Housing Stagnation: East St. Louis Subdivision Sells Two Units Since 2024

Ninety percent of the homes in Lansdowne Park, a new construction subdivision in the Metro East, have sat vacant for more than a year. Only two of the 20 units in the development have sold since its completion in 2024. One of those purchases was made by Mark Mestemacher and his wife, who founded the nonprofit Lansdowne Up to manage the project.

The subdivision features ranch and two-story homes with large lots, paved streets, and new appliances. The average list price for these properties is $370,000. This price point is more than six and a half times the average home price in East St. Louis, a city that has experienced population decline over the last several decades.

Mestemacher, a Metro East native and co-owner of a barge transportation company, personally funded the development. He stated that the homes cost more to build than the current selling price. When asked if sales have been harder than expected, Mestemacher acknowledged the challenge and noted pushback regarding the pricing. He said the homes appraised at $370,000 and that he believes that is the correct market value, despite offers coming in for $360,000 or less.

Mestemacher aims to bring middle-class families to East St. Louis. He noted that buyers are investing in the potential of the community to thrive like other parts of the St. Louis region. Proceeds from home sales return to Lansdowne Up, which uses the funds to continue building in the area. The organization's mission is to transform East St. Louis one property at a time.

A key part of Mestemacher's strategy relies on the nearby Illinois State Police Metro East Regional Headquarters. The $55 million, 60,000-square-foot facility is being built on land that Lansdowne Up donated to the state of Illinois for $1. Mestemacher predicted that if the facility is completed in two years, all 20 homes in Lansdowne Park will be sold within three years.

ISP Director Brendan Kelly said a permanent state police presence would create a greater sense of safety. He argued that this foundation of public safety would encourage businesses and residents to invest in the area. East St. Louis Mayor Charles Powell III added that crime in the city has dropped by more than 50 percent, a trend he attributed to city efforts and assistance from the state police.

Local residents expressed optimism about the safety improvements. Gloria Hicks, a resident, said that once people trust East St. Louis as a safe place, businesses and stores will return. Mestemacher plans to move forward with a second development on Nectar Avenue, a mile from Lansdowne Park. This new project will feature 16 homes built from shipping containers, priced at $200,000, and targeted at young professionals.

Mestemacher said the second development was contracted before the slow sales of the first project began. He explained that the lower price point addresses the need for affordable housing for a different demographic. He described the effort as a commitment to start the process of revitalization, stating that someone must take the step to believe the community can come back.