Lawrence Group is proud to share that The Sovereign has received a 2026 Most Enhanced Award from the Landmarks Association of St. Louis, recognizing the thoughtful transformation of a century-old Grand Center building into a new destination for live music.
Mike Schnaare (left) and Steve Smith (right) received Landmarks Association 2026 Most Enhanced Award placard.
The building at 3306 Washington Boulevard opened in 1922 as the Beckley-Ralston Building, part of St. Louis’ bustling “Auto Row.” Designed by prominent architect Preston Bradshaw—whose work includes the Chase Park Plaza, Coronado and Mayfair hotels—the building later served a succession of automotive businesses before becoming home to Pavyer Printing Machine Works for nearly 50 years.
More than a century after its construction, Lawrence Group worked alongside affiliate companies New + Found and Integrate Construction Partners to give the building its next chapter as The Sovereign, a 17,000-square-foot, 1,200-capacity concert venue.
The design embraces the building’s industrial heritage, transforming its soaring central warehouse and mezzanine into the main concert hall. The historic garage door now serves as a loading dock for performers, while the original 100-foot terracotta façade was preserved and complemented by a new marquee inspired by an earlier addition to the building.
Inside, the renovation introduced two bars, a stage, VIP area, two greenrooms and a dramatic two-story reception area, alongside significant structural and building-system improvements.
The Sovereign welcomed its first guests in 2025, extending the life of an important St. Louis building while bringing new energy to the Grand Center Arts District. We’re honored to see this balance of preservation, adaptation and design recognized by the Landmarks Association.