Renderings Released of Freight House Village Plan, Spring Start Anticipated

By Kevin Collison

Lux Living has released preliminary renderings of its proposed Freight House Village residential and retail development at 20th and Walnut and hopes for a spring start on the 250-unit project.

Victor Alston of St. Louis-based Lux Living said he’s been holding neighborhood meetings in recent weeks and incorporated some of the suggestions from participants.

“Generally, the neighborhood meetings have been positive,” he said. “The location is great and right in the middle of the community, and the views are terrific.”

Lux, which also is developing a a 228-unit apartment project five blocks west at 20th and Broadway, acquired the development rights to the Freight House Village project from developer Vince Bryant.

Bryant is pursuing several other projects in the Crossroads area including converting the half-block on the east side of Walnut from 19th to 20th streets across from the Freight House Village site into what he calls the ‘Village Square.”

The development plans to include restaurant space at the corner of 20th and Walnut. (Rendering by Hoefer Welker)

His $12 million plan includes renovating the buildings that bookend the half-block at 100 E. 20th St. and 1905 Walnut, relocating and expanding the new Citydogs that will include a 17,000 square-foot dog park, and adding office space and retail.

Alston said his Freight House Village plan still calls for 250 apartments and a restaurant at the corner of 20th and Walnut. About 10 of the units will be walk-up, townhome-style residents.

He anticipates seeking rezoning from the city for the project in early Fall. The estimated cost of his plan is about $60 million. The architect is Hoefer Welker.

As for his project at 20th and Broadway, Alston said excavation for its garage is complete and the site’s environmental issues, including dry cleaning chemicals and rubble, have been remediated.

A pre-cast concrete garage is currently being manufactured. He estimated vertical construction could begin within 90 days.

The amenity deck planned for Freight House Village would include a pool. (Rendering by Hoefer Welker)