Author: robyndexter

Dancing Astronaut

i_o invites you to his warehouse with ‘Not Techno’ [Q&A]

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i_o continues to build his techno regime with each powerful new release. Fresh off an impressive two-track EP, the producer has been cooking up a sassy tongue-in-cheek track called “Not Techno.” He gave DA some insight into the track, along with his thoughts on today’s techno scene, in the Q&A below.

What statement are you making with a song like “Not Techno”?

“Not Techno” is a mission statement for the kids who love going to underground parties. It’s a return to the sweaty, grimey, dark warehouses that dance music was made for. It is also a tongue-in-cheek response to the techno snobs who love to give me (and generally anyone who uses the word “techno” without their permission) a hard time on the internet. Dance music fans are awesome and get excited about new music, but there are always those few elitists who feel the need to hate on anything and everything, regardless of what it is. Genre is a helpful tool for defining sound but some people turn it into a prison and berate anyone who doesn’t follow some arbitrary guideline. They tend to ruin the fun, not only for themselves, but also for those around them. We’re all guilty of it sometimes, but at the end of the day, it’s dance music. It’s about coming together and sharing a moment. nothing matters, calm down, have fun.

What type of feelings are you trying to evoke with your music?

I want my stuff to sound like it’s in a sweaty, dark, over-capacity warehouse. Late-night underground music. The music the scene was built off of, the vibe we’re missing at the moment.

What genres most entice you right now outside of techno and why?

I’m a fan of music that pushes boundaries, bands like Rage Against the Machine and Nine Inch Nails. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of drum and bass and industrial. That attitude leaks into my own music.

If you could play a show anywhere, where would it be and who would it be with?

Best show I’ve ever seen was an all out techno set at Factory 93 by deadmau5. I’d build a time machine just to get to play that show.

What are your thoughts on today’s techno scene?

There’s some insane talent. I feel like everyday I get sent a new track or remix that is better than the last. There are tons of people pushing new sounds. There are the old heads who are finally getting the recognition they deserve. 130+ bpm is getting stage time. Acid house is back. There’s a revival of electro tech in Detroit. The European scene is incredible as it has been for years. But it’s really the American scene I’m most excited about — things are heating up in a big way, and I’m glad to be a part of it.

What’s coming up for you in the second half of 2018?

Tons of music. Two more EPs on mau5trap with much more of a warehouse sound than the previous ones, along with another heavy release on inHarmony. Hopefully a big remix on mau5trap as well (my favorite track I’ve made in a long while). I also may be hopping on a couple different tours of some of my favorite artists for a few dates in the fall. All of which I’m super stoked about.

 

This story was originally published at dancingastronaut.com. Read it in full on DA’s website here.

Dancing Astronaut

Premiere: Tim Schaufert & CASHFORGOLD – Always High [Q&A]

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Tim Schaufert and CASHFORGOLD have collaborated on more than a dozen songs since they began releasing tracks together last spring. The German producer’s and Detroit songstress’ styles come together brilliantly from across the sea, blending into a glowing atmosphere that’s simultaneously ethereal and eerie. From last November’s “Gold” to July’s “Awake,” the duo demonstrate a perfect mastery of a style that’s all their own.

In their latest piece of work together, “Always High,” Schaufert and CASHFORGOLD spin a mysterious and complex web, packed with melancholy chords, wistful vocals, and a subtle trap beat.

DA caught up with Schaufert to hear about his production process with CASHFORGOLD’s Jacqueline Torgerson and what he has in store for the remainder of the year.

What has your evolution been like as an artist over the past few years? What’s most important to you as an artist?

In my teens, I listened to minimal and house, which is very prominent in Germany, but took a complete shift in my listening and producing habits two years ago. After a break from electronic music due to university and mental health stuff, I came back in 2016 and started all over. I got disinterested in house and instead got into chill and wave music. I started taking music seriously and since I couldn’t stand studying and not doing something creative any longer, made the decision to pursue it professionally.

What is your production process like when you and CASHFORGOLD work together?

I usually start by making an instrumental, either a loop or a quick sketch of an arrangement, nothing too complex. The chord progression is the important part for Jacqueline to write the vocal to. After the vocal is recorded the song can take on a lot of new directions. I’ve been enjoying working this way, because it gets me to think more creatively and try out different song structures and styles. If I planned out everything in advance, it would more formulaic.

How do your styles fit together?

