In St. Louis, The Factory at The District is more than just a venue—it’s a symbol of community-driven economic growth. In a recent episode of Real Stories of Rising Together, Orv Kimbrough, Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, sat down with real estate developer Michael Staenberg to explore how The Factory, a local concert venue and entertainment space, is fostering local business and creating jobs through a shared commitment to the community.
Turning a Dream into Reality
The Factory began as a dream after the devastating floods of 1993, which wiped out much of the Chesterfield Valley. Michael Staenberg partnered with the city to rebuild the area, turning what seemed like a disaster into an opportunity for growth. Today, the Levy and The District serve as foundations for new businesses, and The Factory is at the heart of it all.
“It takes vision,” Orv notes. “For you to look at a flood and out of that flood came this—this Levy that sets the foundation on which you will develop other business in this area.”
Michael’s vision was clear from the start: build a space that unites the community, supports local businesses, and drives economic growth for the entire region.
A Local Experience Like No Other
What sets The Factory apart from other venues in St. Louis is that it’s built entirely from the ground up, the first of its kind in over 20 years. Michael Staenberg used the opportunity to create a space that would not only host concerts but provide an unforgettable experience for every guest.
“We made sure that people would have an experience that they want to come back to,” Michael shares. From the stunning design to the carefully curated local art throughout the venue, every detail was crafted to invoke emotion and make The Factory a standout destination.
Supporting Local Businesses and Jobs
One of Michael’s core values is supporting local businesses, and The Factory is a prime example of this commitment. Every restaurant, retailer, and vendor in The District is a local business. Michael emphasizes the importance of giving back to St. Louis, ensuring that the community benefits from the growth and success of The Factory.
“We wanted to make sure it was local businesses,” Michael says. “It’s important to me to give back to St. Louis and bring them in, no different than how we did the construction job here.”
By prioritizing local partnerships, The Factory helps create jobs, support local entrepreneurs, and stimulate the region’s economy.
A Crown Jewel in the St. Louis Entertainment Scene
As Orv toured The Factory, he marveled at the space, particularly the theater, which he described as “the Crown Jewel.” With seating and standing room for 3,600 people, The Factory has hosted over 200 concerts and private events, bringing in more than 600,000 visitors to the region. Its versatility allows it to cater to a wide range of performances, from rock and roll to comedy shows and private functions, making it a vital part of St. Louis’ entertainment scene.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Midwest BankCentre’s partnership with The Factory is more than just a business relationship—it’s a collaboration built on shared values. As Chris, a relationship manager at Midwest BankCentre, explains, both organizations are deeply invested in the local community. Chris chose to spend his career at a community bank because of its commitment to supporting St. Louis businesses like The Factory.
“My family’s here, I grew up here, and we try to find folks that have those same values,” Chris says. “Nobody shares those more in line with Midwest BankCentre than Michael personally and the Staenberg group.”
Michael’s dedication to the community extends beyond just business. Every concert at The Factory donates money to local charities, and last year alone, over $100,000 was given in cash donations to various causes.
The Impact of Banking Locally
As Orv wraps up his visit to The Factory, he reflects on the importance of banking locally. “Where you bank matters,” he says. By partnering with Midwest BankCentre, The Factory is able to make an even bigger impact on the St. Louis region, ensuring that dollars stay in the community and contribute to its continued growth.
The Factory is a shining example of how local businesses, when supported by community-driven institutions like Midwest BankCentre, can drive regional economic growth and create lasting impacts. Through its commitment to local partnerships, The Factory not only provides entertainment but also supports local businesses, creates jobs, and gives back to the community.
By banking locally, businesses like The Factory are helping to fuel growth and ensure that everyone in the St. Louis region can rise together.