St. Louis Zoo to Buy 13.5 Acre Forest Park Hospital

The St. Louis Zoo has announced its intent to purchase the long-troubled and now largely vacant Forest Park Hospital complex across I-64 from the existing zoo in the city's Clayton-Tamm neighborhood. From a practical point of view, the purchase would allow existing staff to be moved off-site, alleviating existing space issues. But much more is made possible by the purchase: adding new research staff and laboratory space, adding veterinary equipment and possible new locations for some small animal exhibits (think amphibians).

The zoo is looking at an ambitious timeframe for the move, demolition of some existing structures and site improvement. The press release announcing the development states that the plan "(saves) structures where possible", however, the accompanying site plan shows that of the entire complex, only the most modern office building on the northeast corner of the site, and a seven-story parking garage will be retained. With many additions and changes over time, the hospital is not eligible for historic tax credits, making it difficult for any buyer to re-purpose existing buildings. Sculptures and other architectural details removed in demolition are to be given to the Deaconess Foundation.