There are several programs that can be used to help finance the cost of renovating/restoring an abandoned building so it can be brought back up to code.
The city of St. Louis' Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) receives title to all tax delinquent properties not sold at the Sheriff's sale. When an owner has not paid any property taxes for three years, the property is taken over by LRA. LRA also receives title to properties through donations. LRA maintains, markets, and sells these properties and performs land assemblage for future development.
If you own a building that needs renovation, there are several tax credits available to help you pay for the repairs.
- Historic Preservation Tax Credit
Tax credits are available from the federal government and from the State of Missouri. You can claim a federal credit of up to 20% of your renovation costs. If you live in Missouri, you can claim a credit of 25% of your costs. Your building must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or be in a district that is listed or eligible to be listed in order for you to receive the tax credit.
- Some properties in St. Louis are designated under Missouri state statutes numbers 99, 100, and 353. Only developers designated by the City of St. Louis can renovate/redevelop those areas.
If a building in your neighborhood cannot be rehabilitated, it must be condemned before it can be demolished. Call any of the numbers listed above to complain about the building and to ask that it be condemned.
In order for the building to be condemned, a building inspector must visit the building and determine if it is uninhabitable. The City must issue a citation to the owner, or take the owner to the Housing Court (in St. Louis only). The city will issue a demolition order, and the building will be placed on a waiting list until funds are available for its demolition.
