The historic Wainwright Building in downtown St. Louis is up for sale as part of Missouri’s plan to move hundreds of jobs. The Missouri Board of Public Buildings, consisting of top state officeholders, voted to sell the building, listed on an online auction site with a starting price of $5,000,000. Governor Parson cited it as a business decision, with the move not solely based on downtown crime. The state also plans to sell the nearby Mill Creek building, causing concern among city officials and local business associations. While the loss of jobs is seen as detrimental to the city’s economy, some positions will be relocated to the state-owned Keathley building, outside of downtown.
The decision has been met with criticism from Alderwoman Cara Spencer and Greater St. Louis Inc., with the latter calling it “unwelcome and unhelpful.” Mayor Tishaura Jones’ staff expressed disappointment at the lack of communication and warning about the decision. Despite the relocation of some jobs, the exact number of positions that will be lost from the city remains unknown. This move may have wider implications for downtown St. Louis, which serves as an economic hub for the region. The sale of these historic buildings represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to managing its properties while raising questions about the future relationship between state and city officials.
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