4 Hands Brewing and Peacemaker: A New Culinary Destination in Kirkwood

We are thrilled to announce the opening of 4 Hands and Peacemaker, one of the most-anticipated restaurants of the year, right in downtown Kirkwood. This unique partnership between 4 Hands Brewing Co. and Peacemaker Lobster & Crab has transformed the space previously occupied by Down by The Station, near the Kirkwood train station, into a must-visit dining destination.

Over the past three years, we collaborated closely with the building architect, Eddy Design Group and civil engineer, Castle to ensure a seamless transition between the restaurant’s interior and its beautifully landscaped patios. The result is a “transportive” dining experience that perfectly blends indoor and outdoor spaces adjacent to the train tracks.

As you step into the 2,500-square-foot restaurant, you’re greeted by a covered patio with 9-foot tall accordion glass doors on three sides. This area flows effortlessly into an uncovered patio and a charming green space we lovingly refer to as the “backyard.” Here, kids can safely play while adults relax and dine, surrounded by native plants, landscape boulders, and trees that create a serene, park-like setting.

Visit 4 Hands and Peacemaker in Kirkwood and see why it’s quickly becoming a standout addition to the local dining scene.

Perry County Joint Justice Center

The Perry County Joint Justice Center broke ground in early 2023.

Included in the new building will be the Perry County Sheriff’s Office and Jail, the Perryville Police Department, Perry County Circuit Court Clerk’s office, Perry County Prosecuting Attorney, Perry County Emergency Management, state and municipal courts, city and county joint 911 dispatch, and the Perry County Coroner’s Office.

The estimated $26.5 million building will be roughly 60,000 square feet and will be located in the 400 block of W. St. Joseph Street on a 6-acre plot of land.

DG2 Design coordinated with Perry County, Zoellner Construction Co., Inc., Dille Pollard Architecture, and Navigate Building Solutions.

Meramec State Park Playgrounds Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held near the day-use area playground at Meramec State Park to celebrate the opening of two new playgrounds within the park. DG2 Design created the Day Use Playground, which features a bay of swings, a disk swing, a long seat wall for relaxation and observation, and a large play structure with multiple climbing points and a slide. The park also now boasts additional parking, a wheelchair-accessible walkway, and an updated basketball court. The campground playground includes a smaller climbing structure with multiple slides, a viewing scope, and swings. DG2 Design collaborated closely with Missouri State Parks staff to submit design plans to cultural resources, ensuring the protection of any historical artifacts that might have been discovered during construction.

LINCOLN COUNTY MOVES FORWARD WITH DESIGN OF MISSION-CRITICAL 911 BUILDING

Lincoln County 911 Mission Critical Center is progressing. The new building will be a Category IV/Essential Facility providing emergency dispatch and operations for all of Lincoln County, Missouri. The project is slated to begin construction in mid- end 2024.

Progress at Meramec State Park Playground

Exciting construction progress is underway at Meramec State Park on two new playgrounds! The Day Use Playground, expected to open by May, will feature a bay of swings, a disk swing, a long seat wall for relaxation and observation, and a large play structure. Final details are being completed to provide access to the new playground, along with updated basketball courts, additional parking, and an accessible walkway. A new drinking fountain and bottle filler will also be conveniently located along the path.

Missouri History Museum Opens North Plaza

With recent improvements to its building, the Missouri History Museum has earned the distinction of being a Green Museum. The aim of green museums is to raise awareness among people about the limitations of our world and how our actions impact it.

As we witness renovations being made to the north plaza, we can appreciate the efforts that have been made to maintain the museum’s sustainable approach. The new enhancements will enhance accessibility and create a more inviting space suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities, while also incorporating Missouri’s natural landscape into the design.

The objective is to bring about positive change by inspiring individuals to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. In addition, the plaza will be made more accessible by eliminating the stairs near the fountain without the need for constructing a large ramp. It is crucial for community-centered institutions to continue fostering a culture of sustainability and inclusion.

