After approval by the Board of Alderman the renovation of the long dormant Kiel Opera House is in the works. Blues owner Dave Checketts reiterated that the renovation is slated to commence in the fall, with a projected opening before the holidays in 2010.

Here are the renderings from Rice Associates of a Kiel Opera House restored to its former glory:

Kiel Opera House

A renovated Foyer

New Life for Kiel Opera House

Here are some pics of the current situation:

The Kiel Opera House Today

Art Deco Facade

Look for new announcements next year

Crumbling Stairs

Box Office waiting for new windows

A Bear with a View

The Dock on the West Side

Exit Stage Left

Some former glory: The Rat Pack at Kiel, June 20, 1965:

More on the renovation of Kiel Opera House can be found at The St. Louis Post-Dispatch