From Blight to Bright
Opening New Doors with Senior Housing in Dellwood, Missouri
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.

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

“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

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.

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.