jaeger haus
Transforming A Tight Site Into A Boutique Lodging Destination
Bax Engineering’s residential team combined creativity, precision, and persistence to bring a one-of-a-kind bed-and-breakfast to life in St. Charles County.
the challenge
Unlike large developments with expansive acreage, Jaeger Haus was designed for a narrow, irregular 0.29-acre parcel near a busy highway intersection – one of the smallest and most complex sites Bax has ever helped develop. The property presented multiple constraints: a creek bisected the lot, requiring setbacks and buffers that reduced the already limited buildable area; public frontage was minimal, complicating building access; and the land sat within a floodplain and lacked existing sewer connections.
Every inch of the parcel had to be purposefully designed to make the project feasible. The layout needed to accommodate a driveway, parking lot, ADA-accessible sidewalks, lighting, septic system, retaining wall, and the building itself – all while meeting local and federal regulatory requirements.
The project also required rezoning approval and review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers due to its proximity to protected waters. Further complicating matters, the team had to bore under a main road to access the water line and install a second four-inch line for the building’s fire sprinkler system. Additionally, the county applied commercial code standards to what was technically a residential bed-and-breakfast, adding another layer of complexity to an already intricate approval process.
Each challenge pushed the team to go beyond technical execution, drawing on collaboration, patience, and creativity to find workable solutions.
“At every step, the BAX team stood by me, not just as engineers but as true supporters. They checked in, celebrated my milestones, and believed in Jaeger Haus as much as I did. Their tenacity made the impossible possible.”
the solution
Bax Engineering partnered closely with Olivia Jaeger, client and owner, to guide the project through an extensive series of regulatory reviews and design refinements. The team began by conducting a detailed boundary and topographic survey to define title lines, identify floodplain impacts, and capture existing conditions with accuracy.
Site planning and grading design followed, carefully balancing the need for buildable space with floodplain compliance and drainage requirements. Bax prepared plats, legal descriptions, and detailed documentation to support the rezoning process and secure approvals from both the county and the Army Corps of Engineers.
To address the infrastructure hurdles, Bax coordinated the design of underground utility bores beneath the roadway – a crucial step that enabled water and sprinkler connections without disrupting existing utilities or traffic flow. Each technical solution was shaped by the same persistence and adaptability that define Bax’s approach to problem-solving.
the results
Through thoughtful design and continuous collaboration, Bax Engineering transformed a challenging, irregular parcel into a viable, sustainable site plan. Jaeger Haus stands as proof that even small-scale projects can require the same ingenuity and precision as much larger developments.
For the client, the project marked the realization of a dream – a boutique lodging destination that blends personal vision with professional execution. The final design turned what once seemed impossible into an inspiring example of what can be achieved through creativity and determination.
the bax difference
For Olivia, the vision behind Jaeger Haus was deeply personal. For Bax Engineering, helping her bring it to life was an opportunity to demonstrate how technical precision and client partnership come together on even the smallest of sites.
Her experience reflects what defines Bax Engineering’s approach: a commitment to solving complex challenges while supporting the people and communities behind each project. Jaeger Haus illustrates that impact isn’t measured by lot size or budget, but by the dedication, collaboration, and trust that bring a shared vision to life.
project overview
CLIENT
Woof Top, LLC
LOCATION
St. Charles County, Missouri
PROJECT DATES
APR 2022 – Under construction
SITE SIZE
0.29 acres
services provided
Land surveying (boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS
Site planning & grading design
Plat preparation & legal documentation
Coordination for rezoning & regulatory approvals
EXPLORE THIS PROJECT
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