
Entrepreneur Marshall Haas recently announced the successful sale of a historic downtown St. Louis building he meticulously converted into a mixed-use property featuring 14 residential units and 9 office spaces. The project, which involved a significant renovation of a 100-year-old structure, culminated in its sale in June 2024, underscoring a profitable venture for Haas and his partners.
Haas, known for his diverse business endeavors, shared the news via social media, stating: > "I bought a 100 year old downtown building and turned it into 14 Airbnbs and 9 offices. Here’s the story and how it paid off." This statement highlights the project's success and its strategic blend of hospitality and commercial spaces.
The property, identified as The Ludwig, is located in downtown St. Louis and was owned by Haas for nearly eight years. He acquired the building with his partner Jon and investors from Tiny, transforming two conjoined historic buildings into a modern complex. The residential units operated as a boutique hotel, frequently utilizing platforms like Airbnb for bookings, alongside dedicated commercial spaces.
The conversion of The Ludwig represented a significant undertaking, blending historical preservation with contemporary utility. Haas's personal connection to the project was evident, as he and Jon lived in the building, and Haas even held his wedding in the ground-floor space. The design and furnishing of the hotel spaces were a collaborative effort with his wife.
The successful sale of The Ludwig in June 2024, following its operation with 14 residential units and 9 commercial spaces, exemplifies a growing trend in urban redevelopment. This model revitalizes historic properties by catering to the demand for flexible workspaces and short-term accommodations, demonstrating the potential for substantial returns on strategic real estate investments.