St. Louis City looking to acquire Railway Exchange Building amid crime concerns

ST. LOUIS – The Railway Exchange Building in downtown St. Louis could be changing owners.

City officials announced the start of the process to take over the building on Tuesday.

Over the past year, the Railway Exchange Building has become a hotspot for crime with regular break-ins, burglaries, and vandalism.

Now, the city plans to take over the building through direct sale or eminent domain.

Mayor Tishaura Jones says the city was left with no other option. “It had become a public nuisance,” Jones said. “We wanted to make sure we were holding not only those accountable who are breaking in, but also the owners accountable.”

City officials say they’re hoping Tuesday’s announcement will push the owners of the Railway Exchange to come to the negotiating table.

If not, city officials say they will file a formal petition in court to take over the building.

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