Featured Project: Needlepoint Clubhouse

Summary

Metropolitan Build partnered with a needlepoint and crafting retailer to select, renovate, and fit out a site for their new office and store space. We navigated an expedited construction timeline and complex zoning regulations to ensure our client could move in and open up shop on schedule.

Project Program and Site Selection

Metropolitan Build was hired by Needlepoint as the design build contractor for their move–which included due diligence on the property they had in mind before going under contract. In June of 2024, the Metropolitan Build team conducted a thorough analysis of the structure on Manchester Road in St. Louis. It had formerly been a dog grooming spa and a cleaner’s; but despite the environmental contamination resulting from its past occupancy, we advised they purchase the property due to its desirable location in Kirkwood.

Our due diligence uncovered a number of issues, including water infiltration, asbestos, and broken underground drain pipes. We negotiated with the building owner for a discounted price, and value engineered the plans for renovation to ensure our clients could stay within their budget while repairing and remediating the structure.

Scheduling and Permitting

Once the site was selected and the renovation plans were complete, we helped the client navigate the area’s complex permitting and zoning regulations so construction could begin. Due to administrative delays, we were unable to begin the renovation work until November of 2024. Since the client’s current lease expired in March 2025, we faced an extremely expedited timeline for project completion.

Interior and Exterior Building Renovation

We gutted all the existing building plumbing, replaced the underground plumbing, modified and expanded the electrical systems, and replaced or repaired all five of the HVAC systems to ensure a functional and comfortable environment for both shoppers and employees.

We refaced the exterior of the building, performing masonry renovation and tuckpointing where required and adding a new, large storefront that showcases the Needlepoint Clubhouses’s products and “Southern Charm” design theme. 

After analyzing Needlepoint Clubhouse’s existing shop to determine what worked and what didn’t, the Metropolitan Build team designed a totally new building interior. We converted about 5000 square feet of the 7000 square foot building into a large retail display area, including slatwalls to display yarn and other products. With hundreds of linear feet of display walls, the lighting of the retail space was crucial. We installed a lighting system that highlighted all the products and goods clearly, including accent lighting and decorative signage lighting that fit the Southern Charm theme. All lighting fixtures are LED efficient to keep utility costs down.

The remaining square footage in the building was converted to office space for employees. The final stage of the renovation was rebuilding the dilapidated parking lot to allow for plenty of visitors.

Inspection Approvals and Final Completion

The client needed to move by the end of March, 2025, since their current lease was set to expire. We achieved substantial completion of the new Needlepoint Clubhouse on March 17, including working with both the local Rock Hill Building Commissioner and Fire Marshall and the St. Louis County regulators to secure inspection approvals and occupancy permits.

The client is extremely happy with the renovation, especially with Metropolitan Build’s ability to value-engineer the designs and keep the renovation on schedule despite administrative delays.