Founded in 1942, CPI was known as the recognized leader in portrait photography and was instrumental in the formation of the mass portrait market.

From 1985 through early 2000, The Korte Company worked closely with CPI ownership to design and build a number of renovations and additions at their downtown St. Louis headquarters, a historically significant landmark located at 1706 Washington Avenue.

The initial renovation of the CPI building incorporated an extensive interior and exterior renovation that spanned a four-year period. During all phases of reconstruction, CPI remained fully operational and occupied, a provision that required a comprehensive construction be put in place to ensure construction work would not interfere with the daily activities of the facility and its residents.

The exterior renovation included the new construction of wood storefronts to match the existing architecture, restoration of iron grilles, new sidewalks, new bay areas, and repairs to the structural concrete slab. In addition to structural restoration, the building’s terra cotta facade was repaired, tuck-pointed, primed and painted.

Interior renovation of the nine-story building included improvements and new construction throughout. Selective demolition was required before new construction was initiated. The multi-floor renovation included new surfaces, flooring and paint. In addition, an integrated sprinkler system was designed and installed.

Today, the building remains on the National Register of Historic Places.

Project details

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Project Details
Markets
  • Office
  • Renovations & Additions
Clients
  • CPI Corporation
Architects
  • Mackey Mitchell Architects
Services
  • General Contracting
Size
  • 300,000 square feet
Awards
  • CNR Award
    Concrete Council Award
Location
  • St. Louis, MO
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Offices

St. Louis
5700 Oakland Avenue
Suite 275
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: 314-231-3700
Fax: 314-231-4682
Highland
12441 US Highway 40
PO Box 146
Highland, IL 62249
Phone: 618-654-8611
Fax: 618-654-4999
Las Vegas
9225 W. Flamingo Road
Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89147
Phone: 702-228-9551
Fax: 702-228-5852
BUILDING EMERGENCY? CALL US 24/7 AT 618-654-8611
"I'D RATHER DRIVE NAILS THAN EAT." -RALPH KORTE