This once glorious, high-end Blackhawk Hotel was built in 1915, during an economic boom period in Davenport. It originally was a seven-story hotel, but in the 1920’s, money was flowing into the city, and four more stories were added. This created a 400 room brick hotel, with a fancy frontage, complete with marble accents around the windows.
Due to a fire, the inside of the hotel, particularly one floor, was heavily damaged. Other floors suffered water damage as a result of firemen’s hoses. The hotel finally closed in February 2006. 
In April 2009, the Blackhawk Hotel was sold directly to an experienced, enthusiastic restoration/renovation company, Restoration St. Louis. The project was completed with the help of SP Architects in December of 2010. Modern renovations have been made to the rooms, but Checkmate Design wanted to maintain a 1920s feel in the lobby, taking guests back in time to the period the Hotel Blackhawk was first built. The historic lobby was restored and the original chandelier and marble flooring have been preserved to add to this grand lobby. In addition, the bowling alley made a return to the lower level. Many of the hotel’s original features still remain today, including a grand piano, once played by big bands such as Guy Lombardo and Stan Kenton.

Gateway Lofts

4400 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This brand new building developed by Restoration St. Louis is a five story apartment community featuring 55 newly constructed apartments ranging from studios to 2 bedroom units. Parking is built into the structure, featuring 30 underground/covered parking spaces and garage type parking options behind the 4,000 square feet of retail space as well as additional parking behind the building. The street level retail space is constructed with brick masonry to match the fabric of the neighborhood while the exterior of the upper floors is made of long lasting, highly customized Nichiha brick veneer. Tenants enjoy the use of a fitness center, an outdoor deck, washer/dryer in every unit, and all-inclusive rent.

The two lots stood empty since the 70s, despite the area’s changing streetscape and recent boom of development. The retail space and apartments was designed by Checkmate Design and V Three Studios.

Lindell Towers West

3745 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

Lindell Towers West served as a hotel and then an apartment building until its purchase from Sterling Properties in 2001. While the original floorplans were maintained, all core systems were completely revamped, including the addition of central heating and air conditioning for every unit as well as high speed internet access. This project was completed in an unheard of 45 working days (90 calendar days). The property features 91 spacious apartments, an opulent lobby, fitness center, laundry facilities, and underground parking.

Lindell Towers East

3733 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

Formerly the Mark Twain Apartments, this Flemish inspired high-rise was designed by Pleitsche & Prince, Inc. for the Lewis-Marr Investment Company in 1927. Off-white terracotta frames a dramatic two-story arched entrance at street level while three columns of dark tan brick soar overhead; all of this is capped by a nostalgic Flemish rooftop which can be seen from nearly anywhere in midtown. Unlike other projects where we re-purposed a space into living space, this project meant restoring and improving existing living spaces. Checkmate Design and Cohen Hilberry Architects expanded the floorplans to include modern amenities, including central heating and air conditioning, high-speed internet access, laundry facilities and underground parking. 

LOOP LOFTS

1019 N. Skinker Pkwy., St. Louis, MO 63112

Just north of Delmar lies the historic Bardenhier Commercial Winery Complex. Now rescued from the wrecking ball, this multi-brick structure underwent a radical resurrection and features stylish efficiency, 1- and 2-bedroom lofts with a fitness center, central heating and A/C, and a picnic area. This project was possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of HKW Architchts and Checkmate Design.

CLOISTERS

2500 S. 18th St., St. Louis, MO 63104

Completed in 1887, this structure served as the first Carmelite Monastery west of the Mississippi River. The site of this building was originally chosen for its seclusion from the bustling downtown St. Louis scene. Since then, Cloisters has stood as an urban oasis within what is now the historic Soulard neighborhood. The original structure was constructed in the shape of a Roman cross to reflect it's religious purpose. Many decades and new ownership, along with Cohen Hillberry Architects, brought several additions to the building, however the cross is still discernible. One exterior wall also remains which contains ornate reliefs depicting the Stations of the Cross. The building severed as the Little Flower Nursing Home from 1974 until it's purchase by Restoration STL in 2003. Though the building's severe state of disrepair required a 4 month interior demolition and stabilization process, crews were able to save many details including breathtaking stained glass, marble and hardwood floors, and architectural details. Cloisters now houses 22 unique apartments featuring private patios, washer/dryers, high-speed internet access, and a fitness center. 

Theresa Park Lofts

1517 S. Theresa Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104

The Harris Teacher's College, named for William Torrey Harris, a former St. Louis superintendent of schools and United States Commissioner of Education, served as one of two teachers' colleges in the city of St. Louis at that time. It would later merge due to integration with Stowe Teacher's College, named for Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, to become what is now Harris-Stowe University. Primary construction of the building was completed in 1902 and was designed by nationally renowned schoolhouse designer William B. Itner, whose firm also designed about half of St. Louis' historic school buildings. Appalled to discover the structure was targeted to be razed to make way for a Walgreens, Restoration STL intervened and purchased the school from the St. Louis Public School System in April 2004. Theresa School was the first school building to be placed back into service following acquisition from the school system and now houses 35 unique, loft-style apartments. Working with Cohen Hillberry Archetects, the property now boasts luxurious amenities for tenants including a washer/dryer in each spacious unit, granite counter-tops, a hot tub, fitness center, gated parking, hardwood floors, and dramatic 16 foot windows.

Carleton

4616 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

Designed by Preston Bradshaw and constructed in 1925, The Carleton was acquired by Restoration STL in 2001. Though in fair condition and functional at the time of purchase, plans were drafted and the building underwent a complete interior restoration in 2005.
The Carleton contains 54 apartments featuring efficiency, 1 and 2 bedroom options with hardwood floors, crown molding, a washer/dryer in every unit, and, most importantly for cosmopolitan-minded renters, an address in the fashionable CWE.

Castle

1108 Boyle Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Arguably one of the most significant architectural landmarks in The Grove, this sprawling, goldbrick, mixed-use building has been transformed from a neglected blight into a prime retailer/bar space and eight, well appointed, 1- and 2- bedroom apartments.
Finished units feature central heating and air-conditioning, stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, hardwood floors, and individual alarm systems.

CHOUTEAU LOFTS

4244 Chouteau., St. Louis, MO 63110

Formerly the home of B.C.S Moving and Storage Company, this property in one of many in The Grove that make up Checkmate's rehab projects. This nicely restored property includes twenty-two 1-bedroom apartments, and includes deck space.

NEWSTEAD TOWER

4343 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Newstead Tower is a brick, mixed commercial/residential space accommodating a restaurant/retail space, a 2-bedroom apartment, and seventeen 1-bedroom apartments with deck space. Finished units feature high ceilings, central heating and air conditioning, stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, hardwood floors, and individual alarm systems.

HICKORY

4317 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This once abandoned storefront now features a restaurant on the first floor and two, well appointed 2-bedroom apartments above. The finished units feature central heating and air conditioning, an eat-in kitchen with a dishwasher, large windows and individual alarm systems.

PINE

4145 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Pine overlooks the newly reborn Manchester strip in The Grove and features central heating and A/C, dishwasher, hardwood flooring, deck space, and high ceilings. Directly downstairs is The Everest Café, The Grove's source for authentic Nepalese cuisine.

Bonsai

4301 Arco Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This skillfully restored space features a mix of commercial and residential space. The first floor commercial space is home to a salon while the second floor is occupied by two, 2-bedroom apartments, both including deck space. Directly behind the main building is a second building that features a 2 story, 1-bedroom apartment.