The St. Louis Blues ownership has recently bought the historic Stifel Theatre. This deal ends the theatre's previous shared ownership and gives full control to the Blues. According to KSDK, Blues Chairman Tom Stillman thanked Joe and Chris McKee for their crucial investments that helped restore the theatre.
Stillman's acknowledgment highlights the cultural and civic importance of the Stifel Theatre to St. Louis. In a statement obtained by KSDK, Stillman said, “Joe and Chris made substantial investments and took on significant risks, largely because of their dedication to St. Louis, resulting in a civic asset that is one of the most spectacular venues in the country. Joe and Chris are exceptional St. Louis supporters, and they have been exemplary partners. We are forever grateful for their contributions and their continued friendship with the Blues and Stifel Theatre.” The Blues plan to smoothly manage the theatre and keep its busy event schedule.
Over the years, the venue, originally known as Kiel Opera House, has been through significant renovation and rebranding, including a name change to Stifel Theatre in 2018. The theatre had been sympathetically reopened in 2011 after a $78.7 million reinvestment. Joe McKee III, chairman of construction firm Paric Holdings, and his brother Chris McKee, president of real estate development firm CRG, have been involved since those transformative days, thus facilitating the revival of the grand space. “Today, as our chapter in the history of Stifel Theatre comes to a close, we thank Tom Stillman for the exceptional partnership we have enjoyed with Tom and his team. We consider our experience a privilege and are forever grateful to everyone who believed in and supported us throughout this journey.” Joe McKee III reflected in an interview given to FOX2NOW.
The theatre, owned by the city of St. Louis and situated next to the Enterprise Center, has hosted a myriad of events, including concerts, theater productions, and community gatherings such as weddings and graduations since its reopening. In a statement made by the Blues, as mentioned by the St. Louis Business Journal, it's clear that the Blues have managed to seamlessly integrate their operations and event booking in collaboration with the McKees since 2011. Furthermore, the St. Louis Symphony temporarily calls Stifel Theatre home as their permanent venue undergoes renovation. While financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the Blues' bold commitment offers Stifel Theatre a potentially expanded role in the cultural life of St. Louis, far beyond its operatic and theatrical roots.
