ST. LOUIS — Two 125-year-old Midtown buildings could soon be torn down by Saint Louis University, despite opposition from preservation groups that see potential for redevelopment in the structures.
The city issued SLU a demolition permit last week for the buildings at 3221 and 3223 Olive St., which have sat vacant for nearly a decade after last housing nightclubs such as Dante’s and Firehouse. The last nightclub in the complex, called Lit, closed in 2015.
The freestanding, adjoining buildings, which date to 1897, are across the street from SLU and near Chaifetz Arena, according to a lease listing that is no longer live. SLU acquired the buildings Aug. 3, a spokesman said, but did not give details of the transaction. City records last list a sale of the properties in 1985 for $25,000.
