Our Theory of Change.

Reclaim. Restore. Transform.

Our Vision

The Ville will become a vibrant cultural destination anchored by thriving neighborhoods, enriching arts and economic opportunities

Picture This!

Picture a bustling commercial corridor. Residents and visitors shop for unique merchandise, savor preserved cultural landmarks, and marvel at a variety of public art. Green spaces beckon for relaxation and recreation. The streets pulse with life, filled with people enjoying well-maintained amenities. The Ville is a true embodiment of community vibrancy and vitality.

Imagine Black ownership and entrepreneurship flourishing as the community’s backbone, fostering an atmosphere brimming with creativity and joy. Strong civic leadership and political power ensure The Ville is recognized and celebrated as a thriving community that is consistently present in the larger narrative of St. Louis. This is a place where history is honored, the present is vibrant, and the future is bright—a true testament to the resilience and richness of The Ville.

The Ville will be recognized as a priority in the museum and tourism sectors, and identified as a bedrock of Black arts and culture. A robust educational infrastructure will support the community, increasing resident pride. The Ville will be widely spoken of as an asset, with families experiencing tangible increases in their wealth and standard of living. The next generation of storytellers will emerge, keeping the community's history alive. Residents and business owners will flourish, supported by a respected community governance structure. Economic viability will flourish with more job opportunities and development, all while preserving The Ville’s unique culture.

Forever

  • New public spaces come alive with art and activity

  • More funding and resources flow through the community

  • More community-led programming on the corridor

  • A stronger hyper local economy

  • More people walking to and from the commercial corridor. Residents access resources and amenities within walking distance

  • New mixed-use buildings are developed on the commercial corridor

  • More landmarks stabilized and redeveloped

  • More homes are built in the community for all income levels, including for artists specifically

  • The arts community recognizes The Ville as a hub of arts programming and artist cultivation

Tomorrow

  • More leisure activity in the corridor and community

  • Public art fills the walls and public realm of the community

  • Sidewalks and streets are safer and cooler (trees) through infrastructure improvements

  • History is memorialized in the public domain

  • More students and residents share stories about The Ville with the public

  • More collaboration and partnerships

  • More community-led placekeeping and beautification initiatives

  • More capital is unlocked in the community

Now

  • More programs, activation, and foot traffic on the MLK commercial corridor

  • All available retail bays are improved and filled

  • More public and philanthropic investments into the cultural district

  • Broad awareness of the cultural district represented by merchandise, paraphernalia, and media coverage

  • Designation of an improvement district

  • More trained tour guides and storytellers

  • More teaching and resident artists enrich the community.

  • More community governance and oversight

  • New public spaces bring vibrancy to the MLK corridor.

With Our Strategy

Stewardship

  • We will create dynamic public spaces

  • We will partner with city and civic leadership

  • We will steward a cultural district

  • We will help to attract real estate and economic development investments

  • We will cultivate a community of storytellers and story-keepers

Activation

  • We will host arts and cultural programming

  • We will offer tourism activities that amplify the story of The Ville

  • We will help establish The Ville as a Black cultural heritage destination

  • We will develop a strong brand for a new cultural district

  • We will manage an artist residency program

Advocacy

  • We will empower community members to shape the future of the cultural district

  • We will establish a community governance structure and public decision-making process

  • We will support preservation and improvement efforts

  • We will advocate for preservation of landmarks and sacred spaces

Because We Believe

  • The legacy of The Ville is worthy of preservation and revival

  • Our history is the source of inspiration & momentum for the future

  • The Ville is the last remaining historically Black community in St. Louis. Therefore, we have a responsibility to protect it

  • People who have remained in the community deserve to shape and benefit from its reinvigoration

  • A backbone organization is necessary to administer the community transformation process

  • Creativity is key to cross-generational transformation and market making

  • Strong community-centered partnerships are critical to transformation