Sunset Hills Resident Donates Paraclete Property to Lindbergh School District

Sunset Hills resident Alwal "Al" Moore has donated the $2 million, 10-acre former Paraclete property to the Lindbergh School District, the school district announced Thursday.

The school district will have a 50-year lease on the property at the cost of $1 per year, according to a news release from the school district. 

The estate of "Papa" Joe Griesedieck once served as home to the Paraclete Fathers. Moore, a longtime resident who served as the city's first fire marshal, bought the property in an effort to preserve the land and its buildings. He has unsuccessfully tried to develop the property to serve as a city park, community library, even home to the Children's Illustrated Art Museum. 

Moore told Suburban Journals in March that he was still seeking historical status for four buildings on the property (out of a total of 10).

“We are grateful to Mr. Moore for his overwhelming generosity, which could not have come at a better time, considering our aggressive student growth. This property offers historical value and cultural opportunities for residents, educators, and several generations of children. It is a place where they can learn and grow, and appreciate the history of their local community," Superintendent Dr. Jim Simpson said in the release.