Newsletter – Issue 39

A.J. Brown Builds a Landmark for Royal Banks of Missouri in University City

When Royal Banks of Missouri set out to create a new branch located in the heart of University City, they needed more than your typical builder. This was a complex site that would require exceptional precision and flexibility; they needed a true partner that could integrate seamlessly into their team. They needed A.J. Brown.

Much like banking, building is an exacting pursuit. From the first blueprint to the final brick, precision and trust are the foundations of success. That shared philosophy came to life once again in University City, where A.J. Brown recently completed a new home for Royal Banks of Missouri—a project that stands as both a neighborhood landmark and a symbol of growth.

Located at 8550 Olive Boulevard, this new 2,508-square-foot branch replaces Royal Banks’ previous location further east, positioning the bank closer to the wave of new development reshaping the Olive corridor. The site, just under half an acre, presented a unique challenge: build a full-service banking facility, complete with teller lines, a conference room, breakroom, safe, and an easily accessible ATM/drive-through, on a remarkably tight footprint.

The new building, composed of metal stud and brick construction topped with a classic faux slate roof, makes an architectural statement at the corner of Olive and North McKnight. The clock tower anchoring the corner is its defining feature, as it reflects Royal Banks’ longstanding presence and timeless commitment to the communities it serves. Behind the building, thoughtful landscaping and a sight-proof fence provide both function and flair, all in service of a design that exudes professional polish yet has strong neighborhood appeal.

As Project Manager, Darrell VankyGrifka, explained, “The site was small, and I mean that in the truest sense of the word. Every square foot mattered. We had to plan and coordinate constantly to manage materials, staging, and parking, all while keeping the project in lockstep with our tight, six-month schedule.”

That schedule came with its share of unexpected obstacles. An unusually cold winter delayed early foundation and masonry work, and the wet, rainy spring that followed didn’t help matters. Compounded by a sudden materials procurement issue when the original shingles became unavailable, the situation presented some complex challenges. But through proactive communication and quick decision-making, the team, together with Royal Banks’ Mitch Baden and Matt Renner of National Real Estate, kept the project on track.

“In this business, challenges are inevitable,” said A.J. Brown Project Manager, Darrell  VankyGrifka. “What matters is how you respond. Working closely with Mitch and his team, we were able to make fast, smart adjustments without compromising the integrity of the design—which was a top priority for the owner.”

In the words of A.J. Brown President, Doug Rendleman, “We’re proud to have partnered with Royal Banks of Missouri on this project. It’s always rewarding to help our clients expand their reach and strengthen their connection to the people they serve. This new branch represents exactly that—a solid investment in the future.”

The result: a beautiful, efficient, and community-centered facility ready to serve University City for years to come.

Working for you

A.J. Brown is committed to clear communication and time-proven management strategies, all designed to deliver a construction project that meets client goals. “We make it our business to understand our clients’ business objectives so we can help them succeed,” says Rendleman. “We’re here to make you look good.”

If you’re looking for the right partner for your next construction project, talk to A.J. Brown. You can reach Doug Rendleman at 636-537-3636.