Public representatives joined CareSTL Health, the Nash Group, the Vecino Group and other community partners to officially commemorate Alumnus Gardens, the all-new affordable housing development that both emphasizes and helps facilitate health and well-being for residents and the surrounding neighborhood.
“This is a big step forward in our capacity to serve the health needs of our community,” shared Angela Clabon, CareSTL Chief Executive Officer. “Health inequity is a serious problem, particularly within North St. Louis. Poor health outcomes here are at rates higher than local, state, or even national averages. Alumnus Gardens—and Villa Wellness Campus—will help provide solutions for residents and our community.”
Alumnus Gardens is a collaboration between the Nash Group, Vecino Group, and CareSTL Health that delivers 60 mixed-income housing units within the planned Ville Wellness Campus. As the development is located among abundant resources, the residents will have immediate access to healthcare, promoting better health outcomes.
“We owe Mayor Tishaura Jones thanks for her unwavering support and commitment to affordable housing. Without the mayor’s support, this project would not have been possible,” said Dr. Troy Nash, Owner of co-developer The Nash Group. “And thanks to both SLDC and the CDA for working with us in such an effective and efficient manner.”
“This is more than just a place to live,” shared Jordan Gibson, Vecino Group Mission Ambassador, “with partners like CareSTL Health and the Missouri Department of Mental Health, we can offer holistic support that combines housing with essential services.”
“The Vecino Group believes in the greater good— that every development should provide lasting value to its community. Alumnus Gardens is a shining example of just that.”
Located at 4409 St Louis Avenue, Alumnus Gardens is 38,092 total square feet and features 54 affordable units to those earning 30% to 60% AMI, plus 6 market-rate units. All of the development’s 1- and 2-Bed units are furnished with Energy Star appliances and equipped with central heat and air conditioning as well as free Wi-Fi.
On-site amenities include a large community room with full kitchen, a fitness room, third floor lounge, community laundry, outdoor patio. Additionally, it will have on-site property management and maintenance offices on the first level. Supportive health and wellness services will be provided by CareSTL. The property is managed by Sustainable Management, Inc.
Funding for the $14.6 Million development was secured through Construction and Perm. loans from UMB Bank and MHDC, along with equity investments by Raymond James and Sugar Creek Capital.
Though this is the first collaboration for partners CareSTL Health, The Nash Group, and The Vecino Group, construction is already underway just to the West for a second phase of housing, and aptly named Alumnus West.
“As a company with roots in Missouri—we have an affinity for St Louis and our partnerships here,” said Heather Bradley-Geary, Director of Supportive Housing for co-developer Vecino Group. “One of the Vecino Group’s first Supportive Housing developments just celebrated its ten-year anniversary on Delmar. We are so very proud and thankful to be able to continue to deliver work as impactful as Alumnus Gardens for the community here.”
