Rainscaping mission-driven properties in St. Louis
MSD’s Rainscaping Large Grants Program
Greenprint has managed several green infrastructure projects through the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District’s (MSD) Rainscaping Large Scale Grants Program, part of MSD’s Project Clear initiative with the EPA and Missouri Coalition for the Environment. Project Clear aims to improve water quality and address wastewater issues in the St. Louis region. Rainscaping (or green infrastructure) is a key part of the initiative as a tool to help reduce the risk of basement flooding and combined sewer overflows.
In 2017, Greenprint received a Kresge Foundation grant to evaluate the program and identify barriers for property owners in low-income communities. We found that community-benefit institutions like schools and houses of worship were strong candidates but needed additional support to participate. These sites offer both stormwater and community benefits, and by helping them secure funding, we expanded participation and advanced MSD’s goals.
Greenprint works with property owners in areas that drain into the Mississippi River and River Des Peres, guiding them through each phase of their projects. From planning and grant applications to permitting and construction, we help ensure projects address stormwater issues and reflect community needs. With nine projects completed and four underway, our work highlights the value of a community-centered approach to stormwater management.
“This represents one of the largest investments MSD has made in a historically black community in St. Louis, and shows that we are leaders in creating a more sustainable and prosperous community.”
– Dr. Donald Ray McNeal, Senior Pastor, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
Project Showcase: Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
Greenprint helped Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church secure a $787,000 grant from MSD to improve stormwater management on church grounds. This project contributed to Senior Pastor Dr. Donald Ray McNeal’s mission to foster healing and unity within his congregation. Greenprint managed the entire project, from design and permitting to construction contracting, creating a system that manages stormwater runoff from 4.75 acres through five bioretention areas. Church elders played an active role in deciding the locations of the bioretention areas and selecting the plants they wanted to see on the site. The final designs not only addressed drainage issues, but helped meet the church's goal of beautifying the property.
Greenprint also provided outreach and PR support to help inform the greater community about the project. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, our team worked closely with church leaders to develop innovative methods for community engagement. We also coordinated the acquisition of public proclamations and organized a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew 100 attendees, including leaders from the Comptrollerʼs office, Aldermanʼs Office, Metropolitan Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Fire Department.
The project received extensive local media coverage. Senior Pastor Dr. Donald Ray McNeal was thrilled to get positive press coverage about his community in the local paper — a welcome change from the usual negative coverage. Tishaura O. Jones, St. Louisʼ first black female mayor named October 31, 2021 “Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church Day” and Missouriʼs Lieutenant Governor issued a proclamation in support of the project. This project earned a Stormwater Solutions Top Project 2022 award and was featured by the Kresge Foundation.
17 North State Street
Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60602
