STL, I'm so proud

So there’s this place right off the highway(I-170 & Page) that’s intrigued me for a couple of years now. The first description that comes to mind, is that it’s a bright spot in an otherwise desolate looking area. The sheer size of the building is intimidating, with its ‘screened’ sides and mammoth propeller type apparatus twirling in the wind outside. It’s mesmerizing. Of course, I’ve always been intrigued with architecture, both old and new, so some people may not have noticed the place…but I don’t see how that’s possible. From my car, flying by at least twice a day I watched them build it. The pieces coming together little by little. The first thing you see is the propeller. It loosely resembles a white daisy sitting atop a strong white stem, like something out of a Science fiction movie. It peeks up long before you actually see the actual size of the thing. It spins above all else in the area, demanding respect. It peers out over the highway almost as if it’s the protector of the more delicates looking, cream and silver, two story building that is what you see next as you motor ahead. Out of all the red brick and beautiful dinginess that is St. Louis, this building stands out. The grounds are perfectly manicured and a striking contrast to the stark whiteness of the ‘fortress’. It wouldn’t surprise me to see men and women strolling around in crisp, white linen jumpsuits, blindingly white patent leather shoes, and alabaster Ralf Lauren sunglasses, sporting an expression that exudes justified superiority. The place looks important, crisp and mysterious. It makes me want to be part of it, work there, pull weeds from the sidewalk…anything just to be able to say I’m a part of.

Finally, the name went up, “Alberici”…means absolutely nothing to me. So the mystery went on for a few more months. I decided to do a little research and I find out that it’s a construction company. This amazing building is almost completely environmentally friendly! Apparently, it’s on the cutting edge of what is called the ‘green’ building movement. This structure is one of the top environmentally friendly places in the US. It was erected using as much recycled material as possible. The wind mill (or big honk’n daisy as I fondly refer to it) is the source of most of the energy used to run the 110, 00 square foot building. There’s a ‘yard’ on top of the building that act’s as insulation, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It incorporates a rainwater recovery system that reuses a large portion of the natural water instead of sending it to the storm sewer. It utilizes so many energy saving features, that it’s won awards! That’s not all though! Not only is the building itself super environmentally friendly, but the grounds are as well! There are 2 ponds, landscaping using native brush, trees and foliage, creating a habitat for local wildlife, and a few walkways for employees to enjoy. There’s even a cafeteria that serves only healthy food and a dining area outside! It’s refreshing to know that St. Louis is paying attention to the environment and that we are leading the way to healthier living! It makes me so proud!