COMMITTEES
We believe in the power of collaboration and welcome members to serve on committees to contribute to the development and growth of our neighborhood. Each of our committees is led by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about their respective focus areas and work together to initiate projects, address concerns, and drive positive change within our neighborhood.
Get involved in specific initiatives that align with your interests and skills, and make a meaningful impact on our community's well-being by joining one (or more) of our committees:
Beautification Committee
The Beautification Committee is responsible for proposing, implementing, and participating in programs to beautify all public areas within Soulard. The committee is made up of passionate volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the following areas: 9th & Sidney Triangle, Soulard Market Park Celebration garden, Soulard Station garden, Aboussie Park, and the gardens at Pontiac Square Park. The committee also provides and plants potted containers throughout the neighborhood and works with additional resident and business volunteers to maintain them. If you are passionate about making our neighborhood a more beautiful and vibrant place, we invite you to join this committee and contribute your ideas and skills to our ongoing efforts.
Chair: Jeff Weitzel
Board Liaison: Connie Suydam
Contact: beautification@soulard.org
Code & Zoning Committee and Plan Review Team
The Code & Zoning Committee and Plan Review Team (PRT) reviews and comments on plans for alterations to the exterior of existing buildings and other structures, the construction of new buildings and structures, and the demolition of existing buildings and structures in the Soulard Historic District. They work with residents, property owners, builders, developers, and designers completing work to buildings in the neighborhood and act as a resource for the City’s Cultural Resource Office, which is responsible for the oversight of Historic Districts. For all proposed construction and renovation projects within the Soulard Historic District, a copy of the Construction and Restoration Guidelines for the Soulard Historic District is available online here.
Within the Soulard Historic District, City review and approval is required. Before homeowners/property owners begin the permit process, the Code & Zoning Committee and Plan Review Team stand ready to help get your project in line with the Soulard Historic Code.
Chair: Walker Hamilton
Board Liaison: Amanda Ramcharan
Contact: prt@soulard.org
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee plays a crucial role in gathering and disseminating information to ensure effective communication within our neighborhood. Responsibilities include managing various communication channels: Soulard Renaissance Newspaper (quarterly print distribution); Soulard Blaster (monthly email newsletter); social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram); and the organization's website (soulard.org). If you have experience with public relations, graphic design, editorial writing, or photography, we invite you to share your skillset with the committee and help amplify the voice of the community.
Chair: Brenton Henry
Board Liaison: Abby Goodson
Contact: communication@soulard.org
Community Involvement & Events Committee
The Community Involvement & Events Committee is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community by organizing events for Soulard residents. This committee takes the lead in planning and coordinating a variety of inclusive activities that appeal to a broad base of neighbors. Past events include neighborhood parades, a concert series, movie showings, pet meet-ups, block parties, volunteer projects, and recreational sporting events. The committee welcomes input and ideas from the community and encourages your participation in helping to shape the vibrant fabric of our neighborhood.
Chair: Brad Pitlyk
Board Liaison: Stephen Shuman
Contact: community@soulard.org
Development Committee
The Development Committee works throughout the year to secure funds for projects that benefit the neighborhood and foster its long-term prosperity. Funds are sought through grant writing and the sale of trademarked merchandise and promotional items. In collaboration with other SRG committees, the Development Committee organizes annual fundraising events (past examples include trivia nights and beverage booth sales at neighborhood events). If you have grant writing experience or ideas for fundraising opportunities, consider joining the Development Committee and help drive the sustainable growth of our community.
Chair: Jim Dallas
Board Liaison: Margi Koors
Contact: development@soulard.org
Historical Committee
The Historical Committee is focused on preserving and sharing the unique heritage and cultural history associated with Soulard. Committee members play a crucial role in researching and documenting the neighborhood's past and present, curating archives, collecting artifacts, and organizing events that showcase our community's history. A prominent concentration of the committee is their house history initiative, where residents can hire the committee to research their property and receive an organized booklet compiled of their findings. Other committee responsibilities include overseeing historical markers and signs throughout the neighborhood, providing content for historical tours and pamphlets, and providing research services (or referrals) to neighborhood organizations. Joining the Historical Committee offers an excellent opportunity to participate in preserving the history of our neighborhood.
Chair: Veronica Putz
Board Liaison: Craig Markham
Contact: history@soulard.org
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for managing and growing the organization's membership base. The committee plays a vital role in recruiting new members, providing information about the benefits of membership, and ensuring that existing members remain engaged and active. The committee delivers welcome gift bags to new homeowners in the neighborhood, publishes the SRG’s annual Membership Roster (a directory of both residents and businesses), and hosts an annual Membership Drive and Party each May in support of new and renewing memberships.
The membership committee also works closely with other committees to encourage participation and involvement from members in various neighborhood activities. Joining the membership committee provides an opportunity to connect with neighbors, build a strong sense of community, and contribute to the overall success and impact of the neighborhood organization.
Chair: Julie Price
Board Liaison: Margi Koors
Contact: membership@soulard.org
Parlour Tour Committee
The Parlour Tour Committee plans and coordinates one of Soulard’s most cherished annual traditions — the Soulard Holiday Parlour Tour. Held on the first weekend in December, the tour opens multiple historic Soulard residences and other structures to the public and provides a festive opportunity to appreciate their architectural beauty and learn about the rich history of the neighborhood.
Chair: Jeanne Kirby
Board Liaison: Stephen Shuman
Contact: parlour@soulard.org
Properties Committee and Soulard Station Committee
The Properties Committee maintains and operates property owned by the Soulard Restoration Group (SRG), which at this time includes only Soulard Station. Soulard Station is a landmark building which was formerly a service station on Historic Route 66. The committee takes great pride in preserving and maintaining the landmark building, which holds immense historical and cultural significance to the community. Through dedicated gardening and ongoing improvements, the committee ensures that the building is well-maintained and contributes to the overall aesthetic charm of the neighborhood. Soulard Station is used for SRG committee meetings and other community functions.
Chair: Bonita Leiber
Board Liaison: Abbey Bethel
Contact: properties@soulard.org or station@soulard.org
Safety Committee
The Safety Committee is committed to promoting a safe and secure environment for those who live, work, and visit our neighborhood. The committee works diligently to identify and address safety concerns within the community, collaborating with local law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies. They organize educational workshops, neighborhood watch programs, safety awareness campaigns, and a security camera database to empower residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their property. Joining the safety committee offers an opportunity to actively contribute to the well-being of our community and ensure that all residents feel comfortable and protected in their own neighborhood.
Chair: Andrea Maddox-Dallas
Board Liaison: Aaron Terry
Contact: safety@soulard.org