Washington University seeks to demolish former church

ST. LOUIS — Washington University wants to demolish a former church to make way for a new campus building. The one-story, mid-century modern building at Forsyth and Skinker boulevards, just south of the university's main campus, was built as Unity Christ Church Temple in 1956, and remained an active church until Washington University bought the property in 2021.

The private institution wants to redevelop the property for academic student services and administrative offices. Washington University also owns an adjacent property that is currently used as an IT services center for students. The St.



Louis Cultural Resources Office, which reviews demolition requests in preservation review districts, says the existing building is of merit and structurally sound. But the office supports the demolition, saying the proposed new construction "equals or exceeds the loss of the existing building." It said that the university has shown that the existing building isn't suitable for conversion.

In a statement, a university spokeswoman said the institution will ensure compliance with St. Louis' planning and zoning requirements. The Preservation Board will review the university's request at its 4 p.

m. meeting Monday..