St. Louis Judge Authorized Eminent Domain Acquisition

The city can now acquire 89 blighted properties previously held by the developer NorthSide Regeneration.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Law

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing repeating brick facade outlines in deep red and cream, representing urban redevelopment policy. — A St. Louis judge authorized the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority to acquire 89 properties from NorthSide Regeneration following a default ruling. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local governments use eminent domain to seize private land for city-led redevelopment?

A St. Louis judge has ruled that the city Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority may condemn and acquire 89 properties. The decision enables the city to move forward with redevelopment efforts in neighborhoods that have long suffered from blight.

Why it matters

The ruling marks a significant shift in long-stalled development projects in north St. Louis. It allows the city to bypass a developer deemed in default to address properties that have remained vacant for years.

The city is authorized to seize 89 parcels across the Jeff-Vander-Lou, St. Louis Place, and Carr Square neighborhoods. The court will now appoint three neutral commissioners to determine the specific value of these properties.

The players

Thomas McCarthy

He is the circuit judge who issued the ruling regarding the condemnation and acquisition of the properties.

Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority

This is the city agency authorized to move forward with the acquisition and condemnation of the blighted properties.

NorthSide Regeneration

This is the development firm that was declared in default of its redevelopment agreement by the city in 2018.

Paul McKee

He is the developer who began acquiring land in north St. Louis in 2006.

The details

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority sought the order following a 2018 declaration that NorthSide Regeneration was in default of its original redevelopment agreement. While the city aims to revitalize this land, the developer has stated its intention to appeal the court ruling.

Paul McKee began acquiring land in north St. Louis in 2006.
The city approved $390 million in tax increment financing for development in 2009.
St. Louis sold more than 1,200 properties to NorthSide in 2012.
The city declared NorthSide in default of its redevelopment agreement in 2018.
Circuit Judge Thomas McCarthy issued the ruling on September 15, 2026.

Political Context

The use of tax increment financing remains a central mechanism for city-led redevelopment in St. Louis. This court ruling follows years of failed progress under a 2009 tax increment financing agreement.

Residents in the Jeff-Vander-Lou, St. Louis Place, and Carr Square areas may see changes to long-vacant properties in their neighborhoods. The legal process will now shift to property valuation and potential appeal hearings before any physical site work commences.

The takeaway

The court ruling provides a legal pathway for the city to reclaim control of land that has remained blighted for nearly two decades. Residents should monitor future city council updates regarding the next phases of property valuation and redevelopment planning.