STL CITY SC Union Square HQ

The St. Louis City Soccer Club (CITY SC) is a men’s professional soccer team located in St. Louis, Missouri. They became part of Major League Soccer (MLS) as an expansion team in 2023. The team hosts its home matches at CityPark, a newly established soccer-specific stadium near Union Station in Downtown West St. Louis. The development of CityPark has played a key role in revitalizing the downtown area. St. Louis CITY SC has also converted a historically significant five-story office building near Union Station into their headquarters and training facility. Originally constructed in the early 1900’s, with notable building expansions occurring in the 1920’s and 1930’s, the newly renovated building accommodates around 150 team employees and includes rentable event space, administrative offices, a broadcast studio, and other amenities to enhance the club’s and fans’ experience. McClure Engineering was involved in the project, focusing on aspects such as lighting, commissioning, electrical work, and porting.

Electrical

A key aspect of the project was establishing network connectivity across various entities within the district. This included integrating the main stadium, South of Market (which features training and maintenance facilities, as well as a team store), and the renovated building into a single network. Connecting the headquarters to South of Market required specialized fiber installations to navigate a Metrolink tunnel with only an 8-inch cover.

Due to supply chain challenges, the control system plan was amended. Key areas of the building—such as the event space, broadcast space, and executive boardroom—were aligned with the district’s other facilities by adopting similar control systems used at the stadium and South of Market. Integrating lighting solutions played a vital role in ensuring smooth operations.

The addition of an elevator to the historic building presented unique challenges. Incorporating modern amenities into an existing structure required precise planning and execution.

A significant challenge during construction was managing three tenants who remained in the building, causing unavoidable delays and extending the completion date from January 2023 to September 2023. Despite this, the project team effectively addressed acoustic considerations in the broadcast studio, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal sound quality. Early coordination efforts successfully managed the large ductwork necessary for the space and resolved discrepancies in the structural model inherited from the historic building.

Lighting

The lighting design for the headquarters reflects a careful balance between modern functionality and the preservation of historical integrity. The project aimed to create an environment that is both sleek and non-obtrusive, seamlessly integrating contemporary lighting solutions within the historic framework.

The entire campus (including stadium and headquarters) is unified under a comprehensive lighting control system, ensuring consistent and efficient illumination across all areas. Modern dimming measures, occupant control, and daylight integration are employed to optimize lighting performance and energy efficiency.

This meticulous approach to lighting design ensures that the headquarters not only meets the operational needs of the St. Louis CITY SC but also enhances the historic building’s character and the overall experience for employees and visitors alike.

When designing the lighting for the new building, the McClure Engineering lighting team paid careful attention to key features and considerations. Their goal was to meet the IES recommendations for maintained foot-candles throughout the space, ensuring optimal visibility and comfort for all who would use it. They were meticulous in their fixture selection, opting for a minimal number of light sources. This decision not only simplified maintenance but also harmonized with the building’s aesthetic.

Integration with the architectural design was paramount. The lighting team worked closely with the architect to ensure that the fixtures complemented the space, taking into account finish selections and acoustical treatments. The result was a lighting design that emphasized a clean, contemporary look, effectively illuminating the area without drawing undue attention to the fixtures themselves.

In the broadcast studio, for instance, they installed a pipe grid and theatrical fixtures. This setup provided versatile, all-angle lighting, perfect for televised broadcasts and high-quality post-game interviews. Common areas were enhanced with wall washers and accent lighting, creating welcoming and well-lit spaces for visitors and staff.

The event space was a particular highlight. Here, ball lighting and linear lights interspersed between transparent world flags added a dynamic and celebratory touch, perfect for hosting grand events. In conference and office areas, linear lights provided uniform illumination, while backlit mirrors in the bathrooms added a modern flair.

In the offices, the design achieved consistent and uniform lighting levels through the use of uplighting techniques. By reflecting light off the ceilings, they avoided a cave effect, making the spaces feel open and bright. The main conference room became an inviting and professional atmosphere, thanks to the emphasis on cove lighting.

Overall, the team’s thoughtful approach to lighting design ensured that each area of the building was not only functional and comfortable but also visually appealing, contributing to the building’s modern and efficient environment.

Commissioning

Towards the end of the project, our commissioning team meticulously assessed the HVAC installations integrated into the building renovation project to ensure compliance with design specifications. Our remote evaluation of the building controls system confirmed that operational sequences aligned with intended functionality, maintaining optimal occupant comfort. Field inspections pinpointed equipment deficiencies, promptly relayed to building owners and contractors for resolution.

The commissioning team collaborated closely with our lighting and acoustics specialists which enabled a comprehensive review of lighting control and ambient noise levels within the premises. Additionally, a thorough training session was conducted for CITY SC staff and mechanical maintenance contractors on HVAC system operations, equipping them with in-depth knowledge to efficiently manage any potential challenges in the future.

Conclusion

The restoration of this five-story structure in the Union Station area was not just intended to establish the headquarters for the St. Louis City Soccer Club, but also to rejuvenate a historically important building, infusing fresh vitality into the Union Station district in Downtown St. Louis. Despite the complexities posed by limited site access, coordination with existing tenants, and the need to preserve the building’s historical integrity, the project team excelled in meeting these challenges. Key achievements include the lighting design for the broadcast studio, network integration with adjacent facilities, overcoming fiber connectivity hurdles, and incorporating modern amenities like the elevator. This successful renovation will provide the soccer club with a distinguished and functional home base, serving their operational needs and contributing to the vibrant Union Station district.