Last update: 02/01/2008
| Release No:. 2002 - 40 Nancy Farmer helps kick off restoration of St. Louis YWCA center State Treasurer Nancy Farmer joined St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay in breaking ground for the renovation of the former Phyllis Wheatley Branch building, Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 2709 Locust in St. Louis l About 100 local community leaders, the YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Phyllis Wheatley Committee on Administration and former residents of the Wheatley Branch joined the festivities. The ceremonies mark the conversion of the main building into 33 one- and two-bedroom apartments targeted for low-income single women through a continuum of service with the Phyllis Wheatley Transitional Housing Program. “Having a project that will preserve history while combining social services with housing assistance is an exciting venture,” said State Treasurer Farmer, who serves as Vice Chair of the Missouri Housing Development Commission. “The legacy of the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Branch represents a prominent chapter in the history of St. Louis and the YWCA.” The $6 million renovation plans include restoring a gymnasium and social service space in the building. The Missouri Housing Development Commission is assisting with financing the project by providing $407,222 in federal and state Housing Tax Credits. Regional Housing and Community Development Alliance has also been working with the YWCA on the project. Federal and state Historic Tax Credits are also being used as financing for the rehabilitation. “This marks the final phase in our efforts to give new life to this marvelous landmark,” said Joy Crawford Burns, Metro St. Louis YWCA Chief Executive Officer. “It also provides us an opportunity to preserve, for future generations, a historic structure that is a proud symbol of our region’s impressive African-American heritage.” YWCA officials plan to use the space to expand their YWCA teen leadership programs. A historical display will also tell the story of the Phyllis Wheatley Branch. During its history, the Phyllis Wheatley Branch offered opportunities for support and fellowship to thousands of African-American women and youth. ### The site is located on the corner of Beaumont and Locust, one block west of Jefferson in the Locust Business District.
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