Officer Matt Crosby

To say that I feel fortunate to be a part of the Srote & Co family would be a drastic understatement. I am so proud to be a part of this team and the work we produce, but mostly, I am proud of the people we are and what we stand for. For the past 19 months we have been working to design and build a home for paralyzed Rock Hill Police Officer – Matt Crosby.

JANUARY 2017 – HOW WE GOT INVOLVED

It started like every other morning- straight to the coffee pot and then to turn on the morning news for the weather and list of current accidents on 270. In general, the morning news serves as background noise but that day something caught my attention. It was an announcement for a Dine Out Event. This was January 2017 so I assumed the next words I heard would be “for Ballwin Police Office, Mike Flamion.” But instead they said “Rock Hill Police Officer, Matt Crosby.” My heart sank! I thought that another St. Louis officer had just been shot.  I immediately went online to get more information and came across an article from the St. Louis Post Dispatch.  Matt Crosby had not just been shot. In fact, he was shot nearly 7 years prior in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

As soon as I made it to the office that morning I shared what little I knew about Matt’s story with Dave Schaub and Robert Srote. I told them I wasn’t sure how I could help or even how to go about helping but wanted their okay to donate my time or services in whatever capacity they could be used. Without hesitation they told me absolutely and before I had figured out how to get in touch with the Crosby’s, Dave and Robert had decided that they would like to offer their architectural services if they were needed.

APRIL 8th, 2010 – THE SHOOTING

It was just another night on patrol for Officer Crosby until a domestic disturbance call came through in the late night hours. Crosby responded with his partner, Lt. Jorden Lewis. Upon arrival, they spotted the suspect as he ran back into his apartment. Crosby and Lewis approached the door, knocked and waited on the landing below. The suspect emerged with his hands at his side and then shot down at the officers with a .380. One bullet grazed Matt’s head, the other lodged in his spine. As a result of his injuries Matt is paralyzed from his chest down and his life and the life of his family has been forever changed.

A LONG ROAD AHEAD

To say the past 8 years have been difficult for the Crosby family would be an understatement. Matt has endured many setbacks and struggles and the psychological and physical healing continues today. As recently as July 2016, after a pressure wound developed under his leg from being left unattended too many nights in his wheelchair, Matt found himself at Mercy Hospital St. Louis for the first of three surgeries that would be required. When Dave, Robert and myself visited Matt for the first time in January of 2017, he was still bedridden recovering from these surgeries. He had literally spent the past 6 months of his life, in the back bedroom of his rental house, laying on his side. He was mentally and physically exhausted but still he  remained hopeful. Mostly due to a group of family, friends and complete strangers that call themselves The Crosby Crew, the very same group that organized the Dine Out Event that caught my attention!!! This amazing group of volunteers continue to raise funds and awareness on Matt’s behalf today.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Today Matt Crosby and his family’s lives are changing! Construction is underway on his new home and the foundation is nearing completion! This build truly is a labor of love and a testament to the spirit of St. Louis and its residents. In the years since Matt’s injury the Crosby’s have reached out to various organizations in an effort to provide him with an accessible home but to no avail. With no corporate sponsors or major donors associated with this effort we have turned to our local community to make this dream a reality. Dozens of local businesses have stepped up to give back and get involved in any way they can. As one of the people in our office who takes these calls I can tell you that I have been moved to tears by the generosity that has been extended.

GET BUSY LIVING, OR GET BUSY DYING

The line from Matt’s favorite movie is much more than a quote, it is the way he is living his life these days. Matt is in a unique situation and is using his experience to help others who would otherwise have no one that could relate to what they are going through. I firmly believe it was no coincidence that while Matt was at Mercy recovering from the first surgery on his pressure wound, a police officer from Ballwin was being rushed to the same hospital with severe gunshot wounds that would ultimately leave him paralyzed. That police officer was Mike Flamion. Matt met with Officer Flamion’s family and in many ways counseled them on what lay ahead.  Shortly after that experience, Matt found himself reaching out to the wife of Hazelwood Officer Craig Tudor after he was left paralyzed in an on duty traffic accident. It is hard to say what is in store for Matt Crosby in the coming years but today he is upbeat, positive, and an active participant in a life he is so thankful to have. In a recent post on the Friends of Officer Matt Crosby Facebook page, Matt had this to share –

“Today is my ALIVE day! 8 years ago today my life changed in the blink of an eye. I’ve endured so much during these last 8 years, but I am still standing (hold the jokes LOL). I’ve learned a lot about family, friends and definitely, myself! I’ve reignited my relationship with God and look at life in a whole different way. I thank God for keeping me on this earth and for blessing me with such amazing family and friends, without whom I wouldn’t be in such a positive place today! I feel I still have so much to offer the world. I strive to better myself and to be a better person everyday. Life is short people. So get busy living, while you still can! Live, love & laugh! “

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Donations are still needed. A page has been set up for all material and labor donations on the Schaub & Co Architects – Officer Crosby Page.

To find out more about the Crosby Crew – Crosby Crew website or the Friends of Officer Matt Crosby Facebook page click on the links provided.

To stay up to date on the progress of the build follow Srote & Co on Instagram and Facebook for weekly construction updates.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

To learn more about Matt Crosby’s journey click on the links provided below –

Rock Hill police officer: ‘I’m still alive’

Paralyzed Rock Hill officer spends first year trying to cope

Confined to bed, disabled former Rock Hill police officer feels forgotten

Volunteers rallying to raise money for paralyzed Rock Hill officer

Cops and citizens look to help paralyzed Rock Hill officer with home improvements

Paralyzed Rock Hill officer to receive smart home

Groundbreaking for former Rock Hill officer’s accessible home

Spotlight on Brentwood

While the exterior of our office at 2900 S. Brentwood Blvd is still under construction, the interior is finally starting to feel like home. In honor of our new location, today we turn our focus on a few of the amazing stores that we now share the 63144 zip code with.

