The Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing Old North St. Louis, just north of downtown, with a national award for smart growth achievement.

Now in its 10th year, the award announced today recognizes effectiveness in creating sustainable communities, partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders and what the EPA calls a robust public involvement process.

Old North St. Louis Restoration Group is the not-for-profit neighborhood group that laid the foundation for the community's project. The community of Old North St. Louis used complementary, forward-looking strategies that encourage a mix of land uses, promote walking, rehabilitate vacant buildings and establish green spaces, the EPA said.

Two main blocks near Crown Candy Kitchen have been redeveloped, with new sidewalks, benches, street trees, and streetlights. In addition, nearly 200 residences have been produced by renovating abandoned historic structures and building on vacant lots.

The EPA said smart growth development supports national environmental goals by preserving parkland and protecting critical habitat. Smart growth also is marked by improved transportation choices, including walking, bicycling, and transit, which reduce emissions from automobiles.