Demolition
"Pruitt-Igoe, the outstanding failure of public housing, has been a stigma on public housing for many years... the stigma of Pruitt-Igoe must be removed."
-HUD
-HUD
Source: Pruitt-Igoe Sequence - "Trouble in Utopia."
"It was a spectacular exhibition seen nationally and internationally- the great event on the 360- foot long buildings going down in one fell swoop. It got more coverage than anything we've ever done in the city- good or bad."
-A.J. Wilson, St. Louis mayor's aid
-A.J. Wilson, St. Louis mayor's aid
In 1970, the St. Louis Housing Authority considered closure. On March 16, 1972, the first three Pruitt-Igoe buildings were imploded. The demolition was broadcasted worldwide, and received tremendous attention from the press. By 1976, the land was completely cleared.