ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) plans to renovate and expand Powell Hall with updates totaling more than $100 million.

The project includes adding 65,000 square feet for an education and learning center, a new lobby, backstage space, as well as improving existing entrances. There will also be the creation of outdoor green spaces. 

The renovation also will include enhancing the listening experience in orchestra level seating, reducing the number of seats for a more intimate audience experience, creating an ADA-accessible venue, adding amenities, installing a state-of-the-art lighting system, and more, according to a press release.

“Ever since I first collaborated with our fabulous orchestra almost 20 years ago, I have been amazed by Powell Hall’s incredibly warm acoustics, its distinct sound depth,” SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève said. 

“This great venue has a unique character and I always feel its beautiful soul while rehearsing or performing on stage. I am so excited by the renovation and expansion of our home. It will enhance all we love about Powell Hall, and I can’t wait to engage with our wonderful community in a space that is even more welcoming for all.”

This will be Powell Hall’s first major renovation since it became a permanent home to SLSO in 1968.

“Primary project goals include fostering innovation and greater community connections through the creation of a music center, enhancing the audience and artist experience, and modernizing the venue while preserving its historic character,” the press release states.

Construction is set to begin January 2023 with completion expected in early 2025 –  the 100th anniversary of the building’s opening as a movie theater and vaudeville house. Powell Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.   

“The project is anchored in creating greater access to music—Powell Hall will become a true center for music and community. An expansion composed of more flexible, efficient, and accessible spaces will also allow the SLSO to realize a higher level of operational efficiency and business impact, while also broadening and deepening community collaborations,” the press release states.

The project team includes a task force of SLSO trustees, musicians, staff, and advisors. An internationally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta is the project’s lead and design architect. 

Other industry-leading companies on the project team are St. Louis-based Christner Architects, a woman-owned architecture design firm that will serve as the architect of record; Chicago-based Schuler Shook serves as the theatre planning consultant; St. Louis-based BSI Constructors is the project’s construction manager; and Chicago-based Kirkegaard is the project’s acoustics design firm, the press release states.