There’s great news in Dutchtown as 2021 comes to an end: Lutheran Development Group has received funding for Marquette Homes, a transformative project that will bring 60 new and rehabbed affordable housing units to the neighborhood!

What Is Marquette Homes?

The Marquette Homes project includes 14 buildings and lots that will comprise over 54,000 square feet of residential space, as well as one small commercial unit, throughout the northern portion of Dutchtown and into Gravois Park. Lutheran Development Group will execute the project in partnership with Rise Community Development. Following environmental and historic reviews, construction should kick off in the next 10 to 18 months and be complete approximately a year after the start date.

Marquette Homes will bring 60 affordable residential apartments to the Greater Dutchtown neighborhood—32 rehabbed units and 28 new construction units. Of those units, ten will be one-bedroom apartments, 14 will be two-bedroom units, and 36 will feature three bedrooms. The three-bedroom units are an especially important addition to the neighborhood’s housing stock, as many available units are smaller and only feature one or two bedrooms. Monthly rents will range from $390 to $885. To qualify for rental, most applicants must earn at or below 60% of the area median gross income (AMGI). Some units require an income of 30% AMGI.

Marquette Homes Properties

Lutheran Development Group is well known for taking on particularly challenging projects, and Marquette Homes is no exception. “We always try to do the most good with the resources we are given,” says Chris Shearman, Executive Director of Lutheran Development Group. The Marquette Homes project will tackle long-vacant lots and old buildings in need of serious major repairs. Below are the 14 properties included in the Marquette Homes project.

3845 Pennsylvania Avenue

This overgrown vacant lot between Chippewa and Keokuk will return to life with new residential construction on the empty parcel owned by the city’s Land Reutilization Authority (LRA).

4006 Pennsylvania Avenue

A modest four-family apartment building in need of significant repairs will inject some new life just a block away from Marquette Park. 

3208 Chippewa Street

Further west on Chippewa, this double lot on a hill features a diminutive old home that has slowly been returning to nature for the last two decades under the ownership of the LRA.

3012 Chippewa Street

This vacant lot, empty for ten years, will fill in the space between multi-family housing and a mixed-use property that is currently undergoing a massive rehabilitation. The project is just half a block away from Lutheran Development Group’s headquarters at Chippewa and Minnesota.

3922 Louisiana Avenue

This sturdy four-family flat at Louisiana and Alberta will see new rehab and a return to quality affordable housing in Dutchtown.

3931 Minnesota Avenue

Featuring white glazed “bakery” brick across the front, this lovely four-family flat will come back to life on brick-paved Minnesota, just half a block north of the Marquette Recreation Center and Thomas Dunn Learning Center.

3656 South Compton Avenue

This long-vacant lot at Compton and Winnebago will bring new housing units to this corner just a block from the Gravois Park’s namesake neighborhood green space.

3721, 3729, and 3733 Tennessee Avenue

These three unsold lots are located in the incomplete Keystone Place housing development. The subdivision, mostly built in the early 2000s, will finally see new construction rise to fill in several of the gaps. The lots were all assigned to the LRA after the developer went bust around the time of the housing crash.

3734 South Compton Avenue

Near the Dutchtown–Gravois Park border, this handsome four-family flat will see the boards come off its windows and doors soon.

3544 and 3548 Minnesota Avenue

A pair of vacant and boarded apartment buildings between Miami and Potomac, these four-family buildings have been spared from the wrecking ball and will return to life in Gravois Park.

3305 Meramec Street

Perhaps the crown jewel of the Marquette Homes project, this three-story building in the heart of Downtown Dutchtown will see a massive rehab project undertaken. Vacant for nearly 15 years, the building will feature a vital commercial space at street level and apartments above.

How Is the Project Funded?

The primary funding source for the Marquette Homes project is the sale of federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). In addition, the project will receive Historic Tax Credits, funding from the City of St. Louis, and a loan that will be paid through future rents. The total cost of the project is over $16.5 million, an amazing and much-needed injection of capital into the disinvested Greater Dutchtown neighborhood.

Lutheran Development Group has been pursuing the tax credits for over five years, facing an uphill battle securing the credits through a highly competitive process with the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). Between 2018 and 2020, the State of Missouri in fact stopped matching federal LIHTC awards, placing an even greater strain on the availability of these tax credits that are so vital to the development of affordable housing in Missouri. The partial LIHTC match returned in late 2020. “The need for affordable housing is so great, yet the resources are limited,” says Shearman. Competing with other developers for a piece of the LIHTC pie is no easy task.

