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Historic Redevelopment

DeTonty Street Apartments (DSA 1)

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Located in the Historic Shaw Neighborhood, near the Missouri Botanical Gardens, DeTonty Street Apartments or DSA1, was the first phase of a master plan that spanned three quarters of a block along DeTonty Street. The two buildings in the first phase included a three-story, new-construction walk-up building, with 36 one and two-bedroom units, and smaller four-unit historic building renovation.

Inspired by other brick multi-family buildings in the area, the new walk-up building has high floor to ceiling heights, large windows, and Juliette balconies that follow neighboring precedents in both shape and size. The buildings have light, bright and open concept units that renters love. The interior finishes are simple and modern with exposed concrete floors, industrial-style lighting, cabinets, and countertops.

Our development, design and construction teams worked with the Shaw Neighborhood, The City, and CDA (Community Development Authority), and St. Louis Development Corporation on the design and incentives including tax abatement. DSA 1 was the first step toward satisfying the goal to fill a large gap in the urban fabric that was previously an eyesore. The successful completion of Phase 1 lead to Phase 2 (DSA2), next door, as well as several for-sale units included in the master plan.

 

 

 

 

Wild Carrot

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For years, the building at 3901 Shaw Avenue sat unnoticed and slowly deteriorating. While sometimes occupied by a retail tenant or small corner market use, the building was unrecognizable as something that was once a neighborhood gathering space. When the building was suggested as an option to our client by the City, we realized that it had actually been the Shaw Theater in a past life and at about 9300 square feet, was exactly what we were looking for. After exploring the interior, we realized that the old theater portion had huge barrel trusses, exposed brick and other interesting details.

Our team consulted on the development, helping our client to find the building, negotiate the purchase with the City, and utilize Historic Tax Credits. We brought her vision of an event space for hosting weddings and events for up to 200 people. To host variable-sized events, we needed to make the space flexible while respecting the old theater space architecturally. For the most part, we left the space open and exposed, and inserted small, contrasting volumes into the space to house the kitchen, bar, mezzanine, bride and grooms’ rooms, and storage. The arrangement of these spaces allows for variable sized events and some of the existing architectural features create opportunities to divide the space and curate to an event – and also make those evermore important “Instagram-able” moments.

The design and construction team worked collaboratively to create a great space that worked with the budget. We completely renovated the ground floor interior of the building into and event space and a small 2nd floor apartment into an apartment or Air BnB that can be rented along with the space. Using historic tax credits, the exterior was refurbished to its former glory as the Shaw Theater. A large and impressive historic canopy and ticket booth were reconstructed on the front of the building. We worked with the State Historic Preservation Office to make other thoughtful modifications to accommodate the new use.

 

Climb So Ill at The Power Plant

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When brothers and business partners David and Daniel Chancellor and partner Ian Anderson came to us they already had one of the best known and unique brands in the climbing holds and supply business, in So Ill, and wanted to launch an indoor climbing gym that would be on par with their holds business. Working with Bush (previously known as UIC), the team toured spaces across St. Louis, including abandoned malls and breweries, which were capable of holding up to 55 foot high walls and an existing massive bouldering wall. The final location selection was a truly one of a kind opportunity in the former Power Plant to what was the City Hospital complex south of Downtown. We worked with So Ill and the existing building owner to not only understand how the climbing gym could fit, but to also figure out how to insert an adjacent banquet hall and a two story roof top restaurants with a bar looking out over the top of the elite wall, all of which not only created a great facility, but made the project financially viable.

The result is truly one of a kind. Working with Bulgarian based climbing wall designer and fabricator, Walltopia, Bush and So Ill developed a design with vibrant walls contrasted against the rich patina of the carefully maintained existing structure. New elements, such as a series of balconies and stairs and a suite of custom casework and furniture, were designed to match this contrast of elements and to further embellish the unique scale and heights of the spaces.

