ST. LOUIS–The Hi-Pointe Theater is getting new owners after one family owned it for 45 years. Cinema St. Louis announced Thursday it will call the landmark home starting in January 2023. 

Cinema St. Louis says this acquisition will allow the organization to offer diverse, year-round programming and draw visitors to the area. Cinema St. Louis has presented programming for over 30 years when it has found venues. 

The Hi-Pointe Theater, at the Corner of Clayton and McCausland Roads in St. Louis, opened in 1922 and has been owned by the James family since 1977. 

“We have been blessed to share this theater with 3 generations of our family and have had the privilege of helping it reach the magical age of 100 years. We know that Cinema St Louis is the perfect sequel to our story. They share the same passion and vision, and we are confident that they will be able to carry on our family's legacy for the next 100 years,” said the James family in a statement.

The organization plans to host its annual film festivals, educational programming and filmmaker seminars at the Hi-Pointe Theater. It hopes the festivals and special events will help to establish Hi-Pointe as a unique regional destination to draw visitors to the area.

“Cinema St. Louis is grateful for this opportunity to not only preserve the last remaining arthouse cinema in St. Louis but also to finally create a permanent home for the organization and make film accessible for the entire St. Louis community,” said Cinema St. Louis’ Executive Director Bree Maniscalco.

Cinema St. Louis also believes the acquisition will increase access to film and filmmaking for underrepresented audiences, showcase local talent, bring well-recognized films to St. Louis and expand free educational opportunities to school children.