St. Louis-based nonprofit LaunchCode, which provides free technology training and places aspiring computer programmers in apprenticeships and jobs, has wrapped up a $5 million project to expand and renovate its headquarters.
With completion of the project at its headquarters, at 4811 Delmar Blvd. in the Fountain Park neighborhood, LaunchCode says it was able to expand its footprint and will be able to serve more students through its training programs.
Founded in 2013 by St. Louis serial entrepreneur Jim McKelvey, LaunchCode provides training and its other services in St. Louis, Kansas City and Philadelphia.
Prior to beginning the renovation project, LaunchCode purchased its headquarters building, where it had been a tenant since 2015. It acquired the facility, formerly the Nathaniel J. "Nat" Rivers Office of the Division of Workforce Development, in 2019 from the state of Missouri.
“Planting our flag, permanently, on Delmar Boulevard in an old unemployment office is significant to our mission and a huge milestone for bridging the opportunity gap in our region,” said Jeff Mazur, LaunchCode’s executive director. “We’re paving the way for high-paying, upwardly mobile and stable career opportunities for all who are driven enough to walk through our doors – no matter their ability to pay.”
With the renovation, LaunchCode said it put in new classrooms and expanded its main lecture hall, while also adding a second-story mezzanine, which includes work space for its staff, and a rooftop terrace. The remodeled and expanded space will allow LaunchCode to increase the number of students it serves from 600 per year to 800.
Scroll through the gallery below to take a look inside LaunchCode's renovated headquarters
LaunchCode HQ renovation
LaunchCode, which has been providing its training programs virtually since 2020, plans to begin offering classes at its newly renovated headquarters in January 2023. It said the first course taught there will be its new Access+ course, which aims to train Black, indigenous, Hispanic and Latino individuals for technology roles. LaunchCode said the new program will be its first that includes a stipend for students.
LaunchCode funded its $5 million project with support from private donors and the Missouri Department of Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program. The project’s architect was JEMA, and ColorArt served as general contractor.
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