What: Tour The Lofts of Washington University and United Provisions, a new full-service grocery store
When: Friday, August 8, 10 a.m.- noon
Where: Main lobby of The Lofts, 6255 Delmar Blvd.
Who: The following community and project leaders will be available for comment from 10:30-11:30 a.m.:
• Art Ackermann, associate vice chancellor for facilities, Washington University
• Joe Edwards, owner, Peacock Diner
• Lyda Krewson, alderwoman, 28th Ward, St. Louis
• Ben Poremba, chef
• Shayn Prapaisilp, United Provisions
• Sharon Stahl, vice chancellor for students, Washington University
• Phil Valko, director of sustainability, Washington University
• Hank Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration, Washington University
• Shelley Welsch, mayor, University City
The Lofts of Washington University, a new $80-million mixed-use development, brings green architecture, new residents and a much-needed grocery store to the Delmar Loop. Extra bonus – Loop visitors may order pie day or night at the 24-hour Peacock Loop Diner, which is scheduled to open in September.
“Washington University is fortunate to be located in close proximity to vibrant neighborhoods,” said Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. “The Lofts of Washington University provides a unique opportunity for students, visitors and residents alike to enjoy the amenities of the Delmar Loop. We are proud that The Lofts will further enhance this exciting area, which sits at the nexus of University City and the City of St. Louis.”
Peacock Loop Diner owner Joe Edwards said the project will transform The Loop into a true 24/7 neighborhood and strengthen the connection between the east and west Loop.
“The ripple effect of this investment will be enormous,” Edwards said. “Washington University recognizes that good urban design — mixing apartments with retail and improving green spaces — can have a huge impact on a neighborhood. This makes The Loop an even more livable, walkable neighborhood.”
The Lofts at Washington University will welcome its first student residents in August.
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More about The Lofts at Washington University
Cost: $80 million
Footprint: 4.4 acres
LEED Certification: The Lofts project is on track to earn Platinum LEED certification, the highest rating. Solar panels heat 25 percent of the buildings’ hot water, photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity, rain gardens treat stormwater and the buildings’ signature aluminum sunshades serve as both bold design element and effective tool to keep apartments comfortable.
Features: Open green space, underground residential parking and improved pedestrian lighting and sidewalks.
Impact: The Lofts of Washington University is the culmination of a collaboration between the university, University City and St. Louis that began in the fall of 2011. The project was developed to meet the goals of significant community studies that found that the Delmar Loop was a prime location for additional retail and higher-density housing. Other significant university projects in the neighborhood include the 2004 transformation of a vacant uniform factory into the university’s North Campus, and the construction of the 19,900-square-foot Washington University Family Learning Center in the same location. The university also is a founding member of the Cortex Innovation District, 200 acres of state-of-the-art biomedical science and technology facilities that also will include retail and housing opportunities.
More about student apartments at the Lofts at Washington University
Location: 6200 Enright Blvd., 6300 Enright Blvd., 6255 Delmar Blvd., 6263 Delmar Blvd.
Opening: Students move in August 23
Capacity: Some 400 undergraduate students
Features: 167 3-bedroom, 2-bedroom and efficiency apartments with rooftop gardens and common rooms for studying and socializing.
Owner: Washington University in St. Louis
More about United Provisions
Square footage: 14,939 square feet at 6241 Delmar Blvd.
Projected opening: Monday, Aug. 11
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Features: The market will offer everyday staples such as bread, milk and toothpaste as well as international and gourmet groceries. The Dining District within United Provisions will feature a coffee bar, prepared foods and evening table service. Ben Poremba, the James Beard-nominated chef from Elaia and Olio, will operate the Dining District.
Owner: The grocery will be operated by Shayn Prapaisilp, vice president of Global Foods Markets. His parents, Suchin and Sue, founded Jay’s International Food on South Grand and own the King & I, Global Foods in Kirkwood, Oishi Sushi in Creve Coeur and Oishi Sushi Bar & Steakhouse in Chesterfield.
Contact: Shayn Prapaisilp at shaynprapaisilp@gmail.com or 314-229-2932
More about Peacock Diner
Square footage: 4,875 square feet at 6261 Delmar Blvd.
Projected opening: Late September
Hours: 24 hours daily
Features: Peacock-themed restaurant will offer a full bar and will serve breakfast classics, diner staples, Asian favorites, vegetarian/vegan dishes and a variety of pies.
Owner: Joe Edwards, owner of Loop attractions Blueberry Hill, the Pageant, Pin-Up Bowl, Moonrise Hotel and Tivoli Theatre.
Contact: Joe Edwards at 314-727-0110
Project architect: William Rawn Associates of Boston, with Tao + Lee Associates Inc., of St. Louis, serving as the local firm.
General contractor: Paric Corp., and several other engineering and consulting firms are working on the project’s landscaping and sustainability features.
Websites:
Loop Living: loopliving.wustl.edu
Lease the Loop: leasetheloop.com