After decades of decline, Lafayette Square's future changed dramatically for the better in the 70's when the first rehabbers moved in. This house by house, slow and steady redevelopment transformed the neighborhood from a crime-ridden, run-down area to one of St. Louis' most desireable neighborhoods. This didn't happen overnight and it took decades to become a reality. There was never any large corporation behind the effort either; it was all driven by homeowners who wanted to restore their properties. After the homes were restored and the park became used a welcoming gathering spot again, businesses and jobs began returning to the neighborhood.

 

Currently, St. Louis Place and several other North St. Louis neighborhoods are facing a very different kind of redevelopment- Paul McKee's 8.1 billion dollar corporate development plan known as Northside. Click the button below to learn more about this controversial plan.