The American Electric Building is a prominent 160,000-square-foot, 8-story structure situated in the heart of St. Joseph, MO, and has become an iconic feature of the downtown skyline.
With its prime location near the I-229 viaduct, downtown St. Joseph’s key commercial thoroughfare, the building enjoys unmatched visibility. Its walkability to bustling businesses and vibrant retail makes it a focal point for both downtown residents and commuters traveling in and out of the city.
Sky Real Estate teamed up with Sunflower Development Group to revitalize the American Electric Building, with construction starting in December 2019. The project aims to transform the building into 137 market-rate loft-style apartments, alongside 10,000 square feet of commercial space, featuring a first-floor coffee shop. Residents will enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, community room, smart technology, building-wide Wi-Fi, and more.
Photos by Nicole Bissey
Alongside traditional bank financing and equity from Opportunity Zone funds, the project was supported by a mix of federal, state, and local incentives, including Historic Tax Credits and a Chapter 100 Bond issuance. Construction began in December 2019 and wrapped up in Spring 2021. SWD Architects handled the design, while Rau Construction served as the general contractor.
