AT A GLANCE...

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

News & Updates

On the Go: Organization and Life Hacks

Brentwood Library

Construction Milestone: Wentzville Specialty Care Center Tops Out

Development Watch: Farmington’s Next Chapter

Partnership Spotlight: CASCO Architecture & Engineering + Starbucks

Training & Education

Summer Road Trips: The Best Memories Start with Getting There Safely

What the Grandparent Generation Wishes the Next Generation Knew

When a Building Buckles

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On the Go: Organization and Life Hacks

Ready to simplify your schedule, clear the clutter and approach life with greater intention?

Join SLC3 on Thursday, August 13, for an engaging lunch program with coach Dawn Baumgartner. Dawn will share practical organization strategies and life hacks designed to help attendees break down complex challenges, overcome barriers and navigate change with confidence.

Networking begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and the program at 11:30 a.m. at Bristol Seafood Grill in Creve Coeur. Registration is $50 for SLC3 members and $70 for guests.

Why it matters to SLC3 members: Construction professionals balance demanding schedules, evolving projects and competing priorities every day. This program offers useful tools to reduce overwhelm, work more intentionally and create greater clarity both professionally and personally.

Thursday, August 13 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Bristol Seafood Grill | 11801 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur

Register at slccc.net.

Oculus Inc. Celebrates Shevaun McNaughton’s 23 Years of Leadership

After 23 years with Oculus Inc., Marketing Director Shevaun McNaughton is retiring from her full-time position and transitioning into a strategic marketing consultant role with the firm.

Since joining Oculus in 2003, Shevaun has played an important role in advancing the firm’s marketing and federal business development efforts, strengthening client relationships, guiding major pursuits and helping shape the systems and strategies that continue to support Oculus’ growth.

In her consulting role, Shevaun will continue providing strategic pursuit support, proposal guidance, marketing systems transition and mentorship while enjoying more time with her family.

SLC3 congratulates Shevaun on an outstanding career and wishes her the very best in this exciting new chapter.

A Tribute to Shevaun McNaughton by Kelly Jackson:

Most of you may not know this, but Shevaun McNaughton was one of the very first people I met after joining NPN Environmental as a Business Development Associate in 2000. We met through SMPS and quickly became friends.

Over the years, however, she became so much more than that. She was a mentor, a trusted peer, a collaborative partner, and even a client (Oculus).

Shevaun and I served together on the SMPS Board of Directors, and within a few years, we each had the privilege of serving as President.

As someone new to the AEC industry, I had countless questions, and Shevaun never hesitated to share her knowledge, encouragement, and guidance. She played a pivotal role in my career, including leading me to KAI in 2003 when they were searching for a new marketing leader.

Our professional paths continued to cross throughout the years. Oculus became a valued client while I worked at Farnsworth Group and later at EDM Incorporated. Watching Shevaun's career unfold has been inspiring. She has truly been one of the region's marketing icons, successfully navigating the ever-changing landscape of the AEC industry with professionalism, resilience, and vision.

Her leadership helped secure projects that established new Oculus offices, and she has undoubtedly been one of the anchors behind the firm's remarkable growth and continued success.

In February 2023, Shevaun experienced an unimaginable tragedy when her husband lost his life in a fall while installing a window at their home. My heart has remained heavy for her ever since. I can only imagine how that profound loss has reshaped her perspective and reinforced just how precious our time with those we love truly is. The past few years have been incredibly difficult for Shevaun and her family.

Today, however, I want to celebrate my dear friend of 26 years as she begins a well-earned new chapter. I hope she looks back with immense pride on the extraordinary career she built and the lasting impact she has had on our industry, our region, and the countless people she mentored along the way—including me.

Shevaun was the role model I needed at exactly the right time in my career. I'll never forget how quickly she took me under her wing and encouraged me to get involved. That simple invitation changed the trajectory of my professional life. Enjoy the photo of four long-time friends all from the industry and 3/4^th retired now! 

You truly never know where one person—or one opportunity—may lead you.

Congratulations, Shevaun. Thank you for your friendship, your leadership, and the example you've set for so many of us. Wishing you every happiness in your retirement.

You've certainly earned it.

Member Spotlight: Congratulations to Nick Shelton at CASCO Civil

Please join SLC3 in congratulating Nick Shelton on joining CASCO Civil as a Civil Engineering Technician. With one year of industry experience and a strong desire to continue learning and growing, Nick represents the next generation of talent helping shape the future of the construction industry.



We congratulate Nick and the entire CASCO Civil team on this exciting addition and wish him continued success as he begins this new chapter.

Member Spotlight: Congratulations to Lucas Theising & Zackary Barnes

Please join SLC3 in congratulating Lucas Theising and Zackary Barnes of IMPACT Strategies on their promotions to Assistant Project Manager.

Both Lucas and Zack have earned this career milestone through their strong work ethic, commitment to learning, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering exceptional projects for their clients. In their new roles, they will take on expanded responsibilities while continuing to develop their leadership and project management expertise.

Congratulations to Lucas, Zack, and the entire IMPACT Strategies team on this exciting achievement. We look forward to seeing their continued success and contributions to the construction industry.

