Outstate/Suburban Republicans: "We don't need no stinkin' Tax Credits"
Unfortunately, the wildly successful State Historic Tax Credit program is under constant attack in the Missouri legislature.

Stop the Wrecking Ball
St. Louis' unique and irreplaceable building fabric is fast disappearing throughout the city. While this includes unique (individual) historic buildings in some case, in others, great swaths of destruction (both natural and human-initiated) race across neighborhoods.

This section of renovateSTL.com will highlight preservation news and some of the ongoing fights to save buildings across the city. Dedicated people (many who do not even consider themselves "preservationists" as such) recognize that one of the City's primary assets is its urban fabric.

While it is prudent to admit that renovation of every building is neither feasible nor desirable, in most instances a strong case can be made that renovation is a viable option. Some of the issues that should be considered are:

• Impact of potential demolition on the remaining nearby building building fabric.
• Historic (architectural and social) significance of the structure.
• Conscientious and accurate assessment of the fesibility of renovation.
• Available resources, tax credits, and knowledge base.
• General public sentiment.
• Government funds supporting the project and the proposed project's impact on other historic structures and destircts.
• Existing neighborhood plans and ongoing planning processes.
• Design quality and proposed use of new structure proposed.

A thorough and honest review of the situation in regards to these issues may lead to the acceptable decision to demolish a structure. Particularly in communities such as St. Louis where the existing historic building fabric is such a strong asset, demolition should never be undertaken lightly.

Century Building - The Century Building has been demolished to be replaced with a parking garage.

Virginia Mansion - The Virginia Mansion has been purchased by a local developer!

Please take some time to support the people who donate significant amounts of time and energy to defending the historic buildings of St. Louis - give some money to help defray their costs, write a letter, contact your political representatives, and head to the voting booth!