Construction Promotion and New Ownership at Olivette Lanes

St. Louis area, September 20, 2025

News Summary

S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Emily Klackner to Senior Project Manager after joining the firm as an intern and building a portfolio that includes school district bond work, district master planning, retail remodels and high-profile community projects. Meanwhile, Olivette Lanes at 9520 Olive Blvd is under new ownership for the first time in 17 years. The buyer, a long-time bowling industry professional, financed the purchase through U.S. Bank, retained the existing staff, and plans modest interior upgrades while keeping the center’s familiar exterior and community focus. The center remains reachable at 314-991-0365.

S. M. Wilson & Co. promotion and Olivette Lanes sale mark leadership and ownership shifts in St. Louis area

S. M. Wilson & Co. promoted Emily Klackner to Senior Project Manager, and for the first time in 17 years Olivette Lanes is under new ownership after purchase by Don Klackner. Both moves affect projects and community amenities across the St. Louis area, with the construction promotion reinforcing an in-house career path and the bowling center sale preserving a local recreational anchor.

Promotion: Experience and a local construction footprint

S. M. Wilson & Co. is a St. Louis-based construction management and general contracting firm. The firm promoted Emily Klackner, who joined S. M. Wilson in 2019 and began her journey there as a college intern. After graduating, she chose to launch her full-time career with S. M. Wilson and has risen through the ranks to the role of Senior Project Manager.

Emily Klackner has worked on a variety of projects including educational, retail and residential developments while at S. M. Wilson. Her project portfolio includes the Jefferson City School District’s 2024 Bond Issue, the Ladue School District’s Master Plan, City Foundry STL, COCA’s expansion, and two Target store remodels. Since 2023, she has been an active member of the AGCMO Construction Leadership Council (CLC), and she currently serves on the AGCMO Board of Directors as the CLC Representative.

The company announcement also includes the phrase Subscribe to our email list to read all news first. as a repeated item within the announcement material.

Ownership change at Olivette Lanes: continuity with plans for updates

For the first time in 17 years, Olivette Lanes is under new ownership. The center is located at 9520 Olive Blvd. and sits on the south side of the road at that address. The new owner is Don Klackner, age 50, of St. Charles, who now serves as owner, proprietor and general manager of the 24-lane center.

Don Klackner has been in bowling for half his adult life and spent 26 years working in the bowling industry for the Brunswick Corp. of Chicago. He managed Lakeside Brunswick Zone in Valley Park and opened and ran the Brunswick Zone Excel Center in St. Peters. He began bowling in junior programs at age 13. After an industry layoff when the economy turned bad, he approached the prior Olivette owner about opportunities, leading to the current sale.

The prior operator, Ted Krygiel, and his wife Joanie had owned and operated the center. Krygiel had been thinking about retirement for years. The purchase was financed through U.S. Bank. According to Klackner’s estimate, Olivette Lanes produced a steady revenue stream that made the purchase possible.

Nearby Strike ‘N Spare lanes in Creve Coeur closed, leaving Tropicana Lanes in Clayton as the nearest competition. Tropicana Lanes is owned by three people, all in their 80s, and Klackner expressed uncertainty about Tropicana’s future as a viable business.

What is changing, and what will remain

Klackner is described as marketing savvy and focused on keeping things simple. Patrons value the Route 66 retro look and feel of Olivette Lanes. Planned updates include possible new carpeting, some fresh paint, and more modern scoring machines; the exterior zany purple paint will remain for now. The entire Krygiel staff was retained, and a birthday party hostess was added to the team.

The restaurant and bar, noted for good food, appetizers and drinks, remain mostly unchanged. A private meeting room for 35 guests is getting a substantial face-lift to support private groups. Several private events have already taken place under the new ownership, including a private bowling party hosted by Central Christian School in Clayton, two events for the Ladue School system, and regular Friday gatherings by MICDS teachers.

Klackner and his team of 15 employees maintain extensive business hours so bowlers can find a home for their sport in Olivette. There is no smoking in Olivette Lanes; the center smells clean and looks neat and fresh. Olivette Lanes originally opened in 1954 and was opened by Hall of Fame bowler Nelson Burton Sr. The center can be reached by calling 314-991-0365 and has a new website.

Why this matters

The promotion at a St. Louis-based construction firm highlights internal career development and continued firm involvement in major public and private projects. The ownership change at a local bowling center preserves a long-running community business while signaling modest modernization and sustained community programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Features Summary

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• RE Journals: S. M. Wilson names Senior Project Manager
• Wikipedia: Construction management
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Local column
• Google Search: Nelson Burton Sr
• Patch: Olivette Bowling Lanes under new ownership
• Google Scholar: Olivette Lanes
• S. M. Wilson & Co. (company site)
• Encyclopedia Britannica: construction
• Local listing: Olivette Lanes (Google Maps)
• Google News: Olivette Lanes

Author: Construction CA News

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