King’s Hill

Once a deteriorating 1910 factory and warehouse, the King’s Hill building has been transformed into a dynamic, loft-style headquarters for a Missouri law firm. Located at the entrance to St. Louis’ historic Italian neighborhood, The Hill, the renovation preserves the building’s industrial character while introducing modern amenities for a hybrid workplace.

From a structural perspective, the adaptive reuse posed significant challenges. KPFF engineered new shear walls, a monumental stair, and a new elevator core while preserving the original steel roof trusses, raising and reinforcing them to meet current performance standards without compromising historic integrity. Original tongue-and-groove decking and exposed brick were retained wherever possible, showcasing the building’s history.

The structural design supports a vibrant and flexible office environment, including a two-story town hall, mezzanine library, and a 3,000-sf courtyard. With this $16M redevelopment, King’s Hill stands as a model for thoughtful preservation and creative reuse.