We worked with steering committee members to come up with a name that spoke to the history of the neighborhoods, while differentiating the project from past plan processes. We were inspired by the name of the historic district in the area: the “Gravois-Jefferson Streetcar Suburb Historic District.”

We worked for many months to determine the geographic focus area of this effort. Through conversations with residents, local organizations, and regional stakeholders, as well as preliminary data collection, we determined the planning area for the Gravois-Jefferson Historic Neighborhoods Plan to be bound by Gravois on the north, Jefferson on the east, Meramec on the south, and Grand on the West. The Dutchtown, Benton Park West and Gravois Park neighborhoods are among St. Louis City’s most densely and diversely populated communities. Shift in market demand, major development opportunities, community interest/resolve/leadership, and a newly elected public official created opportune timing for a renewed planning effort.

Below average home sale prices and high levels of vacancy render the area vulnerable to unplanned, inequitable development, yet poised for highly coordinated, comprehensive planning. Core values of the planning effort included an emphasis on community engagement, equity, and building an inclusive process and result, respectful of the area’s resident population.

A community plan is a public document which contains specific proposals for future land uses and public improvements in a given community. Based off engagement with local residents and community leaders, it provides policies and a long-range physical development guide for elected officials and citizens engaged in community development.

One of our top priorities for the Gravois-Jefferson Historic Neighborhoods Plan is ensuring it will spur equitable investment and action in the community. In order to accomplish this, the plan has been adopted as an official plan by the City of St. Louis, meaning the recommendations will influence all future development in the area.

Typical elements found in a community plan include land use, transportation, urban design, public facilities and services, natural and cultural resources, economic development and more.

The last comprehensive plan for the City of St. Louis was passed into law in 1947. However, the City does have an updated Strategic Land Use Plan that will help guide our recommendations. More information can be found here.

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