Why Pruitt-Igoe Became the Worst Public Housing Project: Exploring the No-Go Zone

Pruitt-Igoe was a large public housing complex in St. Louis, Missouri, built in the 1950s as part of a post-World War II urban renewal initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to low-income families. Designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, the project consisted of 33 high-rise buildings and was initially celebrated for its modernist design and ambition. However, by the 1970s, Pruitt-Igoe faced severe challenges, including rampant crime, poor maintenance, and a lack of community resources, leading to deteriorating living conditions. Despite its hopeful beginnings, the complex was ultimately demolished in a series of implosions starting in 1972, symbolizing the failures of mid-century urban planning and the complexities of addressing housing needs in American cities. Today, Pruitt-Igoe serves as a poignant reminder of the socio-economic issues that persist in urban America.

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