A new chapter is officially underway for one of Clayton, Missouri’s, most recognizable landmarks. On Tuesday, October 6, crews broke ground on the $55 million transformation of the former 7UP world headquarters at 121 S. Meramec Avenue into The Upton, a Class A residential development featuring 118 apartments and an extensive collection of modern amenities.
HDA is proud to serve as architect of record, collaborating with Lead Designer Chris Cedergreen on the historic rehabilitation of the 11-story Mid-Century Modern building. Led by Kansas City-based Revive Capital Development, with KAI Build overseeing construction, the project will breathe new life into a property that has stood vacant for more than a decade while preserving an important piece of Clayton’s architectural and cultural history.
Originally completed in 1964, the building served as 7UP’s world headquarters during a defining era for the beverage brand. It was within these walls that the company, alongside advertising agency J. Walter Thompson, helped shape the iconic “Uncola” campaign, challenging traditional advertising conventions and establishing a distinctive identity that would become part of American pop culture.
Following 7UP’s relocation to Dallas, the building was purchased by St. Louis County in 1988 to house its World Trade Center. After years of vacancy and several proposed redevelopment efforts, the landmark is now moving forward with a new purpose.
Preserving the Past, Designing for the Future
The project represents a significant shift from earlier redevelopment concepts, which called for replacing the existing building with a new high-rise. Instead, the current approach prioritizes historic preservation and adaptive reuse, retaining the structure’s architectural identity while transforming its interior to accommodate modern residential living.
Working alongside Cedergreen, HDA’s design team, including Kent Wagster, is focused on maintaining the building’s defining Mid-Century Modern characteristics. Exterior restoration will include repairs and repointing of brick and precast concrete, tuckpointing and waterproofing, restoration of copper fascia, and replacement of deteriorated windows and curtain wall systems with materials that respect the building’s original design.
The elevated outdoor plaza, a defining feature of the property, will also undergo extensive rehabilitation. Historic elements, including concrete planters, the fountain and copper-clad retaining walls, will be preserved and enhanced through updated landscaping, new planters, improved sidewalks, additional street trees and code-compliant railings.
For Wagster, the complexity of the rehabilitation is part of what makes the project particularly meaningful.
“What makes this project so exciting is the opportunity to work with a building that has such a significant architectural history and find a way to thoughtfully adapt it for its next chapter,” said Kent Wagster of HDA. “With a historic renovation of this scale, there are countless moving parts—from preserving the character of the original design to coordinating the technical requirements of a modern residential building. A big part of my role is keeping communication flowing between HDA, the contractors, consultants and project partners so those pieces come together successfully. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team restoring such a distinctive piece of St. Louis architecture while giving it a new purpose.”
Inside, the building will be reconfigured into 118 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with interior design led by Kansas City-based ISOM Collective. The residences will feature contemporary finishes, including quartz and Carrara countertops, stainless steel appliances and expansive views of downtown Clayton.
A New Residential Destination for Downtown Clayton
Beyond its residential offerings, The Upton will introduce a collection of amenities designed to bring new energy and activity to the property.
Residents will have access to a fitness center, club room, heated outdoor spa, theater and entertainment spaces, billiards, a game room and a private resident speakeasy. Outdoor amenities will include gathering areas with kitchens, fire pits and a private dog park, complemented by a dog wash and multiple fireplaces throughout the development.
Collaboration Brings a Clayton Landmark Back to Life
The project brings together an experienced team of developers, architects, designers and construction professionals, alongside the City of Clayton, to restore purpose to a prominent downtown property.
“This project brings together an exceptional team to give new life to one of Clayton’s most recognizable buildings,” said Paul Giacoletto, President of KAI Build.
Michael Knight, CEO of Revive Capital Development, also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the development team and local government in bringing the project to fruition.
For HDA, The Upton represents an opportunity to balance preservation with progress, honoring the architectural significance of an established landmark while adapting it to serve a new generation.
