The Sovereign, a new concert venue with an eclectic, independent ethos, is coming to Grand Center Arts District this summer. The space aims to be a vibrant addition to a neighborhood already buzzing with opportunities for live music and performances. Here’s what to expect from the forthcoming spot.
The Background
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The idea for The Sovereign was sparked back in 2019 between three men—Tim Weber, managing partner of Old Rock House; Chris Hansen, executive director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation; and Steve Smith, CEO of New + Found (N+F). Finally, after five years, the trio is finishing what they started.
The Sovereign will take over the former Pavyer Printing Machine Works building (3306 Washington Blvd.)—a hundred-plus-year-old property that used to house REO Speedwagon cars and RCA speakers. The venue’s development was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the project was only ever on the back burner. Now, the project is moving ahead, with plans to open in late summer 2025.
Not only will The Sovereign offer St. Louisans a new entertainment venue, but it’s also expected to create new jobs, opportunities for upcoming artists, and collaborations with art organizations. Weber says The Sovereign will also stand as a testament to opportunities provided by oft-overlooked properties.
“I like to build concert venues to last,” he says .”It’s really hard to do these things, so I really like to take a long view of it. I like to build businesses that can stand the test of time, and the only way to do that is to treat both the artists who grace our stage and the customers who come to the shows with all the respect possible.”
The Venue
The Sovereign will be operated by Weber and have a capacity of 1,200 attendees. The main level will include a 40-by-30-foot stage, a large lobby area, and a built-in mezzanine with a portable bar. The venue will be fully accessible, something that Weber says was emphasized in the planning to ensure all event attendees feel comfortable within the space
As much of the original interior of the historic building will be kept as possible, starting with the classic black mosaic tile that lines the floor in the large lobby. Smith from New + Found is working with The Lawrence Group, a design firm, on the blueprint for the building. They are working to ensure the new vision for the building stays true to its memorable past while blending a modern look into the final product.
Logic Systems Sound and Lighting, one of the premier Midwest providers of audio, lighting, and video production, will be working on the audiovisual setup for the space. Full concert lights will shine throughout the venue to make sure all attendees can enjoy a concert’s production to the fullest, regardless of location in the space.
The Future
Organizers say the goal of The Sovereign is to welcome people of all backgrounds and to provide a space where attendees can get the full experience of a high-quality concert. Weber plans to invite artists from all genres—rock, hip-hop, metal, country, and more—to perform on their stage.
Through a new, large space and welcoming environment, Weber hopes to convey the impact and importance of St. Louis’s vibrant music scene. He has been in the business for more than 25 years, always working to find ways to reach the community through music.
“We are going to be very St. Louis-oriented and very attached to the people of St. Louis,” Weber says. “Whatever the genre is, we need to be able to function for the audience that’s coming that night, and I think we’ll be very good at that and very successful at that.”
The project will begin full construction in February, and the team behind the project expects The Sovereign to be finished by early September.