Continued refinement of the project finally resulted in a successful award of LIHTC in December of 2021. The project has support across the board from St. Louis officials including 25th Ward Alderman Shane Cohn, 20th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer, Mayor Tishaura Jones, 78th District State Representative Rasheen Aldridge, 5th District State Senator Steve Roberts, St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams, and St. Louis Housing Authority Executive Director Alana C. Green.

Lutheran Development Group

Lutheran Development Group’s mission can be distilled into one phrase: “Love thy neighbor.” Though a faith-based organization, Lutheran Development Group’s work reaches beyond theological boundaries to promote safe housing and access to opportunities.

Lutheran Development Group was established in 2015 with the aim of raising up the communities around their churches. The Lutheran Church, with its German forebearers, has extensive roots in the Greater Dutchtown area. The neighborhood was once home to Concordia Seminary. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, on Miami Street in Gravois Park, was established in the 1850s and remains a neighborhood anchor to this day. Lutheran Development Group partnered with Holy Cross to establish Intersect Arts Center and Eagle College Preparatory School, just east of the church.

Other Lutheran Development Group Projects

Baden School Apartments

In the latest round of LIHTC funding, Lutheran Development Group also secured tax credits for their Baden School Apartments project on the North Side. The project will transform the 1907 William Ittner-designed elementary school on Halls Ferry Road into 50 affordable apartments. Like Dutchtown, Baden has extensive roots in the German Lutheran community, has suffered from disinvestment in recent decades, and is poised for a rebound thanks to persistent neighbors and new investments such as the Baden School Apartments.

Chippewa Park

Back in the Greater Dutchtown area, Lutheran Development Group delivered the Chippewa Park project in 2018. Chippewa Park includes 15 rehabbed buildings containing 46 affordable housing units and three commercial spaces. After completion, Lutheran Development Group moved their headquarters to a beautiful new space at Chippewa and Minnesota and set up their Rooted Property Management office across the street.

East Fox Homes

One of Lutheran Development Group’s first projects was East Fox Homes. The project included twelve severely deteriorated buildings in the Fox Park and Tower Grove East neighborhoods to the north of Dutchtown. In partnership with Messiah Lutheran Church and Rise Community Development, Lutheran Development Group demonstrated their ability to take on difficult but impactful projects on the South Side.

Support Lutheran Development Group

As 2021 winds down, Lutheran Development Group is aiming for an even stronger finish to a successful year. An anonymous donor has provided a matching donation of up to $25,000 for contributions received through December 31st, 2021. Your contribution can help extend the impact of Lutheran’s work which includes not only housing development, but also community initiatives, supportive property management, and a rental assistance program that has already helped keep over 40 families housed. 

Looking for a cozy space to call your own? Find your just-right sized space at the just-right price in Dutchtown! Our neighborhood offers the most bang for your buck with solidly built historic housing, convenient location, friendly neighbors, and an exciting future.

Below are just a few of the currently active listings on Zillow for modestly priced and modestly sized homes. But there’s something for everyone in Dutchtown! Whether you’re looking for something small or large, make sure to browse the listings in our neighborhood and learn what makes Dutchtown great.

4240 Virginia

This classic brick home offers a lot in a seemingly small package. You’ll get three bedrooms and two full baths, with more space than meets the eye thanks to open floor plans and a nicely finished basement. Plus you’re just a few steps away from the shops and restaurants in Downtown Dutchtown along Meramec.

$139,900 · View on Zillow

3209 Dakota

Architecturally stunning, this small but stately two bedroom/one bathroom home features tons of original millwork, pocket doors, high ceilings, and a great deck off the back.

$115,000 · View on Zillow

3621 Gasconade

Find a combination historic and modern in this two bedroom/two bathroom bungalow just west of Grand. Hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and a decorative fireplace bring the old world charm, while a sleek new kitchen offers convenience and functionality. This home features a partially finished basement and an oversized one-car garage.

$159,900 · View on Zillow

4429 Tennessee

Check out this bright and cheery two bed/two bath home featuring a decorative fireplace, pocket door, original woodwork, and more. There’s also a great deck out back leading to a fenced backyard.

