ST. LOUIS – The Ely Walker Lofts will be implementing safety and security measures as part of a consent decree the building’s condo association entered with the City of St. Louis. City officials have referred to the building as a "problem property" due to the number of nuisance and 9-1-1 calls received about the property.

What You Need To Know

  • St. Louis City and the Ely Walker Lofts entered into a consent decree over what city officials have called a "problem property"

  • The order says the condo association will implement eight safety and security measures

  • The consent decree states there were nearly 247 calls for police service to the Washington Avenue address from Aug. 31, 2021 and Aug. 31, 2022

  • Related Content: Learn about other problem properties St. Louis City is keeping an eye on

The agreement comes after the Washington Avenue building was sent a nuisance notice and was facing a temporary closure due to safety and security issues associated with “pop-up parties” including one that led to the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old. 

Last week, the City and condo association entered into a consent decree. The order says the condo association will implement eight safety and security measures. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Provide all occupants with a 24-hour non-emergency customer service line that will be continuously monitored

  • Begin utilizing the newly installed Latch Access Control system at front and back entry points

  • Lock access to the rooftop

  • Install a front exterior camera

  • Employ licensed and insured security for 12 months or until there is a 60% decrease in calls for service

The consent decree states there were nearly 247 calls for police service to the Washington Avenue address from Aug. 31, 2021 and Aug. 31, 2022. The calls include things like disturbances, noise, shootings, fighting and assault. 

A nuisance hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 7, has been canceled due to both parties entering into the consent decree.

The City sent out a statement saying, “This agreement illustrates how the City departments are working together to improve public safety both Downtown and hold problem property owners accountable throughout the city. Our ultimate goal for Ely Walker Lofts is to be a safe and peaceful location for residents and the community, and we hope the measures in this decree move us toward that goal.”