ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - For years, many of St. Louisans have driven by the row of boarded up homes just south of Barnes Jewish Hospital.
Seven buildings at Kingshighway and Oakland have been an eyesore for many, with the building having been abandoned for over 20 years.
"These buildings have been a poster child for neglect," said 9th Ward St. Louis Alderman Michael Browning on Total Information A.M. Tuesday morning.
But Monday that changed as demolition was underway to tear down those buildings.
There was a bit of hope that the buildings could be saved, but rapid deterioration made it impossible to save the buildings.
"It got to the point it became a public safety hazard," said Browning, who lives in the neighborhood the buildings were located in.
Among the problems the buildings had included partial collapses, crumbling bricks, and three of them no longer having their roofs anymore.
"It was stunning to see," said Browning. "These buildings have stood for over 100 years, clearly very well built, but they haven't been in good shape for a very very long time."
The buildings have gone through multiple changes of ownerships over the last few years. Drury Development and Lux Living both owned the properties with hopes to demolish them, but preservations concerns led both plans to stall.
Kansas City-based develop Northpoint Development acquiring the property in November 2023.
Northpoint hopes to build two building on the properties, including a five to six story apartment at market rate, according to Browning.
"We are hoping this developer is an honest broker, someone who works with the neighborhood," said Browning.
Browning says "all signs indicate" Northpoint are going to be a "positive partner" to the neighborhood.
"These developers don't talk out of the ground. They have a proven track record and we can take a look at their previous projects." said Browning.