Eugene R. Kilgen Jr., former executive director of the Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corp. (WUMCRC), died Jan. 17, 2009, at Conway Manor in Creve Coeur. He was 71.
During his more than 20-year tenure, Kilgen spearheaded the redevelopment of the Central West End neighborhood surrounding the Medical Center. Between 1975-1990, developers working with the WUMCRC had invested millions of dollars in residential, commercial and institutional redevelopment in the Central West End. That effort received national acclaim.
“Eugene was the longest-serving executive director for the Medical Center Redevelopment Corporation,” said Brian Phillips, current executive director who worked with Kilgen for several years. “He was the primary leader behind the huge effort to stabilize the Central West End. He was a huge resource of knowledge in terms of redevelopment efforts in the area.”
In the mid 1990s, Kilgen was part of the University’s team that received a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to revitalize the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. Kilgen retired in 2000.
Kilgen is survived by his wife, Janice; daughters Genevieve Kilgen-Henry and Michelle Patredis; and four grandchildren.
Services were held Jan. 24 at St. Cronan’s Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9374 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, Mo., 63132, or Dolan Residential Care Centers, P.O. Box 4082, Chesterfield, Mo., 63006.