ST. LOUIS—Suburban Clayton has long had the look and feel of an urban core, and its vibrant downtown office market has already attracted interest from national investors. And it will soon have one more thing in common with other growing downtown business districts in the US: a new, high end apartment building that will help attract the young workforce that has rejected the suburban lifestyle.

The Minneapolis-based Opus Group,along with AIG Global Real Estate, plan to start construction later this year on a six-story building on Central Ave. with 120 luxury residential units and two levels of underground parking. On the ground level, about 13,000 square feet of retail space will support the neighborhood's thriving commerce. Opus officials say they will complete the project by March 2017. 

"Clayton is the employment hub of our metro area," Joe Downs, vice president, real estate development, Opus Development Co., LLC, tells GlobeSt.com. "It's also just an exciting, and very urban, place to live, and a great fit for that person looking for the urban lifestyle." 

City residents not only have the sizable office market, but access to libraries, public transit, including bus and rail, and a set of restaurants and retail that help give Clayton a 24/7 vibe. "This is the natural spot in the St. Louis market for this type of project," says Downs.

The development will also feature amenities such as a Fitness On Demand studio, secure bike storage and a rooftop terrace overlooking Central Ave. complete with fire pit, grill, club and game rooms and a kitchenette.

Opus has already been active in the St. Louis multifamily market. The company started construction earlier this year on a luxury multifamily project in St. Louis' Central West End neighborhood.

Opus Development Co., LLC will be the developer and Opus Design Build, LLC will be the design-builder. Opus AE Group, LLC will be the architect and structural engineer of record. Construction will begin in late 2015 and is slated for completion in March 2017.