About Koplar Properties
Since the 1920’s, the Koplar family has created some of the St. Louis regions’ most memorable, iconic architectural landmarks and cultural destinations.
Early 1920’sSam Koplar, armed with only an 8th grade education, turned his brick salvaging business into The Koplar Company, a construction enterprise that was very involved in an early building boom in St. Louis that was caused by returning veterans of World War I.
1925The Koplar Company expands beyond housing construction and goes on to build some of St. Louis’ most recognizable landmarks, including Powell Symphony Hall on Grand Avenue.
1930'sKoplar Properties develops other notable residential projects throughout St. Louis, including the Embassy Apartments, The Forest Park Hotel, The Branscome Apartments, the Congress
1929Sam Koplar begins construction of his dream hotel, the Park Plaza. After subsequently losing the hotel to foreclosure during The Great Depression, Sam takes a job as a desk manager and never gives up his determination to buy his beloved hotel back.By 1944, his patience was rewarded as Sam Koplar re-purchased The Park Plaza Hotel for less than half of the amount he built it for.
By acquiring the neighboring Chase Hotel, Mr. Koplar connected the 2 hotels, and formed The Chase Park Plaza, ushering in a new era for St. Louis.
1940’s-50’sSam’s gregarious son Harold builds on his father’s legacy, designing and building key additions to the Chase Park Plaza, including the Khorassan Ballroom and Starlight Roof, which became one of the top places in the United States for entertainment.The Chase Park Plaza hosted several Presidents, Kings and Queens; as well as the top performers of the era. From Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack to Elvis Presley, the Chase Park Plaza was the hub of entertainment for the city.
1959Harold Koplar – known lovingly as “HK” – launches KPLR-TV, an independent television station built as an extension of the entertainment powerhouse of the Chase Park Plaza. KPLR-TV was the first independent VHF station in the US, and under Harold’s son Ted’s leadership, was named the #1 independent television station in the entire country.
1960'sHarold Koplar begins construction of the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The opening of the Lodge quickly makes Lake Ozark one of the most popular recreational destinations in the entire Midwest.
1980'sThe Koplar Family sells the Chase Park Plaza, and the company shifts its focus to the communications business. Ted Koplar starts World Event Productions, and produces one of the most successful children's’ television programs of the decade, Voltron: Defender of the Universe.
2004Ted’s son Sam joins Koplar Properties, and embarks on a bold revitalization of Maryland Plaza. After having been vacant for decades, Maryland Plaza successfully returned to being the top destination in St. Louis for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
2012
Koplar Properties opens The York House, a complete $12 million overhaul restoration of the former Chase apartments building.Sitting at the gateway to Forest Park, this newly repositioned building now features 33 of the finest apartment homes in the entire region.
2020
Koplar Properties announces the development of two AC Hotels in St. Louis, the first ever multi-family apartment complex in the city of Des Peres and a 30-story luxury apartment tower in the Central West End
