St. Charles County Circuit Judge Norman Steimel III  has lifted the restraining order that temporarily stopped the demolition of the historic water tower on Lindenwood’s St. Charles campus.

Steimel on June 1 ruled that the plaintiff in the case, Roman Buddemeyer, had failed to prove he had legal standing to oppose the demolition. The judge said Buddemeyer’s “status as Lindenwood alumnus and neighbor, alone, does not grant him any standing to challenge Defendant Lindenwood’s decision to raze its water tower.”

Buddemeyer said on a text message that he has not given up on his effort to preserve the brick water tower. He said there will be a hearing on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. for Steimel to consider an amended petition for a new emergency restraining order.

“We believe we have to try everything we can and want to be good stewards for the next generation that comes after us,” Buddemeyer said on a text message.

Lindenwood officials have not immediately responded to requests for comment.

St. Charles city staff approved a request to demolish the water tower on May 7 after Lindenwood submitted an inspection report deeming the water tower unsafe. Lindenwood began removing roof tiles and debris from the water tower on May 15, just before Buddemeyer filed his original request for a temporary restraining order.