East St. Louis nonprofit sells two of 20 new homes amid state police expansion
Mark Mestemacher's Lansdowne Up project faces pricing hurdles, but a $55 million state facility nearby offers a long-term bet on the city's future.
By Alexei Brooks ·
Only two homes in the 20-unit Lansdowne Park subdivision have sold since construction finished in 2024, leaving 90% of the properties vacant for over a year.
The development sits less than a mile from the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis. The homes feature paved streets, sidewalks, and modern interiors with open-concept layouts and new appliances. Mark Mestemacher, a Metro East native and barge company co-owner, funded the project through his nonprofit, Lansdowne Up. His wife and he purchased one of the two sold units.
The average list price for the ranch and two-story homes is $370,000. This figure is more than six and a half times the average home price in East St. Louis. Mestemacher acknowledged that selling the properties has been harder than anticipated. He noted that construction costs exceeded the current selling price. He stated that the homes could sell for $300,000 or $325,000, but he believes $370,000 is the correct valuation. He said the homes appraised at that level.
Mestemacher said his strategy relies on a nearby state investment. The Illinois State Police is building a $55 million, 60,000-square-foot Metro East Regional Headquarters. The state is funding the facility, and Lansdowne Up donated the land for $1. Mestemacher predicted that if the project completes in two years, all Lansdowne Park homes will sell within three years.
Brendan Kelly, the ISP director, said a permanent police presence would encourage business investment. He argued that public safety is a necessary foundation for community growth. East St. Louis Mayor Charles Powell III stated that city crime rates have dropped by more than 50 percent. He credited the city's efforts and assistance from the ISP for the decline. Resident Gloria Hicks said she expects businesses and stores to return once the state police headquarters is operational.
Lansdowne Up is planning a second development on Nectar Avenue, one mile from the first site. This new project will feature 16 homes built from shipping containers with a price point of $200,000. Mestemacher explained that he contracted the builders before the first phase sold out. He said the lower price targets young professionals. He stated that proceeds from home sales will return to the nonprofit to fund further community development.
The city has experienced population decline for several decades. Mestemacher said the organization aims to act as a seed for revival. He stated that if no one takes the first step, the decline will continue. He affirmed that Lansdowne Up is committed to staying in East St. Louis to help push the community forward.
The next step involves the construction of the state police headquarters. The ISP plans to have the facility ready in approximately two years. Lansdowne Up has already contracted the builders for the 16 shipping container homes on Nectar Avenue.
