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WhoLou Business

Monsanto Expansion Includes Minority Goal, Pfizer Lab Space Lease Info, And Danforth Plant Science Center Update

Published on Friday, 10 May 2013 14:10

Written by Geoff Whittington

Though St. Louis County does not require any minority participation WhoLou sources allege Monsanto has set a corporate goal of at least 20% minority business enterprise (MBE) involvement for their $400 million Chesterfield campus expansion. The 400,000 sq. ft. LEED certified expansion will feature 36 greenhouses, offices, labspace, plant growth chambers, and parking. Construction will allow space for the addition of 675 jobs and is expected to be completed in 2017.

The shortage of certified minority contractors and subcontractors in the region coupled with the demand for them created by municipal, state, or federal requirements facilitates slows movement on area projects according to sources. This is especially a concern on big jobs like CORTEX in the city. City of St. Louis goals stated in Board Bill 75 include 25% MBE and at least 5% women business enterprise (WBE) participation on jobs costing $1 million or more.

Riverview Commerce Park Seeking to Team With Alberici at Doe Run

Published on Wednesday, 24 April 2013 07:23

Written by Geoff Whittington

According to WhoLou sources Environmental Operations Inc. CEO Stacy Hastie is seeking to team with Alberici regarding the expansive Doe Run port project. Environmental Operations and J.H. Berra Construction are partners in Riverview Commerce Park LLC (RCP). RCP is developing the proposed 400 acre industrial park and port at the former Doe Run lead smelter site on the Mississippi River in Herculaneum.

RCP and Doe Run agreed to a five-year lease purchase agreement late last month. According to a company press release the proposed project could create nearly 2,000 permanent jobs and more than 4,000 construction-related jobs in Jefferson County. The port will be the first phase of the project which has been reported as being expected to cost as much as $1 billion to complete over the next several years.

Christner, KJWW Awarded Edward Jones Renovation Contract, Possible $70M Project on Horizon

Published on Monday, 22 April 2013 07:08

Written by Geoff Whittington

Architectural firm Christner Inc. and engineering consultant KJWW have been awarded a general services contract for ongoing services by Edward Jones Investments. The two beat out a field that also included Arcturis, Cannon, and Ross & Baruzzini according to Edward Jones representative Jackie Knolhoff. The winners first collaboration for the booming financial advisors is a major renovation of Building 201 at the Edward Jones North Campus in Maryland Heights.

The renovation project is alleged to cost $15-$20 million and is being managed by McCarthy. According to Knolhoff the project will also feature construction of a new garage and is expected to be completed by the middle of 2014. McCarthy has completed several of the most recent major building projects at the north campus and according to sources is positioning itself for a jump start on the competition regarding a big project expected to break ground in late 2014.

Ballyhooed $12 Million Plumber & Pipefitter Training Center In North County Looking For A New Life And Location

Published on Thursday, 28 March 2013 10:41

Written by Geoff Whittington

According to WhoLou sources construction activity has been halted on a proposed $12 million Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 training center in north St. Louis County. The project was reported in May of 2012 by the St. Louis Business Journal as being expected to be completed by this August.

In June of 2012 St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay were on hand atthe groundbreaking ceremony for the facility. The training center was going to be built at Local 562 headquarters and was also expected to create more than 300 union construction jobs. If the project now moves forward it will do so at a new and undisclosed location with no set schedule according to sources.

Extensive Washington University Field House and Cyclotron Projects Coming Soon

Published on Tuesday, 05 March 2013 00:24

Written by Geoff Whittington

According to WhoLou sources Washington University will soon begin work on two projects at sites historically significant to the school. The university is expected to complete a $120 million field house expansion in three phases and a $10 million cyclotron project at the school of medicine.

Francis gymnasium was constructed in 1903 and an extensive addition, including a pool and additional facitilies were added in 1927. A major renovation in 1984 added many updated and amenities. The facility currently boasts more than 17,000 sq. ft. of floor space with seating for 3,000. Over the years it has hosted numerous memorable events.

The field house hosted presidential debates in 1992, 2000, and 2004. The facility was also scheduled to host a presidential debate in 1996 but President Bill Clinton, with a double-digit lead, declined the invitation. In 2008 the Washington University Field House hosted the lone vice presidential debate.