Elevator Expands Co-Warehousing Solutions in St. Louis
Elevator, a pioneering co-warehousing community designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs, has announced the upcoming launch of its second Missouri location in St. Louis. The new facility will span over 67,300 square feet and is expected to open its doors in the first quarter of 2026. This strategic move is anticipated to foster significant employment growth in the area by supporting local businesses and their needs.
Empowering the Entrepreneurial Spirit
The announcement has sparked excitement among local leaders. Governor Mike Kehoe expressed support by stating, "We’re thrilled to see Elevator continuing to flourish in Missouri, especially as it supports St. Louis' dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Expansions like these bolster our state’s reputation as a prime destination for innovative companies.”
Elevator's expansion to St. Louis continues to strengthen its presence across the Midwest, aligning with the company’s mission to empower small businesses through flexible workspaces, logistics solutions, and community engagement. Opened initially in Kansas City, the St. Louis site marks Elevator's fifth operational location, followed closely by scheduled expansions.
Local Leaders Rally Behind Elevator
St. Louis has been chosen not just for its size but because of its vibrant entrepreneurial community. "St. Louis offered the entrepreneurial energy and innovation we were seeking," remarked Emiliano Lerda, CEO & Co-Founder of Elevator. "We’re thrilled to introduce Elevator to this exciting city and look forward to facilitating the growth of local businesses under one roof.”
Shannon Lerda, President & Co-Founder, reflects on the journey of building a business: "Having founded an e-commerce brand ourselves, we understand the challenges involved in scaling up from home. Elevator provides St. Louis business owners with the necessary flexibility, amenities, and supportive community that we wished we had during our own beginnings.”
Innovative Facility Features
Elevator’s physical layout integrates micro-warehouses, private offices, and shared amenities, offering a flexible model that adapts to evolving business needs. Their memberships are month-to-month, which minimizes the upfront investment and long-term commitments for users while providing them with the freedom to grow as their requirements shift.
The St. Louis facility will boast 13 dock doors and 118 dedicated parking spaces, tailored to support small businesses, creative ventures, and makers throughout the metropolitan area. This approach ensures that entrepreneurs have access to essential resources and infrastructure to thrive.
Contributing to the Local Ecosystem
Ron Kitchens, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., emphasized, "Elevator's innovative warehousing solutions are vital in nurturing St. Louis's small business ecosystem. Their expansion signals that our region is a vibrant and welcoming hub for entrepreneurs nationwide.”
Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership, also highlighted the advantages that attract companies like Elevator: "Missouri is known for its central logistics capabilities and supportive business environment. This flexibility enables small businesses to scale effectively, contributing to Missouri’s competitiveness in the market. We are eager to welcome Elevator’s second Missouri facility and the opportunities it will generate.”
Start of a New Chapter for Founding Members
Currently, a formal waitlist is open for those interested in becoming founding members of Elevator in St. Louis. Individuals will be offered early tours and exclusive discounts before the facility opens, ensuring they can take full advantage of its offerings right from the start as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
About Elevator
Founded in 2021 by Shannon and Emiliano Lerda, Elevator has carved a niche within the co-warehousing sector by creating an ecosystem where small businesses with tangible products can flourish. Their approach blends micro-warehouses with collaborative office spaces, logistics assistance, access to financing options, and a supportive entrepreneurial network. Inspired by their own experiences in the e-commerce arena, the Lerdas designed Elevator to foster small business growth within a collaborative and resource-abundant environment. Learn more at www.elevatorspaces.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elevator's mission?
Elevator aims to empower small businesses by providing flexible warehousing and office solutions that adapt to their evolving needs.
When is the new St. Louis location expected to open?
The new facility is anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2026.
What facilities will the St. Louis location offer?
The facility will include micro-warehouses, private offices, and shared amenities tailored for small businesses, complete with 13 dock doors and ample parking.
How does Elevator support entrepreneurs?
Elevator provides month-to-month memberships allowing small businesses to access necessary resources without heavy upfront investments or long-term commitments.
Who are the founders of Elevator?
Elevator was founded in 2021 by Shannon and Emiliano Lerda, who designed the model based on their experiences running an e-commerce brand.