A St. Louis apartment building is undergoing intensive renovations. Work on the Ford Apartment building project stopped six months ago, but now the building is filled with teams of workers. The building is owned by Blue Shutters Development, which is run by Peter D. George. Blue Shutters took control of the building last year after the previous owner of the structure, Matthew Burghoff, was sent to federal prison for violating the Clean Air Act.
In December, Mr. Burghoff was sentenced to two years in federal prison after being found guilty of bank fraud and improperly handling asbestos in the Ford Building. Improper asbestos handling can place many lives in danger, as asbestos products can break down, forcing asbestos dust and fibers into the air. If inhaled, asbestos may cause lung cancer and mesothelioma.
While Burghoff was under investigation, the Ford building lay dormant. Burghoff’s plan to turn the building into luxury condos was abandoned when he was sent to prison. Blue Shutters took over the building, and Peter D. George hopes that tenants could begin moving into the building by the end of this year. Blue Shutters Development is putting 36 two-bedroom apartments in the Ford building. Offices and retail space will also be available in the new, asbestos-free structure.
