For the 3rd Ward

For The 3rd Ward IMG

Now is the time to move the 3rd Ward FORWARD.


The final FOR the 3rd WARD Housing & Revitalization Plan is available for download!

Through the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), which captures a portion of the increased taxes realized from the development of Market at Olive, $15 million in revitalization funds for the Third Ward will be generated over time: $10 million for Third Ward residential neighborhoods and $5 million for the Olive Boulevard Commercial Corridor.

This planning effort, FOR THE THIRD WARD, is designed to create strategies for investing those TIF funds in a way that increases housing values, promotes economic diversity, encourages homeownership, and revitalizes the Third Ward.

3rd Ward Housing & Revitalization Task Force

The University City 3rd Ward Revitalization Task Force is a community-led initiative focused on fostering equitable growth, neighborhood beautification, and economic development within the 3rd Ward. The task force collaborates with residents, local businesses, and City leadership to identify priorities, enhance quality of life, and create sustainable solutions that strengthen the community’s social and economic vitality.
  • Byron Price, Chair
  • Ariel Gardner
  • Susan Murray
  • Christina Dancy, Vice Chair
  • Craig Hughes
  • Linda Peoples-Jones
  • Christopher Flood
  • Patricia McQueen
  • Mayela Zambrano

3rd Ward Ambassadors

The 3rd Ward Ambassadors act as liaisons with the community and co-lead public engagement sessions. The team of Ambassadors, who are all 3rd Ward residents, provide local perspectives and first-hand community input on decision-making processes. Look for the Ambassadors at community events around U City as they gather input from residents about their experiences in the 3rd Ward.
  • Angela has been a resident of University City since 1969 and matriculated through the University City school district. Angela recently retired after over 30 years of dedicated service from the State of Missouri, Family Support Division, as a Benefit Program Specialist. As an ambassador of the 3rd Ward, she looks forward to working with the community and all who are involved in the process of the planned revitalization for a positive outcome for University City and its residents.
  • Charlene is an elementary school teacher in U City Schools and a new resident of the 3rd Ward. She has years of experience in public administration and government. Charlene writes, “I am excited about obtaining new experiences and being active where I reside. Being a Community Ambassador for the Revitalization of the 3rd Ward allows me to do that.”
  • Mona has been a resident of University City’s 3rd ward since 1969. She is an Alumnus of the University City School District, her son is a U City schools graduate, and her grandsons currently attend U City schools! Mona worked in the social service field for over 30 years before retiring in 2018. Mona writes, “As one of your Community Ambassadors for the 3rd ward I hope together we can build and develop a trusting relationship with this revitalization project.”
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Third Ward Housing & Revitalization Plan Purpose

  1. Develop a Housing Plan that guides equitable growth both in the short term and for the next two decades.
  2. Create a Revitalization Strategy for the 3rd Ward that ensures outcomes that strengthen the local economy and prevent economic displacement.
  3. Conduct engagement that is thoughtful and meaningful while also building off of past planning and engagement efforts.
  4. Empower stakeholders to carry the plan forward and ensure that community change is reflective of who they are
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Why We Are Developing This Plan

Similar to municipalities throughout the St. Louis metro, University City is reliant on sales tax revenues to fund essential public services such as police, fire, and sanitation.

“Market at Olive” is a commercial development at the intersection of Olive Boulevard and I-170. It represents a significant sales-tax generating engine for University City. The $211-million development consists of approximately 50-acres on both the south and north sides of Olive Boulevard, bordered by I-170 on the west and McKnight/Woodson Road on the east. Designed to take full advantage of the adjacent Interstate frontage, “Market at Olive” is a regional draw that attracts shoppers (and their sales tax dollars) from neighboring municipalities.

The development’s first phase includes a 160,000 square foot Costco Wholesale store on the north side of Olive Boulevard that opened in 2022. Other expected businesses include Chick-Fil-A, Raisin’ Canes, Chase Bank, First Watch and Chipotle. 

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Through the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), which captures a portion of the increased taxes realized from the Market at Olive, $15 million in revitalization funds for the 3rd Ward will be generated over time: $10 million for 3rd Ward residential neighborhoods and $5 million for the Olive Boulevard Commercial Corridor.

This planning effort, FOR THE 3RD WARD, is designed to create strategies for investing those TIF funds in a way that increases housing values, promotes economic diversity, encourages homeownership, and revitalizes the 3rd Ward.

What is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)?

TIF is a tool for economic development provided under Missouri law that may be implemented by local municipalities to incentivize development.

In a TIF district, taxing districts (city, school board, library, etc.) continue to receive certain taxes at the level they were before the TIF was initiated. For the duration of the TIF (maximum 23 years), any increase in real property taxes within the defined TIF district redevelopment area is put in a fund and used to pay costs associated with the redevelopment project. This fund also receives 50% of new sales taxes generated within the redevelopment area. After 23 years, the taxing districts once again begin collecting 100% of the taxes from the redevelopment area.

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Allowed TIF Redevelopment Activities


3rd Ward Residential (RPA2)

  • Housing rehabilitation and other housing activities
  • Neighborhood Improvements
  • Acquisition of residential property
  • Landscaping
  • Demolition
  • Park development
  • Construction of housing
  • Renovation of commercial properties

Olive Blvd Commercial (RPA3)

  • Renovation of commercial property
  • Acquisition of commercial property
  • Demolition
  • Public improvements
  • Landscaping
  • Park development
  • Construction for commercial uses

Document Library

Final FOR the 3rd WARD Plan

  1. FOR the 3rd Ward Oct2024_FINAL PDF

Summary of Understanding

Contact Us

  1. sfranklin IMG

    Steven Franklin

    3rd Ward Revitalization Coodinator
    Email
    Phone: 314-505-8520
    More Information

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    Becky Ahlvin

    Economic Development Manager
    Email
    Phone: 314-505-8516
    More Information