A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the HOPE VI program in revitalizing conventional public housing sites: A multiple case study in St. Louis

The study examines two groups of housing developments to ascertain to what extent HOPE VI policy objectives have been achieved in St. Louis. HOPE VI (King Louis, Blumeyer and Cochran) and HOPE VI-like (Murphy Park) interventions at these four mixed-income sites involved the demolition and redevelopment of severely distressed (high-rise) public housing developments. The other group includes three conventional public housing developments: Clinton Peabody and Carr Square underwent substantial rehabilitation involving limited demolition and the reconfiguration of existing units, while only more routine renovation of existing units occurred at LaSalle.;Two broad categories of indicators were used to compare both groups of housing developments before and after intervention, and across time. The first category, the demographic indicators measured the concentration of poverty and minority households, and the preponderance of female-headed households. The second category measured housing-focused, neighborhood-oriented objectives: crime rates; vacancy and turnover rates; and new business investment.;The study finds that to a limited extent, HOPE VI intervention achieved the housing-focused, neighborhood-oriented objectives. Post-intervention, crime rates at the four mixed-income developments were considerably lower when compared to the conventional public housing developments. The mixed-income developments are also currently performing well with respect to vacancy rates. Furthermore, neighborhoods adjoining some of the mixed-income developments have experienced modest rejuvenation as evidenced by new business investments. However, none of the HOPE VI objectives measured by the demographic indicators were achieved in St. Louis. Post intervention, the high concentration of poverty and minorities, and the preponderance of female-headed households persist in both groups of housing developments.