There was little left to close. All but 164 of the 780 rooms went out of service last spring, when the owner announced it was shutting down most of the hotel for much-needed replacement of mechanical systems. The work never took place, and rumors of a total shutdown circulated last fall before the owner announced Nov. 21 that the hotel would close today.

Williams said city officials were disappointed by the shutdown but were hopeful that suitable redevelopment would take place. He said the city would not try to dictate what Millennium did with the property “as long as the site is fully developed.”

Millennium is “exploring all options” on what to do with the site, Williams added. Real estate experts have said a sensible approach could be to renovate and reopen part of the structure as a hotel and convert the rest to residences.

“It’s a premier spot,” said Missy Kelley, spokeswoman for the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis. “A hotel makes sense, but changing the use also could make sense as long as it adds to the vitality of the Arch grounds and improves connectivity to the city.”

Experts have said the site could become more attractive to redevelopment after the Arch grounds renovation, scheduled for completion next year, improves pedestrian access.