As a founder of McCormack Baron Salazar, Richard Baron has served as master of ceremonies many times for housing developments that have helped breathe new life into decaying neighborhoods.
He told a crowd of more than 100 people last Friday that one of his firm’s newest developments is special not only to him, “but the entire country.”
The region’s first universally designed housing development, 6 North, celebrated its official opening. Baron said it is unique not only for the region, but for the nation.
“It took a long time, it has been a journey, but it’s here,” Baron said.
Alderman Joe Roddy said the development is an important step “in creating tree-lined streets from Saint Louis University to Kingshighway” and said 6 North can anchor growing retail development at the intersection of Sarah and Laclede.
The multifamily rental development, of which there are only a handful in America, features universal design guidelines. This means the residences can be used by any tenant, regardless if they are elderly or physically disabled, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
The first-floor apartments on Sarah Street are designed as work/live units, for commercial/residential use. On-site amenities include: barrier-free entries with elevator access, on-site gated parking, open-floor plans with adjustable-height granite countertop kitchen islands, contemporary appliances and cabinet work, hardwood floors, front loading washers and dryers, and nine to 11-foot ceilings.
U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond helped secure a $1.5 million HUD grant to include the universal design features. Bond was also thanked for working to protect Community Development Grants, which face the ax of the proposed Bush administration budget.
“This is the kind of success these grants make possible,” Bond said. He added that HUD Director Alphonso Jackson is “a friend of St. Louis.” However, Jackson has not differed with President Bush in regard to possible budget slashes to community grants or the possible elimination of Hope VI funding.
State Sen. Maida Coleman said the development demonstrates “that the city of St. Louis is growing.”
That thought was shared by Mayor Francis Slay, who said the city is indeed getting better “one project like this at a time.”
