ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – A pioneering new building is setting a high standard for sustainability and innovation in St. Charles County, offering a vision of the future that integrates nature with modern business.
The nearly 100,000-square-foot facility, one of only five LEED Platinum buildings in Missouri, sits on over eight acres and is designed to foster both productivity and environmental consciousness.
Scott Drachnik, president and CEO of the Economic Development Council in St. Charles County, emphasizes the strategic location of this development.
“It’s right here, in St. Charles County, close to everything by the interstate near Spirit Airport—a great place to grow,” he noted.
This building is not just a place for offices; it represents a commitment to eco-friendly practices and community development. The facility features a unique blend of technology and nature, boasting walking trails, outdoor workspaces, and a gazebo set within a nature preserve.
“It’s got that campus feel. It almost feels like you’re out in the woods a little bit, but you’re actually in a research park,” Ben Albers, senior VP of commercial brokerage at Avison Young, said.
He also pointed out the thoughtful landscaping, highlighting all plants that are native Missouri wildflowers, which enhances the natural aesthetic. Equipped with modern labs, electric car charging stations, and an eco-friendly design, this building stands out in St. Charles County as an innovative environment that is rare for the area.
Some have even gone as far as to call this region the “Silicon Valley of AgTech,” thanks to its thriving agricultural technology sector. The University of Missouri operates the research park, and the building’s owners have actively sought collaboration to attract worthy tenants.
“By attracting smart minds from both within and outside of the state, we can strengthen our region’s position in this industry and make it an even better place. The success of a community cannot rest on the shoulders of a single developer, city official, or resident. It requires everyone’s involvement and a collaborative effort. That’s what this meeting is all about—fostering collaboration, building relationships, and sharing ideas to work together. If St. Charles continues to embrace this spirit of cooperation, we will remain a desirable place to live, attracting new talent and investment from beyond Missouri,” Connor Kolb, developer and partner in the building, stated.
In a similar vein, President and CEO of Seneca CRE, LLC, Larry Chapman, remarked on the potential for growth this building represents.
“Big companies like Bayer, formerly Monsanto, and Bunge are well represented in the area. What we’re underrepresented in is the growth of new businesses. This should be an effort to promote that because if we can really do that, we have a much better chance of them staying here, growing here, and making Missouri a much better place on the map, as well as St. Charles County,” he said.
As the building prepares to welcome new tenants, it symbolizes a new era of eco-friendly business in St. Charles County.
“When people come to work here, they’re going to feel good. They’re going to want to work, and they’re going to want to collaborate,” Chapman emphasized.
This groundbreaking development not only reshapes the business landscape but also sets a benchmark for future projects in the region, proving that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.
