KAI will lead stabilization and repair work at the historic Annie Malone Children and Family Services headquarters — a project aimed at protecting one of St. Louis’ most storied institutions and preventing further deterioration of its nearly century‑old home.
“This is much more than a construction project for KAI,” said Gyasi H.L. Haynes, vice president of KAI Build. “Annie Malone is an institution that has meant so much to St. Louis and to generations of families in this community, and there is a deep sense of responsibility that comes with helping preserve that legacy.”
The headquarters, built in 1922 thanks to a donation from its namesake, sits on Annie Malone Drive. Both the street and the institution honor a hair‑care pioneer and businesswoman who used her Poro empire to make St. Louis a better place for Black residents. Her support for the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home — which later became Annie Malone Children and Family Services — helped anchor the organization’s mission. Since 1888, the agency has served children and families facing crisis.
“Preserving this building is about much more than saving bricks and mortar,” said Keisha Lee, chief executive officer of Annie Malone Children and Family Services. “It is about protecting a legacy of hope, resilience and service that has impacted generations of children and families.”
The building’s need for repairs is not new. Long before the EF‑3 tornado tore through north St. Louis on May 16, 2025, Annie Malone had already identified serious structural issues and sought funding to stabilize the facility. The storm added another layer of damage, increasing the urgency to protect the structure.
The following winter brought more challenges. As the organization navigated problems with its aging boiler system, extreme cold caused portions of the sprinkler and domestic water lines to freeze. When temperatures rose, several pipes burst — leaving behind interior water damage and worsening the building’s condition.
A recent $1 million award from the St. Louis Development Corporation’s North Corridor Community Enhancement Grant Program will support the stabilization work. KAI was selected as general contractor through a formal process.
For KAI, the project represents more than a construction contract. It carries a responsibility to the institution and the community behind it.
“As a St. Louis‑based company committed to transforming communities, it is especially meaningful for us to be able to use our expertise to help protect a place with such an extraordinary history,” Haynes said. “And ensure it can continue serving this community for generations to come.”
KAI’s initial scope focuses on stabilizing and securing the structure. Work includes emergency roof replacement and weatherproofing, structural reinforcement, brick tuckpointing and masonry restoration, chimney repairs, drainage improvements, and repairs tied to the freeze‑related water damage. The goal is to preserve the building’s historic character while preventing further decline and preparing it for future restoration.
The project also reflects the broader footprint KAI has built over more than four decades. Founded in 1980, the firm has grown into one of the largest minority‑owned and minority‑led companies in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial, K‑12 and higher education, healthcare, science and technology, aviation, mobility, sports and entertainment, government, water and community‑focused projects. KAI’s work is carried out through four business units — KAI Design, KAI Engineering, KAI Build and KAI 360 Construction Services — giving the company the ability to manage projects from concept through construction.
Haynes said that breadth of experience is part of what makes the Annie Malone project especially meaningful.
“Transforming communities is at the heart of what we do,” he said.
Construction is underway, with stabilization efforts centered on securing the facility, preventing additional damage and extending the life of the building. KAI is working with Annie Malone leadership to prioritize the most critical needs within the available funding.
“Our leadership team and board worked tirelessly to secure this funding because we believe deeply in the importance of this institution and the community it serves,” Lee said. “We are grateful to SLDC for investing in this historic asset and to KAI for partnering with us to ensure this mission continues for generations to come.”