ST. LOUIS – The City of St. Louis plans to demolish the former Medium Security Institution, an abandoned jail more commonly known as The Workhouse, near the end of the year.

Demolition is now scheduled for Dec. 16, 2024, according to a news release Wednesday from the St. Louis Mayor’s Office.

Safety concerns have escalated since the Workhouse ceased operations and closed in 2022. Last year, authorities responded several break-ins at the facility, further exposing its vulnerability.

More recently, the site has been used as overflow lot for junk cars from the city’s tow yard, where piles of cars, including some reportedly set on fire, now sit. Additionally, several holes have been cut into the surrounding fencing and remain unrepaired.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones says most Workhouse structures, including guard towers and former women’s housing facilities, will be included in this demolition. The fence will remain in place to offer security.

“The unacceptable and inhumane conditions that many detainees at the Workhouse suffered cannot be forgotten,” said Jones. “One of the first things I did as Mayor was close this jail. Our community deserves better than to see the facility continue to stand as it did, so I am pleased that we can now move forward with the demolition.”

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Jones says there will be two phases to redevelop the land of the Workhouse, the first consisting of demolition and memorialization. The second phase will likely be announced next year. City officials are considering and animal shelter, environmental services and relocation of the city’s tow lot.

The city is also collecting feedback for a memorial to commemorate the Workhouse. Locals can submit suggestions online through Nov. 1.

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