  1. The White Rabbit

The White Rabbit is a mother-daughter owned boutique. The store offers unique gifts, home decor and accessories like old frames, whitewashed furniture, florals and sparkly chandeliers. They are animal lovers so don’t be surprised to see a furry family member when you visit.

Currently coveting:

 

THE WHITE RABBIT  |  9030 Manchester Road

 

2. The Refind Room

The Refind Room is an eclectic mix of vintage, modern, contemporary, mid-century furnishings. Each of their one-of-a-kind pieces is showcased in a designer inspired setting that is fresh, interesting and full of personality. If you love brands like Baker and Henredon or original mid-century art, you’ve found your home.

Currently coveting:

 

THE REFIND ROOM  |  2525 S. Brentwood Blvd

 

3. The Gifted Gardener

The Gifted Gardener is your entertaining HQ. They have gifts, decorative accessories, candles, pillows and more for every occasion and season. Garden accessories including statuary, urns, fountains, birdhouses, architectural remnants and more.

Currently coveting:

 

THE GIFTED GARDENER  |  8935 Manchester Road

 

4. K. Hall Designs

K. Hall Studio brings high quality and uniquely handcrafted home fragrance and personal care goods to the marketplace. This Midwest based company has expanded over recent years to include five brands and hundreds of products. Throughout its growth, K. Hall Studio has continuously maintained its core focus on producing the highest quality products with unique and appealing fragrance and timeless packaging.

Currently coveting:

 

K. HALL DESIGNS  |  8416 Manchester Road

 

Do you live or work in Brentwood? We would love to hear about your favorite places!

Shop Small & Support Local Businesses!

Here’s a list of local shops to consider while out shopping this weekend, throughout the holiday season and anytime throughout the year! Some of these shops even offer free delivery to the St. Louis area – good to know!

Image result for circa boutique

Circa Boutique:  A clothing and gift boutique in downtown Belleville, IL and also Edwardsville, IL! The shop also offers candles, artwork, and custom jewelry!

City Sprouts:  A one-stop, super cool shop for babies and kids featuring amazing clothes, eco-friendly toys, designer diaper bags, and modern nursery furniture and decor.

Fable and Lore:  Hand-crafted, infinitely wearable jewelry for the modern free spirit.

Future Ancestor:  A curated home decor shop specializing in handmade goods, vintage furniture, and unique gifts.

Left Bank Books:  The oldest and largest independently-owned full-line bookstore in St. Louis. They offer a full-line of new and used books, gifts, cards, magazines, toys and services.

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Lemon Gem:  This brand-new kitchen store is set for its soft opening this Saturday, 11/26. It will offer the basics – pots, pans, spatulas, spoons, bakeware, aprons, kitchen gifts – from a range of well-known brands to local artisans. The shop will also feature a community cookbook library – how great is that?!

124 West Jefferson, Kirkwood, Missouri 63122

Moonbeams:  Located in the heart of Kirkwood this shop offers a variety of gift and home decor items that are truly unique and often one-of-a-kind!

Union Studio:  An independent and locally owned shop featuring a thoughtful, classic collection of St. Louis artists’ hand-crafted goods and fine art. Every item they sell—clothing, housewares and fine art—is handmade by nearby artists, our neighbors.

Urban Matter:   Home furnishings & gift shop featuring local makers, curated treasures & made-by-hand goods for both men & women.

Zee Bee Market:  Curated handmade & Fair Trade products from around the world – plus coffee, chocolate, tea, more. Their hand-crafted baskets are a personal favorite!

What are some other local gems that I missed – let us know where you like to shop in the St. Louis area.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING & HAPPY SHOPPING!

Srote & Co Architects | Latest Completed Projects!

I can’t believe summer is already coming to a close! We have been quite busy here at Srote & Co Architects | Planners | Interiors! We have so many exciting new projects in various phases of design. While planning, drawings, sample ordering, pricing, etc. are all important steps in the home building/renovation process, nothing is more exciting than seeing the final product! Seeing your vision and plans come to fruition is a magical feeling!

Here’s a peek at a few projects we have completed this year.

SACKSTON PRAIRIE

This custom home architecture was planned and built based on a modern prairie style home design concept. I love the exterior of this home with its strong horizontal lines complimented by natural stone and stucco. Inside, the floor plan is open and the decor is cool and contemporary!

LAUREL FARMHOUSE

The essence of cool. This modern farmhouse design is clean and classic, yet modern and fun! Check out the floating staircase, beautiful planked fireplace and vaulted ceiling.

SUNSET HILLS OUTDOOR ADDITION

I’m sure this custom home addition design is getting lots of use this summer! It includes an extended garage with a large grotto located directly beneath it. Equipped with a bar, dining and lounge area, bathroom and changing room, this grotto has everything you need for a summer gathering.

TWIN FAWN CUSTOM

This custom design spec home is currently FOR SALE!  It is situated on a 1 acre level lot and offers over 5,000 sq ft of living space. It was completed with neutral finishes with textural interest to create a relaxing interior and serve as the perfect backdrop for future home owners.

We have quite a bit more in the works so stay tuned for another update in the future! Or check out our architecture and interior design portfolio.