A Kirkwood landmark that has loomed over North Taylor since before the Civil War now looks destined for demolition, after the city issued a wrecking permit and crews appeared on site. The Marquitz-Garesche House at 751 N. Taylor, built in 1858, has been at the center of a months-long standoff between preservation advocates and its new owners. Neighbors who went to court to stop a teardown lost their case in early April, clearing the last major hurdle under city rules.
Permit paperwork and crews on site
A First Alert 4 crew filmed what appears to be a demolition team working at 751 N. Taylor on Tuesday. According to First Alert 4, city records show a demolition permit was issued on Monday. The footage quickly made the rounds in the neighborhood, reigniting calls from residents who are still asking whether there is any last-ditch way to halt the teardown.
About the house and the review timeline
The two-story Italianate, known locally as the Marquitz-Garesche House, was built in 1858 and sits inside Kirkwood’s North Taylor Historic District, according to St. Louis Magazine. City Landmarks Commission minutes show the owner filed a demolition application on May 29, 2025, triggering a 270-day review period under the local preservation ordinance. That clock ran out on Feb. 23, 2026, after which the applicant was allowed to move ahead in the permit process, per city records.
Neighbors' suit tossed in early April
In late February, opponents went to court seeking a temporary restraining order to block demolition. A St. Louis County judge dismissed the lawsuit in early April, finding the plaintiffs had not met the legal standards for the relief they were seeking and granting a motion to dismiss from the owners and the city, according to First Alert 4. With that ruling, the final legal obstacle under current city code effectively fell away.
What the owners and neighbors say
The property was purchased in February 2025 by Harlan “Harlee” Sorkin. He has told local reporters that he initially hoped to renovate the home but ultimately concluded that bringing it up to modern safety and living standards was not feasible, according to Realtor.com. On the other side, a petition on Change.org has drawn thousands of signatures from residents urging the city and the owners to explore alternatives to demolition.
What comes next for the lot
According to city records, once the 270-day review period ended, the application moved into staff review, with the building commissioner authorized to issue a demolition permit once all required documentation was submitted and applicable codes were met. The Landmarks Commission has also noted it will continue to review and weigh in on the exterior design of any new home proposed for the site.
For now, neighbors and preservation advocates say they are frustrated but not completely ready to fold. Some are hinting at additional legal or administrative efforts even as crews get positioned at the property. The next few days will likely decide whether the Marquitz-Garesche House comes down quickly or whether fresh delays and negotiations keep it standing a little longer.
