Vacant Cleveland High School draws potential redevelopment interest [Video]

ST. LOUIS, Missouri — A historic vacant high school in Dutchtown could see new life after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency toured the property and city officials begin strategizing its potential redevelopment.

Cleveland High School, a once-majestic educational landmark, now stands as a fenced-off brick structure, symbolizing the challenges of urban decline in St. Louis.

Architectural historian Chris Naffziger sees promise in the building’s future. 

“Oh, it has fantastic bones. It’s gonna be expensive,” Naffziger said. He strongly advocates against demolition, believing the structure can be repurposed to benefit the community.

Neal Richardson, who chairs the St. Louis Development Corporation, outlined initial rehabilitation plans. “So, the roof is completely deteriorated. So that’s step number one is to go in and repair the roof, protect it from any other hazardous exterior weather challenges,” Richardson explained.

The …