Pruitt-Igoe's Construction Timeline: When Was It Built?

The Pruitt-Igoe housing project in Saint Louis, Missouri, was a prominent feature in the city's landscape during its brief existence. But the question on many minds is: exactly when was Pruitt-Igoe built?

To understand the timeline, let's delve into the project's history and the broader context of public housing in the United States during the mid-20th century.

The Emergence of Public Housing in the U.S.

Before delving into the construction of Pruitt-Igoe, it's crucial to understand the overarching program that led to its creation: the United States Housing Act of 1937. This Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, provided funding for local authorities to construct low-income housing.

The Housing Act of 1949 further expanded this program, increasing funding and setting a goal of eliminating slum areas within a decade.

The Slum Clearance Period

In the context of Saint Louis, this period led to the demolition of many older, overcrowded housing units to make way for newer, more modern housing developments. This brought the city in line with the federal government's Urban Renewal program.

The city planned multiple projects, with Pruitt-Igoe being among the most ambitious.

The Breakneck Construction of Pruitt-Igoe

The Pruitt-Igoe project was born out of this slum clearance period. Construction began in the late 1940s and was completed swiftly due to the high demand for affordable housing. In fact, the project was completed so quickly that many consider it a hallmark of mid-century modern design.

By 1954, Pruitt-Igoe was ready to welcome residents, offering 2,870 apartments spread over 33 buildings, making it one of the largest public housing projects in the U.S. at the time.

The Golden Years and the Decline of Pruitt-Igoe

The project started as a symbol of hope, offering modern, safe housing to families who had previously lived in substandard dwellings. However, the early optimism soon turned into despair.

Design flaws, lack of maintenance, and economic factors turned Pruitt-Igoe into a symbol of urban decay. By the 1970s, it was one of the most notorious housing projects in the U.S.

The Munich Resolution and the End of Pruitt-Igoe

In a move that reflected the national sentiment towards public housing at the time, Saint Louis decided to demolish Pruitt-Igoe. The Munich Resolution, passed in 1972, set the stage for the end of the project.

The demolitions began in 1976, and by 1977, all but one building had been demolished. The final building was demolished in 1997, bringing an end to one of the most infamous periods in Saint Louis' history.

Today, the legacy of Pruitt-Igoe serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sustainable urban planning and the complex issues surrounding affordable housing. As the city continues to grow and change, understanding the history of projects like Pruitt-Igoe is crucial for shaping a better future.