James Alverson Architectural Portfolio 2000-2013

Portfolio of Work
James Alverson
2000-2013

Adams School and Community Center
St. Louis, Missouri
James Alverson, Trivers Project Manager and Construction Administrator

Two historic St. Louis Public School
structures have been joined and to
become part of a large new complex
for shared use as both a city public
elementary school and a
neighborhood community center.
The facility allows for simultaneous
education classes for both the
children of the neighborhood as well
as for their parents. Programmed
spaces include: typical school
classrooms and offices, separate
specialized classrooms for adults,
weight rooms, a cardio-machine
room, an aerobic/dance room, locker
rooms for adults, families, and team
sports, a computer lab, and
administrative and support spaces.
Shared spaces include a full-sized
gymnasium and a cafeteria.

Owners:
Project Size:
Completion:

St. Louis Public Schools
Adams Park Community Center
104,000 square feet
December 2001

The Adams School and Community
Center project came about as the
result of a partnership of public and
private entities, including Washington
University. The community facility
contributes to the revitalization of the
Forest Park Southeast Neighborhood
in the City of St. Louis.

Forsyth School Expanded Campus Master Plan
St. Louis, Missouri
James Alverson, Trivers Project Manager

The private Forsyth School, uniquely contained
within five historic homes and a newer
multipurpose building, acquired a nearby church
and grounds in which they plan to house their Early
Childhood Program. This proposed satellite
addition allows for a main campus expansion of
both their Arts Program and their limited Outdoor
Athletic Program. In addition, landscaping, fencing,
a new entrance drive and walkway modifications
are planned to define the main entry, screen
parking, solve access problems, and connect the
various campus elements.

Satellite Early Childhood Site

Owner:
Costs:

Forsyth School
Main Campus Sitework $1.1 million
Early Childhood Renovation $1.4 million
Completion: August 2002 (Master Plan)

Full completion of the various projects, as shown
on the Main Campus Master Site Plan, includes a
multipurpose athletic field, a running track, a
covered multipurpose pavilion, new tot play areas,
a new in-ground swimming pool and pool house, a
new science lab building, and a natural pond area
for outdoor learning. The expanded Arts Program
includes separate 2D and 3D art classrooms and
separate studios for drama and dance. Outdoor
arts areas include space for drawing and display.
The central, focal-point pavilion serves as a main
gathering area for students, teachers, and parents,
promoting the sense of community in this school.

Forsyth School New House Addition & Renovation
St. Louis, Missouri

Owner:
Size:

Forsyth School
Renovation 8,700 square feet
Addition 8,000 square feet
Costs:
$2.2 million including sport field/track
Completion: April 2005

The New House addition and renovation project
adds new classrooms to the campus and doubles
the space provided for the Arts. The original New
House will receive new finishes, casework, lighting
and plumbing with modest plan changes. In the
addition, the lunchroom is doubled in size allowing
for one less lunch period. Separate space is
provided for 3-D and 2-D Fine Arts. The Drama
studio now includes a small practice stage and the
large Music Studio allows for dance and space for
movement to music.
The Arts Center addition is visually separated from
the original historic New House with glazing, but
shares common materials including brick walls and
a slate roof. The new elevator tower is extended
upwards and uniquely articulated with vertical
slate, thereby becoming a clock tower and a new
campus icon.

Wilson School Addition and Renovation
St. Louis, Missouri

Addition Size: 7,000 Gross Square Feet
Completion: Summer 2005
Cost:
$3,400,000

For several years, the Wilson School pursued a project
with another design team to build a major new
gymnasium addition and renovate portions of their
existing building. Throughout the process they were
unable to overcome difficulties in meeting the City of
Clayton zoning code requirements. Of greatest concern to
the neighbors was the large volume of the originallyproposed new gym. The bulky structure overwhelmed the
adjacent homes in this entirely residential neighborhood.
A secondary issue was the loss of outdoor play space to
the school with the gym addition occupying the remaining
small amount of open space.
In the summer of 2003, Trivers Associates was engaged
to develop a new conceptual design for the project and to
work with the neighborhood subdivision associations and
the City of Clayton to create consensus of support in
advance of seeking formal zoning code variances. The
architects engaged the neighborhood and the City and a
final creative solution was approved and built.
The now-completed solution used the benefit of heavily
sloped site to bury the new gym and related spaces below
grade…an underground gym. This decision totally
eliminated the out-of-scale with the neighborhood large
gym volume. Moreover, the gym’s roof was now at grade
and was therefore useable for outdoor play space. The
school got its gym and lost no outdoor open space. The
underground gym is as light-filled as any above grade
facility, as it is illuminated along one entire side with
skylights.

