Demolition is underway on one of the oldest buildings downtown.

In place of the structure built in the 1800s (it's difficult to find a source that says exactly how old the building is) at the corner of 10th and Locust streets will be five new for-sale townhome-style condos planned by TWG Development of Indianapolis.

Some preservationists had fretted over the potential loss of the building. A prior owner also wanted to level it.

But the building never made it to the Historic Register, despite being suspected of being at least partly constructed before 1875, according to the Landmarks Association of St. Louis.