CLAYTON, Mo. — The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has called Webster University its home since 1976, but announced on Monday it plans to build a new home in Clayton.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, or OTSL, said it is under contract for the purchase of 6.67 acres of land located at 8300 Maryland Avenue currently owned by Caleres headquarters.
“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 in a news release. “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.
According to the press release, steps still remain before OTSL can close on the purchase of the site where Caleres’s corporate offices currently stand.
The transaction is still in its early stages, and OTSL will assess the possibility of the project that includes fundraising, design work, and cost estimations.
OTSL said in the final step the theater will be working with the city of Clayton to review and approve the design of the new performing arts center.