Infographic highlighting Old North St. Louis’s revitalization with restored historic buildings, community gardens, and residents participating in neighborhood activities on a green background.
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St Louis Neighborhood: Revitalizing Old North

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(Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 1, 2011) - EPA today recognized the community of Old North St. Louis, Mo., with the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. Now in its 10th year, the award recognizes effectiveness in creating sustainable communities; a robust public involvement process; and partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders. The Old North St. Louis Restoration Group (ONSLRG) is the not-for-profit neighborhood group that laid the foundation for the community’s project. The community of Old North St. Louis used complementary, forward-looking strategies that encourage a mix of land uses, promote walking, rehabilitate vacant buildings, and establish green spaces. Two main blocks of Old North St. Louis have been redeveloped, with new sidewalks, benches, street trees, and streetlights. In addition, nearly 200 homes have been built by renovating abandoned historic buildings rather than demolishing them and by developing on vacant lots.

Old North St. Louis Earns EPA’s Top Smart Growth Honor

EPA Recognizes Community of Old North St. Louis, Mo., with National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the community of Old North St. Louis, Missouri, the prestigious National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This recognition celebrates the neighborhood’s innovative revitalization efforts that blend historic preservation with sustainable development practices.

Revitalizing a Historic Neighborhood

Old North St. Louis, once a thriving area, faced decades of decline. However, through the concerted efforts of residents, local organizations, and public-private partnerships, the neighborhood has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Old North St. Louis Restoration Group (ONSLRG), a nonprofit community development corporation, spearheaded initiatives to rehabilitate vacant buildings, promote mixed-use development, and create green spaces.

Infographic highlighting Old North St. Louis’s revitalization with restored historic buildings, community gardens, and residents participating in neighborhood activities on a green background.
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Key accomplishments include:

  1. Rehabilitation of nearly 200 historic homes, preserving architectural character while providing modern amenities. 
  2. Redevelopment of the former 14th Street Pedestrian Mall into Crown Square, a vibrant commercial and residential hub. 
  3. Installation of new sidewalks, streetlights, benches, and trees to enhance walkability and aesthetic appeal.
  4. Establishment of community gardens and green spaces, fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Economic and Social Impact

The revitalization efforts have yielded significant economic and social benefits. According to the 2010 Census, the neighborhood experienced a 28% increase in population over the previous decade. The Crown Square project alone attracted 80 new households and several locally-owned businesses, contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Moreover, the community-led initiatives have strengthened social cohesion, with residents actively participating in planning and development processes. The success of Old North St. Louis serves as a model for other urban neighborhoods seeking sustainable revitalization.

EPA’s Recognition

The EPA’s National Award for Smart Growth Achievement honors communities that employ innovative strategies to create sustainable, livable environments. Old North St. Louis received the Overall Excellence award, the highest honor, for its comprehensive approach to neighborhood revitalization.

Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 Administrator, praised the community’s efforts, stating, “The residents of Old North St. Louis rallied together to restore the neighborhood in a way that strengthens the local economy, benefits residents, and protects and sustains the environment.”

Looking Ahead

Building on this momentum, Old North St. Louis continues to pursue initiatives that promote sustainability, economic development, and community engagement. Ongoing projects focus on affordable housing, renewable energy, and public transportation enhancements. The neighborhood’s success underscores the potential of community-driven efforts to effect meaningful change.

(Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 1, 2011) –

Source: Environment Protection Agency

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion7

U.S. EPA – National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations

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