Summer Fun in Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square Historic District is one of my absolute favorite St. Louis neighborhoods, between the gorgeous late-19th century Victorian architecture and the dozens of terrific shops and eateries. That being said, the true draw and charm of Lafayette Square is how cohesive the people that live there are. If you have never, head there this summer to enjoy some of their activities in the park which is the epicenter of activity in this special area... 

Great fun!

Just For Fun: A peek in our backyard

If the neighbor’s tree is going to dangle over your backyard fence...

...a peach tree is ideal! 🍑

THIS is the Ferguson, Missouri that I know and love.

I originally wrote this blog post about Ferguson back in October of 2009.  I figured if there was ever an appropriate time to update and resurrect it, it is today. Ferguson, and St. Louis as a whole, has received extensive worldwide press over the last week in regards to riots and looting in response to the untimely death of local boy,  Mike Brown.   

Resurrecting this post serves as a gentle reminder from this Native St. Louisan, who suffers from a heavy heart this AM:  Ferguson, MO is not a war zone.  It is a beautiful community with caring residents, a rich history, and stunning historic architecture.  North County- I and your city rally around you and pray for peace and real conversation. 

When most St Louisans dream of sipping lemonade on the porch swing of a stunning 100+ year old century home like this...... 

...Webster Groves often comes to mind.

While Webster is indeed the home to a number of GORGEOUS century old properties, this particular home is in fact in Ferguson, MO- a suburb just NW of Downtown. For locals who are not familiar with Ferguson, their first visit to the area is often a surprising one!  Those of us in the real estate industry are well aware of the area's rich history, awesome hidden gems, and lovely historical properties. I felt compelled to share!

In the late 19th century, overcrowding, congestion, and unhealthy conditions in the City of St. Louis prompted urban residents to seek more quiet surroundings to raise their families. Both Webster Groves and Ferguson were developed around the same  time,  on opposite sides of the region, as a result of that congestion Downtown.

St Louis developers were initially drawn to both areas, due to their location directly on railroad lines, allowing a simple commute to the city. Webster sat on the Pacific railroad line to the southwest of the city, while Ferguson sat on the Wabash railroad line to the northwest of the city. Both areas offered residents superb housing options in a country-like atmosphere, as well as a swift commute to downtown St. Louis jobs.

As both cities were developed at the same time for virtually the same purpose and demographic... the architectural styles and finishes are almost identical.  Many of the homes originally built in Downtown Historic Ferguson are still there today, including the one at the top of this blog post.

Here is a peek at some of the other historic architectural goodies in Ferguson, via photos that I copied this AM directly from the St. Louis MLS system.  This, locals/nationwide/worldwide audience, is also Ferguson, Missouri...

Just For Fun: A walk around Lafayette Park...

Surrounded by the most lovely 19th century Victorian "painted ladies"...

(some of the oldest and most ornate architecture in St.Louis )

...sits St. Louis's oldest public park (and the first park west of the Mississippi River)!  Circa 1836, the 30-acre Lafayette Park sits as the focal point to the historic Lafayette Square neighborhood.

I, like most local Realtors, spend a lot of time in and around the uber popular Lafayette Square area showing properties.  Not often, however, do I take the time to park the car and stroll through the park grounds even though I love it. 

This week, I enjoyed an afternoon spell at one of my favorite city hidden gems with Reed, and decided to stroll through the park with him for giggles.

 A peek at the time...

Lafayette Park is as picturesque and filled-with-character as it looks.  I encourage you to take 10 extra minutes out of your day next time, and park the car!

Old town or new town? You decide...

One local development that has received a LOT of national attention is Whittaker Homes's New Town. Located just off Highway 370, New Town at St. Charles will eventually be a thriving "town" with more than 4,000 residences built in nine phases, with a carefully planned mix of homes in addition to a large town center and four neighborhood centers full of shops, restaurants, and amenities.

Much of the attention has to do with the controversy as to whether creating a contrived "town" in the middle of St. Charles farm land, where idyllic conformism is expected and enforced by strict neighborhood codes, is a little too "Stepford Wives".

I showed houses this weekend in New Town. As I had yet to visit, I was extremely curious. I must admit, upon entering the development, I swore to myself that I would NOT buy into the small town facade. That being said, after spending some time in the community... I was intrigued. While I didn’t buy the “Trust me, you are in an old southern town” thing *wink wink*… I did find that New Town delivers an interesting concept, an appealing aesthetic, and sense of community that most St. Charles developments do not offer.

A few pics from my day...

#1828 Chouteau - Lafayette Square...

I am in love with Lafayette Square. And when I say "love"... I mean looove.

When I find myself in South City, it rarely goes with out a swing through Lafayette Square?! You will typically find me lunching at Squires or Arcelia's, checking my email at Park Avenue Coffee, and/or walking down Park Avenue and around the park with a silly, little grin on my face taking in the luscious 19th century Victorian architecture and stunning gardens.

When my hubby and I are able to slip away from the kiddies for an evening, our date nights typically consist of an evening at 1111 Mississippi (my city fav) or Vin de Set and almost always ends at the Chocolate Bar or Square One Brewery (his city fav).

From the neighborhood Old Time Baseball Team and Summer Concert Series in the Park to the phenomenal Annual House Tour (not to be MISSED) and Holiday Parlor Tour... I'm telling you, if there were a Lafayette Square Fan Club... I could be the President! =)

Of all of the fantastic and unique neighborhoods in St. Louis, Lafayette Square is HANDS down the most beautiful in my opinion. Yes, the architecture and park provide a great backdrop... but the businesses and residents are what bring it to life with their endless dedication to the neighborhood. Pride of ownership abounds in the Square, which is why both Architecture Magazine and Better Homes & Gardens have named Lafayette Square "One of the ten most beautiful painted ladies neighborhoods in the nation".

Due to the area popularity in recent years, a bulk of the homes in the neighborhood have undergone renovation. I have seen my fair share of the good, bad, and the ugly! A proper renovation in the Square is one that delivers style-appropriate modern day amenities while maintaining the architectural goodies and integrity of the property.

This L.S. area property at #1828 Chouteau was just listed. The renovators appear to have found a decent marriage of new and old...
Property offered for $389,900 by McCavoy Realty - 314-531-1900

If interested in viewing this property or if you want more information, please call me at 314-452-7675.