Preservationist questions St. Louis demolitions

ST. LOUIS -- A St. Louis architectural historian is raising concerns that the city is moving too quickly to demolish historically significant buildings.

Preservation Research Office director Michael Allen says there was no need to demolish the 97-year-old Powell Square building. Demolition was ordered last month after the owner fell short on a plan to develop an arts district on Chouteau's Landing.

Allen told KMOX Radio (http://cbsloc.al/15sh5VT ) that even a spot on the National Register of Historic Places couldn't save the Crunden-Martin building next to Powell Square, which is also slated for demolition.

Allen believes the city is too eager to bulldoze its own architectural heritage, but there have been successes. He was able lead a campaign to save the flying saucer-shaped building near Saint Louis University that once housed Del Taco.

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Information from: KMOX-AM, http://www.kmox.com