Location: University City, Missouri
Developer: Washington University in St. Louis
Designer: William Rawn Associates, Tao + Lee Associates, Inc.
Site Size: 4.37 acres

Located on a vibrant retail street dubbed “The Loop”, this mixed-use development includes ground floor retail and loft-style apartments for up to 600 students. The Lofts of Washington University demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to sustainable design and pedestrian-friendly development. The project includes 22,200 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space, 110,206 sq. ft. of open space and landscaping, and 414 beds in student housing units. Phase 2 incorporates another student residential building with an additional 186 beds into the project site. The estimated total cost of the project is approximately $69 million.

The Lofts of Washington University establish a new typology for student life along a major urban street in University City. Two of the buildings front on The Loop, energizing the street with new shops, a second floor green roof terrace, and a glassy façade with perforated aluminum sunshades. A pedestrian Mews connects The Loop with three other buildings that define a pattern of courtyards along a residentially scaled street. Retail and outdoor café seating border the southern portion of the Mews while the northern section fosters a strong residential community with six townhouse style units with individual stoop entries. The Lofts reflect the boldness and vibrancy of this urban district.

Phase 1 of the project has achieved LEED Platinum certification, and Phase 2 is anticipated to follow suit. The project incorporates bioswales, rain gardens, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, sustainable building materials and high efficiency glazing. A south-facing exterior sun shading system is one of the key architectural focal points of the project. The Lofts of Washington University create a sustainable residential community, connecting The Loop to adjacent courtyard garden neighborhood.

For more detail on the project, see ULI Case Studies: Lofts of Washington University