Cultural Resources director Dan Krasnoff argued the apartment tower was an unusual circumstance that would bring hundreds of residents to downtown and add a new, modern high-rise to the city’s skyline.

Fred Lafser, a consultant for the developers who works in historic preservation, said new additions added to the structure in the 1980s diminished its historical significance. Other buildings designed by Taylor also remain downtown, he said.

“I don’t think this is one of Isaac Taylor’s most important buildings,” Lafser said.

Despite praising the project’s design and intent, several preservationists urged the board to withhold demolition approval because downtown has already lost too many historic structures and it may end up looking different.

“They are under no obligation to build this building,” said Landmarks Association of St. Louis Executive Director Andrew Weil.

The developers recently completed a similar apartment tower at 212 South Meramec Avenue in Clayton, and an attorney for the group said they wanted to replicate it downtown next to Busch Stadium.

Board member Michael Killeen asked whether keeping the facade would torpedo the project.