The great thing is that they don’t always line up, so we force each other to be open in that way and try out ideas that you wouldn’t have tried when working on your own. This comes with obstacles, but I much prefer it to becoming stagnant.

How would you describe your music in three words to someone who’s never heard it?

haunted, emo, chill

What’s coming up for you in the second half of 2018?

CASHFORGOLD and I have our first EP coming up in July, which I am very excited about. It’s got a dark, witchy theme and the EP format glues that side of our sound together. The weeks before and after that are filled with singles, pretty much every Friday there will be something new.

If you could play a show anywhere in the world, where would it be?

In the middle of a hillside, in a warm evening in spring. Not a huge crowd, intimate. My focus has very much been production, so I actually haven’t played a single show since 2016, but maybe that’ll change soon.

This story was originally published at dancingastronaut.com. Read it in full on DA’s website here.

Ladue News Feature Stories

Honoring Land and Family

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Andy Busch was born into a beer empire.

The son of the late August Anheuser Busch Jr., Busch grew up around Anheuser-Busch brewing company and Grant’s Farm.

Pursuing a passion for polo, for which he was asked to serve as captain of the U.S. team representing America in the World Cup, Busch and his wife, Kim, began visiting the Santa Barbara, California, area in 1998. Four years later, the Busches made the leap and moved their family from St. Louis to nearly 2,000 miles away.

The couple wanted to find a ranch and land to purchase – something that reminded them of Grant’s Farm and of home to keep their children grounded in working on the land. Over the next two years, they looked at 50 ranches, but none of them felt right. Then, in 2004, they came through the gate of a property they were touring and knew it was going to be their next project, later purchasing a contiguous ranch in 2011.

“Folded Hills was in gross disrepair,” Andy Busch remembers.

But the property was perfect and reminded the Busches of Grant’s Farm. It had once belonged to the Morton Salt family and was called Folded Hills because of its location in the folds of the mountains. As the crow flies, it’s only 5 miles from the ocean. After learning more about the property, the Busches found out that there had been a vineyard on the hillside of the property and that wine had been made in the basement of the farmhouse during the pre-Prohibition era. (The farmhouse in question will be the estate tasting room, set to open in spring 2019.) Learning this history, the couple brought in experts to research the land and climate to find out what they’d be able to grow.

“The land told us what it wanted: Rhône varietals,” Kim Busch says.

And Folded Hills Winery was born.

Andy and Kim Busch approached their new venture from a land perspective. They sought to keep the acreage organic and agricultural, and wanted to “honor the valley,” according to Kim Busch. “The grapes are remarkable; the growers can’t believe it,” she says. Along with meticulously researching the terroir to discover which grapes might grow best in the soil and climate, the family also made many improvements to the property.

Folded Hills is a 600-acre working ranch and comprises 12 acres of Rhône reds, including grenache and syrah; 3 acres of Rhône whites, including the grenache blanc, marsanne and clairette blanc; and land for cattle, pigs, chickens, Clydesdales and 15 acres of organic row crop vegetables and fruits. The property also features a polo field for one of the Busch family’s favorite hobbies, hosting games weekly during the summer.

They launched their first set of wines more than a year ago in St. Louis – all named for members of Andy Busch’s family or Grant’s Farm. The Lilly Rosé is an estate rosé named after the numerous generations of Lillys in the Busch family.

“There are six generations of Lillys in our family, all the way to our daughter and granddaughter,” Kim Busch says.

She notes that many people dislike rosé because it’s typically a byproduct of making other wines. But at Folded Hills, the vintners both plant and pick specifically for a crisp, dry Provençal-style rosé. This deliberate process led to Folded Hills’ rosé being named “year’s best rosé” by Wine & Spirits magazine.

The winery’s collection also includes a 2016 Estate Whole “Cluster” Grenache, which honors the traditional Beaujolais style; a 2015 Grant Grenache named for Grant’s Farm and Ulysses S. Grant, which was named the best grenache in California and top tree in the U.S.; a 2015 August Red Wine that pays homage to Andy Busch’s father and grandfather; an August White blend; and two reserves of Ballard Canyon Grenache and Syrah.

The Busches hired New Zealand winemaker Angela Osborne and grower Ruben Solorzano, who ensures the best picking times and the highest-quality process that honors the land where the grapes are grown organically and biodynamically, which Kim Busch describes as “a very natural style of winemaking that allows the quality of the grapes and terroir to speak for themselves.” As the winery’s website states, “It’s all part of our promise to make wine in an honest, time-honored way.”

