A stretch of vacant lots along Evans Avenue could look dramatically different in the coming years, with Habitat for Humanity St. Louis planning 40 new homes in the Vandeventer neighborhood.
Most of the homes will be built on city-owned vacant lots along the south side of Evans Avenue between Pendleton and Vandeventer avenues. Three structures will be demolished for the project, and a former community garden site also will be used for construction. Habitat plans to break ground later this fall.
The development comes as the area continues to recover from the massive May 2025 tornado that damaged thousands of structures across St. Louis.
“The development plans were in the works before the May 16 tornado as the neighborhood was already in need of revitalization,” said Kimberly McKinney, executive director of Habitat for Humanity St. Louis. She said the storm heightened the need for affordable options.
“We did do some very intentional outreach working with the recovery team’s office to reach people who were displaced by the devastating tornado,” she said.
The project also seeks to address racial disparities in homeownership. The Black homeownership rate in the St. Louis region is about 38%, compared with more than 70% for white residents, a gap that can make it harder for Black families to build generational wealth and long-term financial stability.
The development will offer five floor plans ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 square feet, with layouts ranging from two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms to four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Each home is expected to cost about $350,000 to build, more than the homes are initially expected to be worth based on past sales in the area.
The homes will be sold to working individuals and families who meet specific income and program guidelines. Each applicant must consent to background evaluations, including credit checks and employment verification, to ensure mortgage affordability. Selected buyers must also complete mandatory life skills classes on financial literacy and home maintenance, as well as sweat equity hours assisting with home construction.
The project is being financed through a $17 million New Markets Tax Credit transaction, which uses federal tax incentives to encourage private investment in low-income communities. The financing involves the St. Louis Development Corp., Enterprise Financial, U.S. Bank and Midwest BankCentre.
For Josephine Chambers, 74, Habitat homeownership has provided her stability for more than three decades. She entered the program 32 years ago after moving from public housing in Meacham Park.
After her daughter became ill, she took custody of her three grandchildren. The three-bedroom home gave the family enough space to live together. Chambers completed 300 hours helping to build her home, as required by Habitat for Humanity. She paid off her mortgage in 2015.
Recently, Habitat awarded Chambers and several other long-term homeowners a $10,000 grant. While some recipients applied the funds toward their children’s college tuition and starting businesses, Chambers used hers for home repairs, including interior painting and carpet replacement.
“When you’re raising three grandkids, that stops your whole life. … Vacation, nothing,” Chambers said. “So I’m happy that I was able to finally get this done. God knew and He looked out for me.”
Chambers encourages others interested in homeownership to consider the program.
“Whatever it takes, being a homeowner, just go ahead and do the best you can to make that payment,” Chambers said. “I am happy, baby. I am just happy.”