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Re-Opening of Kiel Opera House Could be Catalyst for Tourism
by Bob Moore, SLFP.com
CLAYTON, MO (SLFP.com) Nov 27, 2001 - For nearly five years, Ed L. Golterman has waged a uphill battle in support of an effort to re-open the historic Kiel Opera House, at 14th and Market Streets in downtown St. Louis. The shuttered facility is adjacent to the Savvis Center.

Prior to his presentation before the St. Louis County Council Meeting, Nov 27, Golterman spoke with SLFP.com about the important part that this historic building plays in building tourism business. "For the past year, I have been appearing before the County Council showing the good business and economic and cultural value of the Kiel Opera House downtown as a regional resource to create jobs, revenue and income.

(right) Ed Golterman told the St. Louis County Council that the Kiel Opera House could be worth $200 million after renovation.

"I brief them on the benefits and what other cities were doing," continued Golterman. "Tonight, I'm going to ask the Council Executive, if I can in this forum, to allot $4 million of tourism reserve and $4 of economic development money to actually seed the project and get it going and become the primary public partner. The bulk of the money would be done through private financing."

Golderman noted that "the Lauries have held the lease now for two years and have not been open to any proposals to reopen it." He stated that the previous sports owners were not open to any proposals and conceded that there seemed to be a road block there. "I am looking to the County to break that road block, get the lease and go partnership with the City and a private theatre operator and get it going. In other words, the Lauries should do their sports thing and someone else should do the other side of the building," stated Golderman.

He felt strongly that the County should be involved as there would be a strong return on their investment. "First of all, it's a regional resource and people will want to go back there," he said. Golterman stated that "if it's restored and done right, it will be worth $200 million. Anything the County would put into it would double, triple or quadruple. I've done the comparative studies of other cities. I think the City has lagged in doing this. So, I believe it needs the County help," he added. Golterman's studies included theatre renovations and new theaters in major metropolitans cities across the country including Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Newark, Madison, Seattle, Nashville, Memphis, Houston, Kansas City, Santa Fe and San Francisco.

Golterman staunchly refuted the thought that the re-opening of Kiel Opera House would interfer with the Fox Theatre in Grand Center. "That has been purported as the reasons not to re-open Kiel. But, if you want to rebuild the City, you have to have choices. And, if you want to bring the downtown back, you have to have performing arts in downtown. You have a region of 2.6 million people and another 20 million who can reach downtown in five hours by car, so there is no reason to worry about the Fox or protect it. Downtown is suffering with this being closed," concluded Golterman.

He indicated that if Clear Channel Entertainment was not going to be involved in the project, a St. Louis group should be formed. "Let St. Louisans do it like we opened the building in the first place." Golterman stated that re-opening the Kiel Opera House in time for the Sister Cities 2003 International Convention could offer delegates from all over the world a stunning "centerpiece" for entertainment and breakout sessions. "There is no old or new building in the country that comes close to the Kiel Opera House."

St. Louisan At 'Ground Zero' Donates Gear to History Museum

Photographs of "Ground Zero" at the World Trade Center and personal items donated to the Missouri History Museum by Dennis Grooms are on display in the lobby of the Emerson Center. Grooms, a cardiology technician at SSM Saint Mary's Health Center, who spent a week at 'Ground Zero' helping with rescue efforts. @ Bob Moore, SLFP.com

Personal firefighter gear donated by Dennis Grooms on display at the Missouri History Museum. @ Bob Moore, SLFP.com

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