Our Projects
Case Study: The House with a View
Our 12th project, affectionately nicknamed “The House with A View,” became the fifth home renovation by SJHI on the same block. Suffering severe water damage and years of neglect, the entire back wall of the house had collapsed, leading to the structure’s condemnation. The owner-occupant at the time of the collapse, responded to SJHI’s earlier inquiry and asked for assistance. After a remarkable collaboration between the owner, Wells Fargo (his lender), and SJHI, the ownership was transferred to SJHI and a significant investment from Wells Fargo fueled the structural stabilization and renovation of the home. A large delegation of volunteers from Wells Fargo also helped painted the entire home and prepare the yard for landscaping. Now owned by a single woman, “The House with a View” has a new life and new outlook. Furthermore, the positive impact on this sector of the neighborhood has been reflected by neighbors and community members.
BEFORE: Exterior
Landscaping Work
AFTER: Exterior
BEFORE: Rear Exterior
Rear Exterior Repair
AFTER: Rear Exterior
BEFORE: Kitchen
Kitchen Renovation
AFTER: Kitchen
Our Renovations: From Vacant to Vibrant
DUCTHTOWN
Everyone in the neighborhood knew “The House with the Hole,” located on a busy corner of South Grand Blvd. Vacant for many years, a truck had crashed into the side of the stone foundation, leaving a gaping hole. Through a partnership with the Neighborhood Advocacy Program of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and Dutchtown South Community Corporation, SJHI secured ownership of the property. After completing a full renovation, the house was sold to a single woman, previously a renter in the neighborhood, and an active member of her community.
BADEN
One of three side-by-side homes located in the Baden neighborhood, these projects realize an exciting and long-desired objective of expanding SJHI’s work to serve North St. Louis communities. The ability to work simultaneously on all three properties created an efficiency in the renovation process and will result in an immediate impact on this block. In addition to SJHI, SLACO and a neighboring church, Circle of Light, are also renovating properties for sale and rent on this block, bringing more concentrated positive investment to the area. This home is the first of three to be completed.
“There are many challenges associated with vacancy and disinvestment—only through concentrated and sustained collaboration are we able to turn the tide on an issue that plagues so many City neighborhoods. St. Joseph Housing Initiative, as a rehabilitation partner, makes the collaboration a true success.”
– Peter Hoffman, Managing Attorney for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s Neighborhood Advocacy program