Street view of the North Sarah apartment buildings

1024 N. Sarah St.
St. Louis, MO 63113
United States

Summary

Multiple undeveloped lots and vacant and dilapidated buildings have spotted the area along N. Sarah St. in St. Louis for many years. The area was zoned residential with commercial and retail uses. Extensive remediation and removal efforts allowed for redeveloping the site into a multi-family, mixed-use development with residential, community and commercial space.

Background

As early as 1909, the site and neighboring property was zoned residential with commercial and retail uses. Over the years, non-residential use included an auto repair facility, service station, tire shop, fuel yard, ice and fuel company, cosmetic warehouse, photography business, woodworker furniture repair shop, mortuary, various retail businesses, manufacturing facility, dry cleaners and former laundry company. Beginning in the 1950s, most of the structures were progressively demolished or abandoned. Neighboring properties also included three underground storage tanks and two brownfield sites.

When the site entered the department's Voluntary Cleanup Program, the sites consisted of multiple undeveloped lots, one occupied and multiple vacant single-family homes, a church, a dilapidated two-story apartment structure, a vacant garage, a commercial structure and a two-story former retail building. 

Environmental Issues and Cleanup Process

The department's Brownfields/ Voluntary Cleanup Program (BVCP) staff provided remediation oversight. Phase II Investigations conducted at the site identified lead, mercury, other heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and fill, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater and asbestos and asbestos-containing material. Elevated levels of arsenic were detected in groundwater, soil and fill in one location on the property. These contaminants are typically found in urban areas. Geotechnical test pit activities identified buried demolition debris across the site. 

The results of the risk assessments, conducted according to the 2006 Missouri Risk-Based Corrective Action (MRBCA) guidance, indicated the lead hot-spot exceeded the risk-based target level for protecting construction workers. Sitewide levels of lead and PAHs exceeded the target levels for unrestricted residential use. 

Approximately 231 tons of lead-contaminated soil were removed and properly disposed of off-site. The area of buried asbestos-containing material in fill was excavated and properly disposed of off-site. Asbestos-containing material was abated from the former structures before demolition. All hazardous materials were removed from former structures and properly disposed of off-site. Three underground storage tanks were located on the former service station property. One underground storage tank that was used for heating oil was discovered during site activities. The tanks were removed and disposed of off-site. No soil contamination above the MRBCA default target levels was found in the excavation. Surficial soil contamination, consisting mainly of PAHs and lead, was addressed by placing an exposure barrier over the property. This barrier consists of either a building slab, parking area, sidewalk or brightly colored "witness barrier" over contaminated soil. The witness barrier also included a minimum of one foot of clean soil over the barrier. No risk-based target level exceedances for protecting construction workers remain on the property. An operation and maintenance plan was created that governs any future soil disturbances at the property. Soil gas testing did not identify concentrations of VOCs above residential Tier I risk-based target levels in the area where elevated VOCs were detected in groundwater.

Funding Sources

  • Federal and state tax credits
  • City of St. Louis
  • Missouri Housing Development Commission
  • HUD
Redevelopment

The site has been redeveloped into a multi-family, mixed-use development with residential, community and commercial space. The pet-friendly North Sarah Apartments offer a range of floorplans including live/ work units, one- and two-bedroom garden apartments and two- and three-bedroom townhomes. The apartment homes include energy-efficient appliances. The location is only moments away from dining, shopping, city parks, the St. Louis University, the St. Louis Zoo and the Grand Center Arts District. Nearby attractions include the City Museum, Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch. The community room is perfect for hosting get-togethers with friends and family. Other community amenities include a fitness center and lush landscaping, along with playgrounds for outdoor fun and relaxation. 

Project Partners

  • BVCP Project Managers 
  • St Louis Housing Authority
  • Thompson Coburn LLC
  • McCormack Baron Salazar Development Inc.
  • SCI Engineering Inc.
  • North Sarah Limited Partnership
Environmental and Economic Benefits

The risk assessment results indicated that remaining levels of lead, arsenic and PAHs in surface soil/ fill material after the remediation activities exceed the department’s risk-based target levels for unrestricted residential use. The risk to residents was addressed during redevelopment by placing an exposure barrier over the property. This barrier consists of either a building slab, parking area, sidewalk or brightly colored "witness barrier" over contaminated soil. The witness barrier also includes a minimum of one foot of clean soil over the barrier. Playground areas have a minimum of one foot of crushed limestone and a play surface cap over the witness barrier. 

The apartment complex is a green-certified community, using few raw materials, consuming less water and energy and is a healthier environment than a non-certified community. Specific energy-saving items include additional insulation in walls and ceilings, ENERGY STAR® lighting and appliances, programmable thermostats and daylight censors on exterior lighting. To help reduce water use, the apartment includes low-flow toilets, showers and faucets. Stormwater management systems and water permeable sidewalks and parking were incorporated into the redevelopment. Recycle storage units are built into all kitchens and a recycle dumpster is available on location.

Institutional Controls

Contaminants of concern remaining on-site include arsenic, lead, metals, PAHs and semi-volatile organic compounds in soil and surface soil. Activity and use limits on the sites include engineered controls for soil, restricted residential, soil management plans and inspecting and maintaining the engineered controls. An operation and maintenance plan was created that governs any future soil disturbances at the property. The sites are enrolled in the long-term stewardship program.

Timeline

BVCP Project Identification 

  • SMARS  #12159, #12383 and #12627

Assurances Received

  • December 2010 - Letter of Agreement Received
  • December 2013 - Certificate of Completion Issued
  • July 2012 - Letter of Agreement Received
  • December 2014 - Certificate of Completion Issued
  • October 2015 - Letter of Agreement Received
  • November 2018 - Certificate of Completion Issued

Contact Information