One of the buildings damaged during
the unrest following the death of
Michael Brown.

Opening New Doors with
Senior Housing

Dellwood, Missouri

In November 2014, civil unrest following the death of Michael Brown left Dellwood,
Missouri, facing significant challenges. Among the affected businesses was an auto
supply store, one of 13 buildings destroyed by arson. Located in a census tract
where-90% to 95% of residents are low-income and/or a sensitive population, the
site remained vacant for years, symbolizing the broader economic difficulties of
the community. The lot stood as a constant reminder of what had been lost, and
there was a need to transform it into something beneficial for the community,

The Solution

In 2016, the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership sought assistance from
EPA Region 7 to assess and prepare several blighted properties for reuse, including
the former auto supply store. The EPA provided Land Revitalization Technical
Assistance to support a design charrette in May 2017. During the charrette,
community stakeholders, including residents, local officials and nonprofit
organizations, identified senior housing as a critical local need. In addition,
EPA supported a market analysis for the brownfield sites, which confirmed the
demand for senior housing. The design charrette played a key role in ensuring the
brownfields reuse aligned with the community's priorities.

The team's engagement with the community through public workshops and
visioning sessions helped shape the redevelopment vision, ensuring that it was
both realistic and achievable. This approach was essential for gaining support and
ensuring the project met local needs.

With EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessment funding, a Phase I Environmental
Site Assessment was conducted in June 2020, confirming the site was free of
significant contamination and ready for redevelopment.

wEPA

EPA Brownfields Grant funds are not used for redevelopment
of sites assessed or cleaned up. Projections for future reuse and

Ert5rcm?nฃi Protection	redevelopment of sites and anticipated benefits are subject to

Agency	change based on local conditions.

Key Funding Sources and Investments:

•	Total Project Cost:

$10 million, funded through a
combination of EPA support, local
investment and private sources

•	EPA Targeted Brownfields
Assessment Funding:

Approximately $5,000 for a
Phase I Environmental Site
Assessment to confirm site
suitability

•	EPA Land Revitalization Technical

Assistance:

Approximately $90,000 to support
design charrette and planning,
including conceptual designs and
market analysis

•	St. Louis County Port Authority
Demolition Funds:

Supported the demolition of
blighted properties to make way for
new development

•	Reinvest North County Fund:

Supported community investment
and redevelopment projects in North
County, including Dellwood

•	New Market Tax Credits:

Offered incentives for private
investment in low-income
communities


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I

A rendering from the planning phase
reflecting the community-driven
design process where senior housing
was prioritized.

The cooperation
between the Urban
League, EPA and the
St. Louis Economic
Development
Partnership was
vital to overcoming
challenges and
driving success. 39

Regional Leader

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis led the redevelopment effort, combining
EPA support with local and private funding to construct a $10 million senior housing
facility with 44 modern, affordable apartments for Dellwood's aging population.
"The EPA provided more than just funding," says David Doyle, Land Revitalization
Coordinator for EPA Region 7. "We offered technical support, such as market
analyses, conceptual designs and sustainable redevelopment strategies, to help
move the project forward."

Collaboration played a crucial role in the project's success, with strong cooperation
between the Urban League, EPA and the St. Louis Economic Development
Partnership helping to overcome challenges and ensure the project's positive
outcome. This effort demonstrated the power of working together for
community development.

The project was a direct response to the community's expressed needs, with
residents voicing their desires, and the team following through to bring those
visions to life.

Despite challenges such as rising construction costs and fundraising difficulties due
to COVID-19, the partners remained committed. The pandemic severely impacted
fundraising efforts, and many businesses that had initially shown interest in
supporting the project moved on. Nevertheless, the team persisted, recognizing the
importance of the project for the community.

The Outcome

By 2024. the transformation was complete. The former auto supply site is now a
senior housing complex providing safe, affordable living spaces with amenities
tailored to the needs of its residents, such as reliable transportation to medical
appointments and family events. The facility employs a team for operations
and resident support, including a building manager, a janitor and a part-time
activities coordinator.

One resident shared that she has been very satisfied with her apartment, noting
that it has everything she needs, such as a washer, dryer, dishwasher and mobility-
friendly features, calling it her "little castle." Being closer to family and the nearby
community is also important to her.

Another resident mentioned enjoying his time in the area, highlighting the strong
sense of community spirit where neighbors look out for each other Living in close
proximity to relatives and familiar faces has been a significant benefit

The redevelopment has spurred additional projects along West Florissant Avenue,
encouraging further investment in the area. Local leaders are actively purchasing
and repurposing vacant, damaged properties to encourage investment and prevent
economic decline.

For more information:

Visit the EPA Brownfields website at www.epa.gov/brownfields/technical-assistance

or contact the Region 7 office at 800-223-0425 or R7_Brownfields@epa.gov.	era S60-F-25-G17

March 2025


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I

Photo credit: Dan Regner and Louis Vieira

Michael Holmes, Regional Executive
Vice President of the Urban League,
and Tammie Davis, Building Manager,
sharing a moment together at
the Senior Housing Center, where
collaboration has made the project
a success.

With support from EPA, the project has shown how communities can create
tangible benefits for residents and drive meaningful redevelopment. More than just
a building, the redevelopment signifies a step forward for Dellwood, illustrating how
collaboration and clear goals can lead to impactful outcomes.

Partnering with EPA

The Dellwood senior housing project demonstrates the practical benefits of EPA
assistance in supporting local brownfield projects, Communities looking to undertake
similar initiatives can learn from Dellwood's approach:

ป Identify community needs: Engage with residents and stakeholders to
determine the most pressing needs for the site.

•	Leverage EPA resources: Use tools like environmental assessments, market
analysis and design charrettes to build a strong foundation for brownfield
site reuse.

•	Foster collaboration: Partner with local organizations, nonprofits and
government entities to align goals and share resources,

•	Plan for sustainability: Incorporate features that ensure long-term viability,
such as energy-efficient upgrades and robust community engagement.

The EPA's technical assistance is both straightforward and adaptable, serving
as a resource that communities can effectively utilize to achieve their
redevelopment goals.

For communities facing similar challenges, the Dellwood project serves as an
example of how to turn blighted properties into valuable assets. By promoting
sustainable development, the EPA's Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program
provides practical support for long-term community improvement. 'This project
shows what's possible with the right tools and partnerships," Doyle says.

The Urban League Senior Housing Center plays a crucial role in Dellwood's
redevelopment. It represents more than just a building; it is about creating a safe and
thriving community for seniors, ensuring they feel valued and secure as part of the
area's revitalization.

Urban League Senior Housing Center Redevelopment Timeline

November
2014

o

Civil.unrest following
Michael Brown's
death results in the
destruction of the
auto supply store in
Dellwood, Missouri.

2016

The St.. Louis Economic
Development Partnership
seeks assist a nee from.
EPA Region 7 to assess
and prepare severaI
blighted properties for
reuse, including the auto
supply store.

May
2017

The EPA provides Land
Revitalization Technical
Assistanee to support
a design charrette,
identifying senior
housing as a critical
local need.

August
2018

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June

2020

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May
2024

The senior housing
center opens as a
44-unit complex
with amenities
for residents.

Photo credit: Dan Regner and Louis Vieira

Residents like Frank Stallworth (left)
and Hiawatha Davis (right) are part
of a close-knit community, where
neighbors support and care for
each other.

For more information:

Visit the EPA Brownfields website at www.epa.gov/brownfields/technical-assistance

or contact the Region 7 office at 800-223-0425 or R7_Brownfields@epa.gov.	era S60-F-25-G17

March 2025


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