ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis historic landmark in Midtown is being turned into an entertainment venue with the first phase of the project set to open in December, creating 400 new jobs for the area.

The Armory was originally designed and built for 138th Infantry of the Missouri National Guard and has been transformed into different venues over the years, such as a multi-sports complex and a concert venue, according to a press release.

Plans for the structure’s 250,000-square-foot “final evolution” includes six acres of flexible, indoor space for gathering, eating, and drinking; a 60-foot stage for live entertainment every weekend and monthly national and regional touring acts; six bars with more than 70 tap handles; more than 40 interactive games; a two-story slide; dozens of TVs; a VIP event spaces and more.

Phase one of the project has been slated to open Dec. 9.

“Our goal with the Armory is to create the Midwest’s most industry-altering entertainment space, a place unlike anything we have in St. Louis,” said Ali Lamb, director of marketing at the Armory.

“The Armory was designed to be the perfect day-to-day hang out space, transform into the ultimate location for festivals and live music, host cause-based community events, and more, all in one day or week! The possibilities are excitingly endless, and each experience could be entirely unique.”

Five additional venues within the Armory are expected to open in the spring of 2023, according to the press release. The Armory also will be the future home of the St. Louis Tennis Hall of Fame that will honor St. Louis’ historically impactful players and contributors, including Dwight Davis and Butch Buchholz, and Wimbledon champions Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Conners, Ken Flach and more.

More information about the additional entertainment venues and the St. Louis Tennis Hall of Fame will be announced over the next few months.

“I have been a part of a number of large-scale venue openings and operations, and this is the one I’m most excited about,” said Jimmy Smith, director of operations at the Armory.

“We are here to be great stewards of the community and are invested in creating a person-first culture and work environment for our employees. We expect the Armory to be an amazing space to enjoy and an incredible place to work.” 

To learn more about all open positions send an email to careers@armorystl.com. For more information about the Armory, click here.