Powell Hall

Demolition is almost finished on the building known as Culver House, making way for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s expansion of Powell Hall. Symphony representative Eric Dundon said the renovations will expand Powell Hall’s rehearsal space and create more accessible entrances.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra plans to demolish the 19th-century house next to Powell Hall to prepare for a $100 million renovation project. Opponents of the demolition tried for months to persuade orchestra officials to save the structure.

A $100 million expansion of Powell Hall requires the demolition of another historic structure — unless preservationists can find an alternative.

The St. Louis Preservation Board met Monday to review the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's plans for a $100 million renovation of Powell Hall. The orchestra plans to demolish the Culver House for the expansion project.

The organization still needs to raise funds for the plan, which calls for an education center, new lobby and improved backstage space.

Tom Stubbs has played timpani and other percussion instruments with the symphony orchestra since 1970.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Music Director Stéphane Denève received a four-year extension of his contract, which was due to end next year. He plans to continue online offerings the orchestra began during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus safety protocols will be in place later this month when the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra opens a series of Powell Hall concerts for limited audiences. The orchestra is preparing for eight weeks of concerts that begin March 26.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra finished its fiscal year with a balanced budget but reported a $3.2 million loss in earned revenues due to canceled or postponed shows. SLSO President and CEO Marie-Hélène Bernard said staff furloughs and salary cuts will continue.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will cancel performances through the end of the year, a move prompted by the continued spread of the coronavirus.