NORMANDY • University of Missouri-ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ officials have listened to neighborhood residents and preservationists who want to spare Incarnate Word Convent from demolition and offered at least a temporary reprieve for the former home of the Sisters of Charity.
Bob Samples, UMSL’s associate vice chancellor for communications, said Wednesday that university officials met Monday night with residents and representatives from Incarnate Word Academy.
“We indicated to them we would hold off on demolition of the old convent site and issue a request for proposals to see if individuals are interested in renovating the facility and putting it to a positive use,†Samples said. “We don't have a time frame for the RFP but we're working on it.â€
The RFP would stipulate that the buildings would have to be saved, he said.
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The Sisters of Charity sold the convent to UMSL for $1.2 million in 1993, and after some years of use by the university, UMSL officials say the school no longer needs the buildings.Â
Dan Riley, of Bel-Nor, who started a petition drive and Facebook campaign to save it, said the community's response has been “overwhelming†in support of the convent.
Riley said he intends to turn over a petition with more than 1,000 names to Chancellor Thomas F. George on Thursday. On Facebook, supporters have gathered over 1,300 “likes.â€
“It's a crucial moment in our community's efforts to save these important pieces of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ history and architecture and it will be the first opportunity for Chancellor George to explain the university's position and respond to the community's petition,†Riley said.
The petition says the facility has been a “source of pride†for the Bel-Nor and Normandy communities.
“The convent is an excellent example of American craftsmanship, masonry and metalwork from the early 20th century with architectural characteristics from 11th and 12th century southern France, Spain and Italy, †the petition states.
Community members including the board chair of Bel-Nor are exploring the possibility of a third party receiving historic preservation tax credits for renovations.
County Historian Esley Hamilton also is supporting the effort.Â
 As now contemplated, UMSL wants to retain ownership of the land and a redeveloper would lease the land from UMSL, Samples said.  The university would sell the convent buildings and the new owner would be responsible for renovations.  However, Samples added that the details are still being developed.
A consultant estimated that it could cost $11 million for a thorough modernization of the building interiors, but a new owner probably could choose to do it for less, Samples said.
Riley's Facebook support page for the convent also calls for preventing possible demoliiton of the UMSL Alumni Center.
