Kirkwood Landmark Home Faces Demolition Amidst Public Outcry
A historic home in Kirkwood, Missouri, known as the Marquitz-Garesche House, is set to be demolished after a legal battle to save it was lost. The home, built in 1858, was purchased by Harlan Sorkin, a health startup CEO, and his wife Annelle Sorkin in 2025. Despite its designation as a local landmark, the couple applied for a demolition permit, citing safety concerns and the incompatibility of modern living standards with the home's current state. The Kirkwood Landmarks Commission imposed a 270-day review period to explore alternatives, but ultimately, the decision to demolish was upheld by a judge. The ruling has sparked significant public outcry, with local residents and preservationists expressing their disappointment and concern over the loss of the historic property.