UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. – One of University City’s iconic street markers was found destroyed Friday morning, sparking questions about what could have caused such significant damage. Police sent an update Monday morning saying that someone crashed their vehicle into the marker.

The rubble was found at the east entrance of the University Heights neighborhood, at the corner of Princeton and Trinity Avenues, Friday morning. Over the years, both intentional and accidental vandalism have targeted historic streetlights and entrance markers in University City, but never to this degree.

Longtime University City resident Eileen Pheiffer found out through a neighbor sending her photos of the incident.

Edward Gardner Lewis, the founder of University City and designer of the historical charm, is highly admired by residents for his thoughtful designs, including the streetlights and grand markers that serve as gateways and guides through the city’s neighborhoods.

“He designed the subdivision so we would have all economic levels living here. Smaller homes the further you go in; so, starter homes there. Larger, more ornate homes at the beginning of the neighborhood,” Pheiffer said.

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One of the massive concrete street markers next to city hall, usually standing proudly at over 10 feet tall, was reduced to rubble, yet the damage was so severe that it would have totaled the average car.

Residents are scratching their heads and trying to figure out what caused this.

University City Trustees have reached out to the historical society and are waiting for answers as to how the marker should be repaired to maintain its historical integrity. They are hoping someone with more information on the crash will come forward, and hopefully insurance can cover the costs.

University City Police say that someone crashed their vehicle into the marker. The driver was taken into police custody after the incident and is suffering from minor injuries. A warrant will be applied pending the return of lab results.

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