St. Louis to pause tornado demolitions until 2027 after 560 buildings razed

St. Louis plans to largely pause tornado-related demolitions in December, except for emergencies, and resume work with Phase 2 in early 2027. The city says crews have demolished more than 560 buildings so far and expects to reach about 700 by the end of the first phase, against an estimated total need of 1,400 to 1,600 structures. Officials prioritized immediate safety hazards, major corridors and owner-requested demolitions; they say many properties were vacant or condemned before the May 2025 tornado. The city estimates it needs another $40 million to $45 million to complete the work, while residents and contractors have expressed disappointment about the pause and the pace of progress. Officials also face the challenge of repairing damaged homes and returning cleared lots to productive use.