ST. LOUIS — Wellington Family Homes, a portion of affordable and public housing in Wellston that was once at risk of losing its residents, is getting a facelift.
It's a place Tracy Edwards can truly call home now.
"I love it," Edwards said.
Edwards is one of the first 21 people whose homes were completely gutted and revitalized in the historically Black community of Wellston which is located in north St. Louis County. She said it took nearly two years, and she was able to relocate to Riverview temporarily.
The renovation was completed by Knight Development and managed by Snyder Construction Group.
"We got new floors, we got new washing machines and dryers brand new, new water heaters, new stove, refrigerator, new everything, countertops, bathrooms, new everything!" Edwards said.
Edwards' new home on Myrtle Street is among 186 public housing units getting a revamp. The $44 million renovation is a much-needed change for many families.
"The wall had caved in. I had mold. My roof was messed up," Edwards said.
The living conditions were so bad Edwards had to have her two children sleep in the same room to avoid getting sick or injured.
This is how some units looked before the remodel:
The project started back in 2018 and has the support of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The St. Louis County Housing Authority lead the charge and got the push from the Wellston Tenants Association wanting to save the properties rather than tear them down.
"I believe the people in Wellston deserve that investment just as much as any other area in St. Louis County. It's the right thing to do," Shannon Koenig, executive director and CEO for County Housing.
Koenig said, "There is an alarming shortage of affordable housing in our area".
It's not just Edwards' street getting a new look. It's also multi-family units just down the road on Wellston Place which should be completed in the next year.
The project also has the full support of Wellston Mayor Nathaniel Griffin. He saw the conditions the units were in before and knows just how much people appreciate it.
"If you look at these homes, they're a quality home outside and inside. You can be proud of where you live at," Griffin said.
He said when there is affordable and quality housing, it breeds success for the community.
"You never know what having such a wonderful home does for your family you're able to come home and be proud of where you sit, where you lay your head, where you watch TV and where your family is raised," Griffin said.
Through the revitalization one thing is clear for Edwards, who has grown up in Wellston all four decades of her life: "I love my community. I love where I'm from. I love the people," she said.
The St. Louis County Housing Authority said it will prioritize families who previously lived in the units to move back. After that, officials will work through a waitlist.
To find information about the progress of the project and waitlist, you can head to this website.