James Byard
Shayn Prapaisilp, vice president of Global Foods Market, stands amid the merchandise of the business’ Kirkwood store. He said the new location in Washington University's Delmar Loop development will be an urban-concept grocery store catering to both students and the community. (Download a high-res version).
The $80 million retail and student apartment complex currently under construction will be called The Lofts of Washington University.
University officials announced two major retail tenants have plans to launch businesses in the new space, which will open in August 2014. The tenants are a 14,939-square-foot grocery store operated by Global Foods Market, based in Kirkwood; and the 4,875-square-foot Peacock Loop Diner, operated by Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill, The Pageant and the Moonrise Hotel.
According to Shayn Prapaisilp, vice president of Global Foods Market, the new location in the Delmar Loop will be an urban-concept grocery store that will cater not only to students, but also the greater community.
In addition to carrying everyday staples like bread, milk, fresh produce and toiletries, the store will feature a large selection of international and gourmet groceries and an extensive section of prepared foods, including hot food stations, grab-and-go items, and salads and sandwiches.
“We are very excited to partner with such a world-class institution for our next location. The Delmar Loop is one of St. Louis’ premier shopping and dining destinations and we are looking forward to be a part of the community,” Prapaisilp said.
He added, “We recognize that Washington University draws students not only from all over the country, but also all over the world. One of the most comforting things for someone in a new country is to have foods from home and we hope to provide that for those students.”
James Byard
Construction work continues on Washington University's $80 million retail and student apartment complex in the Delmar Loop, in images above and below, on July 11. The first phase of the five-building complex is set to open in August 2014. (Download a high-res version of this image.)
James Byard
Download a high-res version of this image.
THE PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Development name: The Lofts of Washington University
A 4.4 acre mixed-use development with two mixed-use buildings on Delmar Boulevard featuring retail space on the ground floor and Washington University undergraduate student apartments on the upper floors and three WUSTL undergraduate student apartment buildings on Enright Avenue. When complete, the five buildings will include nearly 21,000 square feet of retail space on Delmar, 240-265 apartments that will house 550-600 upperclass students and underground parking for residents.
Retail space:
• Global Foods Market, a 14,939-square-foot grocery store to be operated by Global Foods Market. Opening date: August 2014
Address: 6241 Delmar Blvd. (In Building 1A, 6255 Delmar Blvd. at corner of Delmar and Eastgate).
• Peacock Loop Diner, a 4,875-square-foot 24-hour diner to be operated by Joe Edwards.
Address: 6261 Delmar Blvd. (In Building iB at 6263 Delmar Blvd.) Opening date: August 2014
• A 930-square-foot retail bay still is available for lease. Pace Properties is the retail broker on this project.
Construction cost: $80 million
Owner: Washington University in St. Louis
Project architect: William Rawn Associates of Boston, with Tao + Lee Associates Inc., of St. Louis, serving as the local firm.
General contractor: Paric Corp., and several other engineering and consulting firms are working on the project's landscaping and sustainability features.
The project will incorporate a number of "green" features, and WUSTL aims to achieve at least a LEED gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Websites:
Loop Living: loopliving.wustl.edu
Lease the Loop: leasetheloop.com
24-hour diner
The Peacock Loop Diner will bring the first 24-hour restaurant to the Loop. The diner will feature an expansive menu of breakfast standards, diner classics and international favorites, as well as salads and vegetarian dishes.Edwards is considering many classic diner features, such as a wide dessert selection, including a pie case and, of course, a jukebox.
Edwards said Washington University’s smart city planning got him excited about the overall project long before he decided to open a diner there himself. Reserving the buildings’ first levels for retail tenants will help boost the entertainment district’s vitality, he said.
“Washington University’s doing it the right way, the long-term, first-class way. It’s good for the whole St. Louis area,” Edwards said.
Courtesy of Washington University Office of Public Affairs
There is one additional 930-square-foot retail bay available for lease. Pace Properties is the retail broker on this project.
WUSTL also has commissioned local artist Peat Wollaeger to create a mural along the 300-foot walkway of the construction site along Delmar Boulevard, and he is completing his work this week.
Deborah Fink, owner of Devil City boutique, brought Wollaeger to the attention of Washington University. “Our customers commented on the long plywood walkway and I thought it would be great space for some public art to add to the vitality of the street and enhance the shopping experience during construction.”
Leasing website
The university and the Loop Special Business District also unveiled a new website aimed at prospective retail and business tenants for the Loop. The site, www.leasetheloop.com, allows interested businesses to search property available for lease, with practical details such as address, price per square foot, types of utilities and other amenities available.
“Many of those living and working in the surrounding neighborhoods have expressed a desire for a quality grocery store located nearby. The university is delighted to welcome a locally owned, unique grocer to add to the vibrancy and sustainability of the Loop,” said Cheryl Adelstein, director of community relations and local government affairs at WUSTL.
“We are equally thrilled to add Joe Edwards’ Peacock Loop Diner as a part of this development. His unique concept will appeal to both residents and visitors alike,” Adelstein added.
Students, faculty and interested neighbors are encouraged to regularly check out the dedicated Loop Living website to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
James Byard
Business owner Joe Edwards displays some of his peacock memorabilia, which he plans to incorporate into the diner he will open next year in the Loop development. (Download a high-res version).