$110,000 · View on Zillow

4661 Alaska

This three bedroom/one bathroom home features a beautiful decorative fireplace and built-in cabinets separating the living room and formal dining room, plus a sleek modern kitchen with butcher block countertops and a jet tub in the bathroom.

$139,900 · View on Zillow

Listing prices are accurate as of the time of publication. Descriptions are based on facts and figures provided by listing agents via Zillow. The above listings are provided for informational purposes only. We at DutchtownSTL.org are not real estate professionals—make sure to contact an agent for the full details of these listings.

On the morning of Saturday, October 23rd, neighborhood volunteers and soccer fans from all over the region will be tackling trash in Dutchtown. Afterward, fans will be treated to friendly pick-up games on the soccer field and futsal court at Marquette Park.

The Cleanup

Volunteers will assemble near the futsal court at Gasconade and Virginia at 9am. Water, snacks, and tools will be provided. The team will take to the park, as well as the nearby blocks and alleys, to hunt for litter. With two trucks and an oversized dumpster from the city, we’ll be able to haul away any bulky items that might be found along the way.

Nearby neighbors are encouraged to get in on the action by cleaning up their own slice of the neighborhood. Pick up litter out front, clean up your alley out back, or do some yard work to help your block shine.

Paid Opportunities for Participating Youth

Neighbors ages 16 to 24 can earn $10 an hour for up to eight hours by coming out and helping with the cleanup efforts. Email kicstlouis@gmail.com or call (314) 265-6186 to register. Pre-registration is required to receive payment.

The Soccer

After the cleanup, players will take to the fields at noon. There will be opportunities for pick-up games, so feel free to come by for your chance to jump in. The athletic programming will be led by Umoja St. Louis Soccer and the St. Louligans.

Umoja Soccer organizes adult teams and works with youth as well, predominantly immigrants from Africa. The St. Louligans are a group of soccer fans and supporters and promoters of the sport throughout the region. Soccer has a long history at Marquette Park. With the new futsal court at Marquette Park, built in conjunction with St. Louis CITY SC and other partners, we hope to further establish Dutchtown on the map as a destination for soccer players and fans.

St. Louis CITY SC Youth Soccer Clinic

In addition to the afternoon’s soccer programming, St. Louis’ MLS team will also be putting on a clinic in the morning for youths age 5–12. The clinic is free, but advance registration is required. The program runs from 9:30am to 11am.

The Sponsors

The volunteer-led cleanup effort is spearheaded by Dutchtown Main Streets and SLACO (St. Louis Association of Community Organizations). Umoja St. Louis Soccer and the St. Louligans lead the soccer festivities of the afternoon. Additional community partners include Cure Violence Dutchtown, Dutchtown South Community Corporation, Garcia Properties, Gurung Bazaar, La Liga Latino Americana, Lou Fusz Ford, Lutheran Development Group, St. Joseph Housing Initiative, and Vitendo 4 Africa.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded CARES Act funds to St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) to make loans to businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19 or that are providing goods or services addressing problems caused by the pandemic.

Eligibility and Loan Terms

The EDA loans are for for-profit businesses located in the City of St. Louis. Businesses must be current on all taxes and business license requirements. For every $35,000 borrowed, the business must have created or retained one job. Loans are subject to credit approval. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee, a 1% origination fee, and potential closing costs.

Loan amounts range from $10,000 to $300,000 with interest rates starting at just 2%. The length of the loan ranges from three to seven years depending on what the funds are used for. Loans can be used as working capital or for inventory, equipment, or real estate. The funds cannot be used for refinancing existing debt or construction and rehab costs.

How to Apply for the St. Louis EDA Loan Program

To apply, download the application here. Submit your completed application and $100 application fee (payable to St. Louis Local Development Company) at:

St. Louis Development Corporation
Attention: Mr. Chris Maguire
1520 Market Street, Suite 2000
St. Louis, MO 63103

Upon submitting your application, you will work with a loan officer on the credit approval process and documentation review. If your loan is approved, funds will be disbursed as quickly as possible. There is no deadline to apply, but there is limited funding and applicants will be awarded funds on a first-come first-served basis, so make sure to apply as soon as possible.

More Business Resources

Dutchtown Main Streets aims to provide resources and information to our neighborhood business owners to help maintain a strong, thriving business community in Dutchtown. You can find more business resources at dutchtownstl.org/business.

