History of EPR Properties in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 5, 2026

EPR Properties is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Specializing in experiential properties, EPR's portfolio includes amusement parks, movie theaters, ski resorts, and other entertainment venues. As of 2022, the company owned 353 properties. Formerly known as Entertainment Properties Trust, EPR focuses on investments within the entertainment sector of the real estate market.

August 22, 1997: Entertainment Properties Trust Incorporated

On August 22, 1997, Entertainment Properties Trust, later known as EPR Properties, was officially incorporated by AMC Entertainment executive Peter Brown and financial analyst David Brain.

November 1997: Entertainment Properties Trust Initial Public Offering

In November 1997, Entertainment Properties Trust held its initial public offering, successfully raising $278 million.

March 1998: Entertainment Properties Trust Purchases AMC Theaters

In March 1998, Entertainment Properties Trust acquired 13 AMC theaters through sale-and-leaseback transactions, marking an early expansion of its real estate portfolio.

2005: VinREIT Established

In 2005, Entertainment Properties Trust established VinREIT, a subsidiary focused on investing in vineyard properties.

2007: Investment in Charter School Properties

In 2007, Entertainment Properties Trust started investing in charter school properties, primarily through a deal with Imagine Schools.

2008: VinREIT Acquires Vineyards from Constellation Brands

In 2008, VinREIT purchased a portfolio of six vineyards and wineries from Constellation Brands for $115 million, expanding its presence in the wine industry.

2010: VinREIT Evaluation

In 2010, the company began "evaluating" VinREIT's future strategy following a downturn in the wine industry.

2011: VinREIT Properties Put Up for Sale

In 2011, all of VinREIT's wine properties were put up for sale as the company re-evaluated its investment strategy.

2012: 41 Schools Owned

By 2012, Entertainment Properties Trust owned 41 schools, marking a significant expansion in its charter school property portfolio.

2012: Company Name Change to EPR Properties

In 2012, Entertainment Properties Trust changed its name to EPR Properties to reflect its diversification into recreation and education properties.

2014: VinREIT Property Sales Completed

By 2014, the sales of all wine properties under VinREIT were completed, marking the end of the subsidiary's vineyard investments.

2015: Brain Retires as CEO

In 2015, David Brain retired from his position as chief executive officer of EPR Properties.

2017: EPR Buys CNL Financial Group Properties

In 2017, EPR Properties acquired a portfolio of properties from CNL Financial Group for $456 million, including the Northstar California ski resort, 15 waterparks and amusement parks, and 5 small family entertainment centers.

November 2019: Charter Schools Portfolio Sold

In November 2019, EPR Properties sold its portfolio of charter schools for $454 million.

2022: Company Properties

As of 2022, the company owns 353 properties, including 175 movie theaters, 74 education properties, 56 eat-and-play properties, 18 amusement parks and water parks, 11 ski resorts, and 8 hotels.

2022: EPR Properties owns 353 properties

In 2022, EPR Properties owned 353 properties, reflecting its investments in amusement parks, movie theaters, ski resorts, and other entertainment venues.

March 2025: EPR Properties to Acquire Six Flags Properties

In March 2025, EPR Properties announced its plan to acquire seven properties from Six Flags, consisting of six amusement parks and one water park, for $331 million.