On top of the day-to-day vineyard operations, a typical day at Folded Hills is anything but.

“A ‘typical’ day for me at the ranch could be anything,” Andy Busch says. “It could include maintaining the polo field, clearing roads for cattle, baby pigs being born, doing a wine tasting, greeting guests … anything that needs to be done.”

Andy and Kim Busch are in the process of remodeling the 100-year-old farmhouse on the property, which, as noted earlier, will open in spring 2019 as a tasting room. They encourage visitors to visit the ranch and feed the animals, pick their own produce and tour the vineyard. Interested parties should contact info@foldedhills.com for a private wine tasting.

Kim Busch says she and her spouse love having St. Louis friends out to the property and look forward to the ranch’s continued growth. It was also important to the Busch family to have Folded Hills wine available locally, and it can be purchased at a dozen St. Louis retailers and restaurants (see sidebar).

“If you enjoy what you’re doing and the people you are sharing it with … getting a table together and enjoying a farm-to-table meal and getting out in nature … that’s what this is all about,” Kim Busch says.

Andy Busch echoes her sentiments by relaying an old family saying.

“Gussie’s motto is ‘making friends is our business,’” he says. “We’re trying to continue that on with this wine.”

This story was originally published at laduenews.com. Read it on LN’s website here.

Happily Ever After Stories

Happily Ever After: Baby Bear and the Howarth Family

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Once upon a time, Donna and Mike Howarth had an English bulldog named Rosie. When she passed away after 14 years, the Howarths donated all of her dog supplies to St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue, including several beds. Donna had been following the rescue’s Facebook page, browsing the dogs as they came in and were being adopted. In April of last year, she saw the rescue had taken in two dogs that were sick.

“I saw a photo and thought, ‘Hey, that looks like Rosie’s old bed!’” Donna says.

St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue’s president, Diana Engeszer, commented on a Facebook note to that effect, saying that indeed it was. The dog in the bed was Baby Bear, a pup that was dumped in Crestwood at the abandoned mall. Animal control was going to euthanize him, and he had pneumonia and skin issues.

“But that bed was an instant connection,” Donna recalls. “[Engeszer] said he was ready for adoption, and I said I’d like to be his mom.”

Mike had been wanting another bulldog, so the couple filled out an application, and Engeszer brought Baby Bear out to see them that same weekend. Mike and Donna had gone out and bought the supplies they’d need to have a dog in the house again, including a bed. They were ready when Engeszer pulled up with Baby Bear.

“He got out of the car and headed right into the house like he owned the place,” Mike says with a laugh. “He went straight to his new bed and made himself at home immediately.”

In the year the Howarths have had Baby Bear, the 5-year-old pup has continued to fit right into their lives. His health issues and allergies limit his outdoor activities, but he’s content to curl up with his people and snooze. Donna’s mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away in September, and she lost her father in April of this year. Donna and Mike spent a lot of time in the hospital and nursing home during these times, and Baby Bear got sad on those occasions when they weren’t around.

“Both my parents really loved him, and we would take him to the nursing home to visit,” Donna says. “He just comes up to anyone and lays his head on their lap and wants to be petted.”

Despite his laid-back nature, Baby Bear is a total attention hog and only wants to be petted or scratched.

“He’s happiest when we’re both there, and he’s sitting between us,” Donna says.

Mike echoes these sentiments, noting that it goes both ways.

“If you’re having a bad day or are stressed out, he’s a great comfort,” he says. “Having him around is therapeutic.”

In giving back to the rescue organization that saved him, Donna and Mike take Baby Bear to meet-and-greet events at Treats Unleashed. He’ll let anyone pet him and doesn’t take much interest in other dogs, making him the perfect greeter.

“It’s just such a blessing to have him,” Donna says. “We can’t thank [Engeszer] enough for saving his life.”

This story was originally published at laduenews.com. Read it on LN’s website here.

Dancing Astronaut

Xan Griffin unveils the story behind his conceptual ‘Zodiac’ album [Interview]

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Xan Griffin has been producing music for nine years — half of his life. 

When he was just 9 years old, the young music enthusiast being creating his own compositions. He loved the idea of concept-style arrangements and swore to himself that when he honed his craft, he’d work on a large-scale project based around a concept or theme. At the time, he was interested in Greek mythology and the 12 astrological zodiac signs, which led to a genius idea.

