Mission

Founded in 1981, our mission is to support the arts, preserve a legacy and transform a neighborhood into a vibrant community.  By reinvigorating the Grand Center District as the arts and entertainment heart and soul of St. Louis we help to create a vibrant and attractive place to live, work, shop, play and learn. Over the past 30 years, Grand Center, Inc. (GCI) has played a vital role in the development of performing and visual arts venues, the creation of arts festivals and the stabilization of struggling arts organizations. In addition GCI has been a catalyst for the development of real estate, the preservation of architecture and physical improvements in the district. To achieve this goal, GCI works closely with the State of Missouri, the City of St. Louis, the corporate and foundation communities, individual donors and its many district constituents.

The geographic boundaries of the Grand Center District include Grand Boulevard between Lindell to the south and Delmar to the north and from Josephine Baker to the east and Vandeventer to the west. Grand Center is home to over 30 of the City’s most important institutions dedicated to the arts and culture, public media and education.

GCI Roles & Responsibilities

GCI has a unique role as the coordinator, advocate, and catalyst for the Grand Center District. GCI’s primary objective is to engage in activities that will increase the overall economic and cultural strength of the district and hence increase the economic and cultural strength of St. Louis.

Through its leadership and partnership activities, GCI supports the economic growth and physical appeal of the district which in turn attracts new development, more visitors, more residents, more cultural events, and additional institutions and businesses that now call Grand Center their home.

Grand Center Happenings

When Grand Center, Inc., was formed in 1981, the goal of the organization was to coordinate, guide and help facilitate the redevelopment and restoration of St. Louis’ historic arts district. Today, a vibrant arts and cultural district sits in the heart of St. Louis. Here’s an update on just a few of the recent happenings in the neighborhood.