By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay Tuesday made a formal offer for the Abram Federal Building downtown.
City officials and developers have long sought the building. They want to convert at least some of it into a parking garage.
They say that's essential for any plan to re-open the Kiel Opera House nearby.
Jeff Rainford, the Mayor's Chief of Staff, says the city offered $7.5 million. But not all of that is cash.
"Approximately $2.7 million of that will come from a 99-year lease that we're going to give the federal government on two parking lots," Rainford said. "And in addition the GSA agreed to credit $1 million in rent toward the purchase price."
If the feds accept the offer, it still needs Congressional approval.
Homeless advocate Larry Rice had sought the building for use as a shelter. But the government denied his request.