Bush Lands $750,000 Grant for Urban League Plaza

Many St. Louisans lament the fact that residents of underserved neighborhoods often must travel miles to find services, stores and dining opportunities.

Among them is Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) President and CEO.

“Why do people have to shop all over the region for things we should be able to buy right here?” McMillan asked during a May 31, 2024, press conference with Congresswoman Cori Bush.

“If we do more of that, we can also create more Black-owned businesses.”

Bush announced a $750,000 federal outlay for the renovations of capital improvements of the Urban League Plaza, just east of the Urban League headquarters at 1408 N. Kingshighway and saluted the work of the organization.

“The Urban League has been a pillar of strength and support for the St. Louis community,” she said.

“I am grateful to the entire Urban League family. They are out knocking on doors, out in the streets sweating [and] paving the way for brighter futures.’

The grant is part of the $18.4 million in FY 2023 Community Project Funding (CPF) that Bush secured in 2022. It is part of over $41 million in CPF resources secured for the 1st Congressional District since Bush was elected.

The Plaza is located at Aubert Avenue and Page Boulevard and within the Urban League headquarters footprint, across an avenue named for McMillan.

The non-profit purchased the site from The Roberts Companies in 2020, and immediately began improvements. Several empty storefronts were soon filled with tenants, and the plaza now includes Guys With The Fries and other restaurants, a dollar store a banquet hall and beauty shops.

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