Revitalization at the intersection of the Dutchtown, Carondelet, and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods

Virginia Plaza — A Mixed-Income, Transformative Development

Virginia Plaza is a high-impact, mixed-income, and mixed-use development designed to catalyze investment along the Virginia Avenue Commercial Corridor. This ambitious project will breathe new life into historically significant but long-neglected areas, preserving affordable housing, adding new residential and commercial spaces, and creating vital community amenities.

Project Overview

Virginia Plaza will transform a series of vacant and underutilized properties into a vibrant, family-friendly development, featuring:

78 units with a mix of affordability (30% Area Median Income, 60% AMI, and market-rate)
Historic renovations of existing buildings to preserve character and affordable housing
New mixed-use buildings with commercial spaces, live/work units, and residential apartments
Pedestrian-friendly enhancements, including a plaza and improved connectivity along Virginia Avenue
Community amenities such as a new playground, interior and exterior gathering spaces, and on-site services
Potential Commercial Amenity providing new services to neighbors

Location & Impact

Located at the 5300 blocks of S. Compton Ave. and Virginia Ave., this project will serve as a focal point for revitalization in three historic St. Louis neighborhoods: Dutchtown, Carondelet, and Mount Pleasant. By repurposing vacant lots and rehabilitating key structures, Virginia Plaza will:

Provide long-term affordable housing (affordability maintained for 30 years)
Improve walkability and encourage commercial growth
Foster community engagement through dedicated spaces and service.

Development Team

Virginia Plaza is being led by DeSales Community Development, a trusted non-profit with a long track record in affordable housing and community revitalization.