160-year-old St Louis church saved after fire, legal fight and condemnation
Once deemed condemned, a 160-year-old church in St. Louis has been granted a new lease on life following a legal battle. Thanks to the Soulard Restoration Group’s successful court order, rehabilitation efforts can now commence. The St. Louis Receivership Group will finance the repairs, while local advocates are determined to protect the historic site from being torn down.
In St. Louis, a 160-year-old church has been saved after enduring a fire, years of deterioration, and a legal battle. The Soulard Restoration Group, a neighborhood association, secured temporary possession of the church through a court order, marking a significant shift in the property's troubled history. The St. Louis Receivership Group will fund and manage the rehabilitation efforts for the historic building, which now has a chance at survival.
Initially built in 1866, the church is one of the oldest structures associated with the Soulard neighborhood's religious and architectural heritage. Over time, the empty structure became a concern due to its deteriorating condition, with 37 service requests and two structural condemnations. A fire in 2023 further contributed to the building's decline.
Initially, the neighborhood sought to preserve the church, leading to a lawsuit to address years of neglect. The court order allows for rehabilitation efforts to move forward, demonstrating a promising new phase for the 160-year-old structure.
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