Armory STL Shuts Doors: Historic St. Louis Venue Faces Financial Hurdles
St. Louis Entertainment Venue Armory STL Announces Temporary Closure
The Armory STL, a popular multi-purpose entertainment center in St. Louis’ Midtown District, has announced its temporary closure due to financial constraints. The venue, which reopened in December 2022 after years of vacancy, is now facing challenges in completing its second phase of development.
Located in the 3600 block of Market Street, the Armory is a historical landmark built in the 1930s. Originally serving as a military base, it later transformed into a concert venue and sports complex. Since its recent reopening, the Armory has hosted various activities including cornhole, table tennis, badminton, foosball, watch parties, and charity events.
Jimmy Smith, COO of the Armory STL, emphasized the importance of completing the second phase, which included plans for a larger lower level and a rooftop beer garden. However, Jacob Miller, co-creator of the Armory STL concept, cited financial issues as the primary reason for the temporary closure.
“The landlord’s failure to fund the entire project left it incomplete and financially unsustainable,” Miller stated. He added that efforts are currently underway to restructure the project, though no clear timetable for reopening has been provided.
The closure has raised concerns among employees, many of whom relied on the venue for their primary income. Miller expressed gratitude to the St. Louis community for their support over the past two years, acknowledging that while the concept was successful, it proved unsustainable without sufficient capital.
Green Street Real Estate Ventures, the owner of the Armory, has not yet commented on the closure. As this story develops, further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The temporary shutdown of the Armory STL marks a setback for the Midtown District’s entertainment scene, leaving the community and employees hopeful for a swift resolution and reopening.
