Why We’re Leaving Our Downtown St. Louis Loft: Safety & Politics
My spouse and I made the difficult decision of leaving our downtown St. Louis loft. This choice has nothing to do with racism, poverty, or so-called “white flight.” Instead, it is a direct result of mounting disappointment with the city’s leadership, ongoing political issues, and a downtown that feels increasingly neglected and unsafe. We are leaving behind incredible rooftop parties and stunning views of the Arch, but the reasons have become too significant to ignore.
While we are moving, we aren’t leaving the city we love. I was raised in St. Louis County and chose to move back here as an adult. We found a peaceful townhome near the Central West End that better suits our life now. It’s a short, walkable distance to my mother’s assisted living facility, which is a major plus for us and our two small dogs. Now, I want to explain why we’ve given up on the dream of downtown St. Louis living.
The Decline of Downtown: Safety and Neglect
A key factor in our decision is the visible decline in safety and cleanliness. The streets are frequented by a large number of unhoused individuals who often harass residents and tourists. Despite a new mayor taking office, the city has not implemented a meaningful plan to address this complex issue. The lack of visible change is disheartening; it feels as though the political will to tackle these problems is absent.
Furthermore, some landlords of historic loft buildings are renting units to Section 8 or low-income tenants who, unfortunately, do not always respect their neighbors or the property. While affordable housing is essential, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the community’s safety and well-being. We have witnessed problematic crowds, car break-ins, and disruptive behavior that goes unaddressed. Even during major events like baseball games, tourists are often warned about the risks of parking outside of designated garages, a sad testament to the area’s security problems.
A few months ago, a violent altercation occurred right outside our building. It wasn’t random; it was a dispute over a drug debt involving one of our neighbors. It took the police, whose station is just a few blocks away, an hour to respond. When I reported the incident to building management, their response was minimal, reflecting a broader indifference that seems to permeate downtown.
Why Leaving Our Downtown St. Louis Loft Felt Necessary
The state of downtown is symbolized by its abandoned and neglected properties. Hooters restaurant recently closed, and while it was a business decision, the location had become a magnet for criminal activity. The decaying Famous Barr parking garage and the boarded-up One Bell Center are other glaring reminders of urban decay. Efforts to manage these properties seem to have stalled under the new city administration.
Navigating the area has become an embarrassing experience. I’ve had to walk visiting friends through cluttered and unkempt areas just to reach popular destinations like Ballpark Village. The subpar Metrolink station, which connects to the metro east-Illinois side, often brings fare hoppers and security issues, though a new security system offers a glimmer of hope.
The nearby Mark Twain Hotel, once a luxury establishment, now primarily houses low-income residents, including those with criminal records. Its proximity to other low-income housing buildings has created a concentration of social challenges and criminal activity. It makes you wonder why the city allows such a vital area to decline. Businesses are leaving, residents are moving out, and tourists share negative experiences on social media. The decision of leaving our downtown St. Louis loft became less of a choice and more of a necessity for our peace of mind.
A Call for Real Change
St. Louis has the resources to revitalize its downtown core, but it seems that political leaders are more interested in playing it safe than in implementing effective solutions. We need leaders who will learn from the successes of other cities like Denver, Nashville, or Kansas City. Everyone deserves an affordable and safe place to live, but the current chaos is pushing hardworking residents away. We should be able to enjoy our city without constant fear of car break-ins, muggings, or harassment.
I’m not just criticizing the city I love; I am pleading for a better future. There are people and companies committed to downtown’s success, like our friends at Oliver’s property on Washington Avenue, who are doubling down on their investment in the area. Their efforts show that hope is not lost.
Ultimately, leaving downtown is a personal choice born out of a desire for a safer and more stable environment. We will continue to love and support St. Louis from our new neighborhood, holding onto the hope that one day, downtown will become the vibrant, safe, and welcoming heart of the city it is meant to be.
Finally, I want to thank the St. Louis Argus Newspaper for providing a platform to share my thoughts. Take care, and have a joyful holiday!
#StLouisLiving #UrbanChallenges #SafetyMatters
Senior Editor, Digital Manager, Blogger, has been nominated for awards several times as Publisher and Author over the years. Has been with company for almost three years and is a current native St. Louisan.
