Phase one of the $11.6 million renovation of U.S. Bank Plaza, a 36-story Class A office tower located at 505 N. 7th Street in downtown St. Louis, is expected to be substantially complete this fall. Led by building owner MAP Property Holdings, in partnership with St. Louis-based architecture, planning, urban design and interiors firm Trivers and leasing and property manager Cushman & Wakefield, the renovation is designed to enhance the tenant and visitor experience and increase building occupancy while contributing to the broader revitalization of downtown St. Louis.
“Before the renovation, people entering the building were greeted by a dark, empty and disorienting space, and we knew that first impression needed to change,” said Amanda Truemper, AIA, senior project manager and associate principal at Trivers. “We wanted to elevate the entire experience from the outward approach to the interior expression. By restoring the building’s strong north/south axis and using backlit perforated panels to connect the elevator core with the new entrances and second floor outdoor spaces, arrival and navigation up and through the building’s shared amenity spaces becomes intuitive. This welcoming glow contributes to a more activated streetscape, while a light-filled and inviting interior makes a clear statement: This is a place where people want to be.”
Key Improvements to U.S. Bank Plaza
Phase one of the renovation reinvigorates the first and second floors of U.S. Bank Plaza, transforming previously outdated and underutilized areas into welcoming, functional spaces. Updates include:
• Increased natural light, greenery and two new indoor/outdoor patios on the building’s second floor that provide access to the outdoors.
• Le Nord Table – A new café run by industry-leading food service operator Guckenheimer.
• New shared spaces, including an updated fitness center, coworking areas and updated finishes in the common areas.
• Improved wayfinding with a new concierge desk and management office and monumental stairs on the first floor.
• New furniture and artwork, including “Hydropolis,” a one-of-a-kind sculpture by artist Laurie Borggreve featuring more than 3,000 hand-constructed pieces and stretching nearly 50 feet above the monumental stair.
• Investments in energy efficiency to comply with St. Louis’ Building Energy Performance Standard program.
The improvements respond to the evolving expectations of today’s workforce and the broader “flight-to-quality” trend in commercial real estate, as companies prioritize modern Class A buildings that offer high-quality spaces, amenities and experiences.
“This renovation represents a significant opportunity for U.S. Bank Plaza to meet the higher expectations tenants have for their workplaces today,” said Danielle Grubbs, senior director at Cushman & Wakefield. “Nothing has been overlooked. Every aspect of the renovation has been thoughtfully considered to position the building for long-term success.”
Elevating the Tenant Experience
MAP Property Holdings acquired U.S. Bank Plaza in 2021 with the goal of renovating the building to draw in new tenants, boost retention and create opportunities for connection, from shared workspaces and amenities to events and programming.
“We want our properties to be more than places where people come to work; we want them to feel like communities,” said Heide Kempf-Schwarze, asset manager at MAP Property Holdings. “That means giving tenants opportunities to connect and engage with one another beyond their day-to-day work. Those moments of connection are what give a building its personality and make it feel truly alive.” Ideas and feedback from current tenants were considered throughout the design process. “We engaged with tenants through surveys, focus groups and charrettes,” Kempf-Schwarze said. “Giving tenants a voice in the process led to meaningful improvements that reflect their needs and, we hope, give them a genuine sense of ownership.”
Investing in the Future of Downtown St. Louis
Recent data shows growing momentum in St. Louis’ office market. According to research from Cushman & Wakefield, Class A office vacancy declined 50 basis points year over year, dropping to 18.6 percent from April to June 2026. The St. Louis metro office market also recorded more than 420,000 square feet of renewal activity through August 2026, with downtown accounting for 48.1 percent.
MAP Property Holdings’ investment in U.S. Bank Plaza reflects its commitment to being a long-term partner in the revitalization of downtown St. Louis. “Our goal is to increase occupancy and retain tenants, but we also hope this investment can serve as a leading-edge contributor to the broader evolution of downtown and the downtown experience,” Kempf-Schwarze said. “We hope to see others make similar investments so we can build momentum and attract more investment downtown.”
MAP Property Holdings selected Trivers as lead architect and interior designer for the project in part because of its longstanding dedication to downtown St. Louis. The firm has been based downtown since 1995 and completed more than 30 major projects there, including the Museum at the Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, Old Post Office, The Victor, The Westin St. Louis, The Laurel Apartments and Embassy Suites and numerous others.
“There are many aged assets downtown, so there is tremendous opportunity for more investments at this scale,” Truemper said. “At Trivers, we believe in the power of reimagining buildings. We’re not afraid to take on difficult projects and give them renewed purpose, leveraging their unrealized potential with new ideas. We’re committed to helping reframe the best of St. Louis, and U.S. Bank Plaza is an incredible example of what’s possible when we believe in the viability of our downtown. The new story for St. Louis is one of investment, experience, connection and hope.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held this fall to celebrate the completion of phase one of the renovation.
Read more in St. Louis Post Dispatch and St. Louis Business Journal
