Recognition of Trivers and HOK projects demonstrates the power of adaptive reuse to revitalize the City of St. Louis.
The renovation of The Victor in St. Louis’ Downtown West neighborhood by Trivers earned first place in the Adaptive Reuse category of the Retrofit Magazine 2025 Metamorphosis Awards. HOK claimed third place for its transformation of Brown & Crouppen’s new headquarters in The Hill neighborhood.
Now in its seventh year, the Metamorphosis Awards honor architects, designers and contractors from across the United States for outstanding work retrofitting commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings. These projects breathe new life and purpose into structures, maximizing the use of existing materials and infrastructure, reducing waste, and preserving the historic character and charm of neighborhoods. Retrofit Magazine’s recognition of both The Victor and Brown & Crouppen’s headquarters underscores the positive impact of adaptive reuse in St. Louis.
For decades, the historic Butler Brothers Building—a former warehouse distribution center occupying an entire city block—stood dark and empty until Development Services Group partnered with Trivers to revitalize it in 2020. Upon its completion in 2023, the Butler Brothers Building was officially reborn as The Victor—a multifamily community with 384 apartment units, 15,700 square feet of retail, co-working and conference areas, and top-of-the-line amenities.
“The Victor demonstrates how adaptive reuse can catalyze momentum in our region,” said Trivers Principal Joel Fuoss, AIA. “With most of its units now occupied, The Victor has brought hundreds of people seeking high-quality and affordable living to the Downtown West neighborhood and sparked additional investment from other developers seeking to attract more residents to the area.”
HOK’s project turned a 1910 Magic Chef stove factory into a modern office space for Brown & Crouppen, Missouri’s largest injury law firm. The building, which had been underutilized for nearly 50 years, is now a dynamic, loft-inspired environment that provides the comforts of working from home while facilitating the firm’s hybrid work model. With spaces that support essential office functions as well as creativity and collaboration, the design departs from traditional formal legal offices while retaining many features of the original building.
“By relocating to The Hill, Brown & Crouppen maintained its long-time commitment to St. Louis while moving to an area rich in history and local amenities,” said HOK Director of Interiors Jodie Crohn. “The renovated building, now called King’s Hill, not only meets contemporary workplace needs but is also a beacon of renewal for the neighborhood.”
Trivers previously won a Metamorphosis Award in 2020 for Woodward Lofts and in 2023 for 100 N. Broadway, two other adaptive reuse projects in St. Louis.
