Selma Farm Corporate Retreat

Situated on a 2,500-acre farm with historic buildings the client desired to use for corporate retreats, this project is part of a larger effort that included a site master plan, historical renovation, site work, exterior renovations, and interior fit out. Involving the adaptive reuse of two pre-Civil War era stone barns, the project aspired to transform the east barn (previously used as a conference room, dining, and exercise space) and the west barn (used for farm storage) into a corporate conference center and retreat.

The main challenge was installing 21st-century technology, systems, and amenities into the historic structures while retaining the original character. To do so, Fox’s design incorporated new elements in a way that complemented the preserved structures of the barns.

One of the prominent features addressed by the design is the 18” thick stone walls, which the client did not want obscured. With most of the walls previously painted, the only work performed was tuckpointing where necessary. Because the thermal properties are lacking, these buildings are not used during coldest winter months, which both the team and the owner felt was an adequate sacrifice in order to maintain the appearance and integrity of the structure.

New AV, plumbing, electric, and HVAC were added in a manner that did not detract from the historic nature of the barns. The project also incorporated a new pool house and landscaping, with future work including additional guest rooms and renovations of other historic structures on the property.

Awarded “Best of Show”, the highest honor, and “Best Adaptive Re-Use” in the 2017 St. Louis IIDA Awards.