St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced the start of the demolition of the Medium Security Institution, known as the Workhouse. Mayor Jones stated, "The Workhouse is not and was not fit for human beings. Now, we make sure that no human being will be detained in this facility ever again," according to the City of St. Louis.
The former jail, closed in 2022 due to substandard conditions, has begun its first phase of demolition, starting with the structures that housed female inmates. Environmental Operations, Inc. is conducting environmental abatement to remove hazardous materials like lead and asbestos before full demolition proceeds. The Mayor's office stated the efforts are part of the Jones administration's plan to remove the facility, as reported by the City of St. Louis.
Mayor Jones' administration is moving forward with plans for the former Workhouse site, guided by the "Re-Envisioning the Workhouse" report. A Request for Proposals is open until May 13 for submissions to create a memorial at the site, with additional plans under review. Environmental Operations, Inc. and subcontractors including TA Contracting, RJP, Gooden Plumbing, Volition Hauling, and M. Jones Enterprises are handling the $2,240,000 abatement and demolition contract, funded by municipal resources for building repair, not ARPA. The contract was awarded by BPS Professional Engineers based on scope and qualification, approved by BPS President Rich Bradley and the City Comptroller. Mayor Jones stated, "Demolishing the Workhouse does not heal the wounds it has left on all the individual survivors, their friends and families, and the St. Louis community," as stated by the City of St. Louis.
