ST. LOUIS — A commercial building in Lafayette Square that closed after a fire has a new owner and plans for development.
The Centennial Malt House building, 2017 Chouteau Avenue, is now owned by Rich Conyers at BOTI Architecture, among other partners.
The plans are for a $2 million renovation, turning the building into 17 loft apartments and adding a local restaurant, office space and event space.
"As an architect, we're firm believers in the most sustainable building you can build is one that already exists — so we absolutely love historic renovations," Conyers said.
The 1870s-era building was previously occupied by French restaurant Vin de Set, PW Pizza, 21 Street Brewer's Bar and event space Moulin. It was damaged by a fire in Sept. 2022, which forced the businesses to close.
"We've just always loved the walkability and mixed-use aspects of St. Louis," Conyers explained. "We think there's small pockets of those areas, and we're really, really excited to kinda bring that to such a phenomenal area. Lafayette Square is definitely one of the premiere neighborhoods in St. Louis."
Developers plan on starting construction this fall. They expect to open the location in phases, with some services available by 2025 and the renovations complete by the end of 2025.