On Dec. 19, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) closed on the purchase of 6.67 acres in Clayton, Missouri after the conclusion of an 11-month due diligence process.

The new site, located at 8300 Maryland Avenue and previously owned by Caleres, will be redeveloped as a new, state-of-the-art performing arts center to be owned and operated by OTSL.

In a statement Opera Theatre’s General Director Andrew Jorgensen said, “We are excited and humbled to step into this new chapter. This land purchase is the single most significant transaction in our 50-year history and will be transformative for our organization as we plan for a new, permanent home that will add to the artistic vibrancy of our region. This moment is only possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity and support of our community, and we look forward to being in dialogue with OTSL’s audiences, local arts partners, and Clayton stakeholders about how this site can become a civic asset that serves the entire region.”

In the months ahead, OTSL will look forward to soliciting input and feedback from Clayton residents, members of the community, and OTSL audiences while working with the City of Clayton on permitting and design approvals for the performing arts center.

Jorgensen added, “While we are full of optimism and excitement, we still have a great deal of work to do to realize our vision for a new home. I want to thank Webster University for their decades of collaboration and support — we look forward to presenting several more seasons at the Loretto-Hilton Center and continuing our partnership with the university for many years beyond that.”

The OTSL, which is now in its 50th anniversary has featured 45 world premieres and 27 American premieres throughout its history. This upcoming season, the company will present “The Light in the Piazza,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and “Roméo et Juliette,” among others.

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