St. Louis plans December pause in tornado demolitions

St. Louis reported more than 560 demolitions completed in the tornado zone as of Oct. 27 and projects more than 700 by the close of Phase 1. The projected total is not the number already completed. The city had reported fewer than 100 completed by May 2026.

The work covers North St. Louis neighborhoods hit by the May 16, 2025, tornado. The city estimates 1,400 to 1,600 demolitions are needed across the zone, putting Phase 1’s projected output at roughly 45% to 50% of that estimate. That figure describes estimated demolition needs, not a final count of tornado-damaged buildings.

Which properties Phase 1 targets i

The city says Phase 1 includes about 430 privately owned properties and more than 270 properties owned by the Land Reutilization Authority. Priorities include buildings already collapsed or posing immediate safety threats to nearby properties, streets or alleys; damaged structures on busy corridors; and demolitions requested by property owners.

The city also estimates that 70% to 75% of properties currently in the demolition pipeline were vacant or condemned before the tornado. That is a citywide estimate for properties in the pipeline, not a description of any individual property.

December pause and Phase 2 plans i

Demolition work is planned to largely pause in December, except for emergencies, while the city closes out remaining Phase 1 work and permits. Phase 2 operations are planned to resume in early 2027, but the city has not set a firm restart date or a schedule for individual properties. The next phase is expected to continue emergency, corridor and owner-requested demolitions, with collapsed or otherwise dangerous structures among its priorities.

The city describes Phase 1 funding as more than $30 million: $11 million in local funds, $10 million from Missouri Senate Bill 1 and an estimated $12 million in federal funding. The local amount includes $7 million in Rams settlement funds, $3 million in general revenue and $1 million in Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District demolition funds. The city estimates another $40 million to $45 million is needed to address the full demolition scope.

Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks told First Alert 4 that Phase 2 funding had been identified, but details were still being finalized and commitments had not been formally allocated to contracts. The city says the December break will allow crews and offices to reset and reprioritize. First Alert 4 also reported that some residents and contractors it interviewed were disappointed by the pause; one contractor said crews and equipment were ready to continue.