In 1994, National Housing Partnerships of Washington, D.C., took over the management of 1,109 apartment units and the commercial space in DeBaliviere Place. NHP had actually been the owner of this project for some time. Its parent company is owned by the Harvard Endowment Fund and private investors. An Act of Congress established the entity in 1968 to develop housing for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
NHP now handles resident services, marketing, leasing, subsidized housing units, and maintenance for a large portion of the DeBaliviere Place area. NHP’s on-site manager is Mary Ann Powell. A native of Atlanta, she had worked for NHP there. She has enjoyed her move to St. Louis. DeBaliviere Place reminds her of the Virginia Highland area in Atlanta. She likes the convenience and the fine restaurants nearby, such as the Tango Grill.
Powell reports that the project is now 91% occupied. NHP is taking over the space at Pershing and Belt formerly occupied by 2 Black Cats to use for offices and meeting room. Powell has been retooling the structure of many of the buildings and will address the entrances and lobbies in 1995. Apartment units are also being upgraded. Powell also has tried to address the issue of security by starting a citizens’ watch. Block captains have been identified and 3 meetings were held regarding the community watch. Each was standing room only. Powell also intends to begin a DeBaliviere Place newsletter and will do resident interviews with the many interesting people who live there. Powell is very positive about DeBaliviere Place and our neighborhood to the west.
