The Arts and Education Council provides office space, state-of-the-art technology, rehearsal and performance space for 17 nonprofit arts organizations in the Centene Center for Arts and Education, an arts incubator located in Grand Center. History
The Centene Center for Arts and Education began its life in the late 1880s when Jacob Mahler built a dance studio. In 1906, Ann Hamilton Bailey deeded a
dditional frontage space and in 1907, Archbishop John J. Glennon dedicated the new home of the Knights of Columbus with great fanfare and spectacle. This architectural masterpiece, designed by Baker and Knell, would become the showpiece for the Knights of Columbus for decades to come. Later the structure served as home to the International Machinists Union and the Medinah Temple. After nearly twenty years without occupancy, all the arts have returned to this space. Many of the original architectural features installed during the days of the Knights of Columbus Hall have been preserved — the beautiful gothic-style white glazed terra cotta façade, the corridors lined in Italian marble, the original tile and wooden floors, and the elaborate ironwork. A New Beginning
Through the vision of Vince Schoemehl and the Grand Center Board of Directors, Steve Trampe and Owen Development, and the Arts and Education Council Board and Staff, a new home for the arts in Grand Center was established. Through the leadership gift of the Centene Charitable Foundation, the Centene Center for Arts and Education provides arts organizations state-of-the-art offices and technology. Rental Spaces:
Laclede Conference Room
Great for meetings, presentations, and working lunches, this bright and comfortable room seats 14, a large conference table, and includes multi-media and refreshment capabilities. The Rialto
A 4050 square feet space plus an outdoor rooftop terrace with view of midtown and downtown. It is equipped with multi-media and stage lighting.
