Kranzberg Arts Foundation to Renovate & Operate Historic Grandel Theatre

The Kranzberg Arts Foundation continues its mission to invest in the infrastructure and systems needed to support local artists and community arts organizations with its latest endeavor, renovating and expanding programming at the historic Grandel Theatre, located at 3610 Grandel Square in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District. Once complete, the Foundation will operate and manage the Grandel, creating significant partnerships to bring exciting new theatre, dance and concert programming to the Grandel's stage. SPACE Architecture + Design has been contracted for the design and build-out of the project. The building is currently under the ownership of Grand Center, Inc. The Kranzberg Arts Foundation will work closely with the Grand Center, Inc. team to ensure the project meets the needs and mission of the district and creates a place where people are connected to the arts and the arts can flourish.

"We could not be more excited to work with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation as they return this great facility to life and continue their mission to add to the richness and diversity of St. Louis's cultural landscape," said Karin Hagaman, President and CEO of Grand Center, Inc.

New Kranzberg Arts Foundation resident organizations Dance St. Louis, Ashleyliane Dance Company, Karlovsky & Company Dance, and Metro Theater Company will call the Grandel Theater home for their main stage productions. The 2016 Arts Educator of the Year winner, Harvey Lockhart's new project "Heal Center for the Arts" will be fully incubated and housed at the Grandel. Lockhart, bandleader at Riverview Gardens High School, started the project to provide no-cost arts programming to elementary through high school students from local urban school districts. Every area of the arts will be touched upon in the organization's offerings, beginning with instrumental and vocal music for its first programs.

The Dark Room Wine Bar & Photo Gallery will also relocate to the Grandel from its current location on Grand Avenue, featuring ongoing photography exhibitions and nightly live music and allowing Grandel patrons to experience expanded award-winning wine, beverage and food menus.

In addition to main stage productions The Grandel will host five visual art exhibits annually, resident-offered dance classes and educational programs, and live jazz nightly on the Dark Room stage. The gallery and other patron amenities will be open to the public a minimum of five days a week with both day and evening hours. Resident organizations will activate the main stage with world-class dance, theatre and concert productions more than 100 dates a year.

"The Kranzberg Arts Foundation is working closely with our district and community partners to ensure the Grandel Theatre is a true example of diversity in audience, programming and organizational use," said Chris Hansen, Executive Director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. "The opportunity to bring this historic venue back online for the community is thrilling and humbling for our organization."

The first phase of the venue's remodel will include renovating the lobby and common areas, which will be come the new home of the Dark Room Gallery, stage and restaurant, as well as a patio overlooking the soon-to-come Grand Center Arts Academy Plaza, and should be complete as early as February 2017. Main stage shows in the renovated Grandel Theatre are expected by late spring or early summer of 2017.

About Kranzberg Arts Foundation

The Kranzberg Arts Foundation is committed to providing the essential infrastructure necessary for the arts to thrive in the St. Louis community. Through the development of performing arts venues, visual arts galleries, free music programs, and work spaces for non-profit arts organizations, the Foundation creates opportunities for and nurtures the growth of artists, while working with emerging and leading arts organizations to engage with St. Louis's diverse community in ways that are relevant, inclusive, and inspiring. For more information, visit www.kranzbergartsfoundation.org.