Commercial Real Estate in Grand Center, St. Louis

Grand Center is a tremendous part of St. Louis, and surely the next time you visit the city you should make your way over to the place that everyone is talking about. Let’s look at a brief historical overview of Grand Center, to better understand where it’s been, and where it’s going.

The Mississippi River found itself with a large population growth once St. Louis residents began to move west in its direction after the turn of the 20th century. This is the area is known today as Grand Center. This is where you can also find the location of the St. Louis University sitting midtown next to Grand Center.

In the first two decades of the 20th century, Grand Center became a hot spot for theater and vaudeville as many homeowners flocked west to this brand new community in St. Louis. Unfortunately, many of the original mansions were destroyed and construction of offices and theater took place. Many of the theaters include the Odeon (1904), the Princess (1912), the Victoria (1913), the Grand Central (1913), and the Empress (1913).

Notwithstanding the effects of the Great Depression and World War II, the Center began to flourish after the 1920′s. Grand Central not only gets to see its theater blossom, but also see itself become a transportation hub as a major stop on streetcar and bus routes. On top of that, wonderful movie palaces begin to spring up in the 20′s which caused additional business to come to Grand Center. Among the great movie palaces were the Fox Theater (1929), the Missouri Theater (1921), and the St. Louis Theater (1926).

In spite of the ramifications of the Great Depression and World War II, Grand Center began to prosper after the 1920′s. Not only did its theater expand, but Grand Center also became a transportation hub as it was a major stop for streetcar and bus routes. In addition, the 1920′s brought about fantastic movie palaces which caused increased commerce to the Grand Center area. Among the many grand movie palaces were the St. Louis Theater (1926), Fox Theater (1929), and the Missouri Theater (1921).

Grand Center began to see its much expected revitalization in 1980. At this time Grand Center was classified as a National Historic District. Necessary funding was obtained and the marvelously restored Fox Theater and Sheldon Concert Hall were reopened.

Grand Center Inc. was organized in 1987 to oversee not only the restoration of Grand Center, but also to see new life brought into the education district, and the arts and entertainment. Over the years, major enhancements were completed to the St. Louis infrastructure which helped to improve the sidewalks, lighting and parking facilities. Historic buildings were restored as well as 25 arts and education associations grow to be the core of Grand Center. It is to no surprise that Grand Center is the 12th largest attraction of St. Louis.

Amongst the places of interest for architectural developments is the great Spanish Mission style art deco building designed by Thomas P. Barnett Historic Building and located at 3207 Washington Ave.

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