“When I was 10, I researched the zodiac signs and couldn’t find evidence that anyone had ever done an album based on the zodiac signs,” he recalls.

No one had tailored a song to each personality of each sign of the zodiac and released them at their corresponding time of the year. But Griffin didn’t want to try to put such a project together at such a young age. He decided to put the idea in his back pocket and revisit it when he thought his production skills were up to par with the concept itself.

“I told myself that when I became proficient to the point where I could create anything I can imagine, I would pick the idea back up,” he continues. 

Fast forward six years to early 2016. Griffin has begun to make waves in the electronic music sphere with a successful set of remixes for the likes of Just a Gent, Botnek & I See MONSTAS, Illenium, and Bright Lights. He wanted to work on a big original side project to keep the momentum of the remixes going.

Then, “I remembered the zodiac idea,” he says. “I said to myself, ‘I’m going to spend the next two years grinding and working on this and doing as much research as I can. I’m going to try to make the best music I can to represent each one of these signs.’”

Griffin felt he finally had the skill set to execute his vision, and he got to work.

His first release came in May of last year with its corresponding zodiac symbol, Gemini (his own zodiac sign). The collaboration with WILD has since garnered nearly half a million plays on SoundCloud and served as an exceptional launching point for his zodiac series. From there, he spent the next 12 months leading up to the full release of his Zodiac album by releasing the corresponding time period’s song.

The production process for each track was different, he says. Of the album’s 14 tracks, 10 of them feature collaborators, and each of them came about in a different way. “Capricorn,” for example, “was the most unexpected thing ever.” Griffin had been hanging out with WOLFE and practicing on his CDJs for his first show. When Griffin showed the producer the original instrumental for “Capricorn,” WOLFE revealed that he was a Capricorn and wanted to lend some vocals to the concept. This led to the track in its final form and has become a fan favorite.

Overall, Griffin says went into Zodiac without a specific direction. He he dove into each piece wanting to recreate a feeling rather than a sound — a theme that carried through the entirety of his two-year production process on the album.

“In ‘Scorpio,’ for example, I wanted it to be dark and inspirational and mysterious,” he says. “Instead of focusing on the sound, I focused on melodies and how certain things could harmonize to create the character I was going for.”

Gemini artwork by Peter Mohrbacher

As each one of the tracks was released, fans not only fell in love with the unique and varied qualities of each zodiac sign, but also the artwork that accompanied each one. Griffin had called upon the talents of Magic: The Gathering card game artist Peter Mohrbacher, who created the otherworldly designs that provided a visual representation of Griffin’s creation. 

“He loved the idea of collaborating,” Griffin says. “I sent him the songs, and he based every piece of artwork on the characters in the song, along with the knowledge he had of the zodiac signs.”

Zodiac was released on Seeking Blue on May 24, 2018 — Griffin’s 18th birthday. It features a track for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac, along with a title track called “Zodiac” and an extra called “Ophiuchus,” which draws its meaning from a large constellation located around the celestial equator.

As the embodiment of his sign — the Gemini — Griffin says he’s always going to be changing. “There are so many different genres in this album,” he says. “It’s diverse, and I want to prepare people for what’s going to come in the future.”

As for the future, Griffin just graduated high school a few weeks ago and is preparing for his next steps in life. He’s already working on a second album: another conceptual-type series, filled with “some pretty big curveballs.”

“Some of my favorite music I’ve ever produced is on that album,” he admits, excitement audible in his voice. “It’s going to be a visual-focused project… think music videos, 3-D and 2-D animation. I want this to be executed to its fullest ability.”

When asked to describe his music in three words to someone who’s never heard it, Griffin immediately fires off the first two: “emotional and unpredictable.” He takes his time to come up with the third, which seems to truly sum the thoughtfulness behind his projects: “metamorphic.”

“What I represent is the epitome of a Gemini,” he says. “I always want to be changing and never get in the comfort zone of making the same kind of music.”

Featured photo: Pablo Sanchez

This story was originally published at dancingastronaut.com. Read it in full on DA’s website here.

Happily Ever After Stories

Happily Ever After: Jewel and the Keefe Family

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Once upon a time, Courtney Keefe adopted a dog named Chloe from Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Keefe had Chloe for eight years before the pup was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer in October 2017. About a month later, Keefe’s mother was diagnosed with stomach, liver, lung and pancreatic cancer. Chloe passed away this past January, and Keefe’s mother passed away slightly more than a month after Chloe.

