City and district outline repurposing plans for surplus schools, including EV bus depot and outdoor learning campuses

The district and City of St. Louis planning staff described collaborative redevelopment plans for surplus school properties during the work session. Jonathan Roper of the city and district real estate director Shameka Henry outlined projects including a proposed electric-vehicle bus depot at Hempstead, an outdoor learning campus adjacent to Washington Montessori on the Euclid site, and community-focused concepts for Scullin School and other sites.

Roper said the city's neighborhood planning program aims to knit schools, parks and local assets into a broader ecosystem and called the Penrose area concept a potential "Penrose Learning, Athletics, and Youth District." Director Henry described outdoor classrooms, STEM discovery zones, school gardens and community wellness features proposed for Euclid and said partners would be engaged to build programming and support operations.

Chief Watson added that the district is seeking grant and partnership funding to support repurposing and that in some cases vacant lots already owned by the district or city might reduce demolition costs. For Hempstead, staff said plans include charging infrastructure and a public-access element to support both district electrification and community use. The district described partner conversations with SLDC, planning and urban departments, and other city agencies.

Why this matters: The plans aim to convert vacant or surplus school properties into neighborhood assets and are presented as part of a broader strategy to limit eyesores after closures, support local housing and economic development, and to align school reconfiguration with city planning. Board members asked about control, financing, and whether the district would retain title or use community benefit agreements to preserve long-term community goals.