In the late '70's, I took a trip down to Lafayette Square after seeing an article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Square's residents were having a mini tour of some of the homes. Having grown up in the county and having a desire only for new construction, I was not prepared for the homes that I saw. What I saw was a few very large homes that were in various stages of restoration. I also saw many "once upon a time" homes that were boarded up and reminded me of Berlin after World War II. This was obviously not my area of comfort.
However, I was then married to a woman who had lived in Washington, DC and was very aware of what was taking place in Georgetown. She had the vision of knowing what the neighborhood could become. What did impress both of us was the strong will and gut determination of the residents to restore their homes to the splendor that they had once enjoyed. The residents had a very strong relationship with each other and were very supportive in assisting each other in restoring their homes. The neighbors reminded me of what neighborhoods once were...tightly, knitted residents who cared for their homes and looked out for one another.
Today, Lafayette Square has made a transformation that few could have forecasted. Once a neighborhood with many abandoned, boarded-up homes, today there it is a neighborhood with quality homes that are highly valued. Most homes have been rehabbed and restored to their original splendor. This transition was made possible by the willingness of its inhabitants to invest their own money with the assistance of local banks who believed in the dream. None of the effort was achieved by Federal money. Thru the strong neighborhood association direction, the neighborhood has achieved a very high standard of code to make certain that the rehabbing met the guidelines of the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee.
Today, Lafayette Square is not only a community of beautiful homes and one of the premier neighborhoods in the City, it is also a major destination for people from all over the area seeking a multitude of choices of restaurants. There are at least eight fine places to eat in the square...finding a place to park at night can really be a challenge. Whether it is eating at 1111 Mississippi or getting desert at the Chocolate Bar, the Square provides a wealth of choices. In addition, on Saturday nights during the summer, join the hundreds enjoying a concert in Lafayette Square Park.
Finally the Square is more than just a community of beautiful homes. It is a neighborhood whose residents have chose to raise their families to enjoy the gifts that urban living offers. Whether you enjoy fine dining, concerts, or walking or jogging around the Park, Lafayette Square is a jewel.
For additional information, click
Lafayette Square Fact Sheet: St. Louis Convention Bureau Going Green in Lafayette Square St. Louis Most Beautiful Homes
Restaurants in Lafayette Square The Local Messenger
| | Ron Gorman, Realtor | | Coldwell Banker Gundaker | | St. Louis Office | | 4320 Hampton Ave | | St. Louis, MO 63109 | | Office: (314) 351-6005 | | Cell: (314) 570-5125 | | Fax: (314) 667-3016 | | Contact Me |
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