Landmarks Association urges SLPS to factor redevelopment interest into school‑closure planning

Summary

Andrew Weil of the Landmarks Association told the committee vacant historic school buildings rapidly deteriorate after closure, urged the district to consult historic‑rehabilitation developers during closure planning, and recommended flexible timelines and sale terms that prioritize quick transfers to capable buyers to preserve value.

Andrew Weil, executive director of the Landmarks Association of Saint Louis, urged the committee to consider redevelopment interest as a criterion in closure decisions and to take proactive measures to prevent vacancy‑related deterioration.

"When sold, repurposed, and occupied, these buildings are enormous assets that contribute to the vitality of our city," Weil said. He told the committee that 19 schools were listed for sale on the district website and that eight of those have been closed for more than 20 years. Weil described how brief periods of vacancy can lead to copper theft, water intrusion and vandalism that render buildings ineligible for historic rehabilitation tax‑credit projects.

Weil recommended earlier engagement with reputable developers who specialize in historic rehabilitation, extending timelines and buyback provisions to accommodate Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and historic tax‑credit schedules, and factoring the cost of holding and potential demolition into sale price decisions. He said proactive dispositions for salable properties would allow the district to reinvest proceeds into remaining schools and limit negative neighborhood impacts.