The Garden
A community transformation center in the skin of a coffee shop/cafe, creative studio, commissary kitchen, and art gallery (Imago Dei).
Our
approach
In 2016, The Ferguson Commission released a comprehensive report called Forward through Ferguson which issued a series of calls to action for healing in Ferguson on the heels of the Michael Brown shooting. As a movement, we felt like we could directly answer three of those:
1
Support and Encourage Creative Spaces
Support and encourage spaces with established community presence that think creatively about use of space and community relationships to welcome and support casual and professional learning, connecting and dialogue.
2
Create Neutral Space
Create a dedicated physical space that is considered neutral for the primary purpose of learning, interaction and training, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities.
3
Engage the Faith Community in the Racial Equity Mission
Faith communities and authorized faith leaders are called to directly engage in networks and tables of policy discussion across the region to shape how we work together and inform the conversation directly. Develop new and provide existing assets to the region with a multi-faith set of resources for racial equity and reconciliation informed by various…
In late 2017, a “for sale” sign appeared in front of a place that had served for almost 20 years as the heartbeat of Ferguson, the Corner Coffee House. We felt like this could be the perfect location for us to build a model that directly responds to these calls to action.
After around 18 months of prayer walking the property in pursuit of a miracle, the Lord made a way for us to purchase it in February 2019. Within the first week of ownership, we faced our first major obstacle when a pipe burst and flooded the building. That spring, we discovered a mold problem which would take us on an expensive remediation journey over the course of the next 10 months. With the walls completely opened and largely gutted, we now faced a major unanticipated renovation project.
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic presented us with another seemingly insurmountable set of circumstances for the next two years. After failed engagements with two contractors (including a major financial theft), actual re-construction eventually began in late 2023.
Despite an unbelievable series of political, social, spiritual, and financial setbacks along the way, The Garden officially opened to the public on June 7th, 2025!
Support the movement
We see giving as a multi-faceted action. Whether it’s a donation of funds, time, resources, or prayer — our work can flourish to mature and grow into better paths of unity. And you can move with us toward that vision.