From Blight to Bright

Opening New Doors with Senior Housing in Dellwood, Missouri

Key Funding Sources and Investments

Total Project Cost: $10 million, funded through a combination of EPA support, local investment and private sources
EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessment Funding: Approximately $5,000 for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment to confirm site suitability
EPA Land Revitalization Technical Assistance: Approximately $90,000 to support design charrette and planning, including conceptual designs and market analysis
St. Louis County Port Authority Demolition Funds: Supported the demolition of blighted properties to make way for new development
Reinvest North County Fund: Supported community investment and redevelopment projects in North County, including Dellwood
New Market Tax Credits: Offered incentives for private investment in low-income communities

Download Success Story:

From Blight to Bright: Opening New Doors with Senior Housing in Dellwood, Missouri (pdf) (1.21 MB, April 2025)

Photo of Urban League Building — Photo Credit: Dan Regner and Louis Vieira

In November 2014, civil unrest following the death of Michael Brown left Dellwood, Missouri, facing significant challenges. Among the affected businesses was an auto supply store, one of 13 buildings destroyed by arson. Located in a census tract where 90% to 95% of residents are low-income and/or a sensitive population, the site remained vacant for years, symbolizing the broader economic difficulties of the community. The lot stood as a constant reminder of what had been lost, and there was a need to transform it into something beneficial for the community.

Photo of burned down building — Remains of a Dellwood building damaged during the unrest following the death of Michael Brown.

The Solution

In 2016, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 to assess blighted properties, including a former auto supply store. EPA supported a design charrette in May 2017, in which community stakeholders identified senior housing as a critical need. This engagement shaped realistic redevelopment goals, ensuring community support and meeting local priorities.

With EPA funding, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in June 2020 confirmed the site was contamination-free. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis led the redevelopment efforts, securing $10 million to build a senior housing facility with 44 affordable apartments. Despite COVID-19 challenges, the project highlighted the importance of community-driven development and strong collaboration among local, private and public partners.

A rendering from the planning phase reflecting the community-driven design process where senior housing was prioritized. — A rendering of the senior housing center, prioritized by the community during the planning phase.

Real Impact on People's Lives

The successful redevelopment of the Senior Housing Center in Dellwood has made a significant impact on residents and supporters alike. Hear from those who experienced the transformation firsthand:

Resident Joan Wesley

“Since May 2024, I’ve been very satisfied here. It has everything I need—washer, dryer, dishwasher, accessible showers—my little castle. The community is excellent, and being closer to my family in Dellwood and nearby areas means a lot.”

Resident Ramona Johnson

“Being part of this new Senior Center from the beginning has been exciting. It’s comforting to be among people my age and witness our community’s revival after challenging times.”

Resident Hiawatha Davis

“I’ve been having a wonderful time here. The community spirit is strong; we look out for each other. Living here, surrounded by relatives and familiar faces, is a big plus for all of us.”

Building Manager Tammie Davis

Tammie Dawn — Photo credit: Dan Regner and Louis Vieira

“This Senior Housing Center is crucial for our community’s rebuild after Michael Brown. It’s more than just a building; it’s about creating a safe and thriving community for our seniors, who deserve to feel valued and secure.”

Building Strong Foundations

The project’s success wouldn’t have been possible without a foundation built on community involvement and collaboration. Local partners, including the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the Urban League, worked together with EPA to ensure the redevelopment met the needs of residents while creating lasting impact.

“The cooperation between the Urban League, EPA and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership has been vital in overcoming challenges and ensuring the project’s success. This effort demonstrates the importance of working together for community development.”
— Michael Holmes,
Regional Executive Vice President,
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Michael Holmes, Regional Executive Vice President of the Urban League, and Tammie Dawn, Building Manager, sharing a moment together at the Senior Housing Center, where collaboration has made the project a success.
Photo credit: Dan Regner and Louis Vieira

A Timeline of Transformation

The redevelopment of the Urban League Senior Housing Center in Dellwood unfolded over several years, with key milestones driving the project forward. From the challenges of civil unrest to the final completion of the senior housing facility, this timeline showcases how collaboration turned vision into reality.

Timeline of the redevelopment of the Urban League Senior Housing Center in Dellwood

Text-Only Version of Timeline Graphic

Tips for Partnering with EPA

The Dellwood senior housing effort highlights how EPA technical assistance can drive successful community redevelopment. Key steps include identifying local needs, leveraging EPA resources, fostering collaboration and planning for sustainability. This project shows how thoughtful planning and strong partnerships can transform blighted properties into valuable assets.

To learn more about partnering with EPA for similar community projects, visit our Technical Assistance page or contact the Region 7 office at 800-223-0425 or R7_Brownfields@epa.gov.