Preserving Historic Character While Adapting Buildings for Modern Use
Successfully renovating a historic structure means carrying forward its enduring character and identity while adapting it to serve new purposes or accommodate modern uses. We meticulously retain, restore, and replace deteriorated structural and character-defining elements, including masonry, windows, doors, interior features, and stairways.
Architectural components that define the building’s “Period of Significance” are preserved and enhanced, while necessary upgrades ensure compliance with building codes and accessibility standards. Our work ensures the safety and comfort of occupants, allowing them to experience the living history of the building firsthand.
Comprehensive Historic Structure Renovation Services Throughout St. Louis and the Midwest
From historic building restoration and adaptive reuse to structural repairs and code-compliant upgrades, our team delivers strategic renovation solutions tailored to the unique challenges of historic structures.
Historic Building Renovation
Preservation-focused renovation solutions that modernize historic properties while maintaining their architectural integrity and character.
Adaptive Reuse Construction
Transforming historic and existing structures into functional spaces designed for modern commercial, hospitality, or mixed-use purposes.
Historic Building Restoration
Careful restoration of deteriorated architectural and structural elements, including masonry, windows, doors, and interior features.
Structural Repair and Stabilization
Targeted structural reinforcement and repair services that improve safety, longevity, and building performance while preserving historic integrity.
Code Compliance and Accessibility Upgrades
Strategic renovations that bring historic buildings into compliance with modern building codes, ADA standards, and life safety requirements.
Selective Interior & Exterior Preservation
Targeted preservation and replacement of character-defining elements to maintain historic authenticity while improving performance.
Check Out Our Past Historic Structure Renovation Projects
Ongoing renovation of historic commercial office building in St. Louis
Renovation of historic structure into restaurant, retail, and multi-family space
A Closer Look at the Campbell House Museum Expansion
“Their performance was an A+. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Metropolitan Build worked with the Campbell House Museum on their historic renovation and expansion project. This structure is the oldest free-standing residential structure and has been converted to one of the top tourist attractions in the St. Louis area. The collaboration added an accessible entrance and elevator, as well as space for additional programming.
Comprehensive Supplemental Funding Support
There is an array of funding programs available specifically for historic building preservation. Depending on the project, funding sources may include federal historic tax credits, state preservation tax credits, local grants, and more. We’re here to help you navigate the complex tax credit incentive system and its application process, so you have the best chance to secure supplemental funding for your historic building renovation project.
Our Historic Building Renovation Process
Historic renovation doesn’t follow a standard construction playbook. Sequencing, materials, regulatory requirements, and funding opportunities all shape how a project needs to be planned and executed. Here’s how we approach it.
Program Development
Before anything else, we work to understand the building, its history, its current condition, and what preservation requirements mean for your project. This assessment drives the program we develop and becomes the foundation for every decision that follows.
Preliminary Design, Budgeting, and Pre-Construction
Historic building renovation gets complicated, and early planning pays off in the long run. We identify applicable tax credits and supplemental funding, work through pro-forma development, assemble your team with real preservation experience, and ensure design decisions align with your vision and regulations before construction begins.
Design Build Construction
Historic renovation requires a higher level of care in construction. We coordinate specialists in masonry, millwork, and mechanical trades with the attention to detail that older buildings require to protect original materials while keeping the project moving.
Post-Construction and Project Support
Project closeout isn’t the end of our involvement. We stay available as a resource well after construction wraps, and offer support for future phases of historic building renovation or expansion.
Why St. Louis Developers and Property Owners Have Trusted Metropolitan Build For 40+ Years
For 40+ years, Metropolitan Build has helped St. Louis property owners, developers, and institutions bring historic buildings back to life. If you’re ready to talk through your project, we’d like to hear about it.
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 adaptive reuse
We repurpose existing buildings to adapt to changing needs while preserving key original features.
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 historic renovation timeline. Call to speak with our team.