Confluent Development has completed its redevelopment of the historic Southwest Bank property in St. Louis’ Southwest Garden neighborhood. The project features retailers BMO Harris Bank, which remained operational throughout the redevelopment process, and Walgreens, which recently celebrated its grand-opening.
Confluent Development is donating a third building to local nonprofit Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation, with the property also featuring a fourth vacant site available for a future tenant.
Confluent Development, a Denver-based real estate investment and development firm, serves as the project’s developer and owner. The infill project represents the first development of its kind in St. Louis by preserving the historical façade along the Kingshighway Blvd. portion of the project while redeveloping the remainder of the underutilized land. The project broke ground in April 2018.
Located at 2301 S. Kingshighway Blvd. in the Reber Place Historic District, the site was formerly home to Southwest Bank. The property was also the location of a famous 1953 bank robbery, with the 1959 film The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery starring Steve McQueen later filmed on-site.
Relocating from its former location within the neighborhood, the new Walgreens store includes a pharmacy drive-thru to enhance customer convenience. The BMO Harris Bank also features a drive-thru ATM.
With community a core focus throughout the project, Confluent Development maintained a close connection with neighborhood stakeholders and residents to help inform the project’s aesthetic and pay homage to its historic roots. The development team is also engaging with local nonprofit Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation to donate one of the property’s buildings. The organization promotes responsible development, affordable housing and diverse character within the neighborhoods surrounding Tower Grove Park.
Rosemann & Associates served as the architect on the project and PARIC Corporation served as the general contractor. Pace Properties is serving as the broker on the property’s available pad.