A rich history, a bright future
Legend has it that the seed for this Linden tree was brought from Germany by early Lutheran immigrants. It stood on the grounds of Concordia Seminary and now overlooks Intersect Arts Center.
Lutheran Heritage
The history of the neighborhoods we serve is entwined with Lutheran history in St. Louis. The area historically known as Dutchtown was the core of German Lutheran immigration in St. Louis.
The first St. Louis location of Concordia Seminary was on South Jefferson Ave. See a historical map of the area here.
Many of the oldest Missouri Synod churches are located in or near these south St. Louis neighborhoods.
Want to learn more about Lutheran history in the area? The Concordia Historical Institute has many resources. Visit them here.
Historic Neighborhoods
The core neighborhoods LDG works in are Dutchtown, Gravois Park, and Benton Park West.
These neighborhoods were established in the mid 19th Century, therefore many of the buildings we renovate are over 100 years old, if not much older. Further complicating our efforts, typically these buildings were vacant or abandoned prior to renovation. LDG is working to bring financial resources back into these communities with safe, affordable homes and increased educational and economic opportunities.
Planning for the future
By creating affordable housing, expanding the capacity of neighborhood organizations, supporting educational opportunities, recruiting job creators, resident informed planning, and remediating blight; we hope that the neighborhood can be a strong, stable, and sustainable home for the households living there now and for generations to come.