Lafayette Square's Press Release

Lafayette Square Restoration Committee applauds the city's decision to deny building permits to Praxair

October 1 - For Immediate Release - The Lafayette Square Restoration Committee applauds the decision to deny Praxair the permits needed to begin reconstruction and interim operations at the site on Chouteau Avenue. Since the destructive explosion and fire on June 24th, the position of the LSRC has been that such operations are not compatible with a residential neighborhood such as Lafayette Square. We fully support the efforts of the company and city officials to re-locate Praxair's operations to a more appropriate location within the city of St. Louis.

The safety and security of our residents is our foremost concern. We appreciate the Mayor's support in this matter and share with him the goal of continuing the strong growth in Lafayette Square and other city neighborhoods. Lafayette Square has seen tremendous amounts of revitalization and growth in recent years, and we do not believe that an operation such as Praxair should exist in any residential area.

Our organization looks forward to continuing to work with officials from the city and Praxair to come to a final resolution on this matter.

About the LSRC:
The LSRC is a not-for-profit organization, which seeks to facilitate the preservation and redevelopment of Lafayette Square, respecting its special historic character and enhancing its overall livability.

The purposes of the LSRC are: to foster community improvement, to encourage restoration and preservation, to re-establish Lafayette Park as a focal point, to stabilize the neighborhood, to foster civic pride, to acquire property to further its goals, and to encourage and support legislation for preservation, restoration, and improvement of the area.

Lafayette Square is a historic neighborhood with lies in the areas bounded by I-44 on the south, Jefferson Ave. on the west, Chouteau Ave. on the north, and the east alley of Dolman St. on the east.