Kinloch chooses developer for new subdivision
By Brian Flinchpaugh

Kinloch's leaders want to encourage more people to move back to the city, now that they've selected a developer to build a subdivision on a 32-acre parcel.

As many as 125 single-family homes and some multifamily units could be part of the development, said Kinloch Mayor Keith L. Conway on Monday.

But the precise number of new homes still is in the planning stage, he said.

The city hopes the project will reverse its fortunes and encourage more residential and economic development.

Kinloch lost much of its population in recent years due to buyouts for noise mitigation at Lambert Airport.

Conway said recent population counts have placed the city's population at about 450, although several hundred more people may live there now.

Many of its former residents still have ties to the community. "We believe a lot of people want to come back," he said.

Last month, the Board of Aldermen selected Building Investment Group LLC of St. Louis as the residential developer for the project. The city had received four project proposals in April.

Conway said he was impressed with the quality of homes the company builds and its experience in urban communities.

The city and company will partner to market the homes once they are built, he said.

The 32 acres include many of the 131 parcels of noise mitigation property Kinloch purchased from the city of St. Louis for $354,000.

The property isn't in a noise-restricted area, and the Federal Aviation Administration has approved the project, he said.

City officials add that the project is supported with $1.8 million in tax increment financing by St. Louis County.

Kinloch is one of three municipalities in the 600-acre NorthPark commercial development site east of the airport.

Conway said NorthPark's success also would help encourage commercial and residential development in Kinloch. The city has targeted about 200 acres between NorthPark and the new subdivision for a "mix-use program," city officials say.

Reach Brian Flinchpaugh at bflinchpaugh@yourjournal.com.