# St Louis Neighborhood: Revitalizing Old North - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/epa-recognizes-community-of-old-north-st-louis-mo-with-national-award-for-smart-growth-achievement/ - Published: 2011-12-01T20:18:22-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## 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 Louiss revitalization with restored historic buildings community gardens and residents participating in neighborhood activities on a green background](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/ 12/49E6EEF7-7368-4B54-A0B7-80EB54762801.png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "Missouri green - The Green Living Guy") Ai image 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](https://www.facebook.com/eparegion7) [U.S. EPA – National Award for Smart Growth Achievement](https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/national-award-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 ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)