St. Louis is set to turn a page in its history as Mayor Tishaura O. Jones confirmed the long-discussed demolition of most of the dilapidated structures at the infamous Workhouse facility. The demolition is scheduled to begin by December 16, 2024, acknowledging the site's troubled past while preparing it for future use. "The unacceptable and inhumane conditions that many detainees at the Workhouse suffered cannot be forgotten," Mayor Jones stated, emphasizing the need to repurpose the area, which has long been a focal point in the debate over criminal justice reform, according to a press release on the city's website.
The closure of the Medium Security Institution, commonly known as the Workhouse, occurred shortly after Mayor Jones took office in 2021. Since then, the facility has remained empty, serving as a stark reminder of a troubling legacy. In the initial phase, most structures, including the guard towers and women's accommodations, will be demolished. However, the surrounding fence will remain, securing the site while transitioning away from its original purpose. As the city looks to re-envision the area, it will consider community input gathered last year. The forthcoming demolition aligns with past recommendations and aims to introduce new features, such as an animal shelter and reconfigurations for city utilities, as mentioned in the same press release.
Integral to this transformation is the crafting of a memorial to honor those who suffered within the Workhouse walls—a project calling for widespread community involvement. Mayor Jones has summoned the voices and visions of residents, asking them to bring forth their concepts or designs. "As we take these steps forward, we must include the community where we can. That is why I’m asking for anyone who feels moved to do so to submit concepts, drawings, designs, poetry, or written descriptions for a memorial for those who suffered at the Workhouse," Mayor Jones stated in the official city announcement.
Encouraging collective catharsis and remembrance, submissions are not limited to professional artists. Any resident may contribute their tribute in various creative forms. These submissions will not only be considered for inclusion in the memorial but may also be adopted through the City's Request for Proposals process if the participant wishes to engage further with their concept’s implementation. The city hopes that from the seeds of a contentious and painful history, new expressions of healing and repurposing can emerge, as noted in the city's announcement.
Interested individuals have been given until November 1, 2024, to submit their concepts through the online platform provided by the city. The assessment and selection process will not be a solitary endeavor; rather, a collaborative effort among the Regional Arts Commission, the Missouri History Museum, the Griot Museum of Black History, and other community partners, ensuring a multi-faceted representation in the decision-making that honors the varied experiences of those affected by the Workhouse. As December approaches, the RFP for the memorial's actualization looks to unfold, capping off a year set on remembrance and striving towards justice in the form of demolition, community reflection, and tangible change.
