Neon Greens

St. Louis, MO | 2023

Interior Design / Architecture / Adaptive Reuse

Adaptive reuse and new construction for a hydroponic farm to table salad concept.

This renovation reimagines a coffee house into a sophisticated hydroponic farm, fast-casual salad shop and modern living space that honors its original past. The building is in the heart of the Grove neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri. Collaborating on design with Josh Smith (Argon Design Studio, and owner/operator of Neon Greens), Neon Greens is the first hydroponic farm in the state of Missouri, and most importantly, an incredibly delicious salad shop.

The salad greens are grown on site in a new hydroponic shipping container farm (behind the new glass facade) and whimsically transported via conveyor belt to the main kitchen in the historic building. A light and airy seating area invites guests to dine in, and efficient grab-and-go allows for a patron on the run. The new construction on a historically empty lot shows off a contemporary metal and steel design, with gabled roof and transparent exterior as a nod to the traditional farm greenhouse. In the interior of the restaurant, the upper plexiglass paneling continues that theme of greenhouse in a playful way.

At the heart of the project is an on-site hydroponic container farm that uses vertical farming techniques to provide fresh produce for the restaurant, consuming 99% less water than traditional methods. The whimsical touch of a conveyor belt and lift system delivers the harvested greens directly to the kitchen, offering a playful take on the “farm-to-table” experience.

From render to reality, it’s always fun to look back at where we started.

The upstairs apartment (photos below) balanced contemporary comforts with the charm of the original architecture: preserving key elements like the high ceilings, original floors, and original stairs and railings. Working with a restrained design palette while revamping the apartment of designer Josh Smith (Argon Design Studio), we sought to maximize the living and dining areas. These historic features lend warmth and texture, serving as a counterpoint to the clean lines and finishes of the updated design. Wood trim elegantly lines thresholds, seamlessly blending with the preserved historic floors, creating a harmonious mix of past and present.

The layout emphasizes openness, with large historic windows that invite natural light into the apartment and provide views of the surrounding neighborhood. The original segmented floor plan has been transformed into an airy living area that seamlessly flows into the kitchen and dining spaces. A custom kitchen island serves as the focal point, promoting interaction and creating a natural hub for cooking and gathering. A unique solution for the bathroom was developed through close collaboration between the client and the design team, maximizing functionality within the limited space available.