Petition urges Mayor Jones to adopt community recommendations for Workhouse site

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The Close the Workhouse campaign is asking St. Louis residents to sign a new petition that urges Mayor Tishaura Jones to publicly adopt and implement recommendations outlined in the Re-envisioning the Workhouse Report.

“The joy I feel knowing that no one else is going to experience the hellish conditions of the Workhouse feels a little bit like closure,” said Inez Bordeaux, Deputy Director of Community Collaborations with ArchCity Defenders. “However, we want clarity on what buildings are being demolished because there are conflicting reports. We will continue to advocate that the vision put forth by the community through the Re-envisioning the Workhouse process, and we know that the mayor’s ill-advised plan to put so-called tiny sheds at the Workhouse is still under consideration. We will continue to vigorously advocate at the attempt to house human beings in the facility or on the land.”

According to Close the Workhouse, the Re-envisioning the Workhouse report requests funding the Memorial Resource Hub and paying reparations for Workhouse survivors. Some of the suggestions for on-site development at the site include an animal shelter and a place for solar energy. Off-site suggestions call for resources such as housing and youth programs.

Last week, St. Louis Alderman Rasheen Aldridge introduced Resolution 57, which was co-sponsored by Alderwoman Megan Green and Alderwoman Daniela Valesquez.

“Resolution 57 is about what re-envisioning the Workhouse could be,” said Alderman Aldridge. “It is about how do we undo the wrongs that have happened. How do we ensure moving forward that this is going to be a place that is humane and holistic, and that can provide support to the community that has not had this type of support.”

The workhouse has been empty since 2022. Demolition of The Workhouse is set to begin by mid-December.

Click here for more information about Close the Workhouse.