ST. LOUIS – The Millennium Hotel, a once-thriving property that has stood vacant in Downtown St. Louis for a decade, could be subject to eminent domain in the near future.
The hotel is one of several properties up for discussion, and possibly a vote, Tuesday during the City of St. Louis’ Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) meeting.
According to Tuesday’s meeting agenda, the LCRA could move forward with a resolution to declare the property blighted, “approving a blighting study, a plan for the area and authorizing advertisement for redevelopers.”
Cara Spencer, a St. Louis Ward 8 Alderwoman, says this declaration could pave the way for eminent domain in the form of a Board of Alderman bill next session.
“This is a big opportunity,” said Spencer in a phone call with FOX 2. “It’s one of the most impactful properties in the region. Letting it languish is a detriment to downtown and the Arch itself. I’m excited to see this move forward.”
FOX 2 obtained police records last year indicating a growing number of calls for burglaries and suspicious activity inside the building. The lower levels are covered with boarded windows. Thieves have stolen various metals, like copper wiring, for scrap, according to police.
Spencer says the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) had given the current property owners to respond to the possibility of eminent domain, but claims they have not been responsive and are unwilling to make investments to revitalize it.
The City of St. Louis lists the property owner as “Gateway Regal Holdings LLC C/O Marvin F. Poer & Company,” which is based in Texas. FOX 2 was unable to reach the property owners for comment about the site’s future.
Eminent domain could help the City of St. Louis lead efforts for redevelopment or a change in ownership in hopes to revitalize the property.
Spencer says she’s pressured SLDC to take action. The City of St. Louis Problem Properties Unit is also pushing for improvement in preservation efforts. Since last year, the Millennium Hotel has apparently added a new security presence and exterior portable lighting.
Before it closed, the hotel offered more than 780 rooms across two towers and a rotating restaurant at the top of one.
FOX 2 will update when we learn more from Tuesday’s meeting.
