Nearly four years after its closure, demolition of the Workhouse has begun.
Mayor Tishaura Jones moments before calling activists up to begin the demolition of the workhouse, said the beginning of the demolition sends the message they "will never again accept the conditions that were apparent here." One of those activists, Inez Bordeaux, says she was shaking with excitement seeing the demolition underway.
"It gives me such hope for the City of St. Louis and what we can do when we all come together, when we organize, when ban together and say 'no more.'"
The demolition of the facility began with a side building, the jail itself will not yet begin to be taken down, due to the amount of asbestos crews continue to find. The abatement of the rest of the facility is expected to take a few weeks.
Bordeaux, says despite the workhouse having a yard and a cafeteria, the conditions were worse than currently at the downtown jail.
"I spent time in the workhouse, I was never allowed outside. I was never exposed to any programs, I never got to see a cafeteria or any activities or things like that."
So what should come next? Bordeaux, would like to see the land sold.
"And that money from the sale being used to invest and fund in the community memorial resource center that the reenvisioning the workhouse report called for."
Mayor Jones says the land will include a memorial.
"Acknowledging the experiences of those who have been detained here and promoting healing and promoting reflection."