HDA is proud to announce the completion of the comprehensive renovation of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield, Missouri. The 87,930-square-foot transformation reimagines the long-standing community hub with expanded amenities, modernized spaces, and enhanced accessibility designed to serve members of all ages for decades to come.
A Legacy of Community, Reimagined
Since opening in 1996, the Marilyn Fox Building has served as a cornerstone for wellness, recreation, education, and connection throughout West St. Louis County. Working closely with the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, HDA revitalized the facility while preserving the welcoming spirit and sense of familiarity that generations of members have come to know and love.
The result is a refreshed, future-focused environment that supports the evolving needs of the community while honoring the building’s longstanding role as a gathering place.
Expanding Services and Enhancing Experiences
A key component of the renovation is the addition of a new Adult Day Center with capacity for 36 participants, creating an important resource for older adults and their families.
Additional improvements throughout the facility include:
- New locker rooms
- A redesigned lobby and gathering space
- Renovated gymnasium and fitness center
- Updates to the Early Childhood Center
- Expanded kitchen facilities
- Dedicated pickleball courts
- Upgraded security and communications systems
- Enhanced building infrastructure
Together, these improvements elevate the member experience while providing greater flexibility for programming and community engagement.
A Modern Welcome
Visitors are now greeted by a refreshed main entrance featuring a new metal wall panel system that creates a contemporary and welcoming arrival experience.
Exterior improvements modernize the facility’s appearance while complementing the building’s original architecture, ensuring the renovation feels both current and timeless.
Balancing Preservation and Progress
Constructed with masonry load-bearing exterior walls and brick veneer, the existing structure provided a strong foundation for the extensive renovation effort. HDA carefully balanced modernization with preservation, creating spaces that feel refreshed while remaining deeply connected to the building’s history and purpose.
“This renovation is about more than updating a building—it’s about investing in people and creating spaces that strengthen community for generations to come,” said Jack Holleran, President of HDA. “The Marilyn Fox Building has long served as an important gathering place in Chesterfield, and we’re proud to help reimagine it in a way that honors its history while supporting the evolving needs of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center.”
Keeping the Community Connected During Construction
Construction began in April 2024 and was thoughtfully phased to allow continuous member access throughout the renovation process. This approach minimized disruption to daily operations while ensuring the facility could continue serving the community during construction.
ODA Studio served as the interior designer for the project, with ISC Contracting leading construction.
“The J is pleased to partner with HDA on the renovation of our Chesterfield facility—the Marilyn Fox Building,” said Nicole Hawkins, COO of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. “Partnering with skilled professionals who can simplify complex processes is invaluable. Renovations can be challenging, so having a reliable partner like HDA makes all the difference.”
Designed for the Future
The completed renovation reflects HDA’s continued commitment to designing spaces that strengthen communities, enhance everyday experiences, and evolve alongside the people who use them. Through thoughtful planning, strategic improvements, and a focus on long-term impact, the Marilyn Fox Building is positioned to continue serving as a vibrant community destination for generations to come.