Project Spotlight: Brentwood Public Library

Adaptive Reuse Creates a New Community Destination

Across the St. Louis region, adaptive reuse is gaining momentum as communities seek sustainable, cost-conscious ways to create vibrant public spaces. The new Brentwood Public Library offers a compelling local example—bringing preservation, innovation and community engagement together in a modern civic destination.

The project unites several respected regional firms:

• Architect: Arcturis
• General Contractor: ICS Construction Services
• Owner’s Representative: NAVIGATE Building Solutions

Rather than demolishing the existing structure, the team is transforming a former mid-century office building—originally constructed as a parking garage—into a welcoming, 16,000-square-foot public library. The design adds approximately 6,000 square feet while retaining much of the original framework, extending the building’s useful life and reducing construction waste.

More Than a Place for Books

Today’s libraries serve as community hubs where people gather, learn, work, collaborate and connect. The reimagined Brentwood Public Library reflects that expanded role through:

• A daylight-filled central atrium
• Enlarged children’s and teen learning areas
• Flexible community meeting spaces
• Outdoor reading and gathering areas
• Modern technology resources
• Improved accessibility throughout the building

One of the project’s most memorable details can be found in its new brick façade. A custom masonry pattern subtly spells “LIBRARY,” transforming a functional exterior into a distinctive civic landmark that rewards a closer look.

The Complexities of Adaptive Reuse

Although adaptive reuse can provide meaningful environmental and economic benefits, it often presents challenges that do not exist in new construction.

The team had to integrate a substantial addition while working within the constraints of the existing structural framework. Former openings were repurposed to create new circulation routes, while a central atrium and roof monitors will bring natural light deep into a building that was never designed for its new public purpose.

Public engagement has also played an important role. Arcturis collaborated with library leadership, board members, residents and local officials through a series of community meetings, helping ensure the final design reflects Brentwood’s priorities and long-term vision.

The project has also required careful coordination around planning approvals, a city sign variance, asbestos abatement, budget management and construction scheduling. Current updates indicate the library remains on track for a Fall 2026 opening.

Why It Matters to SLC3 Members

The Brentwood Public Library reflects a broader shift across the AEC industry. Owners are increasingly recognizing that existing buildings can be valuable assets—not simply obstacles to be removed.

For owners, architects, engineers and contractors, adaptive reuse requires early collaboration, creative problem-solving and a clear understanding of existing conditions. Teams must balance structural limitations with today’s expectations for sustainability, accessibility, technology and community experience.



When the Brentwood Public Library opens, it will represent more than a renovated building. It will demonstrate how thoughtful design, technical expertise and strong regional partnerships can transform an underused structure into a lasting community asset.

Construction Milestone: Wentzville Specialty Care Center Tops Out

A major milestone has been reached for one of the St. Louis region's most significant healthcare construction projects. On July 7, St. Louis Children's Hospital and WashU Medicine celebrated the placement of the final structural steel beam during the topping-out ceremony for the new Wentzville Specialty Care Center.

Expected to open in late 2027, the 133,000-square-foot outpatient facility will expand access to specialized pediatric care for families throughout western St. Charles County. The center will offer more than 20 pediatric specialties, outpatient surgery, imaging and diagnostics, therapy services, and the region's first pediatric urgent care location for BJC and WashU Medicine in the area.

Why it matters to SLC3 members: Milestones like this highlight the continued strength of healthcare construction across the St. Louis region. Projects of this scale create opportunities for owners, architects, engineers, contractors, specialty trades, and suppliers while reflecting the long-term investments shaping our communities. As regional growth continues westward, developments like the Wentzville Specialty Care Center demonstrate how collaboration across the design and construction industry delivers lasting value for the people who live and work here.

Partnership Spotlight: CASCO Architecture & Engineering + Starbucks

Strong partnerships are at the heart of successful projects, and this month's Partnership Spotlight highlights a relationship built on nearly two decades of collaboration.

Since 2006, CASCO Architecture & Engineering has partnered with Starbucks, helping transform the brand's retail vision into reality. What began as support for Starbucks' in-house design managers has grown into a long-standing collaboration that has contributed to the design of more than 200 standalone Starbucks locations across the Midwest, East Coast, and Southwest.

This partnership demonstrates the lasting value of trust, consistency, and collaboration in the design and construction industry. As projects evolve and brands expand, enduring relationships like these show how architects, engineers, owners, and developers work together to deliver successful outcomes time and again.

Why it matters to SLC3 members: Long-term partnerships are a cornerstone of our industry. They foster innovation, improve project outcomes, and create opportunities for continued growth. By celebrating successful collaborations like this one, we recognize the relationships that help move the design and construction industry forward.

Development Watch: Farmington’s Next Chapter

Farmington, Missouri, is emerging as a regional development market to watch. The most visible project is Farmington Crossings, a large new retail center planned near Highway 67, Woodlawn Drive and Bray Road. The development is expected to bring national retailers—including Target, Academy Sports + Outdoors and Burlington—along with restaurants, additional retail space and future commercial opportunities.

