Though Rise as we know it started in September 2013, it has been around in some capacity since 1997, working to revitalize some of St. Louis' most struggling areas. Over the years, Rise has consulted in the development of more than 4,000 homes and some 60,000 square feet of commercial space, with direct participation in the development of nearly 2,000 homes and nineteen commercial spaces. From Overland to Lemay on the west side of the Mississippi and from East St. Louis to East Alton on the Illinois side, Rise has spearheaded projects that aim to energize local communities. In 2014, Rise hosted its inaugural Rise Up Festival in Crown Square. The fest was held on land that has been redeveloped by Rise, and it celebrated revitalization and its goal of bring communities together. "We go into areas, sometimes St. Louis' most distressed areas, and we improve the quality of life where most other organizations won't go," says Rise's communications manager, Larry Perlmutter. "That's the most important thing to us."