Developer eyes redevelopment of former Cleveland High School

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - An out-of-town developer is proposing to redevelop the former Cleveland High School, one of south St. Louis’ largest buildings, after past redevelopment attempts failed.

The historic school is in the Dutchtown neighborhood on Louisiana Avenue has been vacant for two decades.

Larry Clay has lived down the street from Cleveland High School for 30 years. He said the 110-year-old building, now covered with graffiti and boarded up windows, is a safety threat.

“Every time I look, the fire department is up there. People in and out at night, I come in and see people with flashlights going in there,” Clay said. “It’s crazy, I’m glad they’re doing something to it.”

City focused on redevelopment for years

South City Alderman Shane Cohn said he’s been focused on redeveloping the 235,000-square-foot building for nearly 18 years.

Past redevelopment proposals have failed, most recently in 2023 when Field Foods owner and developer Chris Goodson did not make progress on his plan.

Cohn said this time feels different after the city purchased the school from St. Louis Public Schools earlier this year and is spending nearly $3 million of ARPA funds to secure the building.

“The intent of buying it is so that we could put together a package to one, get architectural engineering, environmental review that haven’t been available through SLPS in the past, and two, be able to work directly with the people who might be interested in order to come up with a plan,” Cohn said.

Senior housing plan proposed

Memphis-based Development Services Group plans to transform Cleveland into a 106-unit housing development for people 55 and older. Those units will average just over $1,000 per month.

Nikki Jennings, with EverTrue, the company that will operate the senior living facility, said the project hinges on millions in state and federal tax credits.

“It’s a beautiful school with so much opportunity,” Jennings said. “Without the award of those tax credits, I think the only other possibility is to tear it down, and I don’t think anybody wants to see that, so we would love to be part of that group to provide safe and affordable housing to residents of the Dutchtown neighborhood and bring new life to Cleveland.”

Clay said the project would benefit the neighborhood.

“It’s a good thing for the neighborhood, it’s good for the neighborhood because I’m not moving,” Clay said.

The developer said the total cost for the project is around $130 million. They expect to find out if they’re awarded the tax credits in December.