Revitalizing North St. Louis through food, art, and community.
Project Augustine's mission will be realized and implemented in three phases.
PHASE ONE: RESTORATION OF ST. AUGUSTINE & INTERIM PROGRAMS
The future home of Project Augustine is the former St. Augustine Catholic Church located in the St. Louis Place neighborhood of North St. Louis. After sitting abandoned for years in a state of severe disrepair, the once-magnificent building has seen better days. Most of the exterior copper guttering and flashing has been stolen, large holes in the roof and missing windows have allowed water to penetrate the structure, and most of the ornate vaulting has collapsed onto the floor below. Stabilization and roof repair are the most vital aspects of the restoration of St. Augustine. However, they are also the most expensive. Exterior work is estimated at $5 million, with total restoration estimated at $10 million—to learn how you can provide financial support click HERE. Project Augustine anticipates this phase taking a minimum of 3 years.
While working toward restoration of the church and rectory buildings, Project Augustine will immediately begin implementing several interim community outreach and resource programs in order to further the organization's mission prior to completion of the massive restoration project. These anticipated programs will be put in place to bridge the gap between now and the time the church restoration project is completed, so community members can benefit from our ideas and resources right away. The programs will initially include a food pantry, job interview preparation and interpersonal skills training, and art days and workshops. Project Augustine anticipates more programs will be developed as needed to meet community demand. To learn more about programs being offered, click HERE.
PHASE TWO: PERMANENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
When a completion date for the restoration of St. Augustine is determined, Project Augustine will simultaneously enter its next phase: development of the permanent programs and resources to be offered when Project Augustine opens its doors to the public. General plans for the restored St. Augustine are best summarized as a community center offering arts and educational programs, a community garden, a wellness center, event space, and administrative/entrepreneurial spaces. The community center will be open to all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Input from the community will be vital to this phase. Project Augustine is committed to providing programs and resources that best serve the community members who will be using them, and will be asking members of the community for suggestions and feedback throughout the development process. This phase is anticipated to take approximately 6 months.
PHASE THREE: OPENING DAY
Opening Day is big in St. Louis, and Project Augustine's grand opening will be no different. After the long journey through interim programs, church restoration, and permanent program development, Project Augustine will open its doors to the public in its permanent home. An official Opening Day date will be determined at a future time.
