Image courtesy of SLSO
By KERRY SMITH BUCK
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – General contractor BSI Constructors of St. Louis is celebrating along with its client – St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
BSI led the two-year, $140 million, donor-funded construction effort to completely reimagine, renovate and expand what was formerly known solely as Powell Hall and is now known as the Jack C. Taylor Music Center.
“We at BSI Constructors are thrilled to have played a role in the transformation of Powell Hall,” said Paul Shaughnessy, president at BSI Constructors. “It has been a great honor to be entrusted with the construction for this St. Louis landmark. We salute the leadership of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and its many generous supporters for their commitment to timeless music, to Grand Center, to the City of St. Louis and to truly inspiring architecture.”
The celebratory opening of the institution’s 2025/26 season, its 146th, serves as a milestone moment for the orchestra and for Powell Hall, which turns 100 in November and has served as the SLSO’s home since 1968.
It was designed by the global architecture firm Snøhetta with local firm Christner Architects as the architect of record.
The project provides new and improved amenities for audiences and artists, while preserving and enhancing the internationally recognized acoustics and aesthetics of the concert hall. A new education and learning center provides additional space for the SLSO’s two resident choruses, its youth orchestra and a robust portfolio of education and community programs.
Powell Hall has been the home for the symphony since 1968.