Walker | West
About the project
Model Cities Community Development Corporation (Model Cities CDC) was formed in 1998 by Model Cities of St. Paul, Inc. to stimulate economic activity within St. Paul's inner core neighborhoods by serving as a catalyst for community development and empowerment of economically and socially disadvantaged residents. This mission is carried out by means of development and support to small/minority-owned businesses and commercial and residential real estate development and management.
Walker|West was founded in 1988 when musicians Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West joined forces to provide piano instruction to children in the Summit University neighborhood of St. Paul. With one rented piano in the upstairs of a duplex, the founders pursued a vision that went beyond teaching music to create a safe, positive, life-affirming space for students to succeed. Together, Rev. Walker and Grant West developed a method of music instruction that emphasizes immediate success. Walker|West students walk out of their very first lesson knowing how to perform a simple melody.
Both Model Cities and Walker West are located in, and focus their work on, the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul.
LISC provided a $2.48 million acquisition loan to Model Cities CDC to acquire a permanent space on behalf of Walker West. Walker West has outgrown their 6,000 sq. ft. space nearby. The new location will include two performance halls, labs, larger rehearsal space, small studio spaces, instrument storage and safer parking and pick-up and drop-off options.
Partner:
Model Cities Community Development Corporation (Model Cities CDC)
Walker West Music Academy
Location:
St. Paul, MN
Total Investment:
$2.48 million
Results:
18,358 sq. ft.
Project Category:
Access to Essential Services;
Community Services
Product:
Acquisition loan
Website
UN SDGs:
