Progress on Future NGA Site: Minority Union Contractor Awarded Demolition of Shoe Building

ST. LOUIS – In order for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) to begin building its new campus in the City of St. Louis at N. Jefferson and Cass Avenues, the City must complete site preparation including archeological and historical investigations; demolition of structures, streets and utilities; and grading the land.

Of the 137 structures that stood within the 97-acre site, 132 have been demolished. Another was physically relocated just outside of the NGA’s site boundary.

One of the four remaining structures includes the Buster Brown Blue Ribbon Shoe Factory, a building constructed around 1900 when St. Louis was one of the nation’s largest shoe manufacturing cities. Its history has been documented in the Shoe Industry of St. Louis report.

Premier Demolition, a local minority union contractor, has been awarded a $311,000 demolition contract, which represents a reduced cost to the City, because the company will be able to salvage some of the building materials, such as brick and wood. Pre-demolition began this week.

A dozen pallets of the salvaged brick (about 560 bricks per pallet) will be used as part of the construction of the Next NGA West. The other salvageable bricks will be hauled to a nearby recycling facility chosen by the contractor.

Because of the size of the factory, the LCRA Holdings, which is managing the site preparation, has allotted nearly 75 days for the full demolition and site clearance. During that time, short-term lane closures may be necessary to ensure a safe perimeter. Signs will be posted to alert drivers.

Related Resource

Next NGA West Project Website