120 mixed-income apartments are now available to residents of St. Louis’18th Ward, just north of the old Gaslight Square.

The project, called "North Sarah Apartments," is a LEED-certified green community, with garden style and townhouse apartments.

18th Ward Alderman Terry Kennedy said the project was envisioned by residents over 10 years ago.

Central to their idea, Kennedy says, was the restoration of a commercial district on North Sarah Street.

"That plan was called, the 'North-Central Plan,'" Kennedy said. “It included the saving of Sarah with commercial ventures. So we may not have a Comet Theater, but we're certainly going to have other commercial ventures along Sarah, that was this community's idea."

The project is the second grand opening by St. Louis Developer McCormack Baron Salazar in less than 10 days. The other development, called Arlington Grove, is located in the 22nd ward.

St. Louis Congressman Lacy Clay says the developments are both clear examples of a new way of thinking for urban redevelopment

“North Sarah is addressing the problem of urban food deserts head on, by including a neighborhood grocery into the development plan,” Clay said.

The $26 million development is a partnership between McCormack Baron Salazar and the St. Louis Housing Authority.

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