Better Together in the Community

A Report from Research Fellow Joe Wilson

Better Together recently visited the Cherokee Street Business Association meeting at Nebula Coworking on South Jefferson.  At the meeting, Mark Nevelow shared all that he and his wife have done to follow their dream on Cherokee Street. They bought a building that was about to fall down and lovingly restored it. On the ground floor will be the storefront (a shop called Bespoke ) and above will be the apartment in which the couple will live.

Nevelow spoke at length about the city programs in which he took part. The Façade Rehab Program , while difficult at times to maintain compliance with, helped them create a beautiful storefront.  The Sidewalk 50/50 Program helped them replace a cracked, uneven sidewalk in front of their shop. St.. Louis City’s Tax Abatement Program held the taxes on the property at the pre-rehab amount and will keep it there for ten years. After spending so much on the project, the tax savings will be very helpful for the small business owners.

Participants in such programs benefit from local government that is trying, in small and big ways, to encourage local business growth. Plus, events like Lighten Up Cherokee , Cherokee Nights , Cinco de Mayo , and IndiHop are all designed to showcase the amazing shops, restaurants, and bars on the street. So many people are pouring everything they have into their dream – on Cherokee and all across the region.