In the 1950s, Pruitt-Igoe was touted as a model of urban planning, but it became a high profile failure.

McKee is making even bigger promises and says a more diverse plan to attract jobs and residents will help turn things around in North St. Louis.

Maria Altman begins St. Louis Public Radio's four-part series on McKee's plans for the North Side with a look at how one man hopes to succeed where others have failed.

MORE ON PRUITT-IGOE:

For all of the documented problems at Pruitt-Igoe, it was home to thousands of people. Many former residents have fond memories of their time in the housing complex, especially in its early years.