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.

New Ballwin Police Station Gets a Unique Address

When designing a site for a police station or any mission-critical building, it is essential to balance protection and aesthetics.

Seven years ago, on July 8, 2016, Ballwin officer Mike Flamion was shot in the line of duty during a traffic stop. On Saturday, the community and the Ballwin Police Department gathered to dedicate their new police station in his honor. Every officer has a DSN, or serial number. Mike Flamion’s is 302, and the new police facility’s address is 302 Kehrs Mill Road.

Construction on this state-of-the-art facility began last spring. It represents a significant upgrade from the previous building, which was not only outdated and undersized but also lacked many modern amenities expected in a city police department.

Photo Credit: JEMA

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

A Contemporary Art Museum + Hotel Opens its Doors!

After years of meticulous design and construction, (our work began in 2018) the entire team is exhilarated to witness the grand opening of the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, welcoming visitors to explore the curiosity around every corner of the 10-story building and garden. Despite encountering certain challenges during the renovation of the 95-year-old former YMCA building, the remarkable and welcoming hotel effortlessly overshadows them. The hotel is located within the Downtown West District and is conveniently five blocks northeast of the city’s new soccer stadium, CityPark.

We encourage you to visit and explore. The art museum is free and open 24 hours a day. Don’t forget to take your picture with “The Orb” an 8′ diameter ball at the entrance. It is full of water and weights about 20,000 pounds!

You should also check out the other 9 locations. 21c is a Louisville-based hospitality brand that renovates historic buildings into boutique hotels and fills their lobbies with modern art, including colored statutes of penguins that have become the bespoke mascot of the hotel. St. Louis is the first location to have an Art Park Garden attached.

We’ll have an updated post as soon as the Art Park finishing touches are completed, including a large art piece in partnership with Laumeier Sculpture Park.

In the News: Post Dispatch Tim’s Travels Hospitality Design

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