A $3M building permit was issued late last month for a long awaited rooftop garden atop the Big Brothers Big Sisters building in St. Louis’ Grand Center arts district. The project had be rumored earlier this year, with BSI Constructors being named general contractor. An invitation to bid on components of the project was released by BSI in May. Project images had appeared on the HDA Architects website, but are no longer posted.

Images show a contemporary dining and event space labeled Bistro 501. If the design remains similar to that pictured, the addition will be very prominent from street level as it sits above the three-story corner building. The space will be approximately 2,000sf and available for special events. There has been no announcement as to whether it will be open to the public on a daily basis. Construction is scheduled to begin yet this year.

{Big Brothers Big Sisters building today}

{Previously a Woolworths, the building prior to renovation}

The project is yet another big addition to a now fast developing Grand Center. Recently we featured what we might expect following the renovation of the Missouri Theatre Building and the investment from Bull Moose Tube. Other project in recent years include the Metropolitan building, which has been fully renovated as artist lofts. Jazz St. Louis recently completed a total overhaul and expansion, KDHX independent radio found a home here, and the Grand Center Arts Academy makes its home in two incredible historic buildings. Then there’s the new St. Louis Public Radio and it’s even newer Public Media Commons shared with The Nine Network. And then Fox Associates recently announced it will be opening Curtain Call, a champagne bar, in a street level space next to the Fox Theatre’s main entrance on Grand.

{Missouri Theatre Building – 2015}

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*added 8/16/2016

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that ANEW Rooftop and Test Kitchen will open in this space on October 3. From their story:

ANEW is actually two venues. The rooftop restaurant, which can accommodate 120 for a sit-down dinner and 250 for a cocktail party, will be used for special events. The Test Kitchen is a ground-floor space that will be open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Its menu will not be fixed; instead, every four months a different chef will introduce a new concept.

Corey Smale, co-founder of Strange Donuts, is ANEW’s creative director. He tells Off the Menu that both the rooftop restaurant and the Test Kitchen are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization’s attempt to find new ways to engage with the community.