Joplin Memorial Competition

This project was especially meaningful to us, aligning with our ethos of supporting accessibility, the veteran community, and biodiversity in urban spaces. Although we didn’t win, we were thrilled with the design outcome and look forward to more opportunities like this in 2025.

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Tree Tagging Along the Meramec Greenway: Protecting Nature During Design

Today was a beautiful December day spent tree tagging along the Meramec Greenway at Unger Park. Tree tagging is a critical step in the design process, typically occurring about halfway through the construction document phase. This stage allows us to walk the proposed alignment, identify key trees to protect, and even adjust the alignment to preserve these natural assets. Additionally, it helps us highlight specimen trees that can be celebrated as focal points in the final design.

When evaluating the potential impact on a tree, we assess from the trunk outward to the dripline. A tree’s dripline represents the farthest reach of its branches and typically mirrors the extent of its root system. If construction activities disturb a significant portion of the dripline, it’s unlikely the tree will survive.

Understanding Tree Health and Construction Impacts
Changes to soil grade—either raising or lowering—pose serious risks to a tree’s roots:

• • • • Raising the grade suffocates roots due to reduced oxygen availability. The deeper the added soil, the greater the damage.
      • Lowering the grade can sever or expose roots, causing them to dry out and die. Even minor soil removal can jeopardize root health.
      • Root cutting, especially of large roots, weakens the tree structurally and biologically. It can result in instability, making the tree prone to falling or causing decline on the affected side.

  How Tree Tagging Supports Design
  Since this alignment runs primarily through woodlands, surveying every tree isn’t feasible. Instead, we tag key trees with tape, and the surveyor later incorporates them into the survey base. From there, we refine the design to better protect these trees as we move toward 100% construction documents and prepare for bidding.

If a design adjustment brings us close to any key trees, we consult with an arborist. Their expertise helps us determine the best strategies for preserving the tree’s health and ensuring its stability, all while maintaining the integrity of the design.

Tree tagging is more than a step in the process—it’s a commitment to balancing thoughtful design with ecological stewardship.

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