FORMER NEWS BOYS' HOME IN ST. LOUIS RECEIVES NATIONAL TRUST/HUD SECRETARY'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Salvation Army-led partnership recognized for preserving building and mission of Fr. Dunne's Home

WASHINGTON – When Father Dunne's News Boys' Home and Protectorate was founded in 1906, it served as a refuge for orphaned or abandoned boys, many whom worked selling newspapers on the streets of St. Louis. For more than a century, the three-story building at 2010 Washington Avenue provided a home for those experiencing homelessness and after renovation in 1970, it became the Harbor Light Center serving persons struggling with chronic substance abuse and various disabilities.

This award recognizes efforts that advance the Nation's historic preservation goals while providing affordable housing and economic development opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

"This historically sensitive redevelopment represents a perfect marriage of missions – providing a stable home for our most vulnerable neighbors while preserving an important place in St. Louis' history," said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. "I'm proud to stand with the National Trust to recognize the hard work of those who understand that people and places define who we are."

"The 3010 Apartments project exemplifies how historic preservation can uplift deteriorating, underutilized buildings and revitalize communities," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Spurred by historic tax credits, the Midtown Project will bring new housing, retail, restaurants and office space for creative businesses without sacrificing the neighborhood's historic character."

The former boys' home underwent multiple renovations over the decades. Led by the Salvation Army, the 3010 Apartments Limited Partnership converted the existing barracks-like institutional housing into 58 one-bedroom, private residential apartments for low- to very low-income adult residents, giving preference to Veterans and those experiencing long-term or chronic homelessness.

Rehabilitation was accomplished without drastically altering the interiors and included the retention of historic elements. The main entry and its broad staircase were restored. The many stained glass windows were repaired and retained even where they occurred in private apartments. The original hallways were retained along with the rhythm of historic millwork: chair rails and slightly recessed, transomed wood paneled doors that now serve as entrances to many of the apartments. The former chapel now serves as a meeting space and the reception room with its columns, and elaborate plaster moldings was reopened and restored to its original appearance and is now used as a communal lounge for residents.

The 3010 Apartments is adjacent to a vacant city block that the Salvation Army is transforming as their Midtown Project in the heart of the historic but underutilized and deteriorating commercial area. The Midtown Project will include an estimated $48 million in new construction. The major historic rehabilitation of the 3010 Apartments resulted in an estimated 100 full-time jobs to Missourians for the last 2 years of the renovation and an estimated $350,000 in sales tax revenue on the construction materials.

The total cost of the project was $12,299,125. The City of St. Louis approved a10-year full property tax abatement and an additional five-year partial abatement so the ownership will have time to recover from the costs of the rehab before beginning to pay the increased property taxes.

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