Building Community and Housing Hope- The Dutchtown Chippewa Story
In the heart of Dutchtown, a corner property stands as a testament to what's possible when dedicated partners unite around a shared vision: providing stable, dignified housing.
Tower Grove Community Development Corporation (TGCDC) is proud to announce the completion of a two-unit residential rehabilitation project—a 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom home—at a prominent corner location in Dutchtown. This project represents far more than brick and mortar. It embodies the collaborative power of community, mission-driven institutions, and committed funding partners.
The Road to Acquisition
Before the restoration could begin, the property itself had to be secured. That's where Legal Services of Eastern Missouri played an essential and often invisible role. Navigating complex nuisance lawsuits and title issues, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's advocacy secured the property for community benefit—clearing the path for transformation that would have otherwise remained impossible. Their critical legal work removed barriers that stood between vision and reality.
Partners Making It Happen
This project would not exist without a constellation of committed partners:
Midwest BankCentre provided crucial construction financing, understanding that community development is sound banking when paired with clear mission. They also led as the project sponsor through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines awarded the project a $220,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant, recognizing its potential to serve households at risk of homelessness in an underserved community. Their partnership extends beyond capital—their compliance expertise and oversight help ensure lasting impact.
US Bank and PNC Bank added grant support, joining multiple funding sources to make the investment whole.
Dutchtown Main Streets brought neighborhood expertise and advocacy, led the lawsuit as the plaintiff, ensuring that this housing development contributed to broader Dutchtown revitalization efforts.
International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) serves as the critical bridge between housing and services, managing tenant referrals and wrap-around support to help residents not just access housing, but thrive in it.
General contractor Rubicon Inc. delivered the rehabilitation work with quality and professionalism, transforming the property into a warm, welcoming home.
The Investment and the Impact
The combined investment in this project—construction financing, grants, and owner equity—reflects the true cost of doing community development right. Every dollar was committed to a clear purpose: permanent housing for households at risk of homelessness, paired with ongoing supportive services through IISTL.
This isn't charity; it's economic and community sense. Stable housing is the foundation for employment, health, family stability, and community participation. When people have a home, systems work better. Costs go down. Opportunities open up.
What Success Looks Like
The project is now complete with occupancy permits issued. The open house was well-attended and the units are entering occupancy, ready to welcome residents through a careful, service-informed lease-up process that prioritizes the needs and potential of those IISTL supports.
FHLB Des Moines' 15-year retention period ensures that this housing remains permanently affordable and dedicated to this mission across more than a decade—a commitment to lasting community benefit.
Looking Forward
As Dutchtown continues its transformation, projects like this anchor that change in something real and tangible: people have homes. Families have stability. Communities have hope.
This is what partnership looks like in practice. It's what happens when nonprofits, financial institutions, legal advocates, community organizations, and contractors align around a shared belief: that housing and stability are not luxuries, but foundations.
To the residents who will call this corner home, welcome. To our partners who made this possible, thank you.
Tower Grove Community Development Corporation works across south St. Louis neighborhoods—Shaw, Tower Grove South, Southwest Garden and adjacent neighborhoods—on neighborhood stabilization, historic preservation, and affordable housing/market rate development. Learn more at www.towergrovecdc.org or contact Sean Spencer, Executive Director, at sean@towergrovecdc.org.