What role can a university play in preserving the character, quality and culture of an historic neighborhood?

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is answering that question through the Old North Neighborhood Partnership. The project links faculty, staff, and students from UMSL with residents of Old North St. Louis who want to build a stronger, healthier community.

Harnessing University resources

UMSL received funding for this project in October 2001 via a prestigious HUD Community Outreach Partnership Center grant. The grant is designed to harness the physical, economic, intellectual and creative resources of the University by linking UMSL to Old North St. Louis, an historic neighborhood in the City of St. Louis.

Serving the neighborhood

Students and faculty work side-by-side with Old North St. Louis residents to help them accomplish their goals. The partnership benefits the neighborhood as well as change the way students are taught.

Along with providing direct benefits to neighborhood residents, the partnership provides learning and research opportunities for students and faculty.

The three-year project is directed by Kay Gasen, director of Community and Neighborhood Development for the Public Policy Research Center.

This project aims to preserve the character, quality and culture of Old North St. Louis, to strengthen community programs, and to further support resident initiatives.