Clayton School District – Glenridge Elementary
Clayton, Missouri

As designed

As built

Owner:
Clayton School District
Size:
7,750 square feet
Completion: August 2010

This expansion includes a three-story addition to be
added to this historic 1929 school, which serves grades
K-5. The lower level of the addition expands the
lunchroom and thereby also creates a multipurpose room.
The new first floor portion replaces a Kindergarten
classroom and the upper floor adds a new large science
lab. A new fire stair connects all three levels and provides
direct access to the playground. The addition is a
contextual piece, which matches the existing brick and
stone facades, fenestration and sloped roof lines.
Renovation workscope includes: reconfigured
classrooms, a re-built stage, a new counselor suite and
specialized small classrooms. Various MEP system
improvements will be made and a new fire sprinkler
system will be installed. Sitework includes a new science
garden adjacent to the new addition, sitting walls with
adjacent landscaped beds, and foundation waterproofing.

Clayton School District – Captain Elementary
Clayton, Missouri

As designed

As built
Owner:
Size:
7,770 square feet

The planned 2-story and 1-story additions continue the
unique hexagonal geometry of this 1970s open–
classroom school. The two additions generally fit under
the existing upper floor classrooms, which project over
covered concrete at –grade porches. These contextual
additions also match the existing brick and concrete
facades and banded windows. The lower level of the 2story addition provides a new science lab, a new Spanish
language lab and interior circulation. The upper portion of
this addition provides an extra small classroom and a
counselor office.
The smaller one-story addition, at the opposite end of the
school, expands the administrative offices. Renovation
workscope includes administrative office remodeling, a
new storage mezzanine, MEP system improvements and
a new fire sprinkler system. Sitework includes a re-built
science garden adjacent to the new science lab, ramped
walkways, parking expansion and a new bus drop-off lane

Clayton School District – Meramec Elementary
Clayton, Missouri

As designed

As built
Owner:
Size:
6,200 square feet

This historic 1938 school serves grades K-5 in a facility,
which has expanded three previous times in the last 70
years. This latest planned expansion includes two additions.
The one-story addition expands the lunchroom and thereby
also creates a multipurpose room. The other addition is two
stories high. It provides a large science lab at the first floor,
upper floor small classrooms and office/conference spaces
and a new fire stair. Both additions are contextual pieces,
which fit the existing materials, form and roof lines.
Renovation workscope includes upgraded restrooms, MEP
improvements and a new fire sprinkler system. Sitework
includes a new science garden adjacent to the new science
lab, terraced landscaped retaining walls defining the
playground, foundation waterproofing, and improved ADA
access both within the site and into the building.

Clayton School District – The Family Center
Clayton, Missouri

As designed

With various programming and
specialized spaces, this early
childhood center serves children from
2 months old through 5 years old.

As built

The brick-faced addition matches the
scale and form of the original 1953
building. The addition adds two upper
floor classrooms for 3-5 year old
children with child-scaled restroom
fixtures. The two classrooms feature
windows with lower sill heights for
child-scale viewing. An indoor lowerlevel multi-purpose room provides to
a large open space for gross motor
skill development. The addition also
includes a new elevator to allow for
improved accessibility.
Miscellaneous alterations were made
in the current building portions to
respond to code compliance.
Sitework includes increased parking,
an outdoor classroom/gathering
space, terraced planted beds to
mitigate water intrusion problems and
new sidewalks.
Owner:
Size:
5,500 square feet

The Old Post Office
St. Louis, Missouri

GSA and DESCO/DFC Group joined forces with the
State of Missouri’s Court of Appeals for the Eastern
District and Webster University to redevelop the Old
Post Office as a multi-use complex. The historic Old
Post Office building, is a National Historic Landmark
in downtown St. Louis.
Adding modern engineered systems, 21st century
offices, and new fixtures and finishes was a great
challenge. Extreme care was required to fit this new
work into the historic and decorative fabric without
hurting the its original integrity.

Developer: DESCO/DFC Group
Size:
242,000 square feet
Cost:
$26 million
Completion: September 2006

Throughout the long design process, Trivers
worked closely with a myriad of review building
preservation entities including the General Services
Administration, the National Park Service and its
Advisory Council of Historic Preservation, the State
Historic Preservation Office, the local Cultural
Resources Office, and the Landmarks Association of
St. Louis.

The Old Post Office
St. Louis, Missouri

The Court of Appeals has taken the top two
floors, re-utilizing the two historic main
courtrooms and the remainder of these two
floors for judges’ chambers and support
space.
The State of Missouri tenancy also includes
St. Louis office space for the Attorney
General, the Secretary of State, and the
Department of Health and Senior Services.
Webster University occupies the entire floor
just below the main entry level, the MidLevel. These classrooms address the
educational needs of downtown workers.

Developer: DESCO/DFC Group
Size:
242,000 square feet
Cost:
$26 million

The other private tenants include: the St.
Louis Business Journal, the St. Louis Public
Library, Teach for America, Focus St. Louis,
the Pasta House Company and a small
museum on the history of the building itself.
The once-vacant building is now 100%
occupied.

