ST. LOUIS – A bold new chapter is unfolding for one of the most historic neighborhoods in St. Louis. 

From boarded-up buildings to brand-new beginnings—residents just packed a community meeting to hear about what’s next for one thing in mind: the future of north St Louis.

The Land Reutilization Authority, backed by the St. Louis Development Corporation, laid out aggressive plans to demolish, beautify and rebuild long-disinvested communities like the ville—home to legends like Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, and Arthur Ashe.

LRA says it is on track to demolish 2,000 vacant structures by 2026, thanks to ARPA funds and $15 million from the Missouri Department of Economic Development—200 are already demolished, with 800 more scheduled.

“We’re leveraging the funding we received from ARPA dollars to move forward with acquisitions and development of these specific areas for things such as commercial development, mixed-use development, retail development and new housing development,” said Shelton Anderson, director of Real Estate.

More than $6.5 million is fueling IRA’s beautification program—minority- and women-owned businesses are clearing debris, cutting grass, and giving neglected blocks a fresh start.

LRA says its new infill housing plan includes modern construction—like 3d-printed homes, modular builds, and rehabbed properties. It’s the first time the agency has had funds to invest in this level of comprehensive revitalization.

Property owners who have already transformed LRA properties are shown before and after photos, inspiring others to invest. The city also unveiled plans for “The Monarch at MLK.”

“The Vandeventer neighborhood has revived $160 million in private and public funding for development in our neighborhood, so if they can replicate that again for The Greater Ville and going northward, I am happy because we should all live in a neighborhood we’re proud of,” resident Michael Von Gevel said.

Even local realtors say they left feeling inspired.

“I’m blown away because when I ride through here…you know sometimes it’s depressing but to see the development that is going on in the city right now, it just makes me smile,” said Madeline Boykins, a realtor.

The building that hosted the meeting is set to become an advanced manufacturing workforce hub—home to offices like LRA, the office of violence prevention and more community-focused resources.