responding to the community’s call
A Case Study of Arts-Based Community Development in Gravois Park
The launch and growth of the St. Louis Art Place Initiative (API) since 2019 showcases how a bold, arts-based community development model can transform vacant land into affordable for-sale homes, build wealth for artists, and strengthen neighborhoods. Born from the Gravois-Jefferson Historic Neighborhoods Plan’s call for affordable housing and community revitalization, API combines grassroots listening, strong collaboration, and innovative thinking to address St. Louis’ severe shortage of affordable, quality housing—a crisis driven by rising rents, stagnant wages, aging housing stock, and disinvestment, particularly in north St. Louis.
%
of households earning 50% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) in St. Louis lack access to affordable housing
%
of households earning more than 50% AMI also spend over 30% of their income on housing, surpassing the federal affordability standard
%
of St. Louis’ population lives in poverty, with aging homes often requiring major renovation or demolition
By creating opportunities for homeownership while preserving neighborhood identity and fostering arts and cultural assets, API offers a targeted solution that revitalizes communities like Gravois Park while providing a replicable model for cities across the country.