Film and TV producer Monica Butler plans to redevelop the former Second Baptist Church property at 500 N. Kingshighway Blvd. in St. Louis into a 40,000-square-foot Gospel Music Hall of Fame and cultural arts, entertainment and gospel research center.
Steve Smith, chief executive officer of Lawrence Group and co-founder of New + Found, will provide development services for the project. Lawrence Group will provide design and construction for the $22 million restoration.
Plans for the Gospel Hall of Fame and Cultural Arts, Entertainment and Gospel Research Center include a sound stage and film theater, hall of fame museum, education center, cafe, courtyard and event space.
Built in 1907, the former Second Baptist Church is part of the Holy Corners Historic District, a group of religious and public assembly buildings near the intersection of Kingshighway and Washington boulevards in St. Louis’ Central West End. The property is an official landmark of the City of St. Louis and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
