The 7-story 192-room AC Hotel Central West End located on York Avenue between Lindell and Maryland is nearing completion. Ground was broken in 2019 and according to Sam Koplar, a partner in the project, the Grand Opening is now scheduled for December 9. 
A few blocks south at Euclid and Forest Park, signage was recently installed for Liberty Cannibis on the former Tom’s Bar & Grill space. There is no word on the website as to when the business will open, though job openings are posted there. Liberty Cannibis has a second Missouri location in Columbia.
Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Cultural Arts, Entertainment and Research Center is proposed for the long-vacant Second Baptist Church, 500 N. Kingshighway, between McPherson and Washington.
The announcement was made by St. Louis native Monica R. Butler, who spent years in Louisiana as a film and television producer before returning home to St. Louis. Butler is collaborating with developer Steve Smith, CEO of Lawrence Group, who is the mastermind behind numerous mid-town projects including the Angad Hotel in Grand Center, and the recently-opened the City Foundry.
Second Baptist Church, which was built in 1907, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sadly, it has been vandalized over the years it has remained vacant, so much so that in 2019 it was listed as one of Missouri Preservation’s “Places in Peril.”
If funds can be raised, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame will house a gospel museum, an educational center dedicated to the history of gospel music, a cafe, and an event space. Fundraising efforts include Gospel Music performances at City Foundry on Sundays.
St. Louis Public Radio’s coverage of the announcement can be found here.
There’s increased activity around Saint Louis Chess Club these days, where the 2021 U.S. Chess and Women’s Chess Championships began October 5 and continues through October 19.
You can watch the action through the The Chess Club’s storefront, 4657 Maryland, or stream it Live here.
Signs of Halloween in front of the elegant apartment building at 4515 Lindell.
Thanks Nicki for another great CWE update! We appreciate all the work you do!
Any update on when El Sitio will open?
Terrific news for CWE and all around positive news reporting for our St. Louis neighborhood, Nicki. Thank you!
It’s very gratifying to see so many varied projects and activities happening in the CWE.