4340 Duncan – Cortex Innovation Community
The adaptive reuse of the historic 1930 Crescent Building breathed new life into a long-vacant structure, transforming it into a vibrant multi-tenant lab and office facility for St. Louis’ burgeoning bioscience startup community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Crescent Building was once a bustling printing plant for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Today, it stands as a symbol of innovation and preservation, blending its rich industrial heritage with modern functionality.
The renovation maintained the building’s original architectural character while introducing a contemporary space program. Glass-walled office suites, state-of-the-art labs, support spaces, and meeting rooms now occupy a multistory atrium that once housed massive printing presses. The adaptive reuse honors the building’s past, with exposed brick, steel beams, and industrial features thoughtfully preserved to create a dynamic environment that bridges history and modernity.
DG2 Design was instrumental in shaping the surrounding site and landscape, creating a welcoming, accessible, and visually cohesive space that integrates seamlessly with the Cortex Innovation Community. Key enhancements included:
- A New Entrance and Ramp: A thoughtfully designed entrance features a generous ADA-compliant ramp, framed by native landscaping that enhances the building’s curb appeal and provides a green, inviting welcome.
- Streetscape Integration: We connected the building’s landscape to the broader Cortex district, ensuring a seamless flow and a unified streetscape experience for pedestrians and visitors.
- Walkout Terrace and Green Roof: The 1950s addition to the building was transformed with the installation of a walkout terrace and a green roof, offering an outdoor space for relaxation, meetings, and events while contributing to stormwater management and sustainability.
- Landscape Adaptation: As adjacent developments evolved, DG2 Design collaborated with the client to adjust the landscape, accommodating the changing environment and ensuring the campus remained cohesive and functional for its users.
This project is a testament to the power of adaptive reuse, preserving the historic essence of the Crescent Building while providing a modern, inspiring workspace for the next generation of innovators in St. Louis.
