The Developers
The developers have a history of acquiring property in historic downtown Alton for renovation into high quality loft/mixed use buildings.
Duane Randall
Duane and his wife Nancy have had ties to the Alton community for over 100 years. Duane's grandfather, Sebastian Miller, was a glassblower in the early 1900's at the Alton glass factory. Nancy's great-grandfather, August Dormann, Superintendent of Alton Parks, was responsible for developing the Sunken Gardens in the Christian Hill area, Riverfront Park in downtown Alton and other early City parks.
Having spent the last fifteen years with a large family home on the bluffs of the Mississippi, when the Randall's decided to downsize and simplify their lives, a River view was the predominant requirement. This led to Alton's first true loft development, Laura Lofts, with its commanding views of the River, the Alton Marina, downtown Alton and yes, even Christian Hill. The new Mississippi Landing loft development shares those great views and adds other amenities such as indoor parking and upgraded streetscapes. The Randalls believe that the Mississippi Landing is a once in a lifetime project and will be the premier loft development on the spectacular Alton waterfront.
Penelope Schmidt
Penny grew up in Elsah, just 10 miles up the River from Alton, and graduated from Principia College. In 2004, she returned to the area with renewed appreciation for the depth of cultural history and natural beauty of the Mississippi Riverbend area.
Having owned and operated Schmidt Bingham Gallery in New York City for many years, the memory of artists’ lofts and creative downtown energy resonated in the charm and character of historic buildings, brick paved streets and the waterfront district in Alton. She believes the vitality and drama of Alton Lake, the Clark Bridge and a vast, uninterrupted sky make for a magnetic urban setting.
Spinning off her art world career, Penny is involved in development of a number of non profit cultural organizations promoting the arts in public schools, musical appreciation, and community supported agriculture. She enjoys the privilege of being within 20 minutes from the St Louis Art Museum, the Pulitzer Foundation, and International Airport, while living in a small town community.
Daniel Warren
Dan is a Master Electrician, Journeyman Plumber and expert Carpenter. From the age of 12, he worked with his father and grandfather after school and during the summer months on re-hab projects and new construction. For several years he worked on flat roofs with his father’s company all over St Louis.
Following high school, Dan studied Architecture for two years while training for Licenses in Plumbing and Electrical work.
By 1997, he had renovated over 32 houses on his own; and Warren & Company was awarded several contracts with the City of St Louis.
In September, 2001, Warren & Company purchased the historic Laura Building in downtown Alton. The first floor was immediately renovated to house the Grapevine Children’s’ Store, owned and operated by Dan’s wife, and the upper floors were developed and rented to various tenants through June 2004. That summer, Dan sold the top floor to Duane and Nancy Randall to be transformed into a luxury penthouse loft as their primary residence. Together, the Warrens and the Randalls developed and sold four loft-style condominiums on the second and third floors of the Laura building.
Since making his move to Alton, Dan has purchased the Wead Building, the Bookstore, and several other commercial and residential properties for renovation.
In 2006, Dan joined the partnership of Moon Beam Initiatives as General Contractor to transform the former Mississippi Lime Co building into ten luxury loft apartments and retail ground floor.
Dan is a meticulous builder, highly skilled carpenter and creative developer. He sees tremendous potential for downtown Alton and is excited to be part of the renaissance of this historic riverfront city.