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Damian Gerard Realty Group13615 Mason Meadows
St. Louis, MO 63131
Central West End
The Central West End is a century-old, historic neighborhood located in the center of St. Louis, adjacent to Forest Park.
When Forest Park was dedicated in 1876, the rolling farmland to its north and east was favorably viewed by wealthy citizens who wanted to escape the rapidly growing city that was east of Grand Avenue.
St. Louis is well known for its grand private places. And, because of the strict regulations regarding building standards and single-family zoning, they remain as a rare collection of outstanding turn-of-the-century architecture.
A private place is not the same as a cul-de-sac, although both are plentiful in the CWE. Private streets control traffic and maintain a quiet, almost park-like atmosphere. They are owned by the residents, represented by a Board of Trustees. Each private street has an indenture, or covenant, that outlines its governance and acts as a deed restriction. Property owners pay annual fees to support projects approved by the residents. The City of St. Louis provides police and fire protection, as well as trash removal services. The residents pay for maintaining or paving sidewalks and street surfaces, maintaining or planting the trees, and maintaining or installing street lights and entry gates. A cul-de-sac, such as those in the 4300 blocks of Maryland and Laclede Avenues, serves the same traffic control purpose but remains a public street.
In 1888, Westmoreland Place, Portland Place and Forest Park Terrace (now Lindell Boulevard) were established to provide the opportunity for city business leaders to build grand houses on streets that were set up as private places. Other, nearby Central West End private places include Washington Terrace, Kingsbury Place, Waterman Place, Westminster Place, Hortense Place, Pershing Place, Walton Row and Lenox Place.
St. Louisans who want to experience some of the best living the city has to offer head to the Central West End. It is home to some of the St. Louis area's most popular restaurants. Hot spots like Terrene and Eau Cafe offer upscale dining, while Dressel's and Llywelyn's Pub are good places for a more casual meal and drinks. In all, there are dozens of restaurants, bars and shops along Euclid Avenue in the CWE's main business district. The Central West End is also home to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
The Central West End can be a busy place any weekend of the year, but crowds flock to the area for several annual events including the Central West End Art Fair and Taste in June, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race in September and the CWE Halloween Party and Costume Contest in October.