Powell Hall? (St. Louis, Center, Rea: hotel, houses, neighborhoods)

[Hazel W]

Some time ago, we had a discussion about a theatre or music hall in St Louis where an opera was being shown - I think on film. Much of the talk was about the difficulty of getting to the building, something about walking a block or two through a rather uncomfortable area. Some people were saying they didn't feel safe there. Also, that the acoustics are bad in the building. Please tell me - that wasn't Powell Hall, was it?

Thank you. Hazel

[aragx6]

I don't remember the conversation you're specifically talking about but I don't think Powell shows anything on film, the neighborhood is of very little concern -- especially on event nights when there will be plenty of others around -- and the acoustics are generally considered to be quite good, so I suspect Powell isn't what was being spoken of. I do think parking is probably problematic in that direct area when there is a concert, but I wouldn't be too concerned (and you probably wouldn't be driving anyway, correct?)

[Hazel W]

Originally Posted by aragx6

I don't remember the conversation you're specifically talking about but I don't think Powell shows anything on film, the neighborhood is of very little concern -- especially on event nights when there will be plenty of others around -- and the acoustics are generally considered to be quite good, so I suspect Powell isn't what was being spoken of. I do think parking is probably problematic in that direct area when there is a concert, but I wouldn't be too concerned (and you probably wouldn't be driving anyway, correct?)

Thank you. I am likely thinking of another place. Maybe the discussion was at Talk Classical as the theatre was showing a Wagner opera. It's too long ago to search for. We will be going to Powell Hall tonight which brought back memories of the comments. Something was said about having to walk quite a distance. No, I'll not be driving but the friend I am going with will be.

Thanks.

[aragx6]

The Symphony Orchestra Web site has good info on parking:

Grand Center operates several parking lots near Powell Hall in the Grand Center Arts District.

Powell Hall is located at 718 North Grand Boulevard in the Grand Center mid-town arts district. Grand Boulevard is accessed off of I-64 or I-70. I-64 is the closest interstate access. Due to excessive traffic on Grand Boulevard on concert nights, we suggest using alternative streets including Compton and Vandeventer.Two parking lots serve the immediate area around Powell Hall -- the Veterans Administration lot (available concert evenings and weekends only), located North of the hall off of Delmar Boulevard, and the Grand Center Blue Lot, located along the South side of the hall off of Samuel Shepard. Both lots are accessed by turning East off of North Grand Boulevard on to Delmar Boulevard or Samuel Shepard.

STL Symphony - Directions

[inahandbasket]

Originally Posted by Hazel W

Thank you. I am likely thinking of another place. Maybe the discussion was at Talk Classical as the theatre was showing a Wagner opera. It's too long ago to search for. We will be going to Powell Hall tonight which brought back memories of the comments. Something was said about having to walk quite a distance. No, I'll not be driving but the friend I am going with will be.

Thanks.

Ah - you're going to the St. Louis Symphony's "rally concert" for their upcoming European tour - lucky you!!! I have to work. Major bummer.

The concert will be GREAT!!!

[Hazel W]

Originally Posted by aragx6

The Symphony Orchestra Web site has good info on parking:



STL Symphony - Directions

Thanks. Off topic, for certain but whenever I see your location of "Volker", I remember the houses which, at one time, were for professors at a nearby college. Then, students lived in them. It was a nice, cozy little area. That was long ago. :-)

Hazel

[aragx6]

It's definitely still nice and cozy and has the additional bonus of some great restaurants along 39th Street. We really wouldn't prefer any other KC neighborhood. I'm glad you have pleasant memories of the place

[Hazel W]

Originally Posted by aragx6

It's definitely still nice and cozy and has the additional bonus of some great restaurants along 39th Street. We really wouldn't prefer any other KC neighborhood. I'm glad you have pleasant memories of the place

I am so glad to know it is still there. Wasn't there talk at one time of clearing those houses out and doing something different to the neighborhood? Seems to me there was some fussing about such an idea. I cannot remember. Was it a university nearby or a hospital?

The old neighborhoods are so much nicer - more natural looking, a friendlier feel to them even if you don't live there. Newer communities are "cold". I suppose they need time to develop a personality of there own. Mostly, to me, they need some trees. Trees do make a big difference and your area had them.

Back to work here. Enjoy your home.

[Sundaydrive00]

Originally Posted by Hazel W

We will be going to Powell Hall tonight which brought back memories of the comments. Something was said about having to walk quite a distance. No, I'll not be driving but the friend I am going with will be.

Thanks.

I will be going tonight too! I've never been to Powell Hall, so I'm pretty excited. We went to their free concert last year, but it was in Forest Park. It was a great concert, but I've heard they sound even better in Powell Hall with the acoustics.

Parking shouldn't be much of an issue. Powell Hall is only about a block away from the Fox Theatre, and I've never had a problem finding close parking at the numerous shows I've been to there. There are plenty of surface lots and parking garages.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Hazel W

I am so glad to know it is still there. Wasn't there talk at one time of clearing those houses out and doing something different to the neighborhood? Seems to me there was some fussing about such an idea. I cannot remember. Was it a university nearby or a hospital?

The old neighborhoods are so much nicer - more natural looking, a friendlier feel to them even if you don't live there. Newer communities are "cold". I suppose they need time to develop a personality of there own. Mostly, to me, they need some trees. Trees do make a big difference and your area had them.

Back to work here. Enjoy your home.

There has been some expansion of Ku Med in recent years, but Volker mostly gets saved from any major clearing out because we're on the MO side. There is a lot of increased density on Rainbow Blvd now -- a brand new hotel for one -- but most of the little frame houses that make up the bulk of Volker remain untouched.