An idea formed two years ago is finally being made real in Marquette Park. Soon the Dutchtown neighborhood will have the first outdoor futsal court in the City of St. Louis. Back in July of 2019, local soccer enthusiast Daniel Flynn, Dutchtown neighbor and UMOJA Soccer Club founder Fred Maboneza, and members of the Allies of Marquette Park group met at the Marquette Park Recreation Center.

Flynn had experienced widely available futsal courts in Europe after spending time there. “A few years ago, I started working with the UMOJA Soccer Club,” said Flynn. “We would constantly struggle to find places to play futsal. We felt strongly that soccer should be free and accessible to all, and that could be a model in St. Louis.”

The group met up with Bill Bixon, a former Parks and Recreation programmer for the City of St. Louis, and discussed what would be needed to create a futsal court at Marquette Park. The answer was neighborhood partners, a lot of energy, and time.

“Marquette Park has long been home to soccer on the South Side,” said Dutchtown Main Streets President Nate Lindsey. “We were excited to begin working with neighborhood partners to bring a unique addition to the full length soccer field that could continue that tradition and provide a fun area for our youth to enjoy the game.”

A City-Wide Partnership

The St. Louis City Parks Department was the first partner to jump on board. Parks gave the go-ahead to begin planning the project and committed to partnering with the Streets Division to pour a new asphalt pitch over the existing and long defunct volleyball courts next to the Marquette Park Field House.  

Through a private-public partnership with the new Major League Soccer team St. Louis CITY SC, Dutchtown Main Streets and Allies of Marquette Park, Dutchtown South Community Corporation, MADE STL, Raineri Construction, McConnell and Associates, and several private donors, the remaining pieces of the project came together.

“The work at Marquette Park is largely community driven, including the work with the MLS club,” said 20th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer. “This year we will be overhauling the changing facilities at Marquette Park Pool and working with the community to identify and prioritize next year’s investments. The best way to invest in a community is to be led by where they want their tax dollars invested.”

A One-of-a-Kind Design

The end product will be a wholly unique futsal court open to the public in the heart of South St. Louis. The entirety of the court is covered by a mural designed by St. Louis artist Jayvn Solomon. The mural brings together elements of the artist’s own style, the soccer club, and the Dutchtown neighborhood to create a dynamic and colorful experience for not only players on the court, but the whole neighborhood surrounding the park.

Before the final design was chosen, members of the community working with Allies of Marquette Park and Dutchtown South Community Corporation were able to weigh in on the elements of the mural.

The goals, custom fabricated by MADE STL, feature the logos of both St. Louis CITY SC and the Dutchtown neighborhood. The goals have nets made of resilient metal to resist wear and tear from weather and usage.

Part of the Marquette Park Plan

The futsal court will be the first major project since the completion of a holistic plan for Marquette Park. The plan was assembled in partnership with former PGAV Planners intern and Washington University student Tiffany Dockins. Dockins is now working with Dutchtown South Community Corporation to implement both the park plan and the Green Schoolyards initiative at Froebel Elementary School.

“Through the eyes of a young designer, Marquette Park has tons of potential for equitable elevation but simply needs the investment to do so,” said Dockins. “Judging from residents and community partners, I have high hopes that Marquette Park will continue to evolve and obtain the attention it truly deserves.”

So… What Is Futsal?

Futsal is similar to a scaled-down version of soccer that originated in Uruguay, gained popularity across South America, and is rapidly expanding throughout the world. Often played indoors as well, the game is played on a smaller pitch with a hard surface and uses a smaller, firmer ball with less bounce. Futsal matches are played with five players to a team, and the games consist of two 20 minute halves.

Due to the smaller confines of the field, futsal emphasizes creative strategies, technique, ball control and quick reflexes. Many world famous soccer stars, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, got their start on the futsal field. Fast paced and high scoring, futsal provides opportunities to develop valuable technical skills to new players before moving to the big pitch, as well as honing the craft for experienced soccer players.

Marquette Park Futsal Court Grand Opening

The new futsal court will be ready for play in early September. St. Louis CITY SC plans to host a kick-off event in collaboration with partners on Saturday, September 25th to celebrate the accomplishment within the neighborhood. Visit the Dutchtown Calendar or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information about this event and upcoming Marquette Park news.