For nearly twenty years, the former Cleveland High School building has sat vacant in the heart of Dutchtown, becoming a growing safety hazard and source of frustration for nearby residents. Dutchtown Main Streets has actively advocated for the City of St. Louis and the St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education to work together on a plan to address this nuisance in our community.
Recently, the City of St. Louis, through the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA), formally presented an offer to purchase the Cleveland High School property from St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) for $300,000. The City’s proposal includes stabilizing and securing the historic building to prevent further deterioration and exploring future redevelopment consistent with the Gravois-Jefferson Plan and the City’s Economic Justice Action Plan. While the future is unknown, this may be the last chance to avoid a costly demolition of the entire property, estimated to cost taxpayers (through City or SLPS funds) $3 to $4 million.
The SLPS Board of Education is expected to vote on this proposal in closed session on November 11th. This decision represents a major opportunity to finally address a long-standing neighborhood nuisance and begin planning for a future that prioritizes safety, affordable housing, and responsible reuse.
Dutchtown Main Streets and nearby residents are encouraging the Board to act decisively and transfer this property to the City so it might be saved.
If you support this step toward restoring safety and opportunity around Cleveland, please read the letter here (PDF format) and consider adding your name in support. You can also include your affiliation with the neighborhood and, if you wish, your address. No complete addresses will be disclosed in the letter provided to the school district.
Read the complete letter in PDF format here.
Thank you for your submissions! We are forwarding the letter with your signatures to the Board of Education.