Historic and Commercial Building Renovation

Ready to Transform Your Space?

We understand the importance of program-driven, well-designed, and inspiring spaces. We have spent decades helping owners of existing buildings re-envision their structures to add value, expand functionality, and enhance modern appeal within the unique context of the existing structure.

Before Vs After – Commercial Building Renovation Project

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What We Do in Commercial Building Renovation

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Tenant Buildout & Finish

From raw shell space to a finished, functional environment built around your tenant needs. We manage the full buildout process from coordinating design, to permitting and construction, so spaces are delivered on time and ready to earn revenue.

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Full Building Renovation

We manage comprehensive commercial building renovations from structural and systems work through finishes, repositioning underperforming assets or bringing older buildings fully up to current standards. Our team oversees the entire project from program development, to design, permitting, and construction, with a single point of accountability.

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Exterior & Facade Renovation

We renovate building exteriors including cladding, storefronts, entrances, and more to improve curb appeal, address deferred maintenance, and increase property value. Work is scoped and sequenced to minimize disruption to tenants and building operations.

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Building Systems Modernization

Aging HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems are among the most common drivers of commercial renovation. We replace and upgrade building systems with minimal disruption to the structure and careful work sequencing to keep your space operational during renovation.

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ADA & Code Compliance

Our team assesses existing conditions, identify deficiencies, and execute the work needed to bring commercial buildings into compliance with fire and life safety, current ADA, and building code requirements. Scope typically includes entrances, restrooms, egress paths, and signage, integrated with the broader renovation rather than treated as an afterthought.

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Occupied Building Renovation

Many commercial renovation projects can’t wait for a building to be vacated. We plan and execute renovations around active operations, using phased scheduling, containment, and coordination protocols that protect tenants and keep disruption manageable throughout construction.

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Interior Space Reconfiguration

Commercial space needs can change due to ownership transitions, new tenants, hybrid work, and changing teams. We can help reconfigure existing spaces to match how a building actually needs to function. Whether that means opening up closed-off layouts, subdividing large floors into leasable suites, or reorganizing a space entirely around a new program.

Featured Projects

Check Out Our Past Projects

  • Historic building renovation exterior for Campbell House Museum
  • Campbell House Museum Historic Building Interior Renovation
  • Campbell House Museum Historic Building Interior Renovation

Expansion of historic structure and non-profit museum

  • Kindler Hotel interior guest room renovation
  • Kindler Hotel restaurant and lounge area renovation
  • Kindler Hotel lobby renovation

Preservation-focused historic building renovation to convert the structure into modern hospitality space

  • Historic building exterior renovation for Frisco
  • Historic building facade renovation for Frisco
  • HVAC exterior services for Frisco

Ongoing renovation of historic commercial office building in St. Louis

  • Cadillac Lofts historic building restoration project
  • Interior kitchen renovation for Cadillac Lofts
  • Exterior window renovation for Cadillac Lofts

Renovation of historic structure into restaurant, retail, and multi-family space

Our Building Renovation Process

Whether you need end-to-end support or a contractor for a specific phase, Metropolitan Build delivers.

Program Development

We begin by conducting an in-depth assessment of your vision, objectives, and available resources, while carefully considering budgetary constraints and specific benefits and challenges of the site. This analysis informs the development of a comprehensive program document, which serves as a guide for the project’s continued progress.

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Pre-construction and renovation process

Preliminary Design, Budgeting, and Pre-Construction

We conduct feasibility studies, assist in pro forma development, identify specific supplemental funding sources, assemble a highly qualified 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.

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Campbell House Museum Historic Building Renovation

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.

Explore Our Renovation Process in Detail

Why St. Louis Developers and Property Owners Have Trusted Metropolitan Build For 40+ Years

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Existing Building Specialists

We’re fluent in the language of existing buildings, unlocking their distinctive potential to meet your program’s needs and budget.

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Expertise in historic building preservation

We understand the specific challenges of historic building renovation, including the qualification and certification of your project.

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Strong understanding of funding programs

We know the government programs that will help you secure the maximum amount of funding and tax credits available.

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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 renovation timeline. Call to speak with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

We work to uncover any potential budgetary needs as soon as possible during pre-construction through thorough building assessments and due diligence. When unforeseen conditions arise, we communicate immediately, present options, and work through a proactively documented process to prevent surprises.

It depends on scope, building condition, and how much pre-construction work has been completed; there is no ‘typical timeline’. We create and provide detailed schedules during pre-construction and track milestones throughout, so you know exactly what to expect and how any potential delays or stalls will be handled.

Yes, and we plan this deliberately rather than accommodate it as an afterthought. Phased renovation can require more upfront coordination, but is often the right approach for occupied commercial properties. We build phasing into the project schedule from the start, communicate clearly with tenants or building users about what to expect, and adjust as conditions change.

We handle it. Permitting and inspection coordination is part of our scope on every commercial renovation project. We’re familiar with the requirements across St. Louis and the Midwest, and keep you informed about the status of your project’s permits and needs throughout the entire project.

Metropolitan Build is Ready to Be Your St. Louis Building Renovation Contractors

Let’s talk through your commercial building renovation project ideas or needs in St. Louis and the surrounding areas.