St. Louis Secures Vacant Municipal Courts Building

The city requests $200,000 to board up the Market Street landmark as it eyes future redevelopment plans.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Commercial

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a boarded-up municipal building facade behind chain-link fencing, representing city property redevelopment. — St. Louis city officials have requested $200,000 to secure the vacant Municipal Courts building as part of ongoing site redevelopment negotiations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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St. Louis city officials have requested $200,000 to secure the vacant Municipal Courts Building with new fencing and boards. The initiative aims to curb ongoing vandalism and improve the site's appearance as negotiations with a potential developer continue.

Why it matters

Securing the long-empty property is a key step in preparing the site for potential future use. City officials are working to stabilize the landmark while coordinating with the Treasurer's Office on land use.

The Municipal Courts Building has remained empty for 26 years. City officials expect redevelopment of the property to occur within the next 3 to 5 years.

The players

City of St. Louis

The municipal government body that owns the Municipal Courts Building and oversees downtown infrastructure.

City Comptroller's Office

The office responsible for the city's financial administration and the management of the vacant court facility.

The details

The city plans to install boards and fencing to prevent unauthorized access at the site located between Market Street and Tucker Boulevard. The City Comptroller is managing the effort while collaborating with the Treasurer's Office to address parking needs.

1950: Comptroller Baringer's mother began working at the building at age 18.
2000: The building's vacancy period began.
2026-10-28
St. Louis officials initiated efforts to secure the site.
Next 3-5 years: Expected timeframe for city development.

Culture Shift

This effort to secure the historic Municipal Courts Building aligns with the broader St. Louis downtown redevelopment initiative. Such projects mark a shift toward reclaiming legacy properties to meet modern aesthetic and functional standards in the city center.

Residents and downtown visitors will see physical improvements as the city boards up windows and installs fencing to deter vandalism. These measures aim to enhance the visual appeal of the site for those frequenting the Market Street area.

The takeaway

Stabilizing historic vacant properties is a critical first step for cities planning long-term neighborhood revitalization. By controlling access now, St. Louis aims to preserve the building's value for a future development cycle.