Filmmaker Chad Freidrichs examines the story of a public housing project estate in St. Louis that opened in the mid-1950’s, with the hopes of replacing slum apartments with modern, affordable high-rises. The documentary argues that the demise of the Pruitt Igoe complex was not due to the demographic make-up of the residents, but due to the declining economic fortunes of St. Louis and the resulting impact upon employment opportunities. The apartment complexes were built after World War II, as many Americans lost their jobs and saw a decline in population. Many of these housing projects were built with great intentions to help families have a sense of pride in their living arrangements, however, these projects were left with no financial support for maintenance of the apartments.
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At first, these residents shared their delight of living in a complex with lush, green grass in the play areas for their children, and playgrounds that were safe and age appropriate. The modern, clean apartments were spacious for all families. Soon, however, maintenance issues arose and there was no financial support to fix these issues, such as leaky pipes. Soon, the apartments were in disrepair. Many residents, who had the financial means, moved out due to the horrible living conditions and unsafe atmosphere. The Pruitt Igoe soon became a symbol of failure.
By the 1970s, the Pruitt Igoe was beyond repair and uninhabitable. The demolition of the high-rises was televised and the myth that public housing was a disaster was born. Many Americans viewed this failure as an example of the government overreaching as well as the fault of modern architecture itself. In conclusion, the documentary emphasizes that the fate of the Pruitt Igoe project was due to residents losing their jobs, which reduced the financial backing needed for maintenance and security
At first, these residents shared their delight of living in a complex with lush, green grass in the play areas for their children, and playgrounds that were safe and age appropriate. The modern, clean apartments were spacious for all families. Soon, however, maintenance issues arose and there was no financial support to fix these issues, such as leaky pipes. Soon, the apartments were in disrepair. Many residents, who had the financial means, moved out due to the horrible living conditions and unsafe atmosphere. The Pruitt Igoe soon became a symbol of failure.
By the 1970s, the Pruitt Igoe was beyond repair and uninhabitable. The demolition of the high-rises was televised and the myth that public housing was a disaster was born. Many Americans viewed this failure as an example of the government overreaching as well as the fault of modern architecture itself. In conclusion, the documentary emphasizes that the fate of the Pruitt Igoe project was due to residents losing their jobs, which reduced the financial backing needed for maintenance and security