Team Members: Tao +Lee Associates, H2Lighting & BSI

BREAKING GROUND AND GREENING ROOFS AT STLCC ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

St. Louis Community College embarks on a groundbreaking initiative with the commencement of construction for the Florissant Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center. This innovative facility, located on the Florissant Valley Campus, aims to redefine the landscape of local tech training and education in advanced manufacturing. Spanning an impressive 95,000 square feet across three stories, this center represents more than mere infrastructure—it embodies a pivotal shift towards experiential learning and hands-on education.

The 95,000 sq ft building is nestled on the site to allow for a flush eastern gathering plaza welcoming students into the 3-story atrium, access to the south side welding dock, and a stepped footprint to allow for western and southern green roof terraces. These terraces provide much more than an extension of classroom and gathering space. The green roofs also provide longer roof lifespan, greater sound insulation, reduced heating and cooling system needs, and a cutback in stormwater runoff. Green roofs also decrease carbon dioxide and increase oxygen in cities, making them cooler in the process and reversing the so-called “urban heat island effect.” While some see the roof garden as a visual statement using plants, geometric lines, and sculptural elements, DG2 Design believes the concerns for sustainability should equal visual appeal.

The Florissant Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center is envisioned as a transformative hub for the community, fostering collaboration, innovation, and skill development in the realm of advanced manufacturing. Its architectural design is meticulously crafted to seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a dynamic environment conducive to learning and growth.

Team Members: JEMA, David Mason, Navigate

PITCH 314 IS MORE THAN A PARKING GARAGE

In the past, parking garages were simply unremarkable buildings that were only appreciated for their practicality in providing parking spaces, rather than their aesthetic appeal. However, recently, parking structures have transformed into architectural wonders that not only serve as functional parking spots but also offer beauty and inspiration. Garages and their surrounding landscapes, like the Pitch 314 Garage, have become visually captivating and an engaging component of the community. As a landscape architect, it is exciting to see these spaces transform and knit a community back together.

Photo Credit: Corey Gaffer

IDOL WOLF OPENS IN 21C MUSEUM HOTEL STL

Inspired by Spain’s vibrant culinary traditions, Idle Wolf opened on July 25th at the glorious 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis. Much like Spain, Idle Wolf Iberian-inspired Restaurant is the place to meet friends around a table full of tapas. Idle Wolf opened inside the art-filled 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, which is currently taking reservations for early August.

Giving St. Louis residents another option for downtown dining after the area has been neglected in recent years. Although this stretch of Downtown West and beyond into Midtown and Grand Center has been buzzing with the additions of CITYPARK soccer stadium and City Foundry STL.

In a hotel, known for its artistic expression, the restaurant and its attached lofty lounge area are works of art in themselves. The wall separating the living room and dining room is made of spiral leather straps and two-story windows let in natural light adjacent to the outdoor patio and Art Park. The hotel and Art Park is set to open on August 8th.

Check out more details here.

Photo Credit: Idol Wolf & DG2

PREPARING FOR A LIFETIME OF EXPLORATION

We immediately dove into learning more about Atlas Public Schools as soon as DG2 Design was asked to design a playground for a new elementary school in downtown St. Louis. Atlas Elementary is a new school for curious, creative, and compassionate kids. The mission of Atlas Public Schools is to educate the whole child by combining a rigorous academic program with authentic, real-world experiences so all students thrive in middle school, high school, and beyond.

What kind of playground encourages imagination, physical challenges, and free play? Unlike other playing concepts Berliner spatial nets initiate a cognitive process in the playing child. The ability to make decisions is trained in a playful way. Children have a natural inclination to play and discover. It is important to strike a balance in your playground that allows children to extend themselves while remaining safe and injury-free. The playground should allow them to push themselves to test their boundaries and learn through doing.

Under the cover of a previously covered parking lot, the Atlas kids will have a variety of play options including two DNA Towers offering three-dimensional climbing and a slide as an alternative exit, a Trii climbing tower and tube slide, and a three-dimensional chess board!

This fantastic playground and a renovation project of adaptive reuse of a previously vacant building will meet the evolving needs of the school as it grows over the next five years.  The growth strategy includes adding a new grade each year until it reaches 600 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.