Building Restoration That Retains Historic Character
Metropolitan Build restores commercial, institutional, historic, and industrial buildings across St. Louis, handling everything from structural corrections and hazardous materials abatement to full exterior and interior restoration using original or matching materials. We take on single-phase restoration work as well as full design-build restoration projects, managing subcontractors, budget, and schedule from the first assessment through final walkthrough.
What We Do in Building Restoration and Historic Preservation
Historic Facade Restoration
Masonry, brick, stone, terracotta, and other facades, restored to their original character. We source period-accurate materials and use traditional techniques to preserve unique building features.
Structural Stabilization
We ensure structural systems are compliant and up to code without sacrificing the desirable historic features of the building.
Window & Door Restoration
We can restore or replicate original windows and doors to match historic profiles, while meeting current performance and energy standards.
Interior Architectural Detail Restoration
Plaster, millwork, flooring, and ceilings are all interior details that can be repaired or restored with expertise from professionals who know how to do it right.
Adaptive Reuse & Code Compliance
Bringing a historic building into modern use without stripping what makes it historic is the key to navigating preservation projects.
Historic Tax Credit & Grant Guidance
Federal and state Historic Tax Credits can help ease project costs, but qualifying takes expertise. We can help identify available programs, understand eligibility, and position projects for approval.
How to Quality for State Historic Tax Credits
Qualifying for tax credits can be a lengthy and complicated process, especially if the property is not already on a historic register. It’s essential to work with experienced professionals who can gather and present the right information to officials so you have the best chance of qualifying for these tax credits.
Featured Projects
Check Out Our Past Projects
Preservation-focused historic building renovation to convert the structure into modern hospitality space
Ongoing renovation of historic commercial office building in St. Louis
Renovation of historic structure into restaurant, retail, and multi-family space
How to Identify and Procure Additional Project Funding Sources
Metropolitan Build has extensive experience with identifying and procuring additional funding for projects from sources including:
Restoration Services by Building Type
Restoration work looks different depending on the building. Here’s how we approach some of the most common building types across the St. Louis region.
Metropolitan Build restores industrial and manufacturing buildings with structural repairs, hazardous material remediation, and envelope work, bringing the building back into use without losing its original character.
We restore occupied multi-family properties in phases, addressing everything from building envelopes and roofing to common areas and unit-level systems while working around tenant occupancy and life-safety code requirements to keep disruption to residents to a minimum.
Grant funding, donor contributions, and tax credits often combine to fund non-profit restoration work, and we help identify which programs a given project qualifies for.
Metropolitan Build has led restoration of some of St. Louis’s most significant historic structures, qualifying projects for historic tax credits, securing preservation review board approval, and sourcing materials that match original construction.
Metropolitan Build restores hospitals, clinics, and medical office buildings, updating patient care areas, medical gas lines, backup power, and HVAC systems while keeping facilities operational for patients and staff.
School and university restoration is sequenced around the academic calendar, keeping classes running throughout construction across projects we’ve completed region-wide.
We restore hospitality buildings floor by floor, from historic hotel conversions to storm and water damage recovery, while working around booking calendars and guest experience.
Metropolitan Build restores retail spaces with minimal downtime, rebuilding storefronts, building envelopes, and interiors so tenants can reopen at their brand’s standard.
Restoration Due Diligence and Consulting
Before committing to a restoration project, you need a clear picture of what you’re taking on. Our restoration due diligence and consulting services help owners, investors, and developers evaluate a building’s condition, restoration scope, and cost before finalizing a purchase or project plan. We assess structural integrity, code compliance gaps, hazardous materials, and likely restoration costs, then provide a consulting report you can use to make an informed go or no-go decision, or to shape a restoration program from day one.
Restoration Construction Management
For owners who already have a design or restoration plan in place, our restoration construction management services provide the on-the-ground oversight to execute it: managing subcontractors, scheduling, budget, and quality control from mobilization through final walkthrough. As your restoration general contractor or construction manager, we keep the project on schedule and on budget while upholding the preservation standards the building requires.
Our Building Restoration Process
Whether you need end-to-end support or a contractor for a specific phase, Metropolitan Build delivers.
Initial Consultation & Development
Before we begin, we work with owners, investors, and developers to evaluate your vision, the building’s condition, the restoration scope, and likely costs. We confirm available resources, as well as specific benefits and challenges of the of the project, and consider budgetary constraints. We use this information to develop a comprehensive program document that serves as a guide for the project’s progress.
Preliminary Design, Budgeting, and Pre-Construction
We conduct feasibility studies, assessing structural integrity, code compliance gaps, and materials onsite to provide an up-to-date report you can use to make an informed decision before finalizing a purchase or construction plan. Additionally, we identify specific supplemental funding sources, assemble your specialist team, and initiate preliminary design work. At every stage, we ensure that the project aligns with program requirements, functional objectives, design standards, and budgetary constraints.
Design Build Construction
Once construction is underway, we execute the pre-construction plan with precision, upholding the highest standards of care, quality, and craftsmanship. We oversee every facet of the renovation, ensuring seamless coordination among contractors and specialists.
Post-Construction and Project Support
Our post-construction services encompass warranty management that ensures long-term peace of mind regarding the health and performance of your building, as well as additional renovations or expansions.
Why St. Louis Developers and Property Owners Have Trusted Metropolitan Build For 40+ Years
Existing Building Specialists
We’re fluent in the language of existing buildings, unlocking their distinctive potential to meet your program’s needs and budget.
Expertise in historic building preservation
We understand the specific challenges of historic building renovation, including the qualification and certification of your project.
Strong understanding of funding programs
We know the government programs that will help you secure the maximum amount of funding and tax credits available.
Full Service Design-Build Partner
We engage a talented and experienced team to foster inspiration, drive creative problem solving, and deliver comprehensive project support.
Have Other Questions?
We’re happy to talk through your project needs or restoration timeline. Call to speak with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Move Forward on Your Restoration Project?
Historic restoration is detailed, regulated work, and the contractor you choose makes all the difference. Metropolitan Build brings decades of hands-on experience restoring commercial and historic structures across St. Louis and the Midwest. We know the process, the standards, and how to protect your building’s historic value.