Bush’s design team embedded themselves in the Climb So Ill team from the outset of the project and did everything they could to help David, Daniel and Ian realize their dream of creating one of the best indoor climbing experiences in the country. Starting with site selection, advising on their award winning business plan, working tirelessly to find the right mix of spaces and materials, and even donning climbing gear to adjust lights 60 foot in the air well into the night the day before opening, Bush became a part of the So Ill team and the success of our client.

 

 

 

 

 

Wilson Lofts

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The historic Wilson Building originally built in 1914 has been redeveloped into a mixed-use development with 33 residential rental units and approximately 5,025 square feet of first-floor commercial space facing 5th Avenue South in downtown Clinton IA.

The $11.45 million historic adaptive-reuse, mixed-use development will preserve and transform the Wilson Building into loft units and one and two-bedroom rental units ranging in size from 483 to 1,224 square feet. The remodel included structural repair to the exterior brick & terracotta. On the interior, all utilities were demolished and replaced. Apartments were shaped using as many original walls as possible, even keeping the original corridor doors where present. Windows were replaced with new, historically accurate units. We worked closely with the design team and the State Historic Preservation Office in order to keep the remodel as historically accurate as possible.

 

Will Hall and Law Building

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In the spirit of historic preservation and adaptive reuse, Bush Construction completed the renovation of the Will Hall and Law Building in downtown Aledo, Illinois. The project transformed the building into three commercial storefronts on the main level, with short-term rental (Airbnb) units on the second floor, breathing new life into a key downtown structure.

At the same time, Bush Construction also completed the historic renovation of the Carnegie Library in Aledo, originally built in 1915–16. The landmark library served generations of community members before closing in 2019 and was carefully restored to honor its legacy while supporting new uses.

As part of the broader downtown revitalization effort, the storefronts of the Perryton Law Building were restored to reflect a more historically accurate appearance. Bush’s design team prioritized preservation details while developing plans for commercial space on the first floor and tenant space on the second floor.

This project required completion within a strict timeline. Through detailed planning, strong communication, and close coordination with trusted trade partners, Bush Construction successfully delivered the renovation on an aggressive schedule—supporting both historic integrity and economic reinvestment in downtown Aledo.

The Hobbs Building

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Hobbs Building Apartments | Aurora, Illinois

Originally constructed in 1892, the historic Hobbs Building is a four-story landmark in downtown Aurora. Bush Construction completed a comprehensive restoration of the building, transforming the upper floors into 15 market-rate apartment units while preserving the architectural character that defines this iconic structure. The first floor was left as a finished “white envelope,” allowing flexibility for future tenant build-out.

Two adjacent buildings were also renovated as part of the project, adding 16 additional apartment units on the second and third floors. Similar to the Hobbs Building, the first floors of these structures were completed as white-envelope spaces, providing adaptable commercial opportunities at the street level.

Restoration of a Local Landmark

A defining feature of the Hobbs Building is its distinctive onion dome, a well-known element of the Aurora skyline. Removed years earlier due to structural limitations, the dome was fully reconstructed by Bush Construction using fiberglass to replicate the original wood design. Structural steel reinforcement was installed at the roof and floor levels to safely support the new dome, ensuring long-term durability while restoring a beloved architectural feature.

Throughout the restoration, Bush prioritized preserving original details wherever possible. Historic windows were carefully restored by hand, beadboard ceilings were reinstalled to match original conditions, and architectural elements were thoughtfully maintained to reflect the building’s historic layout and character.

Overcoming Complex Structural Challenges

The project presented unique structural and coordination challenges, particularly related to the installation of new structural steel required to support the reconstructed dome. When local resources were limited, Bush leveraged regional partnerships and worked closely with engineers, fabricators, steel erectors, and the City to resolve unforeseen conditions. Through transparent communication, detailed coordination, and problem-solving expertise, the team successfully delivered a restored building that honors its history while meeting modern standards.

