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ST. LOUIS — The city’s economic development agency is proposing to spend up to $100,000 on steel doors and window shields to help secure downtown’s Railway Exchange Building following a recent fire and a series of break-ins.

St. Louis Development Corp. said it will partner with regional business group Greater St. Louis Inc. to hire DAWGS Vacant Property Security, a provider of steel plates used to secure vacant property.

The proposal is the latest action St. Louis officials have taken in recent weeks to shore up the historic Olive Street property, which has been a public safety hazard and a center of criminal activity for years.

Two weeks ago, a fire broke out at the southeast corner of the building, at 615 Olive Street, that firefighters worked to quickly extinguish.

Alderwoman Cara Spencer, who represents downtown, filed legislation earlier this month to kick off eminent domain proceedings against the absentee owner, who stopped paying for building security months ago.

The 1.2 million-square-foot building — once Famous-Barr’s flagship store — is in the heart of St. Louis’ central business district. It’s one of four major vacant buildings, including the former AT&T tower, the Chemical Building and the Millennium Hotel, that officials say are crucial to revitalizing downtown.

But the Railway building has been mired in litigation with its lien holders, which has clouded the real estate title of the property and thwarted efforts to renovate or sell it.

The building has long been a thorn for City Hall, which has sent countless first responders and Building Division employees to secure the property. It has also been a focus for the city’s Problem Properties Unit, tasked with addressing public safety hazards.

SLDC’s board of directors is expected to vote on the funding at its Thursday.

Editor’s Note: The story was updated to reflect the new funding amount for the steel plates.