ST. LOUIS — A new pilot program is taking shape in the City of St. Louis to help make homes more affordable and sustainable.
The St. Louis Development Corporation and the Community Development Administration are the two agencies heading this new pilot program. They said they want this program to take off later this month with the hopes of having more affordable housing in the city by next summer to help meet area needs.
The program aims to evolve the city’s housing construction by prioritizing the development of missing middle housing and piloting innovative construction techniques, like modular construction, prefabrication, panelized construction, hybrid prefabrication systems, 3D printing and several other tools. The program also hopes to inform future strategies and programs related to housing, climate, resilience and affordability.
“Affordable housing experts and advocates know that modern building technologies can coexist with traditional construction practices,” SLDC President and CEO Neal Richardson said. “Through this pilot program, we hope to demonstrate to area homeowners, leaders, lenders and realtors that modern building technologies can provide quality, affordable and sustainable homes that will help repopulate and reinvigorate neighborhoods in the City of St. Louis.”
Within that time frame, officials hope to build between 10 to 20 contemporary homes, which are expected to last 30 or more years without any major renovations.
“St. Louis residents — now and in 100 years — deserve to live in a home that will last, maintain energy efficiency in a changing climate and provide an opportunity to build wealth for future generations,” CDA Executive Director Nahuel Fefer said.
The affordable housing units will also be energy efficient and will be built on 3 to 5 acres of city land. About $3.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds have been committed to the pilot program.
Developers will be invited to submit their experience and portfolios starting on June 28. Then in early August, they can submit their proposals.
This year, Mayor Tishaura Jones' administration said the St. Louis Affordable Housing Commission tripled their annual awards that supported nearly $16 million in housing construction and support services.
“Stable affordable housing is a cornerstone for healthy communities and thriving families,” Jones said. “By leveraging funds from the American Rescue Plan, the Affordable Housing Commission’s major investments will fast-track St. Louis toward more accessible and sustainable housing.”
The city agencies said when the construction of the housing is complete, the city plans to commit additional funds to support the construction of hundreds of additional units in partnership with housing manufacturers committed to relocating to St. Louis.
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