June 6, 2024

Brick by brick, the expansion and renovation of Powell Hall progresses—literally. Masonry work has begun on the project, led by St. Louis-based John J. Smith Masonry Company. Masons have completed bricklaying on the north façade facing Delmar Blvd., and have started work on the east façade of the new backstage and on the new Education and Learning Center on the southeast corner of the expansion.

The details of the masonry were carefully considered—the colors of the brick and mortar were tested, and samples were developed. The final selections complement the brick of the original 1925 building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2001. The sand-colored bricks are lighter in color than the original brick and will accompany other materials selected for the façade of the expansion: glass and champagne-colored metal.