The project is already generating related construction activity, including site preparation, grading, utility work, drainage improvements and roadway construction. Farmington is also updating its comprehensive plan to guide future decisions involving transportation, housing, public infrastructure, commercial growth and community development.

For SLC3 members, Farmington’s momentum represents more than a retail story. It signals potential opportunities for contractors, engineers, architects, developers, suppliers and public-sector partners as growth expands beyond the immediate St. Louis metro area. As new investment moves into the region, workforce capacity, infrastructure planning and strong industry collaboration will be essential to keeping projects moving forward.



Farmington may be roughly an hour south of St. Louis, but its development activity is creating opportunities that could reach across our entire design and construction community.

The Story Behind Iris at Cortex: How Integrated Design Builds Connection

Great projects do more than fill space. They create a sense of place.

That is what makes Iris at Cortex such a strong example for the St. Louis design and construction community. Located in the heart of the Cortex Innovation District, Iris represents more than a mixed-use development. It reflects what can happen when owners, designers, developers, and creative partners align early around a shared vision.

For SLC3 members, this project offers a valuable reminder: the built environment is strongest when every piece of the project works together from the beginning.

A Brand Built Around Place

Arcturis partnered with Jason Braidwood and Keeley Properties to develop the brand identity for Iris, a mixed-use development designed to support the energy, creativity, and growth happening within Cortex.

The name, visual identity, color palette, architecture, interiors, signage, and overall experience were not treated as separate pieces. They were developed as part of one cohesive story.

That matters.

In construction and development, branding is sometimes viewed as something that happens at the end of a project. A logo is added, signage is installed, marketing materials are created, and the building is promoted. But Iris shows a more intentional approach. Here, the brand became part of the experience from the ground up.

From the building’s exterior presence to the interior environment and tenant-facing touchpoints, every element was designed to work together. The result is a project that feels thoughtful, connected, and rooted in its surroundings.

Why Integrated Design Matters

Integrated design is about more than aesthetics. It is about alignment.

When architecture, interiors, branding, and placemaking are considered together, projects can become more intuitive, memorable, and useful for the people who experience them. For owners and project teams, that early collaboration can help reduce disconnects later in the process. For tenants, residents, visitors, and the surrounding community, it can create a stronger sense of belonging.

That is especially important in a district like Cortex, where innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and community all intersect. A mixed-use development in this environment needs to do more than look modern. It needs to feel active, welcoming, and connected to the broader mission of the district.

The Iris identity was inspired by midcentury modern design, Bauhaus principles, warmth, inclusivity, innovation, connection, and culture. Those influences come through in a brand that feels both polished and approachable. It gives the project a distinct personality while still supporting the energy of the neighborhood around it.

A St. Louis Project with a Bigger Message

For the St. Louis community, projects like Iris help shape how people experience the city.

Cortex has become one of the region’s most recognizable innovation hubs, bringing together institutions, companies, entrepreneurs, workers, residents, and visitors.

Developments within the district play an important role in shaping not only the physical landscape, but also the perception of what St. Louis can offer.

When a project is designed with intention, it contributes to more than the skyline. It supports economic development, talent attraction, neighborhood activity, and community identity.

That is why the story behind Iris is relevant to SLC3 members. Our members are not just building projects. They are helping build the environments where people work, collaborate, live, gather, and grow.

Lessons for Owners, Designers, and Construction Partners

The Iris project highlights a few important takeaways for construction consumers and project partners.

First, early alignment matters. When owners, designers, developers, and branding partners understand the vision from the start, the project can move forward with more clarity and cohesion.

Second, design decisions carry long-term value. Materials, signage, interiors, graphics, and public-facing elements all contribute to how a project is experienced. These details can influence tenant interest, user satisfaction, community perception, and the overall success of the development.

Third, collaboration creates better outcomes. The strongest projects are rarely the result of one perspective. They come from teams that communicate well, understand the end user, and stay connected to the purpose behind the project.

For SLC3 members, this is exactly the kind of thinking that strengthens our industry. Great construction outcomes depend on more than schedules, budgets, and technical execution. Those pieces are essential, but they are most powerful when paired with vision, communication, and shared purpose.

Building Spaces That Build Community

At its core, Iris is a reminder that design can help tell a story.

It can communicate energy. It can create warmth. It can make a place feel connected before a person ever steps inside. And when that design is supported by thoughtful construction, strong partnerships, and a clear understanding of the community it serves, the result can be much greater than the sum of its parts.

For St. Louis, projects like Iris add to the momentum of a city that continues to grow, adapt, and reimagine how people connect through the built environment.

For SLC3, it is a strong example of why collaboration across disciplines matters. Owners, architects, designers, construction teams, developers, and community partners all play a role in shaping places that serve people well.

Great projects start with great vision.

But the best ones are built through strong collaboration.

CALL FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS? TIME TO HELP...

Much of the work we do is driven by member volunteers, and right now our committees could use a few more voices and helping hands. Committee service offers an opportunity to influence priorities, collaborate with peers, and support initiatives that impact the industry and our region. If you’re willing to get involved—even in a small way—we invite you to sign up.

Have something to share? Reach out anytime—we’re always glad to hear from you.

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