History is in the making in St. Louis oldest district, as work to transform the former Metro Transit headquarters building ramps up and Lacledes Landings prepares to welcome the Peper Lofts as its first multi-family residential development. Advantes Development acquired the historic six-story, 106,000 square foot Christian Peper building at 701 N. 1st Street last August and is now in the midst of $12 million renovation project. Upon completion later this year, the repurposed 120-year-old building will deliver 49 incredible apartment homes with dramatic views of the recently completed Gateway Arch grounds, the Mississippi River and the downtown St. Louis skyline. A key highlight of the redevelopment is a rooftop sundeck with clear glass safety railings, which will offer almost 360 degrees of unobstructed views.

The Landing has long been known as a great place to dine and play, and over the years it has become home to a diverse mix of businesses, but this latest addition is adding a whole new dimension to St. Louis only riverfront entertainment/dining destination, said John Clark, president of the Lacledes Landing Community Improvement District. Now, for the first time ever, The Landing will be a place to live, work and play, offering a truly unique lifestyle experience.

The apartments will be located on floors three through six and feature impressive ceiling heights ranging from 10.5 feet to 18 feet, depending on the floor. Historic timbers throughout the building are being preserved and will be a focal point in the individual units themselves as well as in the common areas. Open concept floor plans will facilitate easy flow within the apartments and ensure maximum exposure to the premium views. Residents will appreciate custom concrete floors, designer cabinetry, Quartz countertops, high end appliance packages, remote thermostatic controls and the in-unit washer and drier.

The rooftop sundeck will offer multiple areas for lounging and gathering, grill stations, and even incorporates a designated area just for residents dogs. Additional amenities include keyless security and controlled access parking, while the buildings first floor will feature a coffee bar, fireplace lounge, professional workout facility and a business center. The building itself is just steps away from the new north entrance to the renovated Gateway Arch Grounds, the St. Louis Riverfront Bike Trail, Lumiere Casino, the MetroLink Station and more than half a dozen existing local eateries, with more set to open over the next few months.

Ranging in size from 650 to 1,100 square feet, the building will feature a mix of 23 two-bedroom, one-bath units and 26 one-bedroom, one baths. In all, there will be 13 different floor plan options available. Rents will initially range from $900-$1,450 based on unit type, floor level and specific views. Pre-sales are set to begin by the end of April. The first display units should be available for viewing by July 3rd, right in time for the Arch grounds and Landing to welcome tens of thousands of people as the renovated Gateway Arch Museum opens and the popular Fair St. Louis returns to the Riverfront.

The Peper Lofts will be the perfect combination of modern living and rich history and will contribute to the overall revitalization of Lacledes Landing that appears to be well underway, said Brian Minges, president of Advantes Development. While our project may be the first large-scale residential development on The Landing, were confident that it will be the first of many as other developers recognize what an incredible riverfront location this is and join us in making this nine-block area one of the citys most sought after residential communities.

Upon completion, 701 N. 1st Street will also be home to Abstrakt Marketing, which already occupies the building next door and will be taking the entire second floor in the renovated building, connecting it to their existing space to create a contiguous office footprint. Advantes is also in negotiations with potential tenants for the two remaining commercial spaces, which include 5,000 square feet on the south side of the first floor and 4,000 square feet on the lower level, which would be ideal for a casual dining space.

Advantes is serving as the developer and general contractor for the residential units and common areas of the building and M2 Architecture Studio is the architect. Abstrakt will be hiring its own contractor for the renovation of the 2nd floor.

A new website with all details for The Peper Lofts will debut in the coming weeks at www.peperlofts.com. In the meantime, to learn more about Advantes Development, visit www.advantesdevelopment.com. To learn more about all the great experiences that can be found on Lacledes Landing, visit www.lacledeslanding.com.

Lacledes Landing is downtown St. Louis oldest district and only riverfront entertainment/dining destination. The nine-block area features unique restaurants, bars, and nightclubs as well as a variety of attractions, and businesses. Just steps away from the Gateway Arch, Lacledes Landing offers a historical experience with charming cobblestone streets and century-old buildings overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.