When Cinema St. Louis (CSL) purchased the iconic Hi-Pointe Theatre in 2023, we knew that preserving and improving a century-old building would require a significant investment. We had already begun planning to replace the Theatre’s aging roof when, in May 2025, the devastating tornado that tore through the City of St. Louis struck the Hi-Pointe and completely destroyed its rooftop air-conditioning system.

As is often the case with historic buildings, one project quickly revealed the need for another. What began as a roof replacement, followed by an HVAC replacement, ultimately expanded into a major overhaul of the building’s electrical system.

Thanks to generous Give STL Day donors in 2023 and 2024, we raised $31,500 toward this work. Several private donors then stepped forward with an additional $200,000. Cinema St. Louis also liquidated some of its investments and applied available insurance proceeds to the project. Even with all that support, we still faced a significant funding gap.

Work began on the electrical overhaul, and temporary cooling fans were added to the auditorium. The HVAC project is now permitted and scheduled to begin by the end of July, with the new roof to follow in August.

Once completed, air conditioning will finally return to the beautiful Hi-Pointe auditorium, truly making “It’s Cool Inside” a reality once again. The project will also bring cooling to the concession stand and projection booth for the first time in the Theatre’s 104-year history. This is essential not only for the health and safety of our staff, but also for protecting Hi-Pointe’s valuable digital and 35mm projection equipment.

We had hoped the work would be finished before the opening of our 26th annual St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and the St. Louis premiere of Chasing Summer. Instead, our nearly sold-out audience received a very literal summertime welcome. That evening, we shared that Cinema St. Louis still needs nearly $100,000 to close the gap and bring this massive construction and preservation project across the finish line.

Two members of that audience heard our appeal and generously offered a matching challenge grant, available July 18–31.

Every dollar you give during the challenge will be matched, doubling your impact. Together, we can make the Hi-Pointe cool again and help preserve this beloved historic theatre for generations to come.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Cinema St. Louis (CSL) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: Tax ID 43-1613176.

Keep the Hi-Pointe COOL

Team Members