HydePark2025 Year-End Impact Update
We are one step closer to our vision.
As we transition into the New Year, we’re looking back at 2021—a year of partnership and community-driven transformation in Hyde Park.
Hyde Park is a community full of hardworking families and hope for the future. Through our Hyde Park 2025 initiative, we’re working in partnership with the community to transform homes and community spaces to reflect the spirit of the folks who live here.
2,271 residents/families live in Hyde Park
30% are youth
11% are seniors
945 households
66% occupied housing units
$18,700 median household income
We envision a world where all communities have the courage to dream, the skills to build, and the resources to own their future - and 2021 brought us one step closer to our vision.
Progress made through our 4 Pillar Equitable Development Model in 2021:
Equity for residents:
Free landscaping for 150 seniors in 2021
5 seniors received $50,000 in free home repairs
Equity for youth:
50 served in Black Squares Chess Program
36 youth served in Summer Academy
Published two youth-authored books
$114,214 total earned by youth in 2021
Youth completed 6,480 hours of jobs readiness training
Youth completed 2,160 hours of community service
3 youth received full Ranken Scholarships
2 youth joined unions
5 youth graduated high school
7 youth entered college
3 Youth returning to college
7 youth graduated college
Equity for businesses:
90% of contractors reported growth in revenue
90% of contractors reported an increase in the likelihood that they will hire DB4E youth
90% of contractors reported improvements in the internal structure of their business
Equity for real estate:
5 properties acquired in 2021:
3509 14th st - 24-Hour Daycare Center with 3 residential units
1910 Destrehan - upcoming rehab
1514 Mallinckrodt - upcoming new build
Chess Park
Warehouse at 2301 Bremen Ave
Completed properties:
Sold 4967 Cupples Pl
4433 Randall Pl - rehabbed family home
Current projects:
Began rehab of 1522 Mallinckrodt - scheduled to be completed first quarter of 2022
Began rehab of 1524 Mallinckrodt - scheduled to be completed first quarter of 2022
Program Spotlight - Black Squares Chess Program
We launched a new program this year to expand our work impacting youth of all ages. Black Squares is increasing access to chess for Black youth, and, in doing so, is developing and expanding Black chess culture. We saw that there are very few Black and brown role models in the chess world—and we’re out to change that. Chess builds critical thinking skills and supportive relationships for low-income youth in St. Louis. In 2021 we launched Black Squares and served 50 youth. We completed chess tournaments in prisons, parks, schools, and community centers. See our impact featured on CBS.
Rehab Spotlight - Randall Place
When we first toured Randall Place, we knew it was special. The property had a rare unobstructed view of the Bissell Street Water Tower, one of only three remaining water towers in St. Louis, and was directly across the street from the historic Bissell mansion. We couldn’t believe it had been vacant and in disrepair for over 5 years.
We resolved to work with the community to turn it into something beautiful. Led by a fantastic team, the rehabilitation took about 12 weeks. Youth who worked on Randall Place got to see every aspect of the rehabilitation process: demolition, concrete work, landscaping, painting. We completed the project in summer 2021, thanks to the hard work of contractors of color and youth!
What we learned in 2021:
We do our best work when we trust each other. One of our biggest focuses in 2021 was building a strong internal team. We made a few key hires necessary for expanding and growing our work, building trust from the inside out.
Relationships are everything. As we deepened our connection with Hyde Park as a community, we found ways to build partnerships with key members of the community and trusted local organizations. Partnership helped us achieve our goals this year. Whether it’s within our team, with the youth, with contractors, or with residents, relationships are key to this work.
Supporting youth means supporting the whole person. We can’t stop at educational or economic opportunities. Well-being is integral to success in school—or in a job. In 2021, we introduced mindfulness into our youth programming.
Let the community lead. Our work in Hyde Park will only be successful if, at the end of the day, the community feels that what we have built reflects who they are. This year, we engaged with Hyde Park residents, working in partnership to identify and prioritize projects.
We want to share our gratitude to all who have made 2021 a success: Our fantastic team, the youth in our programs, the residents of Hyde Park, our incredible board, the contractors and community partners who we rely on and our generous community of donors. You are all part of our impact and we thank you!
