Morgan Ford Homes: Project Update
It's been a journey — SINCE 2018!— but Morgan Ford Homes is moving forward, and we're closer than ever to breaking ground.
About the Project
The Morgan Ford Homes development will bring four new 2-story single-family homes to 3506 Morgan Ford Road in St. Louis (63116), a vacant lot at the corner of Morgan Ford and Oleatha Avenue that formerly operated as a gas station. Each home will be approximately 1,600 square feet, featuring three bedrooms, an unfinished basement, a deck, and a dedicated parking pad — all designed with affordability in mind, with anticipated pricing in the $210,000 range.
The project is led by Tower Grove CDC in partnership with builder Rubicon Corporation.
Where We Are Now
We're pleased to share that several significant milestones have recently been reached:
Environmental Clearance Received. One of the primary causes of delay has been the environmental review required by one of our funding sources. The site's history as a former gas station required thorough documentation and review — including a tribal consultation period and a public comment process through HUD. That process involved a 30-day Authority to Use Grant Funds (AUGF) review period after the comment period closed. We are pleased to report that environmental clearance has now been secured.
Lots Successfully Subdivided and Building Permits are Approved. The property has been formally subdivided into four individual parcels, one for each planned home.
Estimates & Apportionments Approval Received. We received approval from the City's Board of Estimates and Apportionments last week — an important step in the public financing process.
Rebidding Underway. With some time having passed since the original project estimates, we are now rebidding the project to ensure costs are current and accurate. Following that, we will work toward a loan closing with CDA (the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration) and our banking partner, Midwest BankCentre.
Our best estimate: construction could begin within 12 weeks.
Strong Community Support
From the beginning, this project has been embraced by neighbors. A community meeting held on October 4, 2023, at Bootleggin Bob's drew area residents who offered enthusiastic feedback. Attendees and neighbors who couldn't make the meeting wrote in to express their support, citing the affordable price point, the people-focused approach, and the opportunity to put a long-vacant lot to productive use.
Some of what we heard:
"Generally very supportive. Glad to hear plans for 3-bed affordable housing." — Christine- Miami St
"I love the fact that the development will be affordable housing instead of market value." — Kim- Miami St.
"Project looks very good for the neighborhood." — Jeff Morgan Ford Rd.
"I support this development as is and am excited to see it!" — Olivia- Morgan Ford Rd.
"If it is the empty lot [at Oleatha and Morganford], then I 100% support this proposed development!!!" — Kellee - 4273 Miami
"The plans look fantastic and it's a perfect use for that land." — Mike , Miami St.
Neighbors also raised thoughtful questions about mortgage affordability at current interest rates, disclosure of the site's prior gas station use to buyers, and the timeline for future phases.
What's Next
Once rebidding is complete and financing closes, Rubicon Corporation will begin site work and construction. We'll keep the community updated as we hit each milestone.
If you have questions or want to stay in the loop, feel free to reach out:
Tower Grove Community Development Corporation
2337 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
📞 314-944-1940
🌐 www.towergrovecdc.org
First-time homebuyer assistance may be available through the Housing Partnership. Contact us for more information.