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Neighbors, preservation advocates urge high bar for Lure Library demolition
Summary
Local residents, a seminary president and preservation professionals told the commission the Lure Library contributes to the historic district and urged denial or strict standards for demolition; commenters asked the commission to require professional feasibility studies before allowing demolition.
Multiple residents, preservation professionals and Eden Seminary's president urged the Historic Preservation Commission to require stronger evidence before permitting demolition of the Lure Library at 455 E. Lockwood Ave.
Jacob Farmer, a Webster Groves homeowner and former Webster employee, told the commission he attended events in the building within the past two years and said the university's justification was insufficient. "Easier to sell is not the same thing as necessary to demolish," Farmer said, urging the commission to require clear evidence that rehabilitation is economically infeasible before approving demolition.
Deb Krause, president of Eden Seminary, said Eden values its long collaboration with Webster and that Eden made a similar decision years ago when it realized the building was not financially sustainable for the seminary. Krause said Eden supports Webster's petition but is open to retaining the building if a buyer can make reuse feasible.
Construction veteran Bob McCool and developer Steve Trampy made converse points: McCool called the building "an architectural gem" and said demolition costs would be modest relative to overall development, while Trampy said the unusual floor plate and lack of windows limit viable reuse and stressed the need for a comprehensive plan for the site's 5.5 acres. Commissioners and speakers consistently asked for a formal, professional adaptive-reuse feasibility study and a demolition cost estimate before the commission moves forward.
