by Michael R. Allen
The St. Louis Preservation Board approved demolition of these cast-iron-front commercial buildings at 4220, 4222 and 4224 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in the Ville at its meeting on Monday, September 24 (see report). The center building at 4222 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive burned and collapsed earlier this month. The flanking buildings are deteriorated but not beyond rehabilitation. In fact, they likely would contribute to a national historic district along Martin Luther King Drive in the Ville. Alas, no architectural survey and district nomination have been completed in recent years. Alderman Sam Moore (D-4th) requested the demolitions along with demolition of commercial buildings at 4149 and 4153 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive (see report). Those permits also were approved by the Board.