“It was a one-two punch,” Keefe says.

In the process of grieving, but still trying to go about her daily life, Keefe went to Open Door, to which she makes regular donations, on April 7. She had browsed its adoptable dogs online, but told herself she wasn’t ready yet – until she saw Jewel.

“I was taken in by her bio online,” Keefe says. “I called and asked specifically about her.”

When Keefe arrived at Open Door, staff members asked if she would like to take Jewel for a walk.

“[The Open Door staff] was blown away by how quickly we bonded,” Keefe recalls. “There was an instant connection. We’re perfect for each other.”

Keefe took the 45-pound boxer/Lab mix home the same day. The pup had been at Open Door for 10 months and had a hard time at the shelter. She could be aggressive, had her guard up and “didn’t show well,” according to Keefe.

She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but Keefe says she didn’t need an easy dog.

“I needed a dog that was going to require attention and extra TLC,” she says. “I’m in a rough place right now, and coming home to an empty house after losing Chloe and then my mom was so hard. I was sad and removed. There was a void, but Jewel has filled that and then some. We picked each other.”

Since adopting Jewel just a little more than a month ago, Keefe has divided her time between teaching at The Soulard School and tending to her new four-legged child.

“She sleeps on the bed with me and has full run of the house,” Keefe says. “She still has her guard up a lot of the time, but she’s slowly letting it down. With me, she’s already let it down, but with other people, she’s still kind of cautious.”

Keefe says it’s impossible to keep fluffy squeaker toys in the house because Jewel “murders them.” The pup loves playing fetch, lounging, chasing squirrels and going for walks. The two are still figuring each other out, but Keefe knows Jewel is in her forever home.

“The name just fit, because she’s a diamond in the rough,” Keefe says. “She got overlooked and had to be searched for. But the patience pays off, because I love her more every day.”

This story was originally published at laduenews.com. Read it on LN’s website here.

Ladue News Feature Stories

Savvier Than Ever

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Since 2010, Ladue’s Savvy Surrounding Style has been providing St. Louis with all things home: from gorgeous couches to lively holiday décor to dynamic artwork. The store has also been a full-service design firm since its inception, working with clients to help create their dream spaces.

In 2018, though, Savvy is honing its focus on its design services. The Savvy team is currently in the process of completely updating and remodeling the showroom, and the new and improved space will be unveiled in mid-May.

Savvy owner Diane Fogerty is excited for what this revamped effort will be able to bring to the area. She notes that since Savvy added commercial design last year, its design services have really taken off, which led the Savvy team to dial back on the retail end and emphasize another aspect.

“We’ve revamped our showroom with new lines that aren’t generally available anywhere else in St. Louis,” Fogerty says. “We’re going to have a lot more product that will enhance the experience. We offer very unique pieces to enhance our customers’ homes. Sometimes that key element is all you need to complete a project.”

The new and improved Savvy will feature a brand-new design library and facility where Savvy designers will be able to interact with their clients and to present design plans, including renderings and 3-D models to help with visualization.

“The updated studio will make the process easier for our clients through the selection and decision-making process,” she says.

When customers step through the doors of the remodeled space, Fogerty hopes they’ll be inspired by the atmosphere it provides. She’s traveled all over the country seeking the best pieces for the new showroom and is enthusiastic about what she’s found.

“Our first goal for this new space is to bring new looks to the St. Louis marketplace, which is why I traveled so much looking for lines of furniture and accessories,” Fogerty says. “When you visit the West and East coasts and realize there’s so much out there that isn’t readily available [in St. Louis], we’re looking to bring the newer trends to this area.”

She notes the incorporation of metallics and faux hides in Savvy’s new pieces, along with “great pieces for mantels and bookcases, coffee tables and exciting new lighting.” Fogerty even found a light fixture made out of feathers in Las Vegas.

“The use of color right now in design is exciting to me,” she says. “It used to be the neutrals weren’t very interesting. You had your beige, your ivory … Now there [are] so many new neutrals, like navy and even metallic.”

She’s seeing this resurgence of color on ceilings, in patterns and in wallpaper – which she notes is making a huge comeback.

“It’s unbelievable what you can do with wallpaper,” she says.

Fogerty also notes the importance of lighting, saying it’s “not just a function, it’s a design element.”

“There are so many ways to enhance a room by lighting it correctly,” she adds.

