Project Overview

Description: Tenant improvement of 15,000 square-foot commercial office space for social media agency

Location: Downtown St. Louis, MO

Metropolitan Build’s Services: General contracting

Architect: Cohen Hillberry

Building Owner: Castaneda at the Frisco

Summary

Drive was executing a 15,000 square foot expansion into two stories of a commercial office building. We transformed their space, integrating technology with unique design elements to create a one-of-a-kind office environment.

The Challenges

Drive Social Media was growing their business to take up the full 6th and 7th floors of a commercial office building. They wanted to incorporate technology such as large screens, lighting, and specialized tech equipment, alongside unique design elements such as a 40-foot curving serpentine wall and a training stage with sound and projection equipment. The client also hosted a large event in the late fall when the building’s central AC was turned off, so they needed a GC that could install a special air conditioning system to make employees and guests comfortable all year round.

The Metropolitan Build Solution

We created a large training center on the 6th floor that could fit more than 70 people. The room included a 50+ foot wide video screen wall and a stage with a variety of projection and sound equipment.

Drive also wanted an office bar for celebrations and special visitors. The Metropolitan Build team installed not just any bar–but a speakeasy that could be accessed by pushing the bookshelves in the bullpen a certain way.

During the design process, the CEO of Drive told Metropolitan Build that he liked ducks. How did we respond? By building 2 rubber duck walls in the main reception area, of course! We custom-fabricated stands for the ducks, which are magnetized to stay in place, and installed special lighting to ensure the ducks didn’t cast shadows on one another.

We added a conference room with lighting and furniture to match the rest of the office. The expansion was completed in two phases, with each phase substantially completed (including fire and life safety inspections) within six months.

Drive Social Media has 4 offices in cities throughout the eastern United States. When the renovation of their St. Louis office was complete, they invited employees from other locations for a grand opening celebration. They continue to host new employees regularly for training and orientation in the technology-integrated classroom space.