South Side Spaces

South Side Spaces is a property manager in St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings in South City, particularly within the Gravois Park neighborhood near Cherokee and Jefferson Avenues. The company focuses on revitalizing vacant properties, many unoccupied for five years or more, some for decades, transforming them into functional spaces such as artist studios, retail storefronts, office spaces, residential apartments, and live/work units. They prioritize preserving the original character of each building while integrating modern amenities, supporting sustainable urban development. Their service area centers on South City, with an emphasis on fostering community through thoughtful, long-term leasing. With a 4.90 rating, they are recognized for their commitment to quality and tenant satisfaction.

The company draws inspiration from Jane Jacobs’ vision of urban vitality, emphasizing that new ideas thrive best in old buildings. South Side Spaces champions creative reuse, believing that historic structures provide the ideal canvas for innovation. Their approach centers on maintaining architectural integrity while meeting contemporary needs. They actively seek small, independently-owned businesses that serve diverse demographics and contribute positively to the neighborhood’s eclectic character. They intentionally exclude predatory enterprises such as payday lenders and rent-to-own stores, and discourage first-floor commercial use in main corridors for office or service-based businesses, instead promoting side streets and upper floors to preserve the area’s unique street-level vibrancy.

South Side Spaces is deeply rooted in the fabric of St. Louis’s South City, where its projects like Zella Mae at 2831 Chippewa exemplify a commitment to place-based stewardship. By investing in underutilized buildings, they help sustain the cultural and economic vitality of the neighborhood, turning overlooked spaces into thriving hubs of creativity and commerce. Their work reflects a deliberate, community-centered model of urban renewal.