LRA Seeks Approval to Deconstruct and Demolish Club Imperial

St. Louis, MO (February 23, 2026) — On Wednesday, the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) will request approval from the LRA Board to seek bids to deconstruct and demolish the former Club Imperial at 6306 West Florissant Avenue in north St. Louis.
LRA, which is staffed by the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), is seeking to expend American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to preserve features of the historic site, demolish the building to prevent further deterioration and structural instability, and serve as the first step towards future redevelopment. Features saved from the site could be potentially used in the construction of a new site or a historical marker.
SLDC and LRA initially planned to stabilize the building, but the site has fallen into further disrepair over the years. Stabilization is no longer financially feasible. Several structural assessments conducted by engineers all suggested demolition. Stabilizing the site could cost as much as $18 million. This price tag doesn’t include restoration costs.
If deconstruction and demolition are approved, SLDC and LRA will focus on finding a developer to redevelop the site consistent with neighborhood plans. The site is in a blighted area–meaning any redevelopment plan would qualify for tax abatement from 50% to 100%, ranging from 5 to 20 years.
LRA anticipates deconstruction and demolition to begin in the spring if approved.

LRA and SLDC will follow the appropriate next steps required by the city of St. Louis.

About St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)
St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is the independent economic development agency serving the City of St. Louis, Missouri. It is an action-oriented organization that exists to empower, develop, and transform St. Louis through a vibrant, just, and growing economy where all people can thrive. Learn more at developstlouis.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Deion Broxton • 314-934-4158 • broxtond@stlouis-mo.gov