About Us
We are a non-profit community based housing development corporation, founded in 2000 to revitalize the Lewis Place neighborhood, preserving the history, the historic structures and the culture of this unique and predominately African American community. We are located in the central west corridor of the City of St. Louis, Missouri. Our boundaries are Newstead on the East, Delmar on the South, Walton of the West and Martin Luther King Drive on the north.
We are building on a model of historic preservation to revitalize this urban community thereby increasing the number of safe decent affordable housing
Lewis Place Historical Preservation has designed programs and services to stabilize this community making this once again a great place to live, that welcomes diversity, creates and support opportunities for growth and for economic development.
Our Mission
To revitalize the neighborhood, preserve its historic structures, history, and unique African American culture, while ensuring affordable housing, community safety, and diversity enrichment.
Our Vision
To establish an affordable, safe, and culturally rich neighborhood, preserving historic structures while offering opportunities for families and youth to live, play, and work, and maintaining its unique characteristics.
"Building a community that cherishes its past, secures its future, and nurtures its people – where affordability meets safety, culture thrives, and history stands strong."
"History and Development of Fountain Park: From Its Origins to Redevelopment Efforts"
Fountain park 1857
The historic Fountain Park is an adjacent neighborhood to the west, established in 1857 by John Lay.
The neighborhood was named for the fountain in the center of the park donated by the Merchants Exchange in 1889. It is also home to a Martin Luther King, Jr. statue on the west side of the park erected in 1978
As early as 1944, Black moved in and after just a few years the neighborhood went from a mostly white neighborhood to mostly black.
Fountain Park Lewis Place Community Development Committee was created in 2018, to establish a framework to develop working plans and the necessary steps and actions to stimulate redevelopment of the Fountain Park and Lewis Place neighborhood.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. statue
Board of Directors
"Our vision is to establish a foundation dedicated to the sustainable and holistic development of our neighborhood. We aim to create a thriving and inclusive community where residents have access to quality education, affordable housing, economic opportunities, and a safe and vibrant environment. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and innovative initiatives, we aspire to empower our neighborhood's residents to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the overall well-being of our community. Our foundation will serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that every member of our neighborhood has the resources and support they need to reach their full potential."
(front: Barbara Jefferson( president) , left: Gwendolyn Moore (treasurer), back: Lois Ingrum (treasurer) , right: Pamela Talley)
(Not shown ) Misty Evans & Phyllis Allen (Board of Directors )
Other Committee Members
The success of Lewis placehistoric preservation depends on the dedication and collaboration of these team members. Their combined efforts help ensure the legacy of Lewis is preserved, and the community thrives.
Committee members are working tirelessly to unite the community's past, present, and future.
