Historic St. Ann Airway Finds New Purpose as The Salvation Army's Airway Response and Resource Center

Regional hub will serve the community year-round and in times of disaster

The Salvation Army of Greater St. Louis has begun construction on the property at the historic Airway Drive-In in St. Ann, Missouri, which was most recently owned by an area grocer. The Salvation Army purchased the property in 2022, and has since used it for warehousing and as the distribution site for their Angel Tree Toy Town program, which provided Christmas gifts to over 8,200 children in 2025.

The Salvation Army Response and Resource Center is where preparedness, logistics, and compassionate service will come together to ensure that The Salvation Army’s mission can be delivered—consistently, at scale, and with dignity.

"Missouri borders eight states, so we have the unique ability to serve as a regional hub, and support communities when help and hope are needed most," said General Secretary and Greater St. Louis Area Commander Major Adam Moore. "We're grateful to the city of St. Ann for entrusting us with this landmark and allowing it to carry on a legacy of joy and generosity in the community."

The renovated property, set for completion in July 2026, is made possible in part by a national grant to The Salvation Army from Lilly Endowment Inc., to help meet the increasing disaster needs caused by population growth and changing climate. The gift will increase The Salvation Army's capacity, especially in responding to large concurrent disasters in communities that face recurring threats. The Airway will also increase opportunities for collaboration with other agencies and will support staff and volunteers in carrying out critical tasks, securing training and credentialing, and staging and logistics.

In addition, the space will provide parents and caregivers with hope and dignity during the holidays through Angel Tree Toy Town; and storage, coordination and distribution of food and other goods that support area pantry operations and those who are food insecure.

"The Airway will be the engine that supports every area of our work, allowing us to move quickly and effectively when needs arise," said Moore. "Many people don't realize the extent to which we serve in the community. It's not just the Red Kettles at Christmastime -- we're here 24/7/365 providing critical social services to our most marginalized neighbors."

The Salvation Army in St. Louis touts seven core pillars of service: food, housing, emergency disaster services and material assistance, youth development, addiction and mental health, senior services and anti-human trafficking. Dedicated programs within these focus areas help The Salvation Army meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the community, without discrimination.

Tarlton Corporation is the construction manager on the Airway project, located at 10634 St. Charles Rock Rd. To learn more, visit STLSalvationArmy.org.