ST. LOUIS — A well-known wedding venue in downtown St. Louis is closing its doors after 30 years of business.
Tom Klein, the owner of Windows on Washington, announced they are closing the venue on Dec. 31, 2024. All events before the closure date will be honored and all events after that date will be fully refunded.
Klein said he's retiring to spend more time with his family.
"There is sadness for those with whom we have to cancel because of timing. But yet, it's been fond memories, fond memories that my wife, my family, and I will have for all of those moments where people have given us that vote of confidence and chosen us as their venue where they wanted to celebrate," he said.
The sudden closure of the beloved event space has left Meredith Drummond and Michael DiPiazza frustrated and scrambling to find a new venue to celebrate their special day.
"We woke up this morning kind of shell-shocked. We planned this four months ago, and kind of revolved everything around the venue. So we're searching now. It's just a little disappointing," DiPiazza said.
The engaged couple's reception reservation was canceled for next spring, and now they're up against trying to find a last-minute option, as many venues are already booked out for 2025.
"Michael started calling everybody probably like eight o'clock this morning. And I think we've had 10 people tell us they're booked, and maybe two are available so far. So we're still looking. We were almost done planning everything. And now we're starting back at square one," Drummond said.
Klein has listed the building for sale and says they'll officially close after their New Year's Eve events.
The engaged couple says they wish they would've been told about this sooner.
"I think he's let a lot of people down and it's unfortunate timing, but you can't hate the guy. It's everyone's goal to retire in life, and he's been here forever, but I wish it could have given people a little more of a heads up," DiPiazza said.
"It's been a difficult decision to make, and it's a decision that is important to make. It has been fun. What we really want to do is for those that are canceled, is work with them," Klein said.
The company said they're helping find alternative accommodations for people with canceled events. Klein said they sent a list of several possible options in an email to their canceled clients on Wednesday evening.
But, Drummond and DiPiazza said they've only received phone numbers to a couple of caterers.
According to the company's website, it has been in the wedding business since the 1980s, when it started as a catering company. It became Windows On Washington in 1994 when the company opened a wedding venue at the former International Shoe Company.
The business moved to its current location at 1601 Washington Avenue in 2005. It houses three, urban loft spaces that have played host to countless weddings and other celebrations. Owner Thomas Klein, who owns the building, has listed it for sale.
“Closing Windows On Washington is a bittersweet decision,” owner Thomas Klein said in the press release. “For 30 years, we’ve been honored to be part of your celebrations and milestones. We are deeply grateful for the trust and support we’ve experienced as part of this vibrant community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to our loyal patrons, their many guests, and our dedicated employees. Your partnership has made this journey incredibly rewarding.”
Klein said his decision to close does not have anything to do with downtown crime rates.
John Armengol Jr., the owner of Andres Banquets and Catering, said they've already received several calls from people looking for a new venue after their reservations were canceled at Windows on Washington. With 18 locations, Armnegol said they can accommodate any of these couples.
"I'm assuming Windows was doing 70 to 80 weddings a year roughly, as far as receptions go. So we will be anticipating calls, and we will be welcoming calls. We will work with the budgets of those brides to try to give them the day they always envisioned," Armengol said.