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.
Construction firm promotes project manager as local bowling center changes hands after 17 years
S. M. Wilson & Co., a St. Louis-based construction management and general contracting firm, has promoted Emily Klackner to Senior Project Manager, and Olivette Lanes at 9520 Olive Blvd is under new ownership for the first time in 17 years, now run by Don Klackner, age 50, of St. Charles. Both moves signal continuity and modest change within two distinct corners of the local building and leisure markets.
Why the moves matter
The promotion reflects internal growth at a long-standing St. Louis construction firm. The ownership change at Olivette Lanes preserves a neighborhood bowling center with a steady customer base and long local history. The two developments landed at the top because they affect staffing, project leadership and a community gathering spot that traces back to its 1954 opening.
Details on the promotion
Emily Klackner joined S. M. Wilson in 2019, starting as a college intern and choosing to launch her full-time career there after graduation. During her time with the firm she has worked on educational, retail and residential developments. Her project portfolio at the firm 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, Emily Klackner 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 promotion to Senior Project Manager recognizes her portfolio of work and involvement in industry leadership programs.
Details on the Olivette Lanes sale
For the first time in 17 years, Olivette Lanes is under new ownership. The center sits on the south side of the road at 9520 Olive Blvd. Don Klackner is now the owner, proprietor and general manager. He financed the purchase through U.S. Bank, estimating that the center’s steady revenue stream made the deal possible.
Don Klackner has been involved in bowling for half his adult life. He worked 26 years in the bowling industry for the Brunswick Corp. of Chicago, 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 the economy weakened and Brunswick let him go, he contacted then-owner Ted Krygiel, who with his wife Joanie had owned and operated the 24-lane Olivette Lanes center and had been thinking about retirement for years. The sale left the previous owners with a positive outcome and kept the center in active operation.
What will change — and what will stay
Klackner kept the entire Krygiel staff and added a birthday party hostess. He is described as marketing savvy and aims to keep things simple. Patrons favor the Route 66 retro look and feel; the exterior zany purple paint will remain for now. Planned updates include new carpeting, some fresh paint and more modern scoring machines, while the restaurant and bar remain mostly unchanged. The private meeting room for up to 35 guests is getting a substantial face-lift, and private groups have already held events under the new ownership, including Central Christian School in Clayton and two events for the Ladue School system. MICDS teachers also meet every Friday for casual bowling.
The center enforces a no-smoking policy, and the facility is described as smelling clean and looking neat and fresh. Olivette Lanes originally opened in 1954 when Hall of Fame bowler Nelson Burton Sr. opened the center, which flourished for years after opening. Don Klackner and his team of 15 employees maintain extensive business hours so bowlers can find a home for their sport in Olivette. The center can be reached at 314-991-0365 and has a new website.
Market context and local competition
Nearby Strike ‘N Spare lanes in Creve Coeur closed down, leaving Tropicana Lanes in Clayton as the nearest competition. Tropicana Lanes is owned by three people, all in their 80s, and the new owner of Olivette is uncertain about the long-term prospects for that nearby business. Klackner plans to build the business and to keep the center relevant for those seeking recreational and league bowling.
Notes on communications and announcements
The S. M. Wilson announcement repeats a subscription prompt asking readers to sign up for email to read news first. That prompt appears multiple times in the original announcement materials and is included in the announcement text.
FAQ
Q: Who was promoted?
A: S. M. Wilson & Co. promoted Emily Klackner to Senior Project Manager.
Q: When did Emily Klackner join S. M. Wilson?
A: Emily Klackner joined S. M. Wilson in 2019.
Q: What projects are included in Emily Klackner’s portfolio?
A: Emily Klackner’s 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.
Q: What industry groups has Emily Klackner been involved with?
A: Since 2023, Emily Klackner has been an active member of the AGCMO Construction Leadership Council (CLC). Emily Klackner currently serves on the AGCMO Board of Directors as the CLC Representative.
Q: What is the new ownership news at Olivette Lanes?
A: For the first time in 17 years, Olivette Lanes is under new ownership. Don Klackner, age 50, of St. Charles, is the new owner of Olivette Lanes. Olivette Lanes is located at 9520 Olive Blvd and sits on the south side of the road at that address.
Q: How did Don Klackner arrive at owning Olivette Lanes?
A: Don Klackner worked 26 years in the bowling industry for the Brunswick Corp. of Chicago, managed Lakeside Brunswick Zone in Valley Park, and opened and ran the Brunswick Zone Excel Center in St. Peters. He started bowling in junior programs when he was 13 years old. After the economy turned bad and Brunswick let him go, Klackner spoke with then-owner Ted Krygiel, and the two made a deal that resulted in Klackner purchasing the center. Klackner is financing the purchase through U.S. Bank.
Q: What changes are planned at Olivette Lanes?
A: Klackner plans there may be new carpeting, some fresh paint, and new, more modern scoring machines. The exterior zany purple paint will remain for now. Klackner kept the entire Krygiel staff and added a birthday party hostess. The private meeting room for 35 guests is getting a substantial face-lift. The restaurant and bar remains mostly unchanged under Klackner’s ownership.
Q: What are visitor details for Olivette Lanes?
A: Olivette Lanes has a no-smoking policy, the center smells clean and looks neat and fresh, and can be reached by calling 314-991-0365. The center originally opened in 1954 by Hall of Fame bowler Nelson Burton Sr.
Q: Did the S. M. Wilson announcement include a subscription prompt?
A: The S. M. Wilson announcement repeats a subscription prompt asking readers to sign up for email to read news first. That prompt appears multiple times in the original announcement materials and is included in the announcement text.
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Key features at a glance
| Subject | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Construction firm | S. M. Wilson & Co. — St. Louis-based construction management and general contracting firm |
| Promotion | Emily Klackner promoted to Senior Project Manager; joined in 2019; began as college intern |
| Emily’s projects | Jefferson City School District’s 2024 Bond Issue; Ladue School District’s Master Plan; City Foundry STL; COCA’s expansion; two Target store remodels |
| Industry involvement | Since 2023, active in AGCMO Construction Leadership Council (CLC); currently on AGCMO Board of Directors as the CLC Representative |
| Bowling center | Olivette Lanes — located at 9520 Olive Blvd, south side of the road; under new ownership after 17 years |
| New owner | Don Klackner, age 50, of St. Charles; financed via U.S. Bank; team of 15 employees |
| Historical note | Opened in 1954 by Nelson Burton Sr. |
| Contact | Phone: 314-991-0365; new website available |
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 TX News
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