Historic Preservation Commission 08/11/2026

The City of Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission held a meeting on August 11, 2026, primarily to consider a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition of the Loretto Library building at 455 East Lockwood Avenue. The building, part of the Webster College Eden Theological Seminary Collegiate District listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is owned by Webster University, which seeks demolition approval to facilitate sale and redevelopment of the site. The university representatives explained the building's underutilization and financial infeasibility of adaptive reuse, while commission members and public speakers expressed concerns about the lack of detailed feasibility studies and the potential loss of a historic structure. The commission requested more comprehensive adaptive reuse assessments and emphasized the need for clear evidence that demolition is the only viable option. No final vote was taken; the discussion highlighted the tension between preservation goals and economic realities, with the commission signaling a need for further information before making a decision.