Stunning Sale of Blighted Hotel Near The Arch In St. Louis

Multiple media outlets report that a nonprofit group has decided to buy the long-closed Millennium Hotel near the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The closed hotel, which has become a blighted property, made the news in March 2023 when an urban explorer posted photos of it on a Facebook page and caught the attention of KSDK 5 news.

Seven years ago, it didn't seem like bringing the hotel back to life would have taken much. Still, since then, between urban explorers and vandalism and overall deterioration, that hope seemed less and less like a possibility. So, what's next for the property? I'll tell you after we look at the abandoned once-great Millennium Hotel.

A Look At the Abandoned Once Great Millennium Hotel In St. Louis

The abandoned Millennium Hotel near The Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium was once one of St. Louis' great riverfront hotels. Since its abandonment several years ago, time, decay, and urban explorers have all taken their toll on the building. Unconfirmed reports of asbestos or other contamination in the building make it even more unattractive and expensive to rehab or tear down and redevelop. Millenium Hotels, who still apparently own the hotel, don't seem all that interested in redeveloping, remodeling, or selling the facility either.

Check out these photos, from a video shot several years ago before time began to ravage the complex. They're from a Youtube video shot by BackyardExploration seven years ago. You can check out more recent photos of the hotel's decline here.

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Gallery Credit: Rob Creighton

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Fox 2 Now is reporting that the Gateway Arch Park Foundation has officially said they are under contract to buy the property that has sat vacant since 2013. The TV station reports the foundation will work with the City, the St. Louis Development Corporation, and Greater St. Louis, Inc. on a redevelopment plan for the site.

According to Fox 2, Ryan Mc Clure, the foundation's executive director, issued a statement on the site.

“The foundation sees tremendous potential in revitalizing the Millennium site,” McClure said. “This project perfectly aligns with our mission to better connect Gateway Arch National Park and its surroundings to the rest of downtown and nurture an experience that is vibrant, accessible, and memorable for both residents and our many visitors from around the world.”

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation has already helped transform Gateway Arch National Park, the Riverfront, and Keiner Plaza.

Check Out The Sad Story of One of Kansas City's Formerly Great Hotels

At one time this hotel which was located near I-435 and Front Street was one of the bigger hotels in Kansas City, and somewhat swanky. The hotel's downfall included anarchy, employees that just walked away from their post, an owner who escaped Kansas City for Brazil, and an eventual implosion of the buildings. Pictures come from Youtube videos created by Steven Downing and Exploring the Abandoned.

Gallery Credit: Rob Creighton