Vincent C. Schoemehl

Who is Vincent C. Schoemehl?

Vincent C. Schoemehl, Jr. was the 42nd mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, serving three terms from 1981 to 1993. At the time of his first election, he was one of the City's youngest mayors. Schoemehl is remembered for his leadership in the areas of historic preservation and urban design. He helped save the Cupples Warehouses from demolition and promoted "public-private partnerships" that led to more than 600 successful rehabilitation projects. He also launched Operation Brightside, a City beautification program, and Operation Safestreet, a home safety program.

In 1991, Schoemehl served as a committee member for the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence.

In 1992, Schoemehl was defeated in the Democratic primary by lieutenant governor Mel Carnahan in a bid to become governor of Missouri.

Born in Saint Louis in 1946, Schoemehl received a degree in history from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1972. Subsequently, he was elected to the City of St. Louis board of aldermen as a representative from the 28th ward for six years before being elected mayor in 1981. Currently, he serves as president and CEO of Grand Center, Inc.