Community Service Facilities

Smith NMTC has worked with nonprofits throughout the country to develop and fund community service facilities that have enriched low-income communities and empowered their residents. Often, we use New Market Tax Credits as part of the capital stack. We assist with accessing credits, sourcing investors and other funding, structuring transactions, facilitating closings, and managing post-closing compliance and accounting during the 7-year compliance period. Smith NMTC Associates staff include accountants, MBAs, and attorneys to help nonprofits navigate complex transactions and funding.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULMSL) has been empowering African Americans and others throughout the St. Louis region in securing economic self-reliance, social equality and civil rights for over 50 years. In 2021, with a $5.5M NMTC allocation, along with other public and private funding, ULMSL purchased the 205,000 square foot Victor Roberts building to transform it into a regional headquarters. With the acquisition, the ULMSL began an ambitious, multi-year $23M renovation project so that it could use the space for its headquarters, program space, and tenant retail space while continuing to deliver its important community programming. The site’s commercial center has promoted economic growth, created new jobs, and fosters entrepreneurial endeavors and community wellness.

Because of the incredible scope of the project and renovations necessary to deliver the level of services provided by ULMSL to serve its expanding client base each year, the project has to be accomplished in phases. Phase 2 began in 2022 with a vision for a major upgrade to building systems, and also included replacing windows, installing window treatments, replacing elevators, gradual replacement of the boiler and HVAC system, but also expanding to include the greenhouse, hydroponic farm, and cultural arts museum. The African American Cultural Arts Museum will be designed to preserve and promote social interests that are as diverse and unique as the people who visit it. The museum will play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage by creating communication and information sharing.

The hunger-fighting nonprofit will increase its programming and impact with the renovation of its Overland, Missouri headquarters to be completed later this year. The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership) provided the $11 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation and U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance was the NMTC investor. Smith NMTC Associates, LLC provided NMTC services for the project. Features of the new-and-improved headquarters include over 2,000 square feet of additional freezer and cooler space, more warehouse racking for shelf-stable food storage, an expanded hydroponics program, a new teaching kitchen and demonstration garden, improvements to volunteer and staff spaces, and client meeting space.

R&R Marketplace will provide renewed opportunities for jobs and career development in the Dellwood community. With a $13M NMTC-supported loan, the 90,000-square-foot former shopping center that has been vacant for 20 years will be transformed into a mixed-use community facility. R&R Marketplace will feature a branch of Midwest BankCentre, Brilliant Angels Academy, Cathy’s Kitchen to Go, Employ St. Louis, North County Innovation Center, ARCA Holdings, LLC and Bell-Brown Medical Institute. Early estimates include the creation of 100 jobs within one year and 2,000 jobs within five years. The project is a result of the visionary leadership of Pastors Ken and Beverly Jenkins, founders of Refuge and Restoration, a Missouri nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organization that has been working for years in the north St. Louis County region, prior to launching the R&R Marketplace project.

After the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis began making plans to restore and repair the wounds suffered by the community in the aftermath of the protests. With a NMTC allocation, the UL converted the site of the burnt-out QuikTrip into a new Empowerment Center in collaboration with the Salvation Army, Lutheran Family Services, and other nonprofit partners. This facility is home to numerous social service providers collaborating to provide residents with economic and educational empowerment and support.

Located on 478 acres, Sherwood Forest Camp provides year-round enrichment programs for low-income urban youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Originally built in the 1960s, the camp facilities were outdated and insufficient to serve all potential campers. With a NMTC allocation, Sherwood Forest constructed a new learning center with STEM labs, an expanded library, new dining and living halls, and other renovations. In addition to improving the camp experience for students, the renovation allowed the camp to fulfill increased enrollment goals and serve more campers in the St. Louis region.

The Omaha Early Learning Center (OELC) at Kennedy is OELC’s third nonprofit licensed childcare center providing high-quality early childhood services to low-income children from age 6 weeks to 3 years. With NMTC funding, the OELC at Kennedy can now serve 164 low-income children and their families and create 50 full-time jobs in the community. All of these opportunities will be available to the residents of Highlander/Pleasantville neighborhood, addressing a lack of childcare in the area which has resulted in long waiting lists for enrollment, especially for children three years old and younger.

Delmar DivINe is a multi-use real estate initiative that provides co-location opportunities for nonprofit organizations and a support system for tenants and St. Louis community members. With a $6 million allocation, Delmar DivINe financed the construction and redevelopment of a portion of the Old St. Luke’s Hospital, which featured approximately 114,000 square feet of retail space and 166 parking spaces. Modeled after the success of CORTEX in St. Louis as an engine of innovation and economic development, the Delmar DivINe will represent a national model of academic, service providers, and community partnerships.

St. Louis Community Credit Union (SLCCU), a nonprofit credit union and CDFI, has served the St. Louis metro area for over 70 years. Using two NMTC allocations, SLCCU expanded its services with 3 new facilities and significant upgrades to 2 existing locations. In 2015, SLCCU built a new facility in St. John, MO, which shares collaborative space with an Excel Center and offers free one-on-one financial coaching and group financial classes. In 2016, SLCCU opened a new branch on Union and a Wealth Accumulation Center on Gravois in St. Louis City, allowing it to serve an additional 10,000 low-income persons. At all facilities, SLCCU provides free or low-cost checking and savings accounts, small dollar loans, used auto loans, home loans, affordable check cashing services, and financial education.