Judge Granted Soulard Group Control of Former Church
A St. Louis court ordered a structural assessment for the vacant 160-year-old property at 1222 Allen Ave.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Catholicism
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A St. Louis Circuit Court judge has granted the Soulard Restoration Group temporary possession of a fire-damaged former church. The nonprofit group took control of the 160-year-old building at 1222 Allen Ave. following a recent court order.
Why it matters
The building has remained vacant for years and posed a significant threat to public safety in the Soulard neighborhood. Securing control allows for an immediate structural assessment to determine the site's future status.
The property at 1222 Allen Ave. is a 160-year-old structure that is currently condemned. The building has been vacant for years and remains fire-damaged.
The players
Soulard Restoration Group
This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the historic Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis.
St. Louis Circuit Court
This is the primary judicial body responsible for overseeing civil and criminal legal matters within the city of St. Louis.
The details
The Soulard Restoration Group filed a lawsuit to gain legal access to the site after the building was declared a threat to public safety. A judge issued the order on September 23, 2026, mandating a thorough structural evaluation of the premises.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The court granted temporary possession of the former church.
Culture Shift
This intervention reflects the broader trend of neighborhood-led preservation efforts against the long-term neglect of historic urban architecture. It mirrors the St. Louis Vacant Building Ordinance enforcement, marking a shift toward reclaiming assets that have become safety hazards.
Residents in the Soulard area may see increased activity or temporary security measures around the 1222 Allen Ave. site during the structural assessment. The outcome of this inspection will determine whether the building undergoes rehabilitation or faces demolition.
The takeaway
Maintaining historic properties is a persistent challenge for urban neighborhoods when structures fall into disrepair. Local nonprofits often play a critical role in navigating the legal pathways necessary to address these abandoned safety threats.
Further reading
For more background on how the city manages historic religious sites, visit the Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CoStar.
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