Dubbed a “resurrection” by one journalist, this project is a model for historic preservation and neighborhood revitalization.

Prior to renovation, Dick Gregory Place in St. Louis’ Greater Ville neighborhood looked like far too many blocks of North St. Louis: broken or boarded windows, fire damage, gaping holes in brick walls and roofs, some roofs entirely missing. Once stately homes (some vacant for decades) were truly on their last legs. Enter developers RISE Community Development (formerly RHCDA) and Northside Community Housing, who, with financing from federal and state historic preservation tax credits, low-income housing tax credits, HOME funds, and other financing, rescued these buildings, creating 40 units of affordable housing and 2 commercial spaces. Comprising 15 historic buildings and 2 new apartment buildings, the Dick Gregory Place development involved extensive masonry, framing, and roofing improvements, new plumbing, heating/cooling, and electrical systems, flooring, drywall, and appliances. Site improvements included new perimeter fencing, sidewalks, and landscaping. Addressing nearly every derelict building on the street, the project is considered a model of “critical mass” redevelopment and historic preservation for older urban neighborhoods.