Demolition of Chesterfield Mall begins

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Chesterfield Mall started coming down Tuesday morning.

After officially closing at the end of August , demolition of the exterior of the building began Tuesday morning.

"We already started inside the mall, reclaiming and reutilizing the HVAC so it doesn't go into a waste pit," said Property Owner Michael Staenberg to KMOX.

Staenberg tell KMOX there won't be a big button to push to bring the whole facility down.

"It's section by section because of the elevations, and don't forget it is spread out over 30 acres," said Staenberg. "It's not like in Vegas where it's a square block and the building is one building and everything comes straight down."

The mall is to be replaced with Staenberg's vision for a "Downtown Chesterfield" destination with shops, apartments, and all walkable.

"We're excited," said Staenberg. "You look at Downtown St. Louis, Clayton. Chesterfield. Now Chesterfield is going to be on the map as the third leg to the stool."

Staenberg says not everything will be leveled to make way for his Downtown Chesterfield development.

"Right now, Dillard's is staying, they are part of the project as part of our settlement," said Staenberg. "The two restaurants along Chesterfield Airport road right off of Clarkson Road are staying and the other restaurant, EdgeWild, along the outer road is staying."

Permits and zoning are still needed to build the $2 billion Downtown Chesterfield development but Staenberg feels confident they will start construction right after the old mall comes down--which should be done by March or April 2025.