Carnegie Library, Aledo, IL

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Bush Construction completed the historical renovation of the Carnegie Library in Aledo, IL. Built in 1915-16, the landmark served generations of community members until it closed in 2019. Former residents, Crista and William J. Albertson, purchased the library and renovations began in early 2020.

The Albertson’s vision was to turn the library into a center for technology, education, and recruiting.

Project Details

  • Restored original bookshelves and refinished original floor.
  • Refurbished exterior lamp posts and replaced light fixtures and handrails.
  • Exterior updates including tuckpointing, replacing windows and storm windows, refinished the original exterior door and replaced the roof.
  • Installed modern HVAC and communication technology.
  • Added a conference room and kitchen in the lower level to help support new coworking space and tech center run by High-Tech Small Town.

The library has gained national attention and received the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award, an award that celebrates the in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and the re-imagining of historic buildings for the future.

Hershey Lofts

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The Hershey building was built in 1908 in Muscatine, Iowa, and was home to Hershey State Bank. In 2018, Bush Development purchased the property and renovated the five-story building into 25 market-rate apartments and commercial/retail space.

Residential amenities include:

  • Full-size fitness center
  • On-floor storage
  • Kitchen with stainless steel appliances
  • In-unit laundry
  • Business lounge

If you are interested in living at the Hershey Lofts, click here.

Home to Local Businesses

Anchored by Sycamore Printing, the building also offers 15,000 square feet of commercial/retail space on the first floor and lower level of the building. Click here to learn about available commercial leasing opportunities.

This image displays a spacious walk-in closet at Hershey Lofts in Muscatine, Iowa

This image represents a kitchen within one of the Hershey Lofts' units in Muscatine, Iowa

This image displays a living room and kitchen at Hershey Lofts in Muscatine, Iowa

This image displays an opening living room and dining room at Hershey Lofts in Muscatine, Iowa

Rock Island Arsenal | Building 250

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Building 250 on the Rock Island Arsenal was a vacant, deteriorating building that required extensive renovation in order to make it ready for industrial use. Bush Construction was able to work with the Rock Island Arsenal Development Group (RIADG), a group that represents a public/private partnership, whose mission is to provide civilian businesses a cost-effective option while restoring existing, un-utilized government buildings.

The renovation of this historic facility began by coordinating with the owner’s abatement contractor to develop a phased start to the project as the abatement and remediation efforts were carried out. Historic preservation guidelines needed to be in followed during the major building envelope modifications. New office spaces, a break room, restrooms, and a locker room were also added.

Bush also faced a myriad of changes to the original scope of work, over the course of this project, including the discovery of deteriorating pyro-bar roof panels, which necessitated their replacement, and the replacement of a large area of woodblock floor with a hardened, reinforced concrete topping. Bush Construction accommodated these significant changes to the project with schedule modifications and were able to overcome these conditions, turning the vision of the RIADG into reality.

St. Ambrose University | Ambrose Hall Exterior

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Bush Construction rose to the challenge on this project to completely restore the exterior facade of St. Ambrose Hall, the fully-occupied campus icon of St. Ambrose University built in 1885. This renovation served two purposes: to repair the deteriorating facade of the building and to return the structure to its original configuration based on construction plans that were developed 128 years ago. This complex project required daily coordination and cooperation from both the project team and the university faculty. Countless hours were spent in pre-planning the coordination, delivery, removal, and replacement of each of the 370 custom window units.

Other major construction activities included the replacement of all deteriorated brick and stone, tuckpointing of all masonry joints, restoration of all wood soffit, fascia and cornice work, replacement of the majority of the existing roof material, restoration of the existing clock tower, restoration of the existing dormers, and removal and infill of the existing exterior fire escapes. Mansards were restored to their original condition with the use of natural slate and copper flashings.

Bush Construction also built North Hall, a new residence hall, for St. Ambrose University in 2012.

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