ST. LOUIS — Mental health-focused nonprofit Independence Center has opened a new senior apartment building in St. Louis’ Central West End, expanding its housing offerings for people with mental illnesses.
The $13.3 million development at 4221 Forest Park Ave. in the Central West End has 38 one-bedroom apartments for residents ages 55 and older living with mental illness. The new apartment community is next door to Independence Center’s clubhouse, a facility that provides daily programs and support.
The four-story building is named after Sidney R. Baer Jr., a member of the family that founded the Stix, Baer & Fuller department store chain who lived with mental illness for much of his life…