St. Louis American Ten years ago, Reggie Jones watched Juanita’s Fashions R Boutique at 9844 West Florissant Avenue burn to the ground during the unrest that followed the police killing of Michael Brown in neighboring Ferguson.
Jones, who now is mayor of Dellwood, said that business has reopened in another location, and the W. Florissant Avenue Corridor also continues to rebound.
“That business rose from the ashes like a phoenix. Today, we rise,” said Jones while speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the $8.5 million Urban League Plaza.
The plaza will transform a lot that has been empty for a decade into a 16,000-square-foot multi-use center.
Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president and CEO, said the project would not happen without “the enormous generosity of St. Louis, St. louis County, the state, federal support and philanthropy.”
“All the work is going toward a better future.”
First Bank will anchor the plaza, and will feature a sit-down restaurant, banquet reception facilities and commercial bays. It was announced during the ceremony that Xavier Tipler and Edgar Everett, co-owners of Proficient Chiropractic, will be opening an office in the plaza.
McMillan said the plaza, which is scheduled to open in a year, can promote economic growth, create jobs, and foster entrepreneurial and community endeavors.
“The Urban League Plaza is a testament to our unwavering commitment to driving positive change and providing opportunities for economic development and social cohesion in North St. Louis County,” he said.
Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County executive, said the killing of Michael Brown and the Ferguson Uprising “placed an international spotlight on our region.”
“Out issues were not unique. But Ferguson showed that that things were overdue for reform,” he said.
“Today, we celebrate hopes and dreams.”
More than 250 businesses, mostly along West Florissant Ave., were looted, burned, damaged or closed for a brief period. Some never reopened, leaving vacant and derelict commercial buildings.
The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (SLEDP) partnered with the Urban League and the St. Louis Promise Zone, a program that partners with local leaders to give communities tools to rebuild and revitalize.
“The St. Louis Promise Zone is enthusiastic about supporting another anchor development along the West Florissant corridor,” Maude Trost, SLEDP community investment project manager said in a release.
“Urban League Plaza will provide critical services the community has called for. This development will also complement the forthcoming West Florissant Great Streets Project.”
Jason Hall, Greater St. Louis Inc, president, said the plaza opening in north St. Louis County is essential to the region’s improving job market.
“Inclusive growth has to be the north star of our economic future,” he said.
“We must do well by these businesses and do well by this community. Regardless of race or zip code, people deserve the opportunity to thrive.’
State Sens. Karla May and Brian Williams shared respective messages of hope for Dellwood, Ferguson and north county.
“These are the seeds that need to happen,” May said of the plaza and its future businesses.
“We cannot do this independently of each other. We must invest in our community.”
Williams said the plaza “will help people right here and beyond.’
“It will create jobs and people can find the help that they deserve.”
State Rep. Yolanda Henderson, who had once lived in the same apartment complex as Michael Brown, said she was returning from a back-to-school jamboree when she learned of his killing.
“A lot of this was burned,” she said while looking toward W. Florissant. “But look at us now.”
Stacy Clay, First Bank senior vice president and director of community affairs, said her bank’s mission is to serve all communities “from Lake St. Louis to north St. Louis to north St. Louis County.”
“The plaza’s retail and commercial bays will become a community gathering place.’
Emerson provided an initial donation of $500,000 to purchase the site and Akberet Boykin Farr said the firm is “proud to join other partners in seeing it come to pass.”
She ended the ceremony as dignitaries prepared to throw shovels of dirt by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We must accept finite disappointment. But we must never lose infinite hope.”
So proud of all of you especially my friend Mayor for life Reggie for the work you do for all of us in the community. Blessings