Case Studies
The real test of any project is not simply whether it is pleasing to the eye, nor the awards won… but did it meet or exceed it’s strategic goals. And the answer to that question is only verified by market performance or the client’s experience. In real estate and development, we strive for long term value and maximized revenue. In corporate architecture, it is often about changing attitudes… employees, clients and markets. In community revitalization, we’re always looking for a deeper understanding of local culture, economic sustainability, and a wider definition of success. In all cases, it’s always about strategy, culture, context, the mix of users/tenants, and careful cost management.
Success is always a collaborative group effort that is focused on the client’s definition of success and enabled by great clients.
THE REPOSITIONING OF PLAZA FRONTENAC
Before
Before
CONTEXT
Plaza Frontenac was a struggling, upscale shopping mall outside of St. Louis. Anchored by Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac’s customer base was, literally, dying… all over the age of 65. No families nor young people. And it had a very heavy, dated, colonial aesthetic.
STRATEGY
We started by developing a leasing strategy that gave presence to an unseen culture organized around an entirely new level of hospitality and unique offering. Rather than a food court favored by the developer, we suggested white tablecloth restaurants with exterior patios that would transform the arrival experience. Sounds like SOP today, but in 1995, that was pretty unprecedented. And a significant portion of our budget was spent on creating a unique interior “destination”: the lady’s restrooms. Woman flocked to the center Our goal was not to just increase foot-counts through a more diverse customer base, but also increase average transaction amounts.
RESULTS
$150 per square foot increase of in-line sales achieved in the first year of operation… with only a $3 million budget for all demolition, construction, and furnishing spread over a 460,000 gross square foot asset.
With the inclusion of a fine arts theatre, day spa, restaurants, and specialty tenants… we were able to increase visitation and duration turning Frontenac into the social destination for this market. Frontenac started a small revolution in retail environments with its unique tenant mix and extensive hospitality.
“ The renovation puts Plaza Frontenac on the cutting edge of mall design."
Michael Beyard, Senior Director of Research at the Urban Land Institute
RENAISSANCE PLACE
CONTEXT
Michael Mindlin’s and David Suttle’s working partnership encompasses decades of planning, design and place making for a wide range of commercial, corporate and governmental clients. Their projects and
STRATEGY
design work are well published and honored with some of our industries top international design awards. But, just as important, they
RESULTS
Retail pre-leased before breaking ground.
6 new residential developments built or underway in the downtown within the first year of completion.
23 new local and national retailers in the downtown within the first year of completion.
Revitalized downtown Highland Park as the center of its community.
Recognition
ULI Handbook on Mixed Use Development
ULI Handbook on Place Making
ULI Handbook on Town Center Development
ULI Handbook on Retail Development
PARIC CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
CONTEXT
Michael Mindlin’s and David Suttle’s working partnership encompasses decades of planning, design and place making for a wide range of commercial, corporate and governmental clients. Their projects and
STRATEGY
design work are well published and honored with some of our industries top international design awards. But, just as important, they
RESULTS
return enhanced profits, enduring value, enthusiastic patronage and surpass their strategic goals. Their work has met the test of time.
Recognition
ULI Handbo
DMB&B CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
CONTEXT
Michael Mindlin’s and David Suttle’s working partnership encompasses decades of planning, design and place making for a wide range of commercial, corporate and governmental clients. Their projects and
STRATEGY
design work are well published and honored with some of our industries top international design awards. But, just as important, they
RESULTS
The firm reclaimed its dominance in the St. Louis regional market.
Their “creatives” returned.
“First time an agency was designed around how people actually work. We are now passionate about this place.”
DMB&B
AWARDS
Voted D'Arcy's best renovated office worldwide.
American Institute of Architects Design Award.
DOLCE VITA PORTO
DOLCE VITA PORTO
CONTEXT
Michael Mindlin’s and David Suttle’s working partnership encompasses decades of planning, design and place making for a wide range of commercial, corporate and governmental clients. Their projects and
STRATEGY
design work are well published and honored with some of our industries top international design awards. But, just as important, they
RESULTS
Retail fully leased before opening day.
“The Art of Retail Development”
“The Bold and the Beautiful”
ICSC International Awards Jury
AWARDS
ULI Top Ten International Destinations
AIA Distinguished Award
ICSC International Innovative Design Award
ICSC European Design Award
ICSC Winning Shopping Center Designs
APR International Urban Design Award
RENAISSANCE PLACE
CONTEXT
Michael Mindlin’s and David Suttle’s working partnership encompasses decades of planning, design and place making for a wide range of commercial, corporate and governmental clients. Their projects and
STRATEGY
design work are well published and honored with some of our industries top international design awards. But, just as important, they
RESULTS
return enhanced profits, enduring value, enthusiastic patronage and surpass their strategic goals. Their work has met the test of time.
RECOGNITION
ULI Handbook on Place Making
ULI Handbook on Town Center Development
ULI Handbook on Mixed Use Development
ULI Handbook on Retail Development
DALLAS GALLERIA
CONTEXT
Michael Mindlin’s and David Suttle’s working partnership encompasses decades of planning, design and place making for a wide range of commercial, corporate and governmental clients. Their projects and
STRATEGY
design work are well published and honored with some of our industries top international design awards. But, just as important, they
RESULTS
return enhanced profits, enduring value, enthusiastic patronage and surpass their strategic goals. Their work has met the test of time.
4545 LINDEL
CONTEXT
Michael Mindlin’s and David Suttle’s working partnership encompasses decades of planning, design and place making for a wide range of commercial, corporate and governmental clients. Their projects and
STRATEGY
design work are well published and honored with some of our industries top international design awards. But, just as important, they
RESULTS
return enhanced profits, enduring value, enthusiastic patronage and surpass their strategic goals. Their work has met the test of time.