CDA 2020-2024 Impact Report: WeCollab West End Plan Implementation

This article first appeared in the CDA 202-2024 Impact Report (April 2025), a comprehensive look at five years of housing, community development, and neighborhood revitalization efforts in St. Louis. To learn more about CDA’s programs, investments, and impact citywide, read the full report here.

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Drive, bike, or walk the blocks of Enright, Clemens, Gates, to Cabanne, and you will see CDA’s partnership with CF Vatterott on the West End Court five-and-counting phases that have created dozens of new homes over a half dozen blocks. The transformation is so significant that as of 2020, the West End is no longer a Qualified Census Tract—an official federal recognition that the neighborhood is now thriving.

The Cabanne Apartments, which completed renovation in 2022, transformed a long-standing source of disinvestment into quality apartments funded by CDA.

A few dozen of new high-quality homes built by CF Vatterott with CDA funding over the years.

CDA is supporting Cornerstone Corporation’s continued implementation of the WeCollab West End Plan. At 5908 Etzel, a former Prop N’s home and adjacent LRA lot are being converted into a permanent community hub, funded by ARPA.

Monique Thomas, Executive Director of Cornerstone CDC, celebrates in front of 5908 Etzel the day it was acquired from the City’s LRA. The property will be developed into a community hub for residents of the West End and adjacent neighborhoods. Photo from Monique Thomas.

Other major initiatives include Etzel Place—88 affordable housing units now complete. In total, there are 35 active housing projects between Cornerstone and CF Vatterott, and eight homes have received critical repairs.

CDA is funding ongoing support for Delmar Main Street, which is bringing new life to the corridor through murals, sculpture, and community-led beautification projects.

CDA presents Delmar Main Street a ceremonial check for beautification and art installations that will bring people together, including public art sculptures and two murals.

CDA has also funded major improvements to public health facilities in the neighborhood on Delmar and DeBaliviere. ARPA-funded public health investments include over $3.5 million in upgrades at Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers and a new outpatient mental health clinic next door at the Hopewell Center.

 

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Center on Delmar Blvd. CDA is investing $3.5 million in People’s Health Centers, with rehabilitation work complete and new construction now in predevelopment.

 

CDA is also partnering with Cornerstone CDC and Great Rivers Greenway to fund improvements to Gwen B. Giles Park, which will serve as the trailhead for the Hodiamont Greenway, and will be activated with new hardscapes, softscapes, and recreational features selected by residents.

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About the Community Development Administration (CDA): The CDA serves as the City of St. Louis' hub for federal, state, and local funds, implementing the Mayor's economic justice agenda. By funding public and nonprofit entities, the CDA supports a wide range of initiatives, including public services, affordable housing development, blight eradication, and other community development activities.