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Detail of the Virgin Mary and Christ fro

About Us

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

Due to a lack of funding, rapid deterioration of the church building, and the December 2022 fire, Project Augustine's goal of restoring the former St. Augustine Catholic Church is in serious jeopardy. We are evaluating remaining options for saving the structure, in any form. Unfortunately, the future of St. Augustine is unclear at this time.

The future physical 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 a minimum of $5 million, with total restoration estimated at more than $10 million—to learn how you can provide financial support click HERE. Project Augustine anticipates this phase taking a minimum of 3 years once construction begins.

While working toward restoration of the church and rectory buildings, Project Augustine has implemented several programs to bridge the gap. These programs include: Food Pantry, Community Garden, Job Skill Workshops, and Art Days and Workshops.
 
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 once it begins.
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 plans to open its doors to the public in its permanent home. An official Opening Day date will be determined at a future time.
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