The historic but long-closed Murphy Building in downtown East St. Louis, Illinois, will be completely demolished within a month, reported the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
As recently as a year ago, local preservationists were optimistic something could be done with the structure at 234 Collinsville Ave., less than a block off the 1940s-50s alignment of Route 66 through town. But no viable plans came forward.
East St. Louis officials have authorized the demolition of the 106-year-old Murphy Building. They cite the deteriorating condition of the back portion of the structure and what they contend is the negative image it presents to commuters cutting through the city on Metro Link trains. […] The work so far has been done by hand, to prevent damage to the architectural gem next door, the Majestic Theater.
About $440,000 in tax-increment financing money is being used for the demolition. Michael Allen, head of the Preservation Research Office company, said that money could have been used to shore up the back of the building instead.
The city also is discussing preserving the building’s ornate facade. Larry Giles of the St. Louis Building Arts Foundation has offered to take down a 30-by-30-foot section of the facade for $12,000.
What’s galling about this development was historic-preservation headway was made in recent months in East St. Louis’ downtown. Part of its downtown was added to the National Register of Historic Places, as was the Melvin Price federal building and the Union Trust Bank Co. building.
(Image of the Murphy Building facade by ken fager; image of the Murphy Building by Michael Allen, via Flickr)