Historical Summer 2016 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
For those of us that use the Delmar/DeBaliviere junction frequently, the Loop Trolley work is often our primary concern. Will the lanes have been altered, will there be any construction trucks moving dirt or equipment around, these are the items at the top of our minds as we take the turn.
But as I wait at the lights, I can’t help but notice an area that has been empty for years is now showing signs of development, what is happening?
The answer is that the Betty Jean Kerr Peoples Health Center (PHC) is expanding. Groundbreaking on the site was back in February, and already we have seen a lot of ground clearance and the foundations appear to be nearing completion.
I know of the PHC as one of the facilities in our neighbourhood, but it was interesting to find out that the very first location back in 1972 is a place many of us now know as the home of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, at the corner of Kingsbury and Des Peres.
From this small beginning, PHC now has the facility we are all aware of along Delmar, clinics in Florissant and Lindell, as well as a dedicated Women Infants and Children location in Maplewood. PHC has always sought to be a complete family health provider, and this commitment is shown in the new building, which is going to be a $6 million Children’s and Adolescents health facility.
The development – which bears the name “Project Hope” – will provide an additional 20,000 square feet for PHC. Its primary focus will be on delivering clinical and counselling support to children and young people. Funding for the project came in part from the City of St Louis with $3 million in Community Development Block Grants. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Slay said. “It’s a much-needed resource for families in crisis to be able to receive high-quality treatment for their children.” Mayor Slay was joined at the groundbreaking by Betty Jean Kerr, Congressman Lacy Clay, and many other dignitaries. For those of us in the neighbourhood, it’s one more positive sign in the building of stronger community.
Original photograph caption
Groundbreaking ceremony for Peoples Health Center expansion.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2016.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2016_06.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
