News Update Regarding Wilkinson School
I learned this week that the developer was unable to secure financing for this project. The team has submitted its contract termination notice to St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) Special Administrative Board. It is my understanding that SLPS intends to re-issue its Request for Proposals (RFP) for affordable teacher housing. I do not yet know if that means specifically for Wilkinson School or — as was the initial RFP — eligible for any SLPS-owned former school building.
Unfortunately, the Greater Goods organization recently closed on a building in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. Thus they can no longer pursue this site, as their plan focus has changed.
I can share that there has been interest in developing the Wilkinson School for market-rate apartments. I am encouraging anyone who contacts me to meet with the Ellendale Neighborhood Association housing committee to discuss proposed concepts. If anything concrete materializes, we will be sure to share with the rest of membership at a future meeting.
Anyone with questions or concerns may contact me directly. It is my hope that the vacant building will soon be transformed into something beneficial to the neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Matthew Sisul
President, Ellendale Neighborhood Association
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