The sun was shining and so were the smiles at the March 14, 2026, ribbon cutting marking the completion of a long-awaited community center for the residents of Jennings, Missouri.
Located on the site of the former River Roads Shopping Mall at 2315 Ada Wortley Ave. in north St. Louis County, the new $6.8 million Jennings Community Center, designed by KAI, features a modern fitness center, full-court gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, after-school study area, computer lab, locker rooms, shower areas, outdoor events plaza and fitness area, and staff offices.
The City of Jennings broke ground on the 15,595 -square-foot facility in November 2024 following delays attributed to the COVID 19 pandemic.
“This is a wonderful day that I really don’t know how to put into words,” said City of Jennings Mayor Gary Johnson at the ribbon cutting. “This is a big part of our community and a big step toward real progress in our community.”
Jennings’ population of approximately 12,895 people is predominately Black. The transformative community center provides residents in the underserved city with opportunities for fitness, skill development and connection.
“It provides Jenning’s residents of all ages with a great place to go in the community. It’s a great asset with the fitness center and gym and multi-purpose rooms that residents and visitors can use for gatherings, different types of exercise classes, as well as having after-school space for the youth to come in and gather or do homework in a safe environment,” said KAI Senior Project Manager Joel Kerschen, AIA, CSI, LEED AP BD+C.
Jennings officials contracted with KAI in 2019 to develop a master plan for a portion of the former River Roads Shopping Mall for a neighborhood park, city hall, community center, events plaza and outdoor seniors exercise facility. The community center is the first of the master plan projects to move forward.
“This has been a dream for the City of Jennings for a long, long time and it finally came true,” said Ward 1 Councilman and Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Allan Stitchnote. “I want to thank everybody for voting for it; this is your community center, and we encourage you to use it. It is a beautiful place; I just love it. I just can’t stay away from it,”
KAI provided all architectural, MEP/FP engineering, interior design and cost estimating services and managed the design team on the project, which included structural, civil and landscape consultants. Navigate Building Solutions served as the owner’s representative, with Aspire Construction Services serving as the general contractor.
