North St. Louis is set for major changes as the St. Louis Public Schools board approved plans to demolish six long-vacant school buildings. KSDK reported that the Tuesday vote authorizes the district to issue requests for proposals to determine the cost of the demolition project.
The six buildings slated for demolition—Euclid, Gundlach, Hempstead, Scullin, Stowe, and Walnut Park schools—have been vacant for up to 20 years, according to FOX 2 Now. Each demolition is expected to cost about $1 million, with work potentially starting this summer. SLPS Chief Operating Officer Square Watson noted that the funding would not come from the district’s general budget but would likely be covered by insurance payouts from a tornado in May 2025.
Before the vote, some SLPS board members discussed the potential for adaptive reuse of the vacant buildings, leaving the door open for developers interested in repurposing the properties for affordable housing or other uses. Developers could approach the district about rehabilitation options before demolition moves forward.
Board members have also noted the architectural significance of certain schools, including Stowe School, with some expressing hope for creative reuse before demolition. If no developers come forward, the demolitions are expected to proceed this summer, creating a narrow window for preservation efforts or redevelopment proposals.
In addition to the planned demolitions, SLPS is discussing the potential transfer of other long-vacant schools, including Cleveland High School and Marshall School, to the city’s development corporation. These properties could present opportunities for investment or adaptive reuse, with the St. Louis Development Corporation exploring possible development options as outlined in the city’s budget plans.
