Community Leaders, Residents, and Partners Celebrate Groundbreaking for Phase 1 of Clinton Peabody Redevelopment

Historic investment marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of St. Louis' oldest public
housing communities

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA), Preservation of
Affordable Housing (POAH), residents, elected officials, and community partners today
celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of the Clinton Peabody redevelopment, marking a
major milestone in the transformation of one of St. Louis' most historic public housing
communities.

The ceremony commemorates years of planning, resident engagement, and collaboration to
launch the first phase of a comprehensive revitalization that will create new affordable homes,
modern community amenities, and expanded opportunities for current and future residents while
honoring the neighborhood's rich history.

Clinton Peabody Phase 1 will include 89 new-construction units across three buildings, including
one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with a planned completion date in early winter 2028.
The development includes apartments designated for 20 percent to 60 percent Area Median
Income households, in addition to market-rate units. Clinton-Peabody residents were
instrumental in building and apartment designs through monthly engagement meetings. Half the
apartments are designated for existing Clinton-Peabody residents, and residents were provided
the opportunity to stay on site during the redevelopment process.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, residents, project partners, and community members
gathered for a community celebration featuring food, family-friendly activities, games, and
opportunities to celebrate the future of Clinton Peabody.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks a defining milestone for the Clinton-Peabody community,” said
Latasha Barnes, Executive Director of the St. Louis Housing Authority. “This project represents
far more than new construction—it reflects our commitment to honoring the residents who have
built this community and ensuring they remain at the heart of its future. Together with our
partners and stakeholders, we have transformed a shared vision into meaningful action,
creating new opportunities for families, strengthening neighborhoods, and laying the foundation
for lasting growth, stability, and prosperity for generations to come.”

Phase 1 is the first step in a broader redevelopment effort designed to preserve long-term
affordability, improve housing quality, strengthen neighborhood connections, and support
resident well-being through thoughtful community-focused design.

The redevelopment is the result of a strong public-private partnership led by the SLHA and
POAH, working alongside residents, public agencies, philanthropic organizations, and private
sector partners to create a shared vision for Clinton Peabody's future.

"Clinton Peabody has long been an important part of St. Louis, and this redevelopment reflects
what is possible when residents help shape the future of their community," said Julie DeGraaf,
Vice President of Community Redevelopment at Preservation of Affordable Housing. "We are
proud to partner with the St. Louis Housing Authority and so many dedicated organizations to
deliver high-quality affordable homes while preserving the community connections that make
this neighborhood special. Today's groundbreaking is just the beginning."

For longtime residents, the groundbreaking represents both hope and affirmation that their
voices have helped guide the redevelopment process.

"As someone who has lived at Clinton Peabody for most of my life, it's inspiring to see this day
finally arrive," said Pamela Emrick, Clinton Peabody resident and Tenant Advisory Board
President. "Residents have worked hard to share our ideas and hopes for the future, and it's
exciting to see those conversations becoming reality. This is about creating a community where
families can continue to grow, children can thrive, and neighbors can feel proud to call Clinton
Peabody home."

The $35 million redevelopment effort is being made possible through the collaboration and
support of numerous public, private, and philanthropic partners committed to expanding
affordable housing opportunities and investing in the future of St. Louis neighborhoods.

Project Partners
The Clinton Peabody redevelopment is made possible through the partnership of:
● St. Louis Housing Authority
● Clinton-Peabody Tenant Advisory Board
● Clinton-Peabody residents
● Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)
● POAH Communities
● Missouri Housing Development Commission
● U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
● City of St. Louis Community Development Administration and Affordable Housing Commission
● U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance
● Arch to Park Equity Fund
● BJC HealthCare
● IFF
● Metropolitan Sewer District
● Ameren Missouri
● Purina
● Leopardo Construction
● Roanoke Construction
● Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce and Unicorn Group
● Key Strategic Group
● Trivers
● Lamar Johnson Collaborative

 

About the St. Louis Housing Authority
The St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) is a municipal corporation created by state statute,
formed in 1939. Its mission is to provide diverse housing opportunities and to enhance the
quality of life of the families served. SLHA is funded primarily by federal sources from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

About Preservation of Affordable Housing
Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving,
creating, and sustaining affordable, healthy homes that support thriving communities. POAH
develops and manages high-quality affordable housing while partnering with residents and local
organizations to strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity.