Project Summary Community: St. Louis, Missouri Technical Assistance: Market Analysis Former Use: Vacant Commercial and Office Space Future Use: New Commercial and Retail Development Once the economic hub and Main Street of the city, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Drive has experienced economic and physical decline in recent decades as residents moved out of the urban core of St. Louis to more suburban areas. The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) has identified four properties for redevelopment along the MLK Corridor that, when paired with existing small businesses and the strong sense of community among longstanding residents, can contribute to successful redevelopment in the area. The Community's Challenge The Vandeventer and Ville neighborhoods, located adjacent to MLK drive, were historically centers of African American culture and economic activity, but have more recently experienced increased vacancy, unemployment, and population loss. The four properties identified by SLDC present an opportunity to serve as a catalyst for redevelopment along the greater corridor. EPA's Land Revitalization Technical Assistance In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Land Revitalization Program provided contractor technical assistance to perform a market analysis to identify redevelopment opportunities for the four properties along MLK Drive. The team analyzed demographic, retail, and real estate data to understand the demand for reuse opportunities. The team additionally participated in a two- day site visit to engage with community stakeholders and workforce development organizations. The results of the market analysis identified two buildings that can support new retail and commercial development and should be paired with additional housing opportunities to contribute to neighborhood revitalization and increase demand for new businesses. Potential redevelopment opportunities include health and personal care stores, daily shopping retail stores, community gathering places, affordable housing units, or new restaurants. Current market conditions also indicate that new developments should occur in phases to avoid overwhelming the market while concurrently building demand in the area. Recommendation Summary Table for Target Sites Future Use Opportunity Provided Health & Personal Care Stores A new health and personal care store can fill the existing retail gap and connect older individuals in the community to needed healthcare and medicine. Daily Shopping Retail Options There is an existing market demand for additional general merchandise stores, which can also drive demand for new housing development. Community Gathering Place A highly requested space by residents, a gathering space can increase social cohesion and provide needed cultural space. Housing New affordable housing units can draw new residents to the area and support further business development. Restaurant Residents expressed interest in new restaurants that appeal to a family demographic and are open in the evenings. For more information, contact David Doyle, EPA Region 7 Brownfields Program, dovle.david@epa.gov. United States Environmental Protection ^*^1 M * Agency Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization 560-F-22-034 ------- |