While the biggest threat to historic tax credits comes in the form of Republicans in the state legislature trying to eliminate the program, Democrats in the city are doing a fine job of limiting the number of buildings that qualify for the program. St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church was clearly eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and thus for a tax credit project that would have been an excellent cultural and economic boon to Southwest Garden and The Hill.
It’s still standing as of Friday at 10:00 pm, with no equipment on site. There was a guy leaving with a trailer full of pews this morning as I made my round on the death watch.
I confess (ee-aw) to driving past the place a couple times since the 13th. Looks pretty quiet still. The kids have a big play area for a little while longer.
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Built St. Louis
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Philistines.
Good riddance.
[REPLY I happen to know this comment is not from Father Bommarito. Nice try Craig! – SLP]
A death sentance on Good Friday, the irony is too much. The neighborhood will regret what could have been, though the supporters will deny it.
While the biggest threat to historic tax credits comes in the form of Republicans in the state legislature trying to eliminate the program, Democrats in the city are doing a fine job of limiting the number of buildings that qualify for the program. St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church was clearly eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and thus for a tax credit project that would have been an excellent cultural and economic boon to Southwest Garden and The Hill.
Once St. Al’s goes, can Holy Family be far behind?
Nice precedent, guys!
It’s interesting…
Closed Catholic Churches on the northside sit vacant and moldering for decades.
Closed Catholic Churches on the southside get snapped up by real estate developers and converted to other uses.
Maybe all of this is just Adam Smith’s invisible hand at work.
Here’s an account of last night’s activity at St. Al’s:
http://blog.52ndcity.com/archives/000178.php
Some photos are accessible at the bottom.
It’s still standing as of Friday at 10:00 pm, with no equipment on site. There was a guy leaving with a trailer full of pews this morning as I made my round on the death watch.
An alderman, a priest, and a developer walk into a bar…
I confess (ee-aw) to driving past the place a couple times since the 13th. Looks pretty quiet still. The kids have a big play area for a little while longer.
BuiltStLouis has demo photos here:
http://www.builtstlouis.net/st_aloysius2.html
RIP St. Al’s and all who loved you and made happy memories there.