University City moving forward with largest capital project to date

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The largest capital project to date in University City is moving forward.

After more than 44 years, the City Hall Annex and the Trinity Building are getting a significant makeover , with the Annex being set to turn into a state-of-the-art police headquarter while the Trinity Building will become the home of municipal court operations in the area, along with serving as a multi-purpose area.

"We are extremely excited about the potential of the project," said Gregory Rose, University City, City Manager on Total Information A.M. Tuesday.

Rose says the project will finally give the University City Police Department a permanent and state of the art facility.

"Our police department back in 2016 were required to leave the Annex, which was condemned by that point," said Rose. "They set several modular units to operate, but it was always a temporary until either the renovation took place or when a new facility was constructed."

Rose says that there was originally some belief a new headquarters for University City Police should've came a few years ago, but unfortunately, like many things, COVID-19 disrupted those plans.

"The cause of COVID-19 and several other factors didn't make it happen and (police) had to stay in (their modular units) longer than anticipated," said Rose.

Rose says the renovations of the new facilities is 44 years in the making, tracing all the way back to 1980.

"There was a report that was provided by Power Associates and the community was heavily involved whether (both buildings) could renovated and that report determined yes it could happen," said Rose. "At that time, it was just trying to identify the funding for it and it simply never happen."

Funding for the project will be facilitated through certificates of participation, with existing revenues allocated for debt retirement.

The construction of both buildings is set to be completed by early 2026 according to the city.

University City will hold a Town Hall on Tuesday, May 28 at the Heman Park Community Center on 975 Pennsylvania, to provide comprehensive information and address inquiries from residents.