GRIFFIN March 2025

March 2025 • CWEA GRIFFIN • 9 A plan to develop the historic Second Baptist Church at 500 N. Kingshighway Blvd. into a Gospel Music Hall of Fame and arts center is back on track after a fire in 2021. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Gospel Music Hall of Fame on a master plan to transform the Second Baptist Church in St. Louis into an exhibition hall, recording Gospel Hall of Fame project back on track at Four Corners landmark By Eileen P. Duggan studio, and cultural center,” said Mike Konzen, second chairman and principal PGAV. PGAV has taken over the project from the original developer, The Lawrence Group. The 40,000-square-foot project, to be called Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Cultural Arts, Enter- tainment and Gospel Research Center, was first announced in September 2021. Dr. Monica Butler shows off the interior of the Second Baptist Church with TV reporter Nathan Vickers. About a month later, a massive fire damaged much of the historic building, which dates back to 1907. The project is the brainchild of Dr. Monica Butler as a tribute to her mother, Jacqueline Butler, who sang and recorded music with the O’Neal Twins gospel group. Monica Butler, a film producer for television, the- ater and film, has fond memories of the neighborhood and the church from when she was a letter carrier serving the area. “The history of gospel music is be- ing lost, and it’s vital that we tell the stories and keep it alive,” said Butler. Founded in St. Louis, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame celebrates and preserves the rich history of gospel music, recognizing the city’s signifi- cant contributions to the genre. The institution honors legendary artists and their cultural and spiritual im- pact through engaging exhibits, live performances and educational pro- grams. With a local, national and international footprint, the organi- zation inspires and educates diverse audiences, ensuring the enduring legacy of gospel music for genera- tions to come. PGAV will develop a strategic master plan. The process will ex- plore site feasibility, guest experi- ence design, and a roadmap for long-term success, Konzen said. But it’s still early in the process, said El- liot Liebson of PGAV. The master planning process is set to conclude by the middle of this year. PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Construction is in full swing on the St. Louis Chess Campus’ 33,000 square-foot historic renovation in the Central West End. The site is at the northeast corner of Euclid and Maryland avenues, formerly Cul- pepper’s restaurant. “The expansion is slated to be com- pleted late summer,” said a Chess Club spokesperson, “reaching a sig- nificant milestone of recognition for St. Louis and the Central West End as a global leader in chess.” The project revitalizes the St. Louis Chess Club building, updating the basement, first and second floors while preserv- ing its rich history. Exterior upgrades include façade restoration, window repairs and a new rear addition. Chess Club expansion is underway Rex Sinquefield, Chess Club founder, signs a construction beam at the site of the expansion. The expansion will elevate the member experience with a state-of- the-art commercial kitchen, dining space, broadcast studio, dedicated tournament areas and a newmember entrance, the spokesperson added.