The Missouri Housing Development Commission announced on October 8 approval for financing for the University Crossing development in North St. Louis County, MO at the North Hanley MetroLink Station. This project is partnership between Bywater Development Group and Employment Connection. This approval marks the launch of the 60 high-quality mixed-income apartments for families that make up the workforce in the St. Louis region. In addition, the development will include the establishment of a new North St. Louis County office of Employment Connection to serve the residents of this development and the larger community with employment and career advancement training and support.
“Our sincerest appreciation to Employment Connection, our co-developer partner, the Missouri Housing Development Commission and a superb development team anchored by WJW Architects (architect), Altman-Charter Company (general contractor, TWM Engineering (civil engineer), Beacon Property Management (property manager), and Applegate & Thorne-Thomspon (legal counsel). This tremendous news would not be possible without a profound level of support from a wide array of community partners, stakeholders, and supporters, including St. Louis County Government under the leadership of Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Days, the Housing Authority of St. Louis County, State Senator Brian Williams, State Representative Kevin Windham, Bi-State Development, Metro Transit, Citizens for Modern Transit, University of Missouri St. Louis, AARP of St. Louis, Greater STL Inc., and many more,” said Aaron Burnett, President, Bywater Development Group.
‘My honest belief is the CMT and AARP placemaking project at North Hanley was a major aspect of how the stars aligned to get the University Crossing development approved for financing. In the world of reinvestment and revitalization, no one wants to be the “first in” with new investment. The placemaking project made stakeholders see reinvestment happening, they took note and felt much more comfortable following suit,” added Burnett.
“We are truly excited to be a part of the University Crossing development team, as it will allow us to intensify our wraparound services for St. Louis County residents who can benefit from our programs,” said Sal Martinez, Chief Executive Officer, Employment Connection.
In October 2022, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), AARP in St. Louis and Metro Transit – in partnership with St. Louis REALTORS®, Employment Connection and Bywater Development Group – unveiled a “Transit Stop Transformation” Project at the North Hanley Transit Center, the only MetroLink Station in unincorporated St. Louis County.
Construction on the mixed-use development is expected to occur in the late third-quarter or early fourth-quarter of 2024.