We Build Strong and Healthy Neighborhoods
Forest Park Southeast Neighborhood
RHCDA started working in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood in 2000 to address some of the persistent problems then affecting the community. We started by forming a partnership with the neighborhood organization, Forest Park Southeast Development Corporation. We acquired 93 units of absentee-owned, poorly managed and poorly maintained apartments in 35 buildings, improved the property management, undertook the complete historic restoration of the buildings and introduced more owner-occupied units. This dramatic intervention strategy paved the way for other developers, particularly the revival of the commercial strip along Manchester which has come to be known as the "Grove."
The first part of the redevelopment was Park East I Apartments, 73 historic rehab affordable rental units in 24 buildings completed in 2003. The apartments are within walking distance of the BJC/Washington University Medical Center campus.
As a companion to Park East Apartments, RHCDA also partnered with Forest Park Southeast Development Corporation to develop Park East Homes, the historic restoration of 11 market-rate single-family homes, 10 of them conversions from 2-family buildings. Construction on Park East Homes was completed in late 2004.
Another phase of Park East Apartments, consisting of 27 more historic rehab affordable apartments in 13 buildings, was completed in 2006. These three projects have had a substantial, positive impact on the neighborhood. Both the appearance and the economic vitality of the neighborhood have improved. We have created new homeownership and quality rental housing opportunities for residents.
RHCDA also provides technical assistance and predevelopment financing to Forest Park Southeast Development Corporation. To quote its President, Phil Minden:
"Fighting the drug crime here was met with moderate success until RHCDA partnered with us to buy 93 units of problem properties; now the drug activity has been eradicated...it was a good place to live, now Forest Park Southeast is a great place to live."
RHCDA has now completed the full historic rehabilitation of 48 buildings in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood in partnership with Forest Park Southeast Development Corporation:
Park East I (73 units) and III (27 units) Apartments
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Complete historic rehab of 37 buildings into 100 affordable rental units-100% affordable to families at or below 60% Area Median Income; 17 units affordable to families at or below 50% Area Median Income
Total Development Cost: $13.06 Million
Park East II Homes
11 complete historic rehab market-rate single-family homes - 10 were conversions of two-family buildings to single-family homes.