When it comes to overall style and themes, Fogerty says the trend of mixing styles has become a revolution.

“Not everything has to be the same style,” she says. “Choose pieces you love, and put them together. You don’t have to fit in a box.”

To celebrate the store’s reopening, Fogerty and her team are planning on hosting a grand opening event, along with an invite-only open for past clients.

“We’re so excited about the opening,” she says. “Everyone wants to update their look in spring and summer and dust everything off. It’s a great time for us to be reopening.”

Savvy will be taking walk-ins for design services from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and by appointment the other days of the week. The team features three full-time designers, two full-time projects managers, a design assistant and a full-time manager and accountant. Fogerty also hopes to hire an intern this summer, too, citing that she likes to work with up-and-comers in St. Louis’ design community.

When it comes to design services, Fogerty says Savvy is able to stand out because it doesn’t have a “look.”

“Our look is our clients’ look,” she says. “A lot of firms have a specific look, but ours is whatever the client wants it to be. At the end of the day, someone else is going to enjoy it, so we want it to be what [he or she] is looking for. You just have to help them find it.”

This story was originally published at laduenews.com. Read it on LN’s website here.

Ladue News Feature Stories

Carefully Curated Classics

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In a beautiful building on the corner of Shenandoah and Thurman avenues, visitors to and residents of St. Louis’ Shaw neighborhood will find the new home of Future Ancestor.

The curated vintage furniture and modern housewares shop is the brainchild of Julia and Brian Leenig. It originally started as an online Etsy shop, founded on Julia Leenig’s love of and eye for design in all forms. Years spent moving residences and decorating and styling each new space fueled a growing love for interior design and collecting vintage pieces. Realizing she couldn’t keep all of the pieces she had collected, though, Leenig started the Etsy shop with her husband, which turned into a holiday pop-up concept on St. Louis’ Cherokee Street in November 2014. The success of the holiday event led to the Leenigs’ deciding to stay in the pop-up space for three years under the name Future Ancestor.

After three years, the need to expand both their space and their selection led the Leenigs to start looking for a larger storefront. One day, Leenig was driving through the Shaw neighborhood and saw the perfect spot. On Feb. 23, Future Ancestor opened the doors on its new, much-larger digs in this ideal location. Leenig says things have been great since relocating and praises the surrounding community.

“This neighborhood is just so welcoming,” she says. “You can tell people are always looking out for you. So many people have stopped by or brought us a bottle of wine.”

Visitors to Future Ancestor will be instantly wowed by the store’s bright interior. The Leenigs painted the floors, walls and ceilings white, giving the store a showroomlike feel. Natural light pours from windows that make up the front portion of the store and illuminates a carefully curated selection of vintage and modern goods ranging from dressers to rugs to plants.

Leenig notes that the majority of her and her husband’s vintage pieces are unique because they’re often one of a kind. On top of that, the Leenigs are choosy about what they bring in.

“We want everything to be high quality,” Leenig says. “We put everything through the test before we sell it to somebody. I think that’s what makes it unique.”

Dressers are top sellers and always sell quickly due to their high quality and durability.

“Most of the dressers we carry are midcentury, which is popular right now,” she says. “They’re all so well-built, so they really sell themselves.”

Gift-type items like earrings and plants are also popular, which Leenig attributes to their going along with the lifestyle vibe of the store. Her personal favorites include gorgeous, brightly colored rugs that hang from the walls, along with a selection of textured pillows that are made from old Turkish rugs.

Because the Shaw location is double the size of Future Ancestor’s previous location, Leenig says she and her husband have been able to grow their selection of gift items, along with their contemporary selection.

“We’ve been able to expand with our modern line, not just all vintage,” she says. “[The store] is a mix of the two because that’s how most people live their lives.”

A self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur,” Leenig is always looking for her next venture.

“I have a lot of ideas cooking in my head,” she says.

One goal for this year is to convert the apartment above the store into an Airbnb since it’s currently sitting empty. She’s also taking Future Ancestor out the door and into the St. Louis community.

“A lot of people have been interested in design services, so the store is now offering them,” Leenig says. “It’s fun to bring Future Ancestor out of the store.”

While she may have an eye for design, Leenig says she often hears that customers are struggling with the arrangement and décor of their own homes.

“A lot of times people think they’re not good at interior design, but we’re always telling people to just have fun with it and don’t think about it too hard,” she says. “Don’t try to do everything one style. If you just buy what you love, then it’ll all go together.”

