Board Approves Measure to Remove Millennium Hotel, Sponsors Cite Downtown Redevelopment

The Saint Louis Board of Aldermen on Friday third‑read and finally passed board bill 39 (committee substitute), a measure that sponsors said will begin the process to remove the long‑vacant Millennium Hotel and prepare the site for future redevelopment.

The aldermanial sponsor moving the measure described the demolition as a step to remove what he called a downtown blight and to create momentum for future projects. "When we finally pass this bill today, we are gonna be able to start the process of demoing a building that has really been a blight for the downtown area," the Alderman from the Fourteenth Ward said on the floor.

Speakers thanked private and nonprofit partners involved in the effort. The Alderman from the Fourteenth Ward singled out the Arch Foundation, "Mister Sweeney" and local contractors including Jaffet for their roles, and urged robust minority‑ and women‑owned business (MWBE) participation during demolition. An Alderwoman representing the Eighth Ward echoed support and said the site’s future redevelopment could add value to downtown.

On the roll call the board recorded 13 aye votes; the motion carried and the president was directed to affix his signature in open session to complete the enactment process. Sponsors discussed potential future uses — mentions included a proposed food hall and a possible entertainment district — but no specific redevelopment plan or developer agreement was adopted in the meeting record.

The ordinance as passed was described on the floor as incorporating MWBE requirements for the demolition phase; board members said further work remains to select contractors and advance subsequent redevelopment steps.

The clerks will file the enacted ordinance and the president's signature will be affixed as the final formal step noted on the record.