The Optimist International building on Lindell Boulevard, pictured here Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, has been the subject of debate with the local Preservation Board on whether to save the building or raze it for development.
ST. LOUIS 鈥 Local apartment developer Lux Living is trying again with its plan to transform the historic Optimist Building into apartments after a 51黑料 board rejected its proposal last year.
On Monday, the 51黑料 Preservation Board will review Lux Living鈥檚 plan to build a seven- to eight-story apartment building and two levels of underground parking at 4490 Lindell Boulevard in the city鈥檚 Central West End neighborhood. It is proposing to demolish part of the property and keep the north and west facades of the building, according to the .
The Optimist Building does not have a special historic designation, such as being a city landmark or in the National Register of Historic Places. But it is located in a historic district, and the board has purview over demolition requests for property in historic districts.
A total number of proposed apartments was not included in the agenda. A company representative did not respond to a request for comment.
Lux Living may be facing another uphill battle. The Cultural Resources Office, which staffs the board, is recommending the plan be denied, citing a that prohibits the demolition of 鈥渟ound high-merit structures.鈥
Lux Living tried last year to raze the Optimist Building for 150 luxury apartments, but the board rejected that plan in a 3-2 vote due to the property鈥檚 historic significance to the midcentury modern architectural movement.
Lux Living wants to tear down the Optimist International site in the Central West End. The site is an example of聽midcentury modern architecture.
The Optimist International building on Lindell Boulevard, pictured here Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, has been the subject of debate with the local Preservation Board on whether to save the building or raze it for development.