This story was originally published at laduenews.com. Read it on LN’s website here.

Ladue News Feature Stories

Life of Luxury

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Across the metro area, upscale apartments provide a wow-worthy living experience that contends with the most luxurious of houses.

A wave of luxury apartment complexes is sweeping the St. Louis area, providing its residents with a wide selection of upscale amenities, roomy spaces and smart technology. LN talked to representatives from three new establishments about what they bring to the already-vibrant St. Louis community.

Ceylon

Ceylon opened in late 2017 in Clayton with a vivacious grand-opening party that included tapas and cocktails from neighboring businesses Barcelona and The Wine Merchant, Ltd., along with live music and a chance to learn more about the building’s offerings.

Inspired by the ever-popular Saint Louis Art Fair, Ceylon provides a minimalistic, modern feel from the moment you set foot inside. Located at the corner of Maryland and North Central avenues, the boutique apartment complex offers studio, one- and two-bedroom stylish apartment homes.

General manager Ali Graeff says that while luxury is expected in Clayton, Ceylon is set apart by its outstanding service and staff members.

“I like to say our best amenity is our staff because we truly focus on our residents and making their transition to move in smooth,” Graeff says. “It’s more of a feeling than a service.”

Inside the apartments themselves, residents will find modern floor plans and color schemes, private patios and balconies, expansive windows with solar shades and much more. The community also features an interior courtyard with a fire-and-water feature as the centerpiece where sunrise and sunset yoga classes will be held, secure electronic access throughout the building and a studio-style fitness-on-demand program that includes yoga, spin, kickboxing and dance.

Ceylon has a Walk Score of 96 out of 100 – a national gauge of an address’ walkability based on distance to amenities, pedestrian friendliness, road metrics and more, developed by leading academic researchers – making it one of the most walkable places in the area.

Residents can enjoy countless dining and entertainment opportunities just a block or two away, along with proximity to MetroLink.

“Many people don’t want the responsibility of a house but still want the luxury of a beautiful place,”

Graeff says. “We have that here.”

Ceylon, 25 N. Central Ave., Clayton, 314-833-8999, liveceylon.com

The Euclid

The Euclid in St. Louis’ Central West End neighborhood opened its doors on March 15. The 71-apartment building celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Lyda Krewson and a chance for prospective residents to see what is available. Maggie St. Geme, marketing manager for building owner Koman Group, refers to The Euclid as a “boutique” building with features including beautiful ceilings and fixtures.

“The 71 Euclid apartments are sleek and sophisticated and are adapted to today’s modern lifestyle,” she says.

Each of The Euclid’s apartments offers fine finishes, quartz countertops, tiled bathrooms and wood-look luxury vinyl plank flooring. Natural light pours into the building, and most of the 71 units feature balconies.

“The Euclid offers the latest in building technology and design. Our access control system provides the utmost in resident privacy and convenience,” St. Geme says. “At the entrance is a touch-screen intercom box with a video chat feature whereby residents can use their smartphone to receive calls from guests and quickly, easily allow them to come up.”

The second floor of The Euclid offers a 24-hour gym and fitness center, along with a community lounge with shuffleboard, a bar area and a balcony that overlooks the picturesque neighborhood.

“Most of our residents are working professionals,” St. Geme says. “They come home and want a true retreat from the energy and bustle of the Central West End.”

She notes that technology is offering people products and services to make their lives easier, more convenient and more luxurious. Many people are looking to update their lifestyles to match, truly bringing every aspect of their lives into the 21st century.

“Apartment living is coming in line with that,” she says. “There’s such a vibrant energy in our neighborhoods, and being able to walk out your door and access everything is exciting.”

The Euclid, 40 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, 314-787-2013, theeuclidstl.com

The Barton

Another new addition to the Clayton area, The Barton, just opened March 15 on Maryland Avenue. The Barton features 229 apartments in its community, with several upscale amenities that make it feel like home.

The Barton makes an impression the minute you walk in the door, with a high-ceiling lobby and adjoining club room. Residents can store their wine in a climate-controlled wine cellar and enjoy a glass in the bar area. The club room hosts bubbly brunches and happy hours, and it might even include a continental breakfast in the future. Spacious hallways lead to the apartments, which all have 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors.

