In keeping with its mission to transform communities, KAI joined a diverse crowd of residents, public officials, contractors, clergy and business partners on May 21 to celebrate the grand opening of the Urban League Senior Living Center in Dellwood, MO. The event marked a significant milestone in the community’s revitalization efforts.
The $10 million project, located at 9420 W. Florissant Ave., stands on the former site of an Auto Zone that was destroyed during the 2014 protests following the tragic shooting of Michael Brown. Funded through a combination of federal, state, and local grants, along with in-kind donations, the center exemplifies the community’s resilience and commitment to positive change.
“This building is actually a result of years of hard work, dedication, commitment and vision of many people. Years ago, there was a resident-driven community plan to determine what should happen on W. Florissant, Ferguson and Dellwood to try to rebuild the community and the residents said what they wanted to see happen in the community was a senior living center so that our elders could get the proper respect that they deserve,” emphasized Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL) President and CEO, of the project’s importance.
The ULSTL, an organization dedicated to empowering African Americans and others in the region through economic self-reliance, social equality, and civil rights, partnered with minority-owned KAI for this project. KAI provided architectural, MEP engineering, and general contracting services, collaborating with structural partners SSC Engineering to create the three-story senior living apartment complex.
The facility includes 44 resident units (40 one-bed units and four two-bed units), plus a community room on the main level accommodating 12-15 people and a resident lounge with a kitchenette and restrooms. The main level also includes a private manager’s office, reception area, workroom and shared access to the community room.
The center, which is already fully occupied, is making an immediate positive impact on its residents’ lives. Its design incorporates modern amenities specifically adapted for senior citizens, ensuring comfort and accessibility.
“The new development gives seniors in Dellwood the opportunity to live in a modern building that offers easy access to many services and programs, including the Urban League’s popular Senior Empowerment Series,” said KAI CEO Michael B. Kennedy. “For more than a decade, we’ve had the privilege to work with the Urban League, as our mission to transform communities aligns with their mission to advocate and empower underserved areas.”
This project not only provides much-needed housing for seniors but also symbolizes hope and progress for the entire community, serving as a beacon of positive change in the wake of past challenges.
Photos by Tom Paule
