Moonrise Hotel, Saint Louis, MO. Photography by Debbie Franke

Opened in April 2009, the Moonrise Hotel brings a unique hotel experience to the Delmar Loop neighborhood. The hotel is the creation of developer Joe Edwards as part of his vision to bring vibrancy to The Loop. “I brought the idea of a hotel to several hi rise owners in the Loop, but no one was interested in converting to a hotel,” Edwards says. “I thought it was important for the area to have a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel. Owner-operated businesses are what makes the Loop strong.”

Washington Universty Lopata Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri
Photography by Alise O’Brien

In a city that is known for its traditional styling, it isn’t everyday that architects and builders are given the opportunity to design a modern residence. So when Blue Brick Construction was given the task of building a modern home focused on total simplicity, they jumped at the opportunity. Collaborating with Jeff Day, of Jeff Day Architects, the team created a non-traditional residence for homeowner Sue Cejka, whose love for gardening was incorporated through a U-shaped design where each room has a spectacular view of her garden courtyard.

Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis, Missouri
Photography Courtesy of Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis, Robert Rettos and Helen Binet

St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, MO
Photography by Timothy Hursley Photography
The St. Louis Public Library closed its doors in 2010 for a two-year restoration and renewal of the historic 1912 Cass Gilbert-designed building lead by Cannon Design. The transformative project increases public access, modernizes the library for the 21st century and enhances the building's stature as a cultural treasure.

Mettnitzer Restaurant, Spittal, Austria
Photography by Christopher Young Meek

Founded in the 12th century by a local noble family, Spittal is a town in western Austria that lies along the Drava River. Spittal, which means "hospital," was named for a hospital founded in 1191 by the counts of Ortenburg to serve the poor and sick. The town received market rights in 1242 and achieved municipal status in 1930. The Mettnitzer Restaurant is built in a 100-year-old home and serves up the finest fare in Spittal.