In the summer of 2004, RHCDA, the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group (ONSLRG), and the entire community celebrated the opening of the first three new model homes in North Market Place, a phased development of over one hundred new and historically rehabilitated for-sale homes in the southern portion of the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.

Located just north of downtown, Old North St. Louis, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, has experienced decades of disinvestment and indiscriminate building demolition. North Market Place represents a significant opportunity for the RHCDA/ONSLRG development team to virtually rebuild the community, making the neighborhood's plan to re-capture the former vibrancy and spirit of the community a reality. Designated as an RHCDA target area, Old North St. Louis will be the focus of a sustained effort utilizing all of RHCDA's tools and resources toward the redevelopment effort.

The 30-acre development area is roughly bounded by Hadley Street on the east, North Florissant Avenue on the west, Monroe Street on the south and Benton Street on the north. The entire project lies within the Murphy-Blair National Register Historic District. The main boulevard through the neighborhood, North Market Street, has been selected for Phase I, where the development of 41 single-family homes (4 rehab and 37 new historically sensitive infill), is underway. Also planned for the area are pocket parks, the revitalization of Jackson Park, located at the eastern end of North Market Street, and new sidewalks and curbs, alleys, period street lighting and landscaping to enhance the curb appeal of the area and the marketability of the new development. Market rate homes ranging from 1,350 to 2,100 square feet will be sold at base prices ranging from $145,000 to $186,000. Phases II and III of the project will provide over 60 more homes, both rehab and new, on Benton and Monroe Streets.

The North Market Place development is highly leveraged, with generous support from the Danforth Foundation, the City of St. Louis, the Greater St. Louis Regional Empowerment Zone; Construction Financing through Bank of America, and Missouri Neighborhood Preservation and Historic Preservation Tax Credits.

Also planned for 2005 is the complementary development of Old North St. Louis Apartments the Old North St. Louis component of CONECT St. Louis. The 32-unit historic rehab affordable rental development is being co-developing with Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, and will address the revitalization of nine neglected historic buildings located in immediate proximity to the North Market Place development. RHCDA is providing predevelopment financing to the project.

When completed, North Market Place will be a highly desirable residential neighborhood with the rhythm and feel of a restored historic community. The homes of North Market Place will afford new home convenience with the charm of historic design. North Market Place will truly be "Downtown's Next Door Neighbor."

For more information or to view floor plans, please visit northmarketplace.com or call the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group at 314-241-5031.