Two long-vacant schools in the City of St. Louis may finally get a shot at being saved, thanks to a new proposal by redevelopment officials. The City’s Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) has offered $300,000 for the former Cleveland High School located in Dutchtown, and $200,000 for the old Marshall School in The Ville. Both properties have sat neglected for years, but city officials say this could be their last real chance at redemption.
The LCRA wants to use around $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to stabilize both buildings. Cleveland High has become a target for vandals, and Marshall School took heavy damage from the May 16 tornado. The plan would secure the buildings enough to hold off further deterioration while the city markets them for redevelopment. Residential units are one possibility, but nothing is guaranteed.
Redevelopment offers like this have come and gone over the years. Previous bids to acquire these buildings fell apart before reaching the finish line. Now city officials are saying the window is closing for good.
