In 1999, St. Louis planners and historic preservationists working as an advisory committee released their Downtown Plan, which called for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Century Building.

City officials made the argument that tenants for the renovated OPO building demanded parking within view of their new offices.

The NTHP would now provide $6.9 million in gap financing in the form of tax credits for the OPO renovations and parking deck.

Richard Moe, president of the NTHP, defended his organization's actions by stating that the demolition of the Century Building was key to revitalizing the area around the OPO.

[4] The Landmarks Association filed a final lawsuit on October 19, 2004 requesting a temporary restraining order to halt demolition.