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
New Bern, North Carolina

Following two smaller renovations, this phase 3
renovation/addition project addresses the
balance and the majority of the remaining work
in this 1933 Georgian Revival U.S. Post Office &
Courthouse structure.
Restoration with minor alterations of historic
public spaces and the major historic courtroom
are included. Conservation work occurred on
various historic elements such as the original
lighting fixtures, terrazzo and tile flooring
and plaster wall surfaces. Plan changes include
the addition of a new bankruptcy
courtroom/hearing room to be located in the
former U.S. Post Office space. A brick and
stone addition was built at the rear, which
maintains the strict symmetry of the original
structure. This addition houses a new U.S.
Marshals suite.
Owner:

General Services Administration
Southeast Region 4, Atlanta, Georgia
Size:
42,000 Gross Square Feet
Completion: Fall 2010
Cost:
$10,000,000

The addition will include new secure separate
circulation for the judge and prisoners, a vehicular
sallyport, a new area command station for the
Marshals Service, and prisoner holding cells.
Envelope work includes a roof repair, painting,
tuckpointing, historic flagpole replacement and
pavement restoration. Envelope building security
improvements include the addition of blast-proof
window sash with window film. Building accessibility
and security is also being addressed at both the front
public entry and rear employee entrance. The modern
security screening equipment and processing will be
accomplished in a room outside of the historic front
lobby. A fenced parking lot with a guard station
occupies the rear area.
Finally, the GSA is striving to achieve a LEED “Silver”
rating for this renovation/addition project. This goal
has driven multiple changes to the MEP upgrades and
other design elements.

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
San Antonio, Texas

This multi-use Federal building,
sited adjacent to historic Alamo
Square, was built in 1937 and is
listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
The project consists of multiple
Federal agency and public space
alterations/modernizations tied to
major structural, mechanical,
electrical, plumbing, and fire safety
upgrades. Many of the envelop and
MEP improvements also serve to
attain the goal of LEED Gold
certification. The alterations are
also focused on improved access
and usability for disabled users.
Such alterations include a more
dignified means of main entry and
renovated restrooms. This
modernization will provide a
general-use conference center, new
space for the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development
and for multiple smaller new
Federal tenants. All alterations
were designed with improved
security in mind and were approved
by the various Federal agencies
focused on security. Construction
work is phased to allow for the
ongoing activities of the existing
tenants.
Preservation design solutions
were developed and reviewed in
compliance with the National
Historic Preservation Act and in
conjunction with the Texas State
Historic Preservation Officer.
Owner:

General Services Administration
Greater SW Region 7, Fort Worth, Texas
Size:
Completion: Winter 2011
Cost:
$46,000,000

Catco Catastrophe Cleaning and Restoration
St. Louis, Missouri
Alverson Architecture

Catco engaged Alverson Architecture to redesign an
existing commercial /industrial building to efficiently
accommodate the entire Catco operations and
administration facility for the St. Louis area, relocating the
company from St. Louis City to the St. Louis County.
Catco responds to properties damaged by fire, wind and
water, providing onsite remediation or by bringing
damaged items back to their facility for specialized
cleaning. They also provide in house reconstruction
services.
This project was designed and built in two phases of
approximately equal areas. Completion of the phase one
scope allowed the operational activities and
equipment/storage components to move into new
common space on one level. The older Catco facility had
these activities and items located in two buildings on
multiple floors. Phase one had its own office space,
cleaning rooms and support spaces.
Phase Two encompassed all administrative functions
including office space for sales, accounting, construction,
support spaces and featured a large 40-person training
room. Catco trains outside individuals, who wish to
become certified in catastrophe cleaning. The new facility
provides for a more efficient work flow and for better
communication between the various departments.
Size:
Completion: April 2012
Cost:
$480,000

Anderson Family New House
St. Louis, Missouri
Alverson Architecture

Original Fire-Damaged House

Entablature detail wraps corner

New House Front Facade

Adjacent home used as design reference

Alverson Architecture designed this new house for the Anderson Family located in The Ville, an historic
neighborhood in the City of St. Louis. The new house replaces an original home, which was heavily
damaged by a fire next door. The new two bedroom / 2 bath home is a simple rectangular structure, which
matches the height, massing, materials and detail of other existing nearby historic homes.
Because of the house’s location in an historic district, Alverson Architecture had to gain approval for the
exterior design from the City’s Historic Preservation Board. The initial design called for a brick front façade
with vinyl siding on the other sides. The Board rejected the use of vinyl siding and required additional
fenestration on the front façade to match the look of the neighboring homes. Alverson Architecture proposed
a final design compromise, which was approved by the Board, the homeowner and which fit the contractor’s
budget. The brick was eliminated, with all four facades covered in cement board clapboard siding. This
siding was painted to match the original brick color. The use of clapboard siding is consistent with other
homes in this historic district. The extra windows were also added to the front façade. The completed
house was completed on budget and its design matches the scale and detail of its neighboring home.
Size:
Cost:
$160,000

James Alverson Architectural Portfolio 2000-2013

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James Alverson Architectural Portfolio 2000-2013