A composite image from an engineering report by ABS Consulting shows the partial collapse of the timber supports for the east wall of Cupples 7. The city will request an emergency demolition permit for the structure on Monday.
Updated at 2:15 p.m. May 6 with official emergency declaration.
St. Louis's building commissioner has ordered the immediate removal of Cupples 7 due to "significant hazards that pose an immediate and imminent danger to the public health, safety and welfare."
The 'flying saucer' in St. Louis' Midtown made local headlines this year as preservationists fought to keep its unique, otherworldly shape intact. The Atlantic Cities has now nationally recognized this effort as one of its most important preservation battles of 2012.