Julie Garcia, community manager of The Barton, says the facility has paid great attention to fixtures and finishes in the apartments themselves. Kitchens feature white cabinetry, brushed nickel hardware and energy-efficient appliances. Other luxury features include TVs embedded in the mirrors and heated tiles in the bathrooms, USB outlets in the bedrooms (both one- and two-bedroom options) and kitchen, and Nest thermostats that can be controlled from a phone or tablet.

The Barton features a 24-hour fitness center with fitness-on-demand services, a pet spa and 24/7 valet dry cleaning. Work is currently being finished on a heated saltwater pool, along with a dog park and a bridge that will connect The Barton directly to the greenway that runs to Shaw Park.

“We’re a community, and we strive for that,” Garcia says. “The Barton truly offers all the benefits of luxury living in a location that has it all. You can come home and be only steps from the same amenities others have to drive to.”

The Barton, 8500 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, 314-551-9387, thebartonstl.com

This story was originally published at laduenews.com. Read it on LN’s website here.

Ladue News Feature Stories

Taking Fun to New Heights

robyndexter

For years, St. Louis Treehouse has been taking fun to new heights throughout the Midwest. The company, founded by Colorado native Cord Moody, started after a tornado swept through his neighborhood in Hazelwood years ago. Seeing a damaged tree with little desire to cut it down, the Eagle Scout turned engineer decided to build a treehouse for his kids. He enjoyed building it so much that his wife suggested he pursue other, similar opportunities.

Years later, Moody gave a presentation at a Business Network International meeting, and Bill Hayes, a sales representative for a construction company, was one of many in the audience. He listened to an enthusiastic guy stand up and talk about how he built treehouses for a living. Hayes was intrigued that Moody could make a living building treehouses and talked to him after the meeting.

“He was just one of those people you want as a friend,” Hayes recalls. “He just has an awesome vibe to him.” They both talked at length about Moody’s treehouse business, and Moody suggested Hayes see a project in the works in Ballwin, and Hayes agreed. Hayes helped a bit on the Ballwin project that day, handing Moody tools and carrying wood. “It was just a really cool experience, and seeing that little girl’s playhouse up on a tree was awesome,” Hayes recalls.

The next day, Hayes called Moody and asked if he wanted help with his treehouse endeavor. They clicked, and the two worked together for five years before Hayes decided to go to school to become a medic and before Moody wanted to move back to Colorado – where the paths of St. Louis Treehouse began to diverge. Moody moved back to Colorado less than a year ago, and Hayes now works as a firefighter for two departments and as an EMT. St. Louis Treehouse isn’t over, though. Moody still owns the company and even started an effort called Denver Treehouse out west. Hayes now runs St. Louis Treehouse and works with one of his friends building treehouses on the weekends.

St. Louis Treehouse does three types of builds: platform, roofed-over platform and cabin. A platform is the simplest, consisting of a floor with railings. A roofed-over platform is exactly what it sounds like, but it lacks walls. A cabin is the most houselike of the three options, with a floor, walls and roof – a true cabin.

After the size and type have been selected, clients are able to select accessories and features. St. Louis Treehouse installs everything from zip lines to rock-climbing walls to trapdoors. The company’s team has put in windows, skylights, fireman poles, monkey bars and more.

“Big treehouses need big accessories for support,” Hayes notes. “Things like rock-climbing walls and multiple ladders can help with that. You want your treehouse to look like it’s actually suspended up in a tree, and that’s what we specialize in.”

While the treehouse projects vary from yard to yard, the safety of the kids is always the biggest concern.

“Kids by nature are adventurous,” Hayes says. “These are treehouses – they’re up in the air. So when you have to go up a ladder, you have to go under a railing. If there are any openings, we always set up a chain or a rope, too.”

The company’s team also takes the health of the tree into account, bolstering the weight of the structure with as many features and accessories to help hold the weight as possible.

“We build hundreds of treehouses around St. Louis, but we’ve never had a tree die because of a treehouse being put into it,” Hayes says.

As a precaution, though, the company’s team will come out and do yearly checkups and maintenance as needed. This can include tree trimming, upgrading bolt support or modifications to adjust for tree growth.

St. Louis Treehouse structures are built with the entire family in mind and are strong enough to support the weight of mom and dad, should they choose to come up to play with their kids, too.

“Mom and dad can get up in the treehouse, and son and dad can ride the zip line together,” Hayes says. “We’re not building an average playset. This is about getting the kids outside and having fun with the whole family.”

This story was originally published at laduenews.com. Read it on LN’s website here.