St. Louis COmmunity College - Masterplan

A comprehensive district-wide master planning effort, led by Arcturis, laid the foundation for STLCC Transformed, a successful bond initiative that launched a multi-year modernization of all St. Louis Community College campuses. This multi-year initiative is driving the modernization of all STLCC campuses, with a central focus on advancing the College’s workforce development mission through upgraded facilities and expanded programming.

A key component of the planning process was engaging stakeholders to gain broad support and ensure the plan reflected the diverse needs of students, faculty, and the surrounding communities. Each campus underwent a thorough analysis of its opportunities and constraints, shaping a roadmap tailored to its unique context.

Guiding principles emerged through extensive collaboration and shaped every phase of the project:

• Elevate the Student and Faculty Experience

• Increase Community Awareness and Engagement

• Simplify Campus Operations

• Strengthen Workforce Development

• Design for the Future

The result was a detailed master plan for each campus, complete with a prioritized list of projects and a clear implementation strategy aligned with STLCC’s strategic goals.

Key design elements:

• A two story entry atrium with grand communicating stair acts as an extension of the library connecting public facing programs with education spaces while creating a new space for students to interact, study, and stay between classes – an important asset for the commuter-based campus. 

• Primary building circulation is interwoven with informal study spaces to encourage campus community building and serendipitous interactions.

• A new ground floor horticulture wing connects directly to new greenhouses and enhanced educational gardens surrounding the site.

• A second floor roof terrace with intensive plantings creates direct programming opportunities for sustainable sciences and horticulture while serving as an attractive campus event space.

• A new maker space will support science research and entrepreneurial programming.

• Exterior materials include brick masonry and metal panels in a color palette designed to harmonize with the existing campus. Large areas of glass promote daylighting and improved transparency.  Wood is deployed throughout the interior for warmth and comfort.

The Financial Services and Enrollment Center will serve as the new front door to the Meramec Campus. The 70,000 SF project will allow for expansion of the financial programming on campus, with a focus on FinTech programs, entrepreneurial training, and space accounting programming + labs.  The first floor of the building features the Enrollment Center which offers recruiting, enrollment, advising, career development, and financial aid services to existing and potential students.