Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Under Contract for Caleres Headquarters
March 24, 2025 — Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) announced this afternoon that it is under contract for the purchase of a 6.67-acre parcel of land upon which it plans to build a new, state-of-the-art performing arts center. OTSL has started an intensive due diligence process for the site, located at 8300 Maryland Avenue and currently owned by Caleres. Initial planning and fundraising are underway, as Opera Theatre evaluates the feasibility of a capital project; a final sale will be subject to the findings of that due diligence process and OTSL has the ability to withdraw from the contract if the findings of that process are not satisfactory.
“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we are excited by an unprecedented opportunity to build a new home,” said OTSL’s General Director Andrew Jorgensen. “We are still early in this process, but we look forward to being in dialogue with our Opera Theatre community, Clayton residents and businesses, and other stakeholders as we pursue necessary redevelopment steps over the next several months.
“Opera Theatre is only able to contemplate this opportunity because of the extraordinary generosity and encouragement of our supporters. I want to also thank and acknowledge Webster University, which has graciously provided Opera Theatre a home since 1976. We would not be the company we are today without their support, and we are grateful to continue to partner with the university even as we plan for OTSL’s future.”
Per the terms of the contract between Opera Theatre and Caleres, a number of steps remain before OTSL will be able to confirm and close a transaction on the Caleres site. The organization is currently in the early stages of a complex, multi-month due diligence process to assess the feasibility of the project that will include but is not limited to site studies, design work, cost estimates, and early fundraising. As the final step of this due diligence period, Opera Theatre will be working with the City of Clayton to review and approve the designs of a new performing arts center.
“I have no doubt that the Clayton community will embrace this vision of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis,” said Mayor Michelle Harris. “The addition of a performing arts center has long been a priority for residents and city leaders. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is a cherished regional and cultural asset, and this location will provide new opportunities for the enhanced visibility and growth of multiple arts organizations. At the same time, we are thrilled that Caleres has chosen to stay in Clayton, given its long history in our area.”
“We are pleased to announce the best possible outcome for the future of our campus in partnership with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. The idea of leaving our long-term home is bittersweet, but we are excited that it will become a performing arts center to serve the city of Clayton and the entire Clayton community and region. I want to thank the management and board of the Opera Theatre for their support, patience, and flexibility as we searched for the right home to relocate,” said Jay Schmidt, President and CEO of Caleres. “It was always our intent to stay in Clayton. In fact, we are nearing our 150th anniversary as a St. Louis-based company with more than 70 of those years in Clayton. We have signed a lease to move just two blocks east from our current Caleres headquarters to 8182 Maryland Avenue and 8235 Forsyth Boulevard. These buildings share a lobby and will offer a modern space that supports our collaborative culture, celebrates our brands, and connects our Associates. We are still working on timing, but the move will likely happen in mid-2026.”
Even as Opera Theatre advances the early steps of site studies and design work, the company is also planning to seek input from OTSL audiences, Clayton residents, and members of the community. In the coming weeks, Opera Theatre will share further plans to solicit input and address questions from those constituents.
“The Board of Directors of Opera Theatre is unequivocally inspired by this vision for a new performing arts venue,” said Board Chair Kim Eberlein. “We see this opportunity not just as an inspiring new chapter in Opera Theatre’s renowned history, but also as the promise of a new, interdisciplinary arts and cultural hub for St. Louis. We look forward to sharing more updates with our community as we are able.”
