01/08/2026
Kinloch holds the distinction of being the oldest black community to be incorporated in Missouri. Established in the 1890s as a commuter suburb, its development was initially sparked by the establishment of the Wabash Railroad, connecting downtown St. Louis (Stl) to the Kinloch area. This development led to racial tensions. When a white landowner sold a property in a restricted white neighborhood to a black family, many white residents quickly sold their lots and moved, often for more than double the original purchase price due to the illegal nature of selling land to non-white individuals.
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Black children denied access to local schools, forcing them to attend schools in Ferguson, until 1913 when the first school for black children in Kinloch was established, followed by 3 more between 1927-1952. Despite the US Supreme Court’s order for desegregation in 1954, Kinloch’s schools remained segregated. Many black families relocated during the 1920s, including returning soldiers from WWI and those fleeing the East Stl race riots. During this period, the black population dramatically increased, prompting white residents to create a new municipality (Berkeley) which led to the splitting of the school district.
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However, by the 1980s, Kinloch faced significant challenges as the city of Stl began buying out land for a noise-abatement program linked to the airport’s expansion, resulting in a significant decline in population and economic stability. From 1980-2020, the population plummeted by approx. 94% (From 4,455 to 263 residents) leading to increased abandoned buildings and lack of investment. This decline was heightened by illegal dumping, as seen in cases like local Benjamin Hoover, who used empty land for storing items from estate sales with intent to sell to recycling companies for 3 years. But without proper approval, it created large piles of debris.
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In recent years, redevelopment efforts have emerged, including the Pepsi and Schnucks Distribution Centers/Warehouses (2015/16) that we have all heard about and are disappointed over.. The block of Lurch Ave & MLK Blvd has homes that are currently being redeveloped by Pinnacle Development & Construction.
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The “Clean Up, Build Up Kinloch” multi-phase initiative aims to revitalize the community through large-scale cleanups and law enforcement, with significant funding to support these efforts, including the removal of over 1,200 mattresses in the first phase and 500 tons of trash during a single March 2025 cleanup event. Additionally, St. Louis County Police Department has assigned a full-time officer to oversee these efforts, utilizing surveillance and community engagement to tackle illegal dumping, perpetrators are pressured to clean up their waste before facing legal consequences. The third and final phase of the initiative is focused on beautification and green spaces, creating a “blank canvas” for a new future.
