After a decade of rumors and speculation, the fate of Bob Cassilly’s Cementland may soon be known. The 40-acre site sold at auction on Thursday night for a high bid of $714,000. The final contract price including a 10% buyers premium was $785,400. According to auction terms the sale will close within 30 days.
Ten bidders registered to participate in the online auction. Adam Jokisch, owner of Adam’s Auction & Real Estate Services which conducted the auction on behalf of Cassilly’s estate declined to name the purchaser. He said the public would know in 30 days when the sale closes however he doesn’t expect that the buyer will continue on with Bob’s vision for the site. “I’m sure it’s going to be for some industrial use” said Jokisch.
The 40-acre parcel which sold on Thursday is the last remaining piece of the original 55-acre complex that comprised the Missouri Portland Cement factory before being acquired by Bob Cassilliy in the early 2000’s.
16 acres which include Mississippi river frontage and mooring rights were sold in August of 2020 for $1.35 million. The remaining 40 acres were also listed for sale in August of 2020 for $3.69 million but did not sell.
Renowned artist and sculptor Bob Cassily who is best known for creating the City Museum, died in 2011 while working on Cementland. In 2007 he told the New York Times his goal was to create an unmistakable place “where people can come and do things they’re not supposed to.”
