By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Last September, Maplewood voters approved the buyout of some 130 mainly residential properties for the creation of Maplewood Commons, a retail center that will feature a Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.
On Monday crews tore down the former Emprint company near Hanley Road. Dennis LaRue with THF Realty says the project been two years in the making:
"It's a slow process," LaRue said. "We've addressed any environmental concerns in each home; once we get a clear demo permit from the county, we take them down."
THF officials say the development is expected to generate $2 million in annual tax revenue for the city of Maplewood. It's set to open in October 2004.