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Affordable Housing Dynamics in Forest Park Southeast: Three Decades of LIHTC Development
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Forest Park Southeast, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, has experienced significant changes in its affordable housing landscape. The area currently contains 250 total units in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded projects, with 205 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 2,830 and an estimated 1,084 housing units, LIHTC funded affordable housing comprises approximately 23% of the neighborhood's estimated housing inventory.
The LIHTC program has invested $1,158,671 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Forest Park Southeast, averaging about $4,635 per unit in federal funding. The neighborhood's affordable housing development spans 30 years, with the earliest LIHTC projects dating to 1988 and the most recent completed in 2018. This extended period demonstrates a sustained commitment to affordable housing in the area.
The 1980s saw the highest affordable housing activity, with four projects completed in 1988 alone, including developments at 4150 Chouteau Ave, 4236 Manchester Ave, 4310-12 Chouteau, and 4405 Gibson Ave. The most recent addition to the affordable housing stock is Adams Grove, completed in 2018, which specifically serves handicapped residents.
LIHTC funded housing in Forest Park Southeast offers diverse unit types. There are 107 one-bedroom units, 75 two-bedroom units, 37 three-bedroom units, and 4 four-bedroom units. This variety accommodates different household sizes and needs within the low-income population.
Over the past decade, Forest Park Southeast has experienced notable demographic shifts. The population grew from 2,684 in 2020 to 2,830 in 2022, indicating increasing housing demand. Median income rose from $33,405 in 2015 to $58,070 in 2022, suggesting improving economic conditions for some residents. Racial demographics shifted considerably, with the Black population decreasing from 51% in 2013 to 23% in 2022, while the White population increased from 36% to 59% during the same period. These changes may indicate gentrification pressures in the neighborhood.
Forest Park Southeast's affordable housing landscape is characterized by long-term commitment to LIHTC funded projects, with developments spanning three decades. The neighborhood's LIHTC inventory covers a significant portion of the estimated housing stock, providing diverse unit types to meet various needs. While demographic shifts suggest changing neighborhood dynamics, the continued development of affordable housing, including specialized units for handicapped residents, indicates ongoing efforts to maintain housing accessibility for low-income and vulnerable populations.
