Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Construction & Development Partner
Blackline Stl is a full-service construction and real estate development firm dedicated to delivering exceptional building solutions. With decades of combined experience, our team of contractors, architects, and developers approaches every project as if it were our own, prioritizing client needs and long-term relationships. We specialize in general contracting, design-build services, and architectural development, serving diverse industries including multi-family housing, hospitality, historic renovation, and early childhood facilities. Our expertise spans the entire building lifecyclefrom initial concept and design to construction, operations, and sustainability. We differentiate ourselves through a unique blend of technical knowledge, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to community impact.Clients benefit from our hands-on partnership model, where we provide transparent guidance and accountability at every stage. Our portfolio demonstrates our ability to handle projects ranging from $300,000 to $20 million, with notable work including The Koken, Metropolitan Flats, and Clementine's Creamery. Backed by a team of industry veterans like Co-Founders Mark Groenda and Michael Schwartz, we combine innovation with practical execution. Our values emphasize ownership mentality, dynamic collaboration, and creating environments that enrich communities. This approach has established Blackline Stl as a trusted partner for developers, business owners, and organizations seeking reliable, high-impact construction solutions.
Services
General Contracting
Design Build
Architecture
Real Estate Development
Historic Renovation
Multi-Family Construction
Hospitality Development
Office Space Design
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 10+ years of experience in construction and real estate development
- Our team includes certified architects and construction professionals
- We provide end-to-end project management from concept to completion
- Our portfolio includes $300,000 to $20 million projects across multiple sectors
- We maintain transparent communication and accountability throughout projects
Services
General Contracting
Blackline Stl provides comprehensive general contracting services that manage all aspects of construction projects. Our team coordinates subcontractors, materials, and timelines while maintaining strict quality control. Clients benefit from our proven project management methodology that ensures on-time delivery and budget adherence. We handle complex logistics and regulatory requirements across commercial, residential, and institutional sectors.
Design Build
Our design-build approach combines architectural design and construction under one contract. This streamlined process reduces project timelines by 20-30% while improving cost predictability. Our in-house design experts collaborate directly with construction teams to resolve challenges early and maintain design intent throughout execution. This service is ideal for clients seeking single-source accountability.
Real Estate Development
Blackline Stl offers full-cycle real estate development services from site acquisition to project delivery. We specialize in mixed-use developments, multi-family housing, and commercial properties. Our expertise includes market analysis, financial modeling, entitlement processes, and construction management. We create value through strategic planning that maximizes property potential and community impact.
Historic Renovation
We preserve architectural heritage while modernizing structures for contemporary use. Our team understands historic preservation standards and works with local authorities to maintain original character. Services include structural reinforcement, systems upgrades, and adaptive reuse solutions that meet modern functionality requirements while respecting historical integrity.
Multi-Family Construction
Blackline Stl delivers high-quality multi-family housing projects ranging from boutique complexes to large-scale developments. We optimize layouts for livability while maintaining cost efficiency. Our experience includes luxury apartments, affordable housing, and mixed-income communities. We incorporate sustainable building practices and smart technology integration to meet evolving resident expectations.
People
Mark Groenda
Co-Founder
Mark Groenda co-founded Blackline Stl with 15+ years of construction industry experience. He oversees strategic operations and client relationships, ensuring alignment with company values. His leadership focuses on innovative project delivery methods and sustainable development practices.
Michael Schwartz
Co-Founder
Michael Schwartz brings extensive real estate development expertise to Blackline Stl. As co-founder, he manages financial strategy and project feasibility analysis. His background in architectural design informs our integrated approach to construction and development solutions.
John Bicker
VP, Construction
John Bicker leads construction operations with 20+ years of field and management experience. He ensures quality control across all projects, implementing best practices for safety, efficiency, and craftsmanship. His technical expertise spans complex commercial and institutional buildings.
Todd Lienemann
Senior Project Manager
Todd Lienemann manages client projects from concept to completion. With 12+ years in construction management, he specializes in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and maintaining project timelines. His focus is on transparent communication and client satisfaction.
Phil Braasch
Project Manager
Phil Braasch oversees day-to-day project execution, ensuring alignment with design specifications and budget parameters. His 10+ years of experience include managing both new construction and renovation projects across various sectors.
Questions
What construction services does Blackline offer?
We provide general contracting, design-build, and real estate development services for commercial, residential, and institutional projects.
What project sizes do you handle?
Our projects typically range from $300,000 to $20 million, accommodating both small-scale renovations and large developments.
Do you work outside St. Louis?
While based in St. Louis, we serve clients across Missouri and accept select projects in adjacent regions.
What industries do you specialize in?
We have expertise in multi-family housing, hospitality, historic renovation, office spaces, and early childhood facilities.
How does your design-build process work?
Our integrated approach combines design and construction under one contract, reducing timelines by 20-30% while maintaining quality control.
Can you handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, we specialize in historic renovations that maintain architectural integrity while implementing modern functionality upgrades.
