$55 Million Adaptive Reuse Project Will Transform Landmark Office Tower into Class A Residential Development
Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 12:15 p.m.
KAI Build is leading construction on the $55 million transformation of the former 7UP world headquarters in downtown Clayton into a Class A residential development featuring 118 apartments and an extensive collection of indoor and outdoor amenities.
Located at 121 S. Meramec Avenue near Shaw Park, the 11-story building served as 7UP’s world headquarters from the mid-1960s through the late 1970s. During that time, 7UP launched its iconic “Uncola” and counterculture advertising campaigns with J. Walter Thompson, helping establish the brand as a major force in the soft drink industry.
After 7UP relocated its headquarters to Dallas, St. Louis County purchased the property in 1988 to house its World Trade Center. The building later remained vacant for more than a decade. Numerous developers had envisioned plans for the property, though none of those previous attempts were successful. A group led by Kansas City-based Revive Capital Development headed by developer Michael Knight purchased the property earlier this month with plans to bring new life to the prominent Clayton landmark. Once completed, the building will be named “The Upton.”
Architect Chris Cedergreen, working in collaboration with Kent Wagster of HDA Architects, is leading a design that preserves the building’s midcentury modern character while adapting the property for contemporary residential living.
The development will feature a mix of luxury studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with high-end finishes, including quartz and Carrara countertops, stainless steel appliances and expansive views from the high-rise building.
Residents will have access to an extensive collection of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a fitness center, club room, heated outdoor spa, entertainment and theater spaces, billiards, multiple fireplaces, a dog wash, private resident speakeasy, game room, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and a private dog park.
Exterior improvements will restore and refresh key elements of the building and surrounding property. Planned improvements include tuckpointing and waterproofing, repairs to the building’s copper fascia, replacement of windows and window walls, new planters and landscaping throughout the outdoor plaza, sidewalk improvements and additional street trees.
“This project brings together an exceptional team to give new life to one of Clayton’s most recognizable buildings,” said KAI Build President Paul Giacoletto. “We’re proud to partner with Revive Capital Development and the entire project team to preserve an important piece of St. Louis’ history while creating a modern residential development that will bring new energy to downtown Clayton for generations to come.”
Octagon Finance is partnering on the project, providing a $48.25 million unitranche construction loan, including historic tax credits, to support the adaptive reuse of the historic 7UP world headquarters.
“This historic repurposing of the former 7UP headquarters is a testament to what can be accomplished through true collaboration,” said Michael Knight, CEO of Revive Capital Development. “Working closely with the City of Clayton, Board of Aldermen, city manager and mayor’s office, we were able to bring new life and residential purpose to an important piece of Clayton’s history. This project demonstrates what can happen when private development and city government work together intentionally and with a shared vision for the community.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 12:15 p.m. at the project site, 121 S. Meramec Ave. in Clayton. Parking will be available at the garage at 8011 Bonhomme Ave. Construction is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2027. St. Louis-based 2B Residential will manage the property.
