Plans have been submitted for review by the Clayton Architectural Plan Commission for a $10M, 78-unit apartment complex on the site of a now demolished Art Deco building. That building was removed in 2014 and the site has been vacant since.

The proposed apartments are a “Millennial” project, a reference to the small unit sizes proposed. There would be 28 units under 400sf, 30 just under 600sf, and 22 at 800sf in the 3-story, 50ft building, just east of Clayton’s central business district at 15-23 Lee Avenue.

While “Millennial” is the development buzzword of today, this project seems well-focused on the young professional renter. The smaller units would command a lesser rent than other nearby apartments under development. The project feature high-efficiency elements, such as centralized utilities and operable windows.

According to the application submitted, the project is located within a Transit Oriented District and would prioritize transit use. The Forsyth MetroLink station is two blocks to the east. Still, plans show 79 parking spaces for 78 units that average less than 600sf. Despite this, it’s a good bet that “limited” parking will be a point of contention for the project.

Current R-4 zoning requires that the project as proposed would need relief from height, setback, lot area, and lot coverage requirements. The buildings are described as “floating” on a pedestal, and are designed to create visual interest with under lighting. On street parking could be added as unit parking would be access via an existing alley. The project is designed by Design is by Stewart, Schaberg & Turner / Architects, LLC of St. Louis.

The micro apartment proposal is just the latest in what’s becoming a booming development scene in Clayton. While the Maryland School project was defeated recently, new townhomes have been proposed at 121 N. Brentwood, the 212 N. Meramec apartment tower is under construction, as is the Vanguard development on the west side of downtown, and the Opus project on North Central. The Apogee office building should break ground soon, and across the street, Shaw Park will soon see a big investment. And of course Centene is gearing up for a big project(s). Clayton is changing quickly.

The Art Deco apartment that stood on the site until 2014: