Historic Preservation Commission 10/13/2026

The City of Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission met on October 13, 2026, and considered several certificates of appropriateness for demolition. The Commission unanimously denied Webster University’s request to demolish the building at 455 East Lockwood Avenue. University representatives reported that maintaining the two campus buildings discussed would cost more than $700,000 annually, described recurring maintenance problems, and said marketing and adaptive-reuse efforts had not produced a viable buyer or plan. Commissioners questioned whether the marketing period and evidence justified demolition and noted that any redevelopment would require further city review; no redevelopment plan or procurement was approved.

The Commission approved demolition certificates for 37 Joy Avenue, 324 Atlanta Avenue, 427 South Park Avenue, and 4 Joy Avenue. The 37 Joy Avenue request followed discussion of structural conditions and rehabilitation costs; the other three requests were approved after brief consideration. The meeting also included an update that repairs to the Hawken House—masonry work on the chimney, roof replacement, and work on gutters, downspouts, and other elements—were completed or underway, without a reported contract award or amount. No procurement awards, bids, or purchasing decisions were identified.