St. Louis Business Journal Highlights Metropolitan Build’s Jay Simon

Jay Simon Featured in St. Louis Business Journal for Downtown Redevelopment Vision

Metropolitan Build is proud to share that our founder, Jay Simon, was recently featured in the St. Louis Business Journal in connection with an exciting potential redevelopment opportunity in downtown St. Louis. The coverage highlights Jay’s ongoing commitment to transforming underutilized historic properties into vibrant, mixed-use spaces that serve the community.

The article details how Jay and his out-of-state partners have the historic Chemical Building at 777 Olive Street under contract. Built in 1896 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 17-story structure has remained largely vacant for years. The team’s current concept envisions 108 apartments, 120 hotel rooms, dining, retail, and fitness amenities — backed by a total projected investment of more than $135 million.

The Journal also noted Jay’s appearance before the Missouri Senate, where he testified in support of legislation that would strengthen economic incentives for downtown redevelopment projects like this one. His advocacy reflects Metropolitan Build’s broader mission of not only delivering exceptional projects, but actively contributing to the revitalization of St. Louis.

We are excited about what may be ahead for this landmark building and for our city. Stay tuned to the Metropolitan Build blog for updates on this project and more local news as it develops.