulted in a loss of tax credits to finance the project, but the construction team worked diligently to revive the over 140-year-old building, which, in addition to partially collapsed exterior walls, had collapsed ceiling and floors in much of the building. The team met rigorous construction requirements of three government entities and delivered a LEED-certified building on time and on budget.

The project scope of work included extensive masonry restoration, new roof, new windows, partial rebuilding of four floors, new MEP systems and new apartments and offices. Four new concrete storm water retention tanks were installed in the courtyard to service the garden in the adjacent lot.  Sitework included new public walks around the building and landscaping.

Stamping Lofts is the residential/office component and first phase of a larger development called FarmWorks, which will consist of an urban fish and vegetable farm, green business incubator and educational facility—the first of its kind in St. Louis.  Stamping Lofts is designed for the ex-offender and homeless population in a strategic effort to end the cycle of crime and homelessness. The building houses 56 studio apartments and office space for St. Patrick’s Center, which provides supportive services to the residents.