The fate of St. Paul's oldest municipal building, Hope Engine Company No. 3 firehouse, could remain in limbo for a few more months.

Developer David Brooks planned to demolish the building, at Grand Avenue and Leech Street, and replace it with a Marriott hotel. Neighbors, hoping to protect the structure, filed a restraining order.

An injunction hearing scheduled for Monday was canceled. Judge Margaret Marrinan stayed proceedings for 90 days.

That will give the two sides time to negotiate and see "if there is some way to preserve the building while meeting the developer's goals," said Richard Duncan, an attorney representing the neighborhood groups and preservation organizations.

Neighbors haven't heard much from Brooks, Duncan said, but his attorney signed off on postponing proceedings.

"I would hope that it's a sign that he's interested in coming up with a solution," Duncan said, noting that the firehouse, built in 1872, could be incorporated into the hotel or moved.

Attorney Charles Keenan, representing Brooks, said he doesn't think Brooks is opposed to such options. There are a number of "contingency plans" and Brooks will talk with neighbors to try to come up with a workable solution, Keenan said.

If the neighbors and developer are not able to come to an agreement, then a trial will be held, Duncan said.

Jessie Van Berkel • 612-673-4649