Priority Sites & Projects

In 2022, SLDC identified several key Development Board-owned priority sites and projects within the Economic Justice Demonstration Areas that will catalyze equitable economic growth. Using our Roadmap for Redevelopment, we are currently focusing our efforts on a handful of those sites, which are in varying stages of community engagement and stabilization:

Chuck Berry House: 3137 Whittier Street

Objective(s): Stabilize structure, community engagement in revisioning and reuse, market site for future redevelopment.

Source of funds: Economic Development Sales Tax Fund

Completed to-date: Structural assessment, report, repair recommendations, and cost estimations. Execution of supplemental structural engineering service agreement and creation of detailed technical specifications and drawings. Selection of contractor for stabilization work.

Ongoing: Community Development Administration approval of stabilization contract

Next Steps: Notice To Proceed with Structural Repair and Related Work (Estimated date for stabilization work to be completed – Early 2025)

Sara Lou Café: 4067 Saint Louis Avenue

Objective(s): Stabilize structure, community engagement in revisioning and reuse, market site for future redevelopment.

Source of funds: Economic Development Sales Tax Fund

Completed to-date: Structural assessment, report, repair recommendations and cost estimations. Contract execution of the supplemental structural engineering services agreement.

Ongoing: The detailed technical specifications and drawings from the supplemental contract currently being worked on will be reviewed by Cultural Resources before being publicly solicited.

Next Steps: Completion of the supplemental engineering services, issue RFB for stabilization, oversee the work. (Estimated date for stabilization work to be completed - 2/15/2025)

Wellston Station: 6111 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive

Objective(s): Stabilize structure for future redevelopment

Source of Funds: LRA Proactive Development & Rehabilitation Fund

Completed to-date: Hazardous material cleanup and partial demolition down to the building’s framework have begun, along with initial shoring efforts.

Ongoing: A comprehensive structural inspection report with repair recommendations, to be prepared by Vestal Corporation, is underway. This report will be completed following the full demolition, cleanup, and shoring processes.

Next Steps: Vestal Corporation will finalize the comprehensive structural inspection report with recommended repairs. (Estimated full assessment completion is Jan. 2025)

Club Imperial: 6306 W. Florissant Avenue

Objective(s): Stabilize structure for future redevelopment

Source of Funds: LRA Proactive Development & Rehabilitation Fund

Completed to-date A safety report with repair recommendations has been prepared by David Mason.

Ongoing: Scaffolding and perimeter fencing are currently being installed to ensure public safety.

Next Steps: To get an in-depth structural inspection report with repair recommendations prepared by David Mason. Collaborate with developers, alderwomen, community leaders, and the public to define the next steps for the future of this building.

Marshall School: 4322 Aldine

Objective(s): Stabilize structure for future redevelopment

Source of Funds: LCRA Proactive Development & Site Assembly Fund 23-SLFRF-43

Completed to-date EPA technical assistance reuse plan completed April 2023.

Ongoing: Procurement of structural and environmental engineers for assessment.

Next Steps: To get an in-depth structural inspection report with repair recommendations prepared by engineer with stabilization recommendations. Bid out and commence stabilization measures. Prepare a Request for Proposals to identify a valid and feasible redevelopment proposal.

Roadmap for Redevelopment of Priority Projects

The Monarch on MLK Campus for Economic Mobility: 3940 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive

In October 2023, the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (LCRA) —a development board staffed by the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) —purchased a 150,000-square-foot industrial building at 3940 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in North St. Louis, along with 29 surrounding vacant parcels. Once redeveloped, the 15.39-acre site will transform into an innovative transit-accessible workforce and training campus for manufacturing and other high-paying, in-demand careers.

Development/Stakeholder Update

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