The Chase Park Plaza and the Private Residences were an important highlight on the Central West End Condominium and Terrace Tour. Since the tour, the development has been the center of attention and was recently featured in the June 26 edition of the Ladue News. The two-page article by Alan Brainerd (his Design Defined column) includes beautiful photos of 1509/1510. Read the article here for an in-depth look at the combined units and an exclusive interview with Karen Pepper of Edwin Pepper Interiors.

Catching the eye of more than future homeowners, The Private Residences are also increasingly gaining notice from some of St. Louis’ most admired interior designers.

In May, Barb Slavkin, president, June Roesslein Interiors, hosted a design session at The Chase Park Plaza to discuss color and lifestyle trends. The audience, including current residents, learned what colors are popular for this year (chameleon neutrals and various shades of red, blue, yellow and green) and how thinking about home spaces is changing. Slavkin spoke about the “demise of the formal living room” and the emergence of gathering rooms, smaller houses with more high-end furnishings, and outdoor living areas, amongst other topics.

“The Private Residences have done a fabulous job of incorporating simplicity in the design so that people can have contemporary or traditional, and it all blends beautifully,” said Slavkin. “The spaces and finishes here are phenomenal. Combine this with amazing views of the city and Forest Park, access to the pool and the cinema – it all adds up to a unique lifestyle I think people will greatly appreciate.”

Also in May, Karen Pepper, of Edwin Pepper Interiors, used one of the grand, recently constructed, residences on the fifteenth floor as a platform for her own lavish designs. The space combined two units into one residence, and was a featured attraction during the Central West End Home Tour, May 30-31.

As The Private Residences continue to garner more interest from the regions’ best designers as the paragon of high-rise living in St. Louis, future events are sure to continue pairing the excellence of The Chase Park Plaza and leaders in the design industry.

On May 29, The Private Residences at The Chase Park Plaza kicked off the Central West End Association’s annual condominium and terrace tour with an opening reception. The Friday evening event featured cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the recently constructed community amenity room, as well as a sneak peek at the two homes and terrace that were open for the two-day tour.

Exquisitely outfitted by interior designer Karen Pepper of Edwin Pepper Interiors, the 15^th floor residence wowed attendees. Pepper decorated the home with high-end, one-of-a-kind fabrics and accessories that highlighted the new, larger floor plan.

Check out some of the photos from Friday evening’s reception here.

Maria Jose March Kessler

Maria José March Kessler’s imagination has taken her from Spain to England and hundreds of places in between. To residents and their guests, Maria José is a treasure trove of helpful information, imaginative entertainment ideas and community background. Born and raised in Valencia, Spain, Maria José has the distinction of serving as the very first concierge to The Private Residences at The Chase Park Plaza.

How does your concierge job differ from serving hotel guests?
Honestly, most of my job is the same. People need help finding transportation, or they want to make reservations at restaurants. I make arrangements for dry cleaning, dog walking or simply give suggestions on shopping. Now that I’m working with residents, I’m really looking forward to giving more personalized service… I’m already getting to know people and their interests.

You have such a fascinating background, can you tell us a bit about your path to the Chase? I’ve been with the Chase four years, so we’re going back a bit. Nearly 30 years ago, my husband and I lived in the Central West End… and we’ve gone back and forth between here and Spain. I went to college in Madrid and worked there for an insurance company. I later moved to London to study, where I met my husband Ron, who was stationed with the American Embassy. We moved to the United States in the late 1970s. My two sons were born here. We moved back to Spain in 1989 and opened a private academy for teaching English to businesses and schools. When I came back to the Central West End after nearly 15 years in Spain, it was so nice to come back to this area. I felt like we were coming home!

What do you like about the neighborhood?
I love the Central West End, and anyone who knows me knows that. To me, it’s very European. The little cafes, the people on the street, Forest Park, the architecture… when I have company from Europe, I always show them around and point out the similarities.

What is your perfect travel destination?
Europe in general… I love its landscape, history and architecture. I really enjoy England, France and Switzerland. My two sons and the rest of my family still live in Spain, so of course I like to visit them!

What are some of your hidden talents that have benefitted guests or residents? My grandmother had a small boutique in Valencia. I learned to sew a bit out of necessity when I wanted to sew my own clothes. I guess you could say I can do a few stitches in a pinch! I’ve also tied a bowtie for a groom at the last minute. I’m also really alert to the needs of people who are new to St. Louis, like I was.

So what’s the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to help with?
We had a lady come to me just before a wedding—I think it was the mother of the bride—and she needed me to fix her dress. There was a large stain at the waistline of the dress, so we had to quickly sew it so that it wouldn’t show!

What do you consider to be a “must do” in St. Louis when guests and residents ask for ideas?
Forest Park. You could spend a whole week there with your family and see something new each day. And where else can you visit museums and listen to concerts for free? The museums in Forest Park are amazing… I could go to them every week.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love bicycling, helping people with Spanish, reading, listening to music and cooking. Paella is one of my favorite dishes. I haven’t made it for anyone at The Chase